Fuzzy Logic Control-Based Interleaved Boost Converter for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell System Applications

This paper presents the design and simulation of an interleaved boost converter using a 6-kW proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Fuel cells are a renewable energy source that produces clean and efficient power. However, due to changes in operating conditions, the resulting output voltage cannot be constant, so a converter is needed. This paper aims to describe the design and development of an interleaved boost converter (IBC) for a fuel cell application equipped with a fuzzy logic controller. The IBC design includes the selection of appropriate inductor and capacitor values as well as power semiconductor devices to reduce switching losses. Fuzzy controller design includes determining membership function and making fuzzy rules. The design simulation results show that the use of fuzzy logic control as a PWM controller in the interleaved boost converter can improve the dynamic characteristics of the output voltage transient response even though there is a disturbance in the converter input voltage (output of the fuel cell) because of disturbances or changes in operating conditions. The proposed two-phase IBC reduces the load voltage ripple to a very small extent. In addition, the ripple in the PEMFC load current is greatly reduced. This can help extend the life of the fuel cell.