Multi-Layer DC/DC Converter for Fuel Cell-Based Air Independent Propulsion System

One of the most important components of fuel cell power systems is the power conditioning subsystem. DC/DC converters play the leading role in the power conditioning subsystem and fuel cell hybridization with other electric power sources and storage. DC/DC converters control the load voltage and, in some cases, the fuel cell current, while current-controlled DC/DC converters control the loading level. Some advantages of designing converters in a multi-layer topology include reduced input current ripple and increased power density. Lower current-rating semiconductor devices can be used due to the current division among the layers and lower values of inductors and capacitors can be used due the lower input current and output voltage ripples, respectively. Furthermore, failure of one layer does not result in a complete system outage; the other layers can deliver a fraction of the nominal power. A fuel cell power system based on a 16 kW proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack and a multi-layer DC/DC boost converter is designed and implemented in this paper. The power system is intended for marine air-independent propulsion systems. The power system is modeled and analyzed using the MATLAB/Simulink software environment. The power system is implemented to verify the analysis and simulation results.