Energy management system for hybrid PEMFC-battery power source for stationary consumers

The article presents a developing of a 3 kW prototype of hybrid power system based on proton exchange membrane fuel cell and lithium iron phosphate batteries to energy supply remote consumers of the railway industry. The purpose is to develop an energy management system (EMS) that provides high efficiency of a fuel cell/battery hybrid power system (FCBHPS) operation as well as reduces hydrogen consumption. A FCBHPS prototype structure and characteristics of its major units are described. The choice of the required battery capacity is considered. Experimental tests of the fuel cell as a part of FCBHPS were carried out in order to determine EMS optimal settings. FCBHPS control algorithm based on finite-state machine concepts was developed with consideration of the results obtained. The article shows research results of the FCBHPS prototype in various operation modes which prove the correctness of the control algorithm and EMS settings selection, system efficiency while maintain power quality within acceptable limits. In addition, hydrogen storage technologies for stationary consumers are considered.