A recent study led by Salah Okba from the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Biskra in Algeria has introduced an innovative control method for a type of DC/DC power converter, specifically tailored for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) electric vehicles (EVs). This research, published in ‘IEEE Access’, showcases a dual-loop control strategy that employs a fractional-order proportional-integral (FOPI) technique, aiming to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of three-phase interleaved boost converters.
The dual-loop system consists of two essential components: an external loop dedicated to regulating the DC bus voltage and an internal loop focused on current control. This design allows the converter to adapt quickly to changes in load and disturbances, ensuring high-quality dynamic performance even in the event of open circuit faults (OCF). As Okba noted, the FOPI-based controller’s optimal parameters are determined using the Equilibrium Optimizer (EO) algorithm, which significantly improves the overall system performance.
The implications of this research are substantial for the energy sector, particularly in the realm of electric vehicles powered by fuel cells. As the market for EVs continues to grow, optimizing the efficiency of power converters can lead to longer battery life and improved vehicle performance. The study’s findings could pave the way for more reliable and efficient energy management systems in PEMFC electric vehicles, making them more attractive to consumers and manufacturers alike.
Practical validation of the proposed controller was achieved through tests on a 1.2 kW three-phase interleaved boost converter using a dSPACE 1104 acquisition card. The results demonstrated impressive performance across various scenarios, including load variations and transient states. This level of reliability is critical as the automotive industry increasingly shifts towards cleaner energy solutions.
In addition to enhancing vehicle performance, the research opens up commercial opportunities for manufacturers looking to integrate advanced control systems into their products. The ability to maintain optimal performance under diverse operating conditions can provide a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving EV market.
This comprehensive study not only contributes valuable insights into the field of DC/DC power converter control but also highlights the potential for significant advancements in the efficiency and reliability of PEMFC electric vehicles. As the energy sector continues to embrace innovative technologies, such research will play a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable transportation.
