Bandwidth Optimization of Load-Following Controls for Fuel Cell/Battery Hybrid Power Systems
Bandwidth Optimization of Load-Following Controls for Fuel Cell/Battery Hybrid Power Systems in Telecommunication Base Stations
Arvin Escultero
PhD EEE Student
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute
Telecommunication systems require a reliable energy source to ensure seamless operations. One such energy source is fuel cells, which have garnered significant interest due to their high efficiency, high energy density, and low environmental impact. However, fuel cells tend to degrade faster when exposed to varying load demands. On the other hand, batteries can produce energy quickly but are hampered by their lower energy density. To address these challenges, hybrid power systems that combine proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and lithium-ion battery packs are seen as a promising solution for backup power generation because they combine the strengths of both energy sources. This research presents a comprehensive study focused on modeling, simulating, and evaluating the performance of a hybrid fuel cell/battery backup power system for telecommunication base stations (TBS). The main objective of this study is to optimize the power management strategy by considering the dynamic nature of TBS DC load, source degradation, and fuel consumption. The proposed system incorporates fuzzy logic control and proportional-integral (PI) controllers to achieve load-following and frequency power-splitting capabilities. By employing a PI controller, precise regulation for load-following is ensured. Fuzzy logic control is then utilized to dynamically tune the controller gains adaptively, resulting in the optimization of the overall system performance. Additionally, frequency power-splitting is proposed to reduce the degradation of the power sources. The system's performance was evaluated through Simulink and Simscape to accurately represent dynamics and assess fuel efficiency, source degradation, and power quality. The simulation results demonstrated the performance of the controller in varying the converter's response time to appropriate levels, balancing rapid energy delivery and controlled response to prevent voltage and current instability. The control approach significantly reduced degradation among the energy sources, leading to a better-performing and more reliable system. Overall, the findings of this study provide valuable insights for the design and implementation of reliable and efficient backup power solutions by optimizing the power management strategy and leveraging hybrid power systems.
As part of the National Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering Conference (NEECECON 2024), this technical session is organized by the UP Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute with the theme "National Development through Sustainable Industrialization."
NEECECON 2024 is co-located with the Advanced Science, Technology, and Innovation Convention (ASTICON) 2024, held from 18 to 19 July 2024 at the Novotel Manila Araneta City in Quezon City.
ASTICON 2024 showcased DOST-ASTI and UP EEEI's pioneering contributions to the ICT landscape while celebrating the partnerships that drive technological advancement and societal progress in the country.
For more info about the event, visit https://neececon2024.eee.upd.edu.ph.