Fuel Cell Module Control Based on Switched/Time-Based Adaptive Super-Twisting Algorithm: Design and Experimental Validation

Abstract

Fuel cells (FCs) have emerged as a sound promising technology for their application in emissions-free generation systems. Their high efficiency, reliability, and clean energy make these electrochemical devices especially suitable for manifold applications such as transportation, stationary generation, and portable devices. In view of the inherent complexity of this technology, the FC control plays a fundamental role to guarantee stability and high performance against system uncertainties and disturbances. Regarding this, sliding mode control has proved to be a powerful technique for the design of robust controllers for generation systems involving FCs. However, its discontinuous control action gives rise to some undesired effects when applied to real nonideal systems, being control chattering is usually the main drawback. In this framework, the brief presents the design and experimental implementation of an FC module control via a switched/time-based adaptive super-twisting algorithm (STA). The designed algorithm is evaluated in an experimental platform of a hybrid generation system based on a commercial 1.2-kW FC. The proposed controller exhibits a low value of chattering and similar robustness features compared to traditional STA.