Performance Analysis of a Control Strategy for a Three-Level Interleaved Buck Converter for Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer Applications

This research aims to analyze the performance of a traditional proportional-integral (PI) controller devised for a 3-level interleaved buck converter and to supply a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer (PEMEL). Besides, since PEMELs play an essential role in the production of low-carbon footprint hydrogen by exploiting the surplus energy from renewable sources, the design takes into account the variability of this source. The proposed PI controller is designed to manage the output current, and consequently the generated hydrogen volume, and to assure that the input capacitor voltage is always balanced; this reduces the power devices' stress increasing the reliability. Performance analysis is conducted through experimental results. Finally, the obtained results demonstrate effective current control and fast transient response, validating the goodness of the proposed control system in PEM electrolyzer applications.