Optimization and prediction of hydrogen consumption for a fuel cell stack used as backup energy source in a DC microgrid

In this paper the optimization and prediction of hydrogen consumption for a fuel cell (FC) stack used as backup energy source in a DC microgrid is approached. Power Tracking Control (PTC) is used for the FC stack to generate as much power as needed to compensate for the power flow balance on the DC bus of the DC microgrid (DCmG). Hydrogen consumption optimization will be implemented using an objective function that mixes fuel efficiency and electrical efficiency. The prediction can be made using the linear relationship between fuel consumption and load that was found for each PTC-based optimization strategy. This prediction implemented in DCmG helps the DCmG management system to ensure the hydrogen supply of the FC stack taking into account the fuel remaining in the tank by supplying or by powering the available electrolyzers.