Contents I. Introduction
This paper describes our participation in a student competition called Future Energy Challenge [1]. The competition is for the design of a fuel-cell-based split-phase inverter for domestic use. Fuel cells are emerging as a viable solution for remote generation, i.e., power generation in locations not reached by the power grid, backup generation and for distributed generation. As their use spreads, price is steadily decreasing, making them more and more attractive. The residential market (2–10kW range), which accounts for approximately 40% of the total electric power consumption in the United States, is a potential big market for fuel cell systems. In order to accelerate fuel cell penetration in this market, inexpensive, reliable power interface systems are needed. In particular the interface systems must account for the slow dynamics of fuel cells. The objectives of the competition are to design elegant, manufacturable systems that would reduce the costs of commercial interface systems by at least 50% to below $50 per kilowatt and, thereby, accelerate the deployment of distributed generation systems in homes and buildings. Another goal of the competition is to promote undergraduate education and foster practical learning through the development of innovative team-based engineering solutions to complex technical problems.
