Algebraic observer‐based output‐feedback controller design for a PEM fuel cell air‐supply subsystem

Abstract

In this study, an algebraic‐observer‐based output‐feedback controller is proposed for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) air‐supply subsystem, based on both algebraic differentiation and sliding‐mode control approaches. The goal of the design is to regulate the oxygen excess ratio (OER) towards its optimal set point value in the PEMFC air‐supply subsystem. Hence, an algebraic estimation approach is used to reconstruct the OER based on a robust differentiation method. The proposed observer is known for its finite‐time convergence and low computational time compared to other observers presented in the literature. Then, a twisting controller is designed to control the OER by manipulating the compressor motor voltage. The parameters of the twisting controller have been calculated by means of an off‐line tuning procedure. The performance of the proposed algebraic‐observer‐based output‐feedback controller is analysed through simulations for different stack‐current changes, for parameter uncertainties, and for noise rejection. Results show that the proposed approach properly estimates and regulates the OER in finite‐time.

Key findings

• ▸The proposed observer reconstructs the oxygen excess ratio (OER) based on a robust differentiation method.
• ▸The twisting controller controls the OER by manipulating the compressor motor voltage, with parameters calculated through an off-line tuning procedure.
• ▸The proposed approach properly estimates and regulates the OER in finite-time, with results showing robustness to stack-current changes, parameter uncertainties, and noise rejection.

Keywords

Identifiers

DOI

10.1049/iet-rpg.2018.5421

Journal

IET Renewable Power Generation

Year

2018