Development of a power management unit for small portable direct borohydride fuel cell-NiMH battery hybrid system

Sanli A. E., Gunlu G., AYTAÇ A., Mat M.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY, vol.37, no.24, pp.19103-19110, 2012 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 37 Issue: 24
  • Publication Date: 2012
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2012.09.137
  • Journal Name: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.19103-19110
  • Keywords: Fuel cell, Battery hybrid system, Power management, ELECTRIC VEHICLES
  • Gazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In this study, a small portable fuel cell/battery hybrid system has been developed. The system consists of a single portable direct borohydride/peroxide fuel cell (DBPFC), NiMH battery and power management unit (PMU). The battery has been used as a primary power source and has been discharged at constant load. When its state of charge is reduced, the DBPFC charges the battery and powers the load simultaneously. A DC-DC Boost converter has been used as a PMU. The DBPFC has provided the total power of 0.21 Wh into the system during the charge. During this experimental study fuel (NaBH4) efficiency of 37% has been achieved in the hybrid system, while the system efficiency has been calculated as 34.5%. Copyright (C) 2012, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.