Power management using an improved EMS algorithm in a stand-alone hybrid PV-PEMFC microgrid with reduced converter count

Stand-alone microgrids (SAMG) often encounter power quality and stability issues due to the volatile green energy sources and loads. So, the reliability of SAMG is comparably lower. To address this problem, battery energy storage systems (BESSs) are often employed. This article aims to propose an integration topology for an FC- PV- BESS to facilitate the use of smaller batteries along with a reduced count of converters. A novel energy management system (EMS) has also been developed for minimum FC involvement without compromising system reliability. The system relies on control structures and converter techniques to generate maximum power from the PV unit using a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm. The PV and FC are designed to meet load demand while supplying extra power tocharge the BESSs. The EMS functions are improved based on the day and night circumstances. In both day and night, the entire EMS function is separated into two modes: power surplus and deficiency. The two modes are then classified into six categories based on the PV-generating situation. Switching between various modes of operation is done automatically based on specified set values to achieve minimum FC involvement due to the lowest possible hydrogen consumption, while simultaneously maintaining the battery state of charge (SoC) within prescribed limits. The proposed system is developed with a minimum number of converter reducing system complexity and improving performance. The EMS proposed in this work ensures minimum FC involvement and manages the system power to operate the FC with an efficiency range of 40%–60%. The system performance is validated on the real-time platform OPAL-RT 4510 under each mode to prove the efficacy of the proposed EMS.