Analysis and comparison of four regenerative power distribution architectures based on fuel cell, supercapacitors and batteries

Continuous improvements in features of fuel cells make possible their use as main source of energy in many varied applications. However, their slow dynamic response force to implement secondary sources of energy which supply strong changes in the load, and they also allow to store the reverse current from the load. In this paper, four electrical power distribution architectures are analyzed and compared. These architectures differ in the number, location and kind of the secondary energy sources implemented. The goal of this analysis is to obtain what effect has over the system the use of one or two secondary sources of energy, the control strategy used and finally the energy management.