Increase of the performance of a low ripple boost converter for PEM FC applications using GA and PSO algorithms

This paper deals with the optimization of the performance of a high step up dc-dc converter characterized by a low ripple in the input current. The converter with a PID control has been designed for PEM Fuel Cell application in automotive environment. In this work, an optimization of the PID control design is presented, using two heuristic methods: the Genetic and Particle Swarm Optimization algorithms. Moreover, an optimized LQR controller is designed. Then, a comparison between the PID and LQR controller, with and without optimization, is presented. Finally, the effectiveness of the two heuristic algorithms to design the two control strategies has been evaluated. © 2012 IEEE.