A novel variable step size fractional order incremental conductance algorithm to maximize power tracking of fuel cells

The maximum power tracking of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) is important for the optimization of fuel cell system design. It is necessary to operate a fuel cell at maximum power to ensure full efficiency. This study presents a novel Fractional Order Incremental Conductance Algorithm (FOINC) with variable step size control which can be used for maximum power point tracking in the design of fuel cells. The method has high maximum power point tracking speed and good steady-state response, and does not require extra sensing elements for different fuel cell equipment. When compared to the traditional Incremental Conductance (INC) and Perturbation and Observation (P&O) methods, the system simulation results show the method to be feasible and effective. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.