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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

ac/dc power converter for batteries and fuel cells. Annual report

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6557306· OSTI ID:6557306

The overall objective of the EPRI RP841-1 program is the design of an advanced power converter for use in both battery energy storage and fuel cell generation systems in the 1980's. This goal will be accomplished by expansion of United's existing FCG-1 fuel cell power conditioning inverter into a high-efficiency inverter--rectifier system employing improved commutation circuits and advanced (1980's) semiconductor devices capable of operating over wider dc voltage ranges. A separate but concurrent program for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) -- E(49-18)2122 -- is examining augmentation of the present FCG-1 inverter for operation as an inverter--rectifier with battery systems; feasibility and operating characteristics have been demonstrated. United's activities and accomplishments in the EPRI RP841-1 program include revision of the preliminary specification for ac/dc conversion equipment contained in the Statement of Work, survey of seven semiconductor manufacturers to project characteristics of 1980's thyristors, screening of fifteen commutation concepts and selection of the two most promising options for experimental evaluation, and modifications of existing experimental power pole hardware to evaluate the selected advanced commutation circuits. 34 figures, 3 tables.

Research Organization:
United Technologies Corp., South Windsor, CT (USA). Power Systems Div.
OSTI ID:
6557306
Report Number(s):
EPRI-EM-662
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English