Finite-time estimator-based sliding mode controller for proton exchange membrane fuel cell voltage regulation under uncertainties

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) are promising clean energy sources; however, interfacing them with power electronics, particularly DC/DC boost converters, remains challenging in maintaining stable output voltage. Voltage ripple, inaccuracy, and performance degradation result from uncertainties caused by input disturbances, load variations, and circuit parameter changes. Existing control strategies often suffer from limited robustness, slow dynamic response, chattering, high computational complexity, or sensitivity to nonlinearities. To address these challenges, this study proposes a hybrid control scheme combining a finite-time stable sliding estimator with a novel arctangent-based sliding mode controller. The proposed method achieves rapid and accurate voltage regulation in a fuel-cell-powered DC/DC boost converter while explicitly considering model uncertainties. The finite-time estimator provides fast and precise voltage estimation for sensorless control, whereas the proposed sliding surface significantly reduces chattering and instability associated with conventional sliding mode control. Experimental results demonstrate mitigation of input and load disturbances, stable voltage regulation.