Wide-speed-adaptive sliding mode observer for the fuel cell air compressor controller

The transition from two-stage centrifugal to turbo compressors for fuel cell air compressors is underway to enhance the overall efficiency of fuel cell systems. Shifting from the conventional two-stage compression structure to a single-stage configuration necessitates higher operational velocities with turbine compressors. This study proposes a novel wide-speed-adaptive sliding mode observer (WSA-SMO) for controlling the fuel cell air compressor controller to accommodate this heightened drive frequency. The maximum operating speed of the controller was increased to 120,000 rpm by extending the speed range of the conventional sliding mode observer. The controller underwent systematic calibration with the turbine fuel cell air compressor, validating the efficiency of the newly proposed control strategy.