Apparatus and method for high efficiency operation of fuel cell systems

A fuel cell system for a vehicle comprising:

• a traction motor;
• a voltage converter assembly coupled to the traction motor, the voltage converter assembly comprising a plurality of boost converters and a buck/boost converter;
• a hid cell assembly coupled to the plurality of boost converters;
• an energy storage device coupled to the buck/boost converter;
• an interface coupleable to the energy storage device, the interface configured to allow for charging the energy storage device from an external charging source;
• and
• a control system configured to:
• operate the plurality of boost converters such that a first power output is delivered to the traction motor;
• operate the plurality of boost converters such that a second power output is delivered to the traction motor;
• and
• operate the buck/boost converter such that a third power output is delivered to the traction motor.

A fuel cell vehicle comprising:

• an AC traction motor;
• an inverter coupled to the AC traction motor;
• a plurality of boost converters coupled to the inverter;
• a buck/boost converter coupled to the inverter;
• a fuel cell assembly coupled to the plurality of boost converters;
• an energy storage device coupled to the buck/boost converter;
• and
• a control system configured to:
• operate the plurality of boost converters such that a first power output is delivered to the inverter;
• operate the plurality of boost converters such that a second power output is delivered to the inverter;
• operate the buck/boost converter such that a third power output is delivered to the inverter;
• and
• operate the buck/boost converter such that a fourth power output is delivered to the energy storage device.