FPGA-in-the-Loop Implementation of a Buck Converter for Hydrogen Electrolyzer Systems
Mohamed LAMANE, Mohamed TABAA
Abstract. In this work, the authors describe design and FPGA-in-the-loop (FIL) test of a DC–DC buck converter for voltage and current regulation in hydrogen electrolyzer–fuel cell energy conversion system. In this context, the new structure is dedicated to optimal energy flow management between renewable sources of power, storage devices and hydrogen production facilities. A Matlab/Simulink derived real-time control algorithm was implemented on an FPGA bench to maintain a fast response and precision voltage regulation with low ripple under different load conditions. The FIL configuration allows the simultaneous simulation and hardware validation, reducing design complexity and improving the robustness of controllers. Both simulations and testing show very good agreement between reference and FIL responses with a steady state efficiency of 94% under fast dynamics. The steady voltage and current outputs of the converter leads to the best operation of an electrolyzer and better consistency in the production of hydrogen. These findings demonstrate the benefits of using FPGA-based control in advanced renewable-hydrogen applications.
Keywords
Buck Converter, FPGA-In-The-Loop, Hydrogen Electrolyzer, Fuel Cell, Renewable Energy, Real-Time Control, MATLAB/Simulink, PWM, DC–DC Converter
Published online 4/25/2026, 8 pages
Copyright © 2026 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA
Citation: Mohamed LAMANE, Mohamed TABAA, FPGA-in-the-Loop Implementation of a Buck Converter for Hydrogen Electrolyzer Systems, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 64, pp 770-777, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644904091-96
The article was published as article 96 of the book Energy Futures
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
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