MicroGrids (MGs) are one of the most useful and efficient ways to integrate renewable energy technologies in rural areas. In these areas, the biogas produced by transformation of organic waste can be electrically valorized in a MG using a Hybrid Power System (HPS) based on a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) and a Gas microTurbine (GT), in order to obtain a high electrical efficiency. In this study, in order to keep the best efficiency while ensuring a safe operation, the HPS is controlled using a single Three-Level Neutral Point Clamped (3LNPC) inverter. After sizing the hybrid system, digital robust R-S-T type controllers are designed to regulate the SOFC power in the DC side of the inverter and the voltage and frequency in the AC side, in an islanded MG. Then, the feasibility and the performance of the 3LNPC inverter together with the associated controllers are evaluated in simulation and experimentally using a SOFC/GT emulator.
Sizing and control of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell / Gas microTurbine hybrid power system using a unique inverter for rural microgrid integration
BARELLI, Linda
2016
Abstract
MicroGrids (MGs) are one of the most useful and efficient ways to integrate renewable energy technologies in rural areas. In these areas, the biogas produced by transformation of organic waste can be electrically valorized in a MG using a Hybrid Power System (HPS) based on a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) and a Gas microTurbine (GT), in order to obtain a high electrical efficiency. In this study, in order to keep the best efficiency while ensuring a safe operation, the HPS is controlled using a single Three-Level Neutral Point Clamped (3LNPC) inverter. After sizing the hybrid system, digital robust R-S-T type controllers are designed to regulate the SOFC power in the DC side of the inverter and the voltage and frequency in the AC side, in an islanded MG. Then, the feasibility and the performance of the 3LNPC inverter together with the associated controllers are evaluated in simulation and experimentally using a SOFC/GT emulator.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.