Sizing and control of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell/Gas microTurbine hybrid power system using a unique inverter for rural microgrid integration. (15th August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baudoin, Sylvain; Vechiu, Ionel; Camblong, Haritza; Vinassa, Jean-Michel; Barelli, Linda
• Is Part Of: Applied energy. Volume 176(2016)
• Page Start: 272
• Page End: 281
• Publication Date: 2016-08-15
• Subjects: Microgrid -- 3LNPC inverter -- SOFC -- Gas microTurbine -- Hybrid power system -- Digital robust control; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy conservation -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2016.05.066
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-2619

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Sizing of a SOFC/GT hybrid system for an optimal energetic efficiency and lifetime in a rural MicroGrid context. A unique 3LNPC converter for SOFC/GT hybrid system management. DC and AC side digital RST robust control for the 3LNPC converter. DC current division limits analysis for the DC side control. Effectiveness of the investigated system proved in simulation and experimentally. 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.