Fuel Cell Microgrid with Wind Power Generation

General Introduction

The summary of the 1st section is as follows. If electric power is supplied using an independent microgrid connected to renewable energy, it can flexibly match the energy demand characteristics of a local area. And an independent microgrid is expected to be effective in cutting greenhouse gas discharge and energy costs, as well as in eliminating the need for an emergency power supply system. Since the output of renewable energy is unstable, other energy equipment needs to cover the stability of output. Thus, the operating conditions of an independent microgrid that supplies power with natural power sources and fuel cells are investigated. The operation conditions of a fuel-cell independent microgrid with wind power generation were investigated by numerical analysis. Step loads and an apartment house power load model were analyzed using the dynamic characteristics of a fuel cell obtained from experiments. The output of wind power generation and fuel cells is controlled by proportional-integral control of an independent microgrid for rapid power demand change.

The summary of the 2nd section is as follows. An independent microgrid that connects with renewable energy has the potential to reduce energy costs, and reduce the amount of greenhouse gas discharge. However, the frequency and voltage of a microgrid may not be stable over a long time due to the input of unstable renewable energy, and changes in short-period power load that are difficult to predict. Thus, when planning the installation of a microgrid, it is necessary to investigate the dynamic characteristics of the power. About the microgrid composed from ten houses, a 2.5kW proton exchange membrane fuel cell is installed in one building, and this fuel cell operated corresponding to a base load is assumed. A 1kW PEFC is installed in other seven houses, in addition a 1.5kW wind turbine generator is installed. The microgrid to investigate connects these generating equipments, and supplies the power to each house. The dynamic characteristics of this microgrid were investigated in numerical analysis, and the cost of fuel consumption and efficiency was also calculated. Moreover, the stabilization time of the microgrid and its dynamic characteristics accompanied by wind-power-generation and fluctuation of the power load were clarified.