Control of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell/Gas MicroTurbine hybrid system using a multilevel convertor

MicroGrids (MGs) are one of the most efficient ways to integrate the renewable energy sources in the rural areas. The biogas extracted from the organic waste, an often-unused renewable resource, can be electrically valorised through a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell/Gas MicroTurbine hybrid system. In order to preserve the high electrical efficiency obtained with this kind of hybrid system, its integration into à rural MG has been done using only a 3LNPC. The paper focuses on the control strategy designed in order to allows managing the power produced by the two separate sources to meet the power demand. Simulation and experimental results, with a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell/Gas MicroTurbine hybrid system emulator and a 3LNPC prototype connected to a MG experimental platform, confirm the feasibility of the investigated system.