An experimental model of fuel cell/microturbine generation scheme

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Electrical /Electronics Technology at the University College of the North, Thompson, MB, Canada.

2 Department of Electrical Engineering, State university of NY at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.

Abstract

Abstract:
In this paper a dynamic and steady state model of a distributed generation scheme is
presented. Both the dynamic and steady state results of the simulation model are
verified with those obtained from a laboratory prototype and the results showed a close
agreement. The experimental model was designed to supply isolated loads as well as in
parallel with the grid.
The proposed system consists of a microturbine driving a Permanent Magnet
Synchronous Generator (PMSG). The ac power generated from the PMSG is rectified
and, along with a Fuel Cell, is connected to the dc-link. A PWM inverter delivers ac
power to the load.
The laboratory prototype uses a dc motor as the prime mover for a separately excited
dc generator representing the fuel cell, while the microturbine is modeled using a shunt
dc motor as the prime mover for a three phase PMSG.

Keywords