Study on the load following characteristics of a distributed IGCC for independent microgrid

The integrated coal gasification combined cycle (IGCC) is a highly efficient technology for the production of gas from coal with significantly reduced CO2 emissions. Interconnecting the independent microgrid of an IGCC and a renewable energy network promotes a higher utilization of the renewable energy source but depends on the IGCC's load-following characteristics. In this study, an IGCC numerical model is applied to evaluate the electricity response characteristics. In addition, the interconnection-independent microgrid frequency is investigated through numerical analysis. The dynamic characteristics of the IGCC system's required components such as an air separator and the coal gasification furnace are determined. Moreover, the relation between the electricity quality of the microgrid and the inertia constant of turbine power generators is clarified. When a proportional-integral-derivative controller is installed in the proposed IGCC system and the load-following operation is performed, the energy flow through the microgrid is stabilized even under large-scale photovoltaic power fluctuations.