MULTI-UNIT FUEL CELL SYSTEM WITH MICROGRID

A method and system includes a plurality of fuel cell power plants operable to supply power to a utility grid, a connection interface operable to connect the plurality of fuel cell power plants to the utility grid, and an energy storage system operable to store power generated by the plurality of fuel cell power plants. At least one microgrid is connectable to the utility grid with the connection interface. During normal system operation, an energy storage system is operable to connect the at least one microgrid to the utility grid via the connection interface. In response to an occurrence of a predetermined grid event, the energy storage system is operable to disconnect the at least one microgrid from the utility grid and is operable to supply a microgrid load associated with the at least one microgrid. In response to an occurrence of a predetermined grid event, an energy management system is operable to maintain a desired state-of-charge for one or more batteries of the energy storage system by communicating specific power setpoints to the plurality of fuel cell power plants.