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Realizing Environmentally
Friendly Sources of Energy
Due to the limited resources of fossil fuel, new power generation technologies
that use natural renewable energy resources, such as solar and wind, are
currently undergoing active research and development. Under the asuspices
of New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO),
the Rokko Test Center from the Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO) and
the Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry (CRIEPI) jointly
undertaking a project under NEDO funding. The project is an Advanced Energy
System on methods of interconnecting dispersed photovoltaic, wind, and
fuel cell power generation systems and a battery energy storage system
with existing distribution lines.
| It is a fact, however, that systems utilizing solar and wind energy
have low energy density and are unstable sources of supply, as their output
is affected by the weather and other uncontrollable factors. In addition,
the generation cost of these sources is higher than that for traditional
forms of energy. Dispersed generation systems using renewable energy
resources may be best put to work when connected to existing power grids.
With this in mind, research and development is being conducted at the Rokko
Test Center. Various test programs have been conducted since February,
1987. The results will contribute to a safer and more effective use of
new dispersed generation systems for the user and the environment. |
Site map of Rokko Test center
(Click to have large view)
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Specifically, tests conducted at the Rokko Test Center for Advanced
Energy Systems were using photovoltaic, wind and fuel cell systems interconnected
with an existing power grid. In this configuration, the grid serves as
a backup when the output of these dispersed generation systems is not sufficient,
while any surplus electricity they produce is fed back into the grid. The
impact of interconnection was assessed from the aspects of power quality,
operational reliability and safety. The results have been incorporated
in the government's new guidelines for interconnection.
Different type of energy:
Solar Energy
Fuel Cells
Wind Energy
Ten test houses were built in the Rokko Test Center.
Every house got photovoltaic panels on the roof and electric appliances
in the house to simulate normal Japanese residential houses. The houses
are connected to the Power Grid. So the Power Grid can supply energy to
the houses when it is in shortage and accept energy when they are in excess.
Analysis of energy produced and consumed on Aug. 4 1998.
(Click to have larger view) |
Control panel of the test houses.
(Click to have larger view) |
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References:
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Rokko Test Center - for Advanced Energy Systems - Bouchure from The Kansai
Electric Power Company Inc.
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Bouchure from The Kansai Electric Power Company Inc.R & D Office
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The Holone - Bouchure from The Kansai Electric Power Company Inc.
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http://www.kepco.co.jp/ekankyou/hairyo/1/e1-1-3.htm
| Solar Energy | Fuel
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