Restoring harmony with the global environment is a challenge for humanity as global energy demand continues to climb remorselessly, particularly in developing nations with rapidly growing economies. Fuji Electric Systems (FES) aims to strike a healthier balance between conventional energy and the development of distributed power generation technologies based on alternative and renewable energy sources.

Toward a complementary relationship between centralized and distributed power generation

At the global level, thermal power accounts for over 60% of all electricity generation, with nuclear power and hydroelectric power accounting for less than 20% each, and renewables such as geothermal energy producing a mere 2% of our electricity needs. One of the major environmental issues is thus cutting CO₂ emissions due to thermal power generation, which in turn raises the issue of how to tackle ongoing depletion of the fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas that remain primary energy sources.

  Other major issues presented by the current paradigm are the transmission losses that arise due to the geographical separation of large-scale power plants from the actual points of consumption and the need to maintain substantial power generation capacity to cope with peaks in demand.

  According to Motoshi Matsumura, an energy solutions manager at FES, micro-power is a practical way forward. "The key to solving both energy and environmental issues is to raise the overall efficiency of the system by developing appropriate combinations of large-scale centralized power plants with small-scale power generation distributed close to the point of consumption," he explains.

  Fuji Electric Group continues to develop the technology needed for distributed energy systems based on renewable energy. Along with phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFCs) with a power output of 100kilowatts enough to supply 30 average households Fuji Electric Group is developing a variety of energy solutions such as solar cells, wind power and micro-hydroelectric power generation systems. A parallel objective is to optimize the process of energy generation, distribution and consumption in line with local and regional demand patterns.

Fuji Electric Group Distributed Energy Systems

Renewable energy sources rapidly gaining practical utility

A general problematic tendency with renewable energy such as solar or wind power is that the amount of power generated is apt to vary depending on weather. It also poses another problem of unevenness in the quality of the power supply due to voltage or frequency variations. Mr. Matsumura insists that there is a good solution: "By combining adjustable-output energy sources such as fuel cells and natural gaspowered co-generation systems with batteries and power storage systems, and by applying interconnection technology based on the information and communication technology (ICT), we can stabilize the power supply while also maintaining its quality."

  Another advantage of renewable energy-based localized power generation systems is that they can provide a stand-alone source of energy if a natural disaster causes failure within the transmission network. This serves to enhance local energy security.

  Moreover, micro-power systems are an efficient choice for any areas unconnected to the central grid (such as remote islands), as well as many developing nations, due to the comparatively low costs and small scale of the facilities involved.

  "The generating costs of solar cells are expected to fall to economically viable levels by around 2010. When we compare these systems against large power stations, we need to take into account not just the costs but also the environmental benefits and risks involved. If we look at it in these general terms, I think that renewables will probably be on a par with fossil fuel power generation in terms of overall practical utility before the end of this current decade," states Mr. Matsumura.

Vision for the future of energy

Fuji Electric Group has supplied numerous power plant facilities for thermal, hydroelectric and geothermal power generation all across the world. In recent years the Group has become an acknowledged world leader in geothermal power, having supplied plant equipment to regions as geographically diverse as Southeast Asia, Iceland and Latin America. Although geothermal power is not new, it is attracting fresh attention as a clean form of energy. As the industry leader in this sector, the Fuji Electric Group continues to focus on pursuing higher generation efficiency.

  In China, the Fuji Electric Group is pursuing joint research with a Chinese university into technologies for energy solutions based on the concept of localized power generation and consumption. Turning to the prospects for power generation in Asia, Mr. Matsumura says, "In the future, I believe that Asia will be the main stage in the energy sector, in terms of both the volume of demand and the forces driving technical evolution. With all the different energy-related technologies that we possess, the Fuji Electric Group hopes to contribute to the optimization of power generation systems in the region. Our aim is to be a frontrunner in addressing environmental problems by creating a better balance between energy supply and demand."

Joint research into fuel cells for residential use

PEFC co-generation system
installed on the Ito campus

In February 2006, the Fuji Electric Group began a field trial to test the use of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) in residential applications. Taking place at the Kyushu University Ito Campus, located in the city of Fukuoka, the trial is a joint research effort between the university, Fuji Electric Advanced Technology and Saibu Gas Co., Ltd. The trial employs a PEFC linked to a co-generation system developed by Fuji Electric Advanced Technology.

  The system generates power for campus lighting along with heat to provide hot water for showers. A separate trial is planned to test system performance based on simulated seasonal variations in the heat and power demand of a typical family (summer, winter and intermediate conditions). The entire trial will last approximately one year, with the evaluation of operational performance lasting until November 2006.