2000kW Wind Power Generation System

Wind power generation utilizes the strength of wind to generate power by spinning turbines. Since wind power is considered clean energy that does not emit CO2, its role is critically important in preserving the future of the environment.
* The amount of CO2 emission reductions in this page is a figure that Hitachi estimated compared with that of the world average of all power generations.

What is wind power?

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How does wind blow in the first place? Let's first consider what we learned in elementary school science classes. The answer includes the air and the sun. Cycles of air heated by the sun and cold air cause air to move. Heated air becomes an updraft that causes a vacuum in the surrounding air, creating low pressure. Meanwhile, cold air becomes a downdraft, forcing air into the surrounding area, creating high pressure. When air flows from an area with higher pressure than that with lower pressure--This is wind. An important difference between the pressure increases the amount of air flow, creating stronger wind power. Air flows from high pressure areas to low pressure areas. Wind power generation is designed to generate power using the natural force of wind. The fact that wind power is a sustainable form of energy differentiates it from non-reusable forms of energy.

This is the basic structure of wind turbines! Now, let's take a look at the structure of a wind turbine, using the 2,000kW Wind Power Generation System co-developed by Hitachi and Fuji Heavy Industries as an example. The most noticeable feature is the propeller-type blade. Because the blade receives wind and converts it into a rotary motion, its shape and angle are keyed to rotate even with moderate wind. The part standing upright from the ground to the sky is called the tower. A cone-shaped steel tower is generally used, as it is of a lighter weight compared to a concrete tower. This is tube-shaped and has power cables, control optical fibers and so on inside. The structural object on the top of tower is called a nacelle. The nacelle contains a speed-up gearbox and power generator, which can be called the heart of the wind power generation system. What is surprising is the size of the wind turbine, with its 60 or 80-meter high tower and 40-meter-long blades. This also proves that only one unit can generate a great deal of power. Since an industrial motor (induction motor) was the first product of Hitachi, Ltd., the company is taking advantage of its know how of 'Monozukuri (manufacturing)' that it has cultivated over the 100 years since its inception in 1910 for the development of this product.

Wind power generation is best suited for the environment of Japan. The share of wind power generation in electricity is only 0.1% in Japan. This is because the wind conditions are comparatively unstable in Japan. Since, the speed of wind, which is normally weak, the erratic direction and speed of the wind due to typhoons and seasonal winds and the complex topography exacerbate this tendency. The 'Downwind rotor system' that makes wind blow from behind the rotor is used to deal with climates not only overseas but also in Japan in which the direction and power of the wind are erratic. This allows a wind turbine to catch wind blowing upwards along the terrain efficiently, even if it is set on a mountain or hilly terrain. In addition, the blades constantly move downwind and can fend off gusts from typhoon. The wind turbine contains a Hitachi power generator that enables constant and stable power generation responding to changes in air volume for its power generation system. Also, an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) has been newly developed as the main circuit to allow for highly efficient and stable operations, enabling higher voltage and reduction of power loss. Thus, the 2,000kW Wind Power Generation System is the culmination of the thorough pursuit of an ideal wind turbine, which is able to respond to changes in the direction and speed of wind firmly resulting in creating cleaner energy.

*1 Yamate Plant is the plant where Hitachi, Ltd. originated and has consistently made efforts for the manufacturing of motors for 100 years since its inception. The know-how of Yamate Plant's 'Monozukuri (manufacturing)' is utilized for the power generator, which is almost the same as a motor structurally. *2 As of August 2008.

The Hitachi Group views the 2000kW Wind Power Generation System as one of the ways we can achieve our Environmental Vision 2025, with a goal of helping to reduce annual CO2 emissions by 100 million tons by 2025 through our products and services.

Smart Grid

People's lives have become affluent and convenient. They are supported by electricity. Hitachi is working on various initiatives for the Smart Grid, which is in the spotlight as a next-generation power network to support a sustainable society.

What is the Smart Grid? Electricity generated in power stations reaches to us through the power grid. Japan's power grid is already at the world's highest level, in terms of supply stability and efficiency. Recently, there are few people who experience the power failure(black out) of long time in Japan. Hitachi's idea on the Smart Grid takes the technology that underpins Japan's power to a new level, and exploits it for the sake of the global environment.

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As we progress in deploying Renewable energy that is controlled by the weather, such as wind and Photovoltaic power generation, we also expected to see new growth in power demand for applications such as the widespread use of electric vehicles. With a Smart Grid, these

sources and demands can be controlled by information technology, enabling us to make deft use of natural energy alongside nuclear power and other conventional power sources, which will help to reduce CO2 emissions.

The Technology to Realize the Smart Grid

Until now, Hitachi has been working in the electrical energy field to support stable power supplies with greater efficiency. Using IT in the data communications field, we have delivered countless solutions centered on systems and networks. By merging our rich experience, expertise and proven record in these two fields, both of which are essential to realizing the Smart Grid, Hitachi is uniquely positioned to make contribution to the Earth by building the Smart Grid.

Besides playing our part in building the next-generation energy network, we will promote the best mix of energy for society as a whole while considering possibility of new IT based services, towards a sustainable society.