Information

Hitachi, Ltd. and Yanmar Energy System Co., Ltd. (→YES) have teamed up for the development of distributed generation systems to power small-to-mid size factories, public facilities, and businesses. The system package was released June 2, 2014.

The system utilizes YES’s “micro cogeneration” technology and Hitachi’s newly-developed linked control mechanism “micro grid control system”. Allowing for more efficient energy control and generation, the system is effective in lowering energy costs and CO₂ emissions during peak usage times, and contributes to a business continuity plan by providing a self-powered system during times of power shortages and cuts.

The demand for solutions that both save energy and prevent power failures has risen since the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. Revised laws regarding energy efficiency measures also positively value organizations actively involved in reducing energy consumption during peak times by using in-house power generation and storage batteries in distributed generation schemes. Because of this, there is a growing movement among factories, public facilities, and businesses for the introduction of distributed generation schemes that utilize gas engines, solar and wind power, storage batteries, etc. The establishment of such systems has involved the installation of a great variety of equipment, and therefore, a more convenient system structure was needed.

In response to this, through the cooperation of Hitachi and YES, a basic structure for dispersed generation, complete with control mechanisms, was created.

YES has sold its “micro cogeneration” generators since 1998. The generators reduce heat loss by utilizing the residual heat produced by gas engine generators to provide energy for water heating and climate control. The micro cogeneration system is fitted with a highly efficient engine that employs gas heat pump air-conditioning. It boasts a simplified installation process and a long maintenance interval of 10,000 hours. Over 6,800 units have been provided to various establishments, including health and welfare facilities, factories, restaurants, etc., allowing YES to secure a large share of the small-size gas engine market in Japan.

Hitachi has worked for several decades to create a smart grid that offers power from various sources, such as solar, wind, and battery. It has researched technology for a grid control system that commands entire distributed generation energy systems for many years, and the result is the reliable and effective “micro grid control system”.

As the market for dispersed generation energy systems is expected to grow rapidly in the near future, both Hitachi and YES will continue to work together and utilize each company’s strengths to expand the sales of this new system package.

Note: Information contained in News Releases is valid at the time of publication and may differ from the most recently available information.

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Public Relations Group
General Affairs Div., Yanmar Co., Ltd.
TEL: +81-6-6376-6212
FAX: +81-6-6372-2455
E-mail: koho@yanmar.co.jp