Technology
Japanese
heavy electric machinery makers are busily occupied in launching small-size
generators in preparation for the special measure law to purchase renewable
energy scheduled for enactment on July 1, 2012. Toshiba developed a small-size hydraulicpower unit with a maximum output of 1 kW. It weighs about 50 kg and the
diameter of the waterwheel is 0.7 m. It can generate where the water depth is
more than 1 m and a drop between the upstream and downstream is 0.3-1.5 m. It
is easily installable because what is needed is to bridge equipment loaded with
waterwheel between the two banks. The output of 1 kW is enough to supply power
to 25 fluorescent lamps or 100 LEDs. The unit is scheduled to be priced at
600,000 yen. The company plans to market it to municipalities that manage rivers
and irrigation channels. It will be possible to recoup the investment in 7-8
years.
MitsubishiElectric Plant Engineering, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric, developed a
small-size hydraulic power unit with a maximum output of 9.9 kW. It weighs 43
kg that is one third of the existing model. It can generate even if the drop is
50 cm. It is a package product coming with a waterwheel and a generator, thus
no civil work is necessary. In addition, the structure is hardly affected by sludge
and sand contained in water because the waterwheel does not have axle bearing. The
company wishes the unit to be used for power sources for plant factory, plastic
greenhouse culture, and emergency electricity besides for charging electric
vehicles.
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