Friday, February 17, 2012

No. 36: Small-size generators are coming one after another (1/2) (February 18, 2012)

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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