Renewable Energies (REs) have potentials to resolve global warming, energy problem and so on. Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) is contributing to increase their capacity. Installed capacity of the REs was about 10% before the FIT, but it increased to 15% in 2017 approximately. However, this figure is not big. For example, Germany is 31%, and Spain is 35%. They are more than double. In addition, targets show big difference too. Japan’s target is 22-24% in 2030, on the other hand, Germany is targeting more than 50%. Japan should find way to increase the REs.

Our lab aims to increase amount of REs. To do that, two categories are focused on. They are ‘Technological methods to use REs efficiently’, and ‘Electric power system technology’. In the ‘electric power system technology’, supply-demand balance is a main topic. The supply-demand balance can be affected by large fluctuation of REs. Therefore, we study on related topics such as suitable combination of large generators such as coal/gas/oil fired power plant and REs.

(1) Electric power system installed with controllable large REs

(2) Electric power system using inertia of REs

In the category of the ‘Technological methods to use REs efficiently’, Photovoltaic Powered Electric Vehicle (PV-EV) is one of research topics. The PV-EVs may have PV modules on a roof, a bonnet and side surface. They are facing different angle, therefore, ‘optimization of configuration’ and ‘maximum power point tracking’ are important topics.

(3) Feasibility study on photovoltaic powered electric vehicle

(4) Energy storage control for photovoltaic’s scheduled generation

Ecological Footprint is a key research topic too. It expresses consumption of Earth’s resources by human beings. By comparing Bio-Capacity which expresses Earth’s recovery power, it is possible to know sustainability. Unfortunately, it seems the Earth is not sustainable now. However, REs have potential to improve balance between them. We are developing method to estimate its requirement, and research to realize electric power system with the required REs.

(5) RE requirement to realize sustainable Earth by Ecological Footprint

Hokuto large-scale PV plant

Ecological Footprint. Sustainability can be improved by REs