06/11/2021

    Energy-distribution Platform TechnologyNTT Space Environment and Energy Laboratories

    Overview

    With the goal of local production for local consumption of renewable energy, NTT is working on the research and development of Next-Generation Energy Supply Technology that enables the establishment of a resilient supply system with a DC system that can maintain power supply uninterrupted by the effects of electromagnetic pulses (EMP) and cosmic rays; as well as Virtual Energy Demand/Supply Control Technology that maps power consumption, generation, and storage information to a virtual space to balance supply and demand and returns optimal integrated controls, as determined in the virtual space, to real space.

    Background and existing issues

    While expectations are rising for the large-scale implementation of solar power and other forms of renewable energy in pursuit of the goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050, the amount of power generated by these forms of renewable energy fluctuates greatly with the weather. Because of this, it is necessary to flexibly adjust power consumption to absorb these fluctuations. Also, in addition to the frequent occurrence of natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes in recent years, it is thought that the risk of damage, interruption, or erroneous operation of electronic equipment and power supply equipment still exists due to EMP attacks and cosmic rays resulting from increased solar flare activity. There is a need to make power supplies more resilient to such phenomena.

    Advantages of this technology

    • By properly allocating communications traffic and data information processing, in spatial and temporal terms, across multiple regional telecommunication buildings in response to fluctuations in the amount of power generated by renewable energy, it is possible to use renewable energy more efficiently without waste.
    • By controlling power consumption by NTT telecommunication buildings and data centers located across Japan, it is possible to effectively balance supply and demand.
    • A highly resilient, safe, and secure DC power grid can be built on the back of the DC power supply systems achieved in NTT communication buildings by implementing countermeasures for direct and induced lightning strikes and accident detection technology for outdoor power distribution systems.

    Use Scenes

    • Local rates of renewable energy utilization will be improved by shifting communications traffic and data information processing from telecommunication buildings in areas with a shortage of renewable energy to telecommunication buildings in areas with a surplus of renewable energy.
    • By constructing a DC microgrid and connecting consumers in the local area via DC, with NTT telecommunication buildings as a starting point, enables efficient power interchange in normal times and a stable power supply without outages during disaster situations.

    Explanatory chart

    Department in charge

    NTT Space Environment and Energy Laboratories - Zero Environmental Impact Research Project

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