PV System with Characters Displayed by Colored PV Cell

Winner: Daido Hoxan Features:Various colors are available for the cell surface by changing the thickness of the reflection-prevention film on the surface of the PV cell and using the interference effects of light. The PV module itself is decorative, so patterns and characters can be drawn using the PV cells on signboards, building walls, etc. It is expected to create new application of the PV cell.

2. Compact and Highly Efficient Residential Power Conditioner PV-PN04B

External View of Compact and Highly Efficient Residential Power Conditioner

Winner: Mitsubishi Electric Corp. Features:An inverter which converts the direct current generated in the PV cell to alternating current, incorporating a continuous protection device for detecting faults of the grid system. A new type of element for converting power has been developed, and the industry's highest conversion rate of 96% has been achieved. Compact size, lightweight features, and low costs (50% less compared with previous product) have also been realized.

3. Ultra-Small One-Seater Electric Vehicle EV-1 Rookie

EV-1 Rookie

Winner: Hokuriku Electric Power Co., Takeoka Car Art and Craft Features:Uses solar battery as power source for the heat-Designed based on a 4-wheeled gasoline engine scooter, this ultra-compact electric vehicle is very convenient for short distance traveling. Although the running distance per recharge is short (30 km), but the price has been held at 30% increased over the base car, and economic viability has been heightened by recharging with the 100V power for households at late-night rate.

”New Energy System Application category

1. Refuse Derived Fuel Plant in Dream Fuel Center

External View of Chimney-less Dream Fuel Center

Winner: Tsukumi City of Oita Prefecture Features:From 6700 tons of refuse treatment in a year, it produces 4200 tons of solid fuel per year, and supplies the whole amount to cement plants in the city as fuel. As the solid fuel is made by the chemical reaction of additives, not by the incineration of wastes, gas emissions are zero. Moreover because the companies to which the solid fuel will be supplied were secured from the planning stage, these features render the plant outstandingly innovative and practical.

2. Takahama Power Station Gas-Turbine Combined Waste Incineration Power Generation System

Central Control Room

Winner: Gunma Prefectural Bureau of Public Utilities Features:First and largest waste power plant in Japan which combines a 16,000 kW gas turbine and 9,000 kW steam turbine, and has a power generation output of 25,000 kW. It is expected to contribute to the promotion and installation of waste power generation by municipals, etc. in the future.

Installation of Fuel Cell System

Winner: Tokyo Bureau of Waterworks, Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. Features:In changing water disinfectant agent from the liquid chlorine to the easy-to-use sodium hypochlorite, the large amount of D.C. power required for its production is aimed to be obtained from the 200 kW fuel cell, and investments in power receiving facilities have been reduced. This highly efficient system enables the D.C. power generated by the fuel cell to be used directly for manufacturing sodium hypochlorite without a converter.

Steam Turbine Freezer

Winner: Asahi Breweries, Ltd., Daikin Plant Features:A 4,000 kW gas turbine is used for power generation. And the heat discharged from the gas turbine produces the steam and this steam is used to operate steam turbine to run the freezer. At the same time, the absorption type chiller is driven by the low temperature heat discharged by the steam turbine. This system is designed to use energy efficiently through the cascade connection of devices.

Installation of Light-Through Solar Module

Winner: Horikoshi Gakuen School, Kyocera Corp. Features:The light-penetratable (light-through) solar cell is installed in the wall of the school building, and an evacuated glass-tube solar heat collector is installed on the roof, to accumulate heat in the heat storage tank. The power and heat generated are used efficiently within the school. It demonstrates the ideal way of using the solar cells and solar heat systems installed in buildings.

Award Program in 1997

Award Program in 1996

New Energy Vanguard21