Winner: Sharp Corporation Features:Sharp added to the power conditioner a function displaying the power generated by the PV system as a CO2 reduction amount to give users an idea of their environmental contribution. The solar cells have a conversion efficiency of 14.6%, the best for a polycrystalline silicon cell, and costs have also been reduced.

2. Silent Energy System --- Monument-Type Wind Power Generation System

System installed on the roof of the Nagasaki Food Culture Center

Winner: Cooperative PROD Features:Monuments built in parks, schools and streets are used as wind turbines, and PV system panels are attached to the base to form a hybrid system. Various designs in line with the view and environment are available, so to be fit for the places the systems installed. And the generated power is used for street lighting, guide lights, etc. The significance of the system is in the fact that it becomes a familiar piece of new energy equipment. This system is to be operated at breeze of 2-3m/s.

■Application Category

1. Shukutsu Wind Power Generation System, Muroran, Hokkaido (500 kW)

Illuminated Hakucho Bridge

Winner: Muroran City Features:Muroran City built a 490kW wind turbine to take advantage of the regular Muroran seasonal wind at the fixed direction, and the generated power is used to illuminate the Hakucho Bridge, a symbol of the city. The power is also used to light the Hakucho Bridge Commemorative Hall. The amount of power generated is displayed to promote the benefits of wind power generation to the many tourists and local residents who visit the hall.

2. Fuel Cell Power Generation System ---Fuelled with Bio-gas

Anaerobic fermentation treatment system and fuel cell

Winner: Sapporo Breweries Ltd. Features:The system treats through the anaerobic fermentation process organic waste water discharged from beer production, and after the concentration of the resultant methane has been raised, it is used for fuel in a 200kW phosphate fuel cell. This fuel cell functions as a highly efficient cogeneration system, giving 40% efficiency in power generation and 41% efficiency in heat use for a total efficiency of 81%.

Methane fermentation equipment

Winner: Yagi cho, Kyoto Features:Manure from cattle and pigs raised in Yagi-cho is collected and passed through the anaerobic fermentation process to produce methane gas, which is then used in a cogeneration system for power and heat. The residue from the fermentation process is made into fertilizer, which is then used on the farms to complete the cycle. This is Japan's first comprehensive livestock waste treatment system.

Overall view of the system

Winner: Japan Soy Oil Manufacturing Co., Ltd. 　　　Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. Features:This system supplies fresh air and exhaust gas from the city-gas turbines to the recombustion burner in the steam generation boiler to improve efficiency. The generated power is supplied to nearby affiliates and the steam to nearby factories to reduce the overall energy use at the complex and reduce the environmental load.

External view of the system

Winner: Man-Yo Food Co., Ltd. 　　　　 Nichirei Corp. 　　　　 Niigata Engineering Co., Ltd. Features:Waste cooking oil from the food processing factory, which has normally been disposed of as industrial waste, is mixed with 30% light fuel oil, then used as fuel to power a specially developed 500kW diesel cogeneration system. The resultant exhaust gas is below regulated levels.

Kyocera head office

Winner: Kyocera Corp. Features:Kyocera has installed a 214kW PV system and 1,040kW natural gas cogeneration system in its head office (20-story building). These new energy systems supply 54.8% of the power demand and 50% of heat demand in the huge building. Kyocera has installed 157kW solar cells on the facade of the building, making this the world's largest vertical installation of a PV system on a single building.

Award Program in 1998

Award Program in 1997

Award Program in 1996

New Energy Vanguard 21