IHI Corporation has launched a demonstration operation of its new “Renewable Energy Heat Utilization System” at the Soma City Sewage Treatment Plant. This system converts surplus solar power, which is often discarded, into carbon-free steam, making efficient use of renewable energy at a low cost. The system is expected to contribute to achieving a carbon-neutral society.
Innovative Technology to Convert Surplus Power into Carbon-Free Steam
Solar power generation fluctuates due to sunlight conditions, leading to the generation of surplus electricity. Efficiently utilizing this surplus energy is crucial for realizing a carbon-neutral society. IHI’s “Renewable Energy Heat Utilization System” addresses this challenge by converting solar power’s direct current (DC) electricity into carbon-free steam, using a heat storage boiler to store and reuse the energy.
The system incorporates a power conditioner (PCS) to capture surplus DC electricity that would otherwise go to waste. This energy is absorbed into a heat storage boiler, which converts and stores it as thermal energy, thus improving energy efficiency and reducing waste.
The demonstration operation at the Soma City Sewage Treatment Plant began in April 2024, and stable operation has been confirmed since then. In June 2024, the system recorded usage of 23,160 kWh of alternating current (AC) electricity and 11,860 kWh of direct current (DC) electricity. IHI aims to solve the issue of surplus electricity and promote the broader adoption of renewable energy through this system.
Moving forward, IHI plans to expand the use of this “Renewable Energy Heat Utilization System” to other regions and facilities, further enhancing the effective use of solar power. Additionally, IHI will continue to promote the local production and consumption of renewable energy, strengthening its contributions to a carbon-neutral society.
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