A Demonstration Project in Hachinohe: Microgrid with Private Distribution Line

Dispersed generators have been expected to provide effective measures for tackling issues such as energy cost reduction, environmental preservation, and or energy security. Against this backdrop, microgrids have attracted much attention in recent years, In this paper, first, the basic concept of a microgrid will be outlined. Next, the results from a field test of a "regional power grid" will be discussed. Emphasis is placed on the energy management system, which organizes controllable and uncontrollable dispersed generators into a single controlled unit while minimizing operational costs and environmental impacts. The system has been in operation since October 2005 and has proven a promising way to facilitate greater introduction of dispersed generators, especially photovoltaic and wind power generation systems.