After the Great East Japan Earthquake disaster, it was necessary to build a new energy system that would enable us to be less dependent on nuclear power, as well as reduce carbon dioxide emissions. To accomplish this, it is necessary to consider a new method of energy supply and consumption combined with the promotion of energy conservation and the increased use of natural energy. One example, called “Smart Community”, has attracted attention. It optimizes a balance between energy supply and demand, and utilizing energy efficiently. The “Smart Community” is envisioned as different from the conventional one-way power system currently supplied by electric and fuel companies.
In this study, the authors investigate a way to efficiently use photovoltaic (PV) power in an interactive energy system. In the system, PV power is used in homes and factories as an energy source, and in electric vehicles (EV) for transportation and energy storage. The system is a two-way system, and it is important for users to determine which supply and demand method they want. For example, if you choose to include PV power in your electrical power system, there will be the problem of increased DC-AC conversion energy loss. This is due to the re-conversion of AC-DC after DC-AC conversion. In addition, the cost will increase.
In order to solve this problem, the authors propose an efficient installation location and space for PV, and an optimized battery capacity for EV with energy consumption. The authors also propose a way to cut down the DC-AC conversion loss. As a result, the system achieved a 30% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions in homes, and reduced costs. In addition, with the increased use of PV, the system also equalized electric-load. The authors also found that the new system improved PV power rate to 90%.