General Electric’s GE Japan unit supplied a high-capacity energy-storage system, a gas-powered cogeneration system, and an LED-powered lighting system to outfit a manufacturing concept called the “Future Disaster-Proof Factory Plan.” GE Japan stated its combination of a gas engine and storage battery can lower the plant’s peak-energy consumption by up to 700 kW.
To realize cuts in peak electricity usage and secure energy during disaster periods, GE Japan installed a large-scale energy storage system, gas engine for cogeneration, and LED lighting equipment to the factory and office buildings. It is the first industrial operation in Japan to have integrated three kinds of energy-saving systems. The factory already has installed a 720-kW solar power generator, and solar power generation collaborations are scheduled to be completed in the subsequent construction project.
The Disaster-Proof Factory project is an effort by Sekisui House, one of Japan’s largest home builders, for its Tohoku factory, where the goal is to promote cutting peak-electricity consumption during normal operating hours, while achieving economic efficiency and higher environmental standards
The systems GE developed and installed include a 2-MW/hour, 500-kW output energy-storage system. It’s an expandable battery storage module with a long battery lifecycle, minimal maintenance requirements, and no external cooling or heating requirements.
Also supplied is GE’s VGF H24GSID / 225-kW power output co-generating gas engine. It is a Waukesha gas engine that achieves a total thermal efficiency of 75-80%, and simultaneously produces electricity and warm water. Its environmental advantages include NOx concentrations below 40-ppm and reliable performance during disasters thanks to prompt re-booting after blackouts.
Finally, GE Japan installed 491 LED lighting units for the factory, and 130 units for the offices, which will conserve 70% of the energy required to illuminate the office, cafeteria, and reception rooms. GE also installed solar LED street lights around the campus.