Initiatives that contribute to addressing social issues

Energy & Industrial Systems Group

Message from the Group President

By developing high-performance equipment and next-generation power systems that are capable of responding to natural disasters, human-caused threats including cyberattacks and terrorism, and changes in the electricity market (e.g., the growing use of renewable energy sources), we will realize both carbon neutrality and a stable electricity supply

photo: Noriyuki Takazawa

Noriyuki Takazawa
Executive Officer, Group President, Energy & Industrial Systems

Due to the spread of renewable energy resources such as solar and wind power, as well as storage batteries, the environment and market needs surrounding the electric power industry will increasingly expand with an approach toward local production for local consumption in terms of the supply and demand of electricity. Meanwhile, the stable supply of electricity will grow increasingly important in response to fluctuations in the output of renewable energy sources which is affected by weather, and the influx of surplus electricity generated at factories, households, etc. (consumers) into the power grid.

In the midst of this situation, the Energy & Industrial Systems Group has defined the realization of both carbon neutrality and the stable supply of electricity as a social issue to be resolved. While investing resources predominantly in the creation of digital energy (via visualization of electricity) business value within the electricity ICT field and the renewable energy business such as with DC power transmission and micro-grids to contribute to realize carbon neutrality, we will also work to ensure the stable supply of electricity by prioritizing maintenance service when working to maintain and expand our conventional power generation and transformation businesses.

Major social issues for which risks and opportunities have been recognized and evaluated Priority SDG initiatives
  • Optimal use of energy
  • Introduction of clean energy
  • Sustainable use and development of resources
  • Addressing climate change
icon: Priority SDG initiatives

Initiatives that Contribute to Addressing Social Issues

Developing power equipment and systems supporting power generation, grid transmission & distribution to help bring about a safer, more secure and more comfortable world.

・Indirect Hydrogen-Cooled VP-X Series Turbine Generators

Against the backdrop of an increasing global call to reduce the negative environmental impacts of CO2 emissions and other harmful substances, there is now growing demand for turbine generators capable of higher performance, improved efficiency and higher reliability. In response to these needs, Mitsubishi Electric has successfully developed the VP-X Series of high-output/high-efficiency indirect hydrogen-cooled turbine generators and introduced models up to the 900 MVA class.

Compared to water-cooled systems, indirect hydrogen-cooled generators have the advantage of not requiring auxiliary equipment such as stator cooling water feeders. Our VP-X Series generators expand the application of high-efficiency indirect hydrogen-cooled systems to the high-output range of 900 MVA, which up until now was strictly the realm of water-cooling methods. We expect these new generators to offer various advantages in terms of operation and maintenance.

In addition, several new element technologies that enhance output, improve efficiency and reduce size were discovered during development of the VP-X Series, and can be applied to the partial renewal of existing generators. Moreover we now provide customers with a new line of upgrade services in order to meet diversifying requirements for improving the performance of existing equipment.

  • photo: High-efficiency VP-X turbine generator

    High-efficiency VP-X turbine generator

  • photo: 870 MVA generator used for verification testing

    870 MVA generator used for verification testing

・Reduced Environmental Impact Switchgear

Aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Mitsubishi Electric will promote the wide spread adoption of a vacuum circuit breaker (VCB) that uses no SF6 gas thanks to a dry-air insulation technique and 70 kV-class cubicle-type gas-insulated switchgear (C-GIS) equipped with a VCB in an attempt to contribute to further reduction in environmental impact and to improve efficiency in maintenance and inspection work.

  • photo: Cubicle-type gas-insulated switchgear (C-GIS)

    Cubicle-type gas-insulated switchgear (C-GIS)

  • photo: Vacuum circuit breaker (VCB)

    Vacuum circuit breaker (VCB)

・Reduced Environmental Impact Transformers (vegetable oil-based, natural-air cooling type)

Seeing as mineral oil is derived from petroleum and therefore a limited natural resource, Mitsubishi Electric developed the MELCORE-NEO™ power transformer that utilizes vegetable oil-based insulating oil instead. Thanks to the vegetable-based insulating oil, these transformer enables sustainable production, prevents soil contamination and is carbon neutral to boot. In addition, the flame-retardant insulating oil it uses provides excellent disaster prevention properties, and it has been delivered to railroads, data centers, and other facilities where environmental consideration and disaster prevention is required. For rolling stock / rail applications, we have developed and delivered natural-air cooled transformers that utilize airflow generated by the running train to cool the transformer without the need for an additional fan and in turn help to realize significant energy efficiency.

photo: Vegetable oil based on-board transformer for rolling stock/rail applications

Vegetable oil based on-board transformer for rolling stock/rail applications

・Monitoring and Control Systems

Mitsubishi Electric monitoring and control systems help realize resource and space savings by reducing volume and weight by up to 30% while achieving higher functionality and performance than conventional models, as well as reducing power consumption by up to 33% compared to conventional systems. In addition, CPU cards and I/O unit are designed to be backwards compatible with previous-generation hardware. By enabling these systems to be deployed with minimal equipment updates, it also reduces environmental impact by consuming fewer resources.

photo: Instrumentation and Control Systems

Instrumentation and Control Systems

・Module Type Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR)

While previous AVRs were built with a control board was housed in a card slot, modern units have adopted a module construction where the control board is integrated into the main body. This allows for AVRs one-fifth the size of previous models with easier maintenance, reduced environmental impact from manufacturing and power consumption to be cut in half. Mitsubishi Electric supplies AVRs to power plants both in Japan and abroad, contributing to the stable supply of electricity around the world.

  • photo: Card Slot Type (conventional model)

    Card Slot Type (conventional model)

  • photo: Module Type (latest model)

    Module Type (latest model)

Contributing to Customer Management via Solutions that Create New Value for Power Systems

・BLEnDer® Series Software Package for the Electric Power Market

Since its launch in 2003, each BLEnDer® Series module has been enhanced in terms of functionality, and new products have been added to the product lineup. Currently, Mitsubishi Electric offers a series of 20 packaged modules with a track record of delivery to multiple electricity generators and retailers.*
Via BLEnDer® Mitsubishi Electric has been and will remain committed to supporting the digitization of power systems and the expansion of the energy industry in response to changes in the market and energy trends.

  • *Information current as of March 2022

■Our solutions to optimally manage and operate energy are showcased at the PoC Lab. website (in Japanese text).

photo: BLEnDer® series lineup

BLEnDer® series lineup

・Distributed Power Supply Operation & Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Systems

By connecting energy sources in various locations (distributed energy resources) such as renewable energy power generation facilities and batteries, a virtual power plant (VPP) system with a supply capacity equivalent to that of a single power plant in a power system can be constructed. The utilization of such CO2-free power sources can supplement power supplies and help with decarbonization efforts.
Our control and interface technologies as well as a wide variety of equipment can also help to solve power system stability issues caused by the unreliable nature of renewable power generation. With these features, we will contribute to the realization of a recycling-oriented society that makes the most of natural energy sources.

■Our solutions to optimally manage and operate energy are showcased at the PoC Lab. website (in Japanese text).

・Smart Meter System

Smart metering systems are the foundation of the electricity business. Information about when and how much electricity was used by whom will be indispensable to allow consumers to freely select an electricity supplier and receive a stable supply of electricity. Mitsubishi Electric has developed a system that enables large volumes of meter data to be collected accurately at low cost, with the system now in use with several utilities. In addition, the Mitsubishi Electric smart meter system can provide real-time information about electricity usage to help individual consumers save power & energy. Furthermore, use of the smart meter communication network enables gas and hydro joint meter data collection as well as remote monitoring and control of various types of sensors. Development of these features further enhances consumer convenience.

■Our solutions to optimally manage and operate energy are showcased at the PoC Lab. website (in Japanese text).

photo: Smart Meter System

Smart Meter System

・Large-Capacity Energy Storage Control Systems

Battery storage systems are essential for the flexible operation of power systems. These systems are key when balancing power generation using renewable energy sources with fluctuating outputs and power generation using fossil fuels. Energy storage control systems for small-scale power systems have been installed in locations such as remote islands and are now in operation. Energy storage control systems are also helpful as a countermeasure for excess power or fluctuations resulting from use of renewable energy resources in a main power grid system. Mitsubishi Electric is focused on expanding the range of products that contribute to decarbonization and grid stability by making the maximum use of wind, solar and other renewable energy resources without the need to suppress output.

■Our solutions to optimally manage and operate energy are showcased at the PoC Lab. website (in Japanese text).

・D-SMiree Smart Medium-Low Voltage DC Distribution Network System

Direct current distribution, which facilitates efficient use of electricity, is attracting much attention against the backdrop of increased data center demand resulting from digitization and the introduction of cloud computing; heightened awareness of business continuity (including business continuity planning: BCP) and preparation for large-scale natural disasters and accidents; increased use of storage batteries, for example renewable energy from solar generation; and the introduction of zero-energy buildings (ZEBs). The smart medium- and low-voltage DC distribution system D-SMiree generates, stores, and saves energy using DC distribution technology alongside the latest smart-grid technology and optimal storage battery control technology. We offer a reliable, economic distribution system that caters to facility goals such as reduced energy losses due to conversion, enhanced electricity reliability, and use of facilities as disaster prevention bases.

  • photo: Demonstration Facility

    Demonstration Facility

  • photo: Demonstration Facility Electrical Lab

    Demonstration Facility Electrical Lab