2 weeks Ago
Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems (HIES) has begun operating a next-generation power conditioner called a Grid Forming Inverter (GFM) at its Narashino Works facility in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture. This cutting-edge system helps stabilize electric power systems, amid a global transition to renewable energy, by simulating the stabilizing effects once provided by large power plants, according to a media release. As renewable energy becomes a bigger part of the power mix, older systems that relied on heavy rotating generators are retiring, but they also provided valuable “inertia” that kept the grid stable during power fluctuation between demand and supply.
GFM technology helps recreate inertia, supporting a reliable power supply for the future. Electricity must be supplied at a stable frequency to keep our power systems running smoothly -typically at 50 Hz or 60 Hz. Traditionally, large power plants helped maintain that frequency because their heavy turbines had “inertia,” a natural resistance to sudden changes.
As more renewable energy sources like solar and wind replace thermal power plants using fossil fuels, that inertia in power system is decreasing. These newer systems can’t stabilize frequency in the same way, increasing the risk of frequency fluctuations or even blackouts. This is where GFMs come in.
They simulate this lost inertia, helping to balance the grid and maintain a stable supply of electricity — even when demand suddenly changes, or renewable output fluctuates. Narashino Works now runs on a system that combines solar energy, battery storage and inverter technology to reduce CO2 emissions and keep operations required in the emergency event — even during blackouts of utility grid. 81.
9 kW of solar power (54 kW new and 27.9 kW existing) is used for the system, expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 39.2 tons of CO2 annually.
A newly built AC microgrid, powered by paralleled three GFMs, keeps systems like water pumps (also made by HIES) and internal announce equipment running smoothly, even when solar power fluctuates.A DC microgrid uses solar energy more efficiently, stores surplus power in batteries and feeds it back into the plant, helping reduce conversion losses and saving energy. The system can operate independently during emergencies, strengthening Narashino Works’ disaster resilience.
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