New energy / power generation method

 Take on the next generation that you do not know unexpectedly

New energy / power generation method

How many "power generation methods" do you know?

In addition to common methods such as thermal power, hydropower, and nuclear power, power generation using renewable energy such as solar power and wind power has been increasing recently.

As you can see from the graph, the proportion of thermal power generation using LNG (liquefied natural gas), coal, oil, etc. is increasing due to the suspension of nuclear power generation due to the effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Under such circumstances, there are various power generation methods that do not appear in the graph, so I would like to introduce some of the different types.

Biomass power generation

Thermal power generation supplements the power that has been reduced due to the shutdown of nuclear power plants.

The problem with thermal power generation is that the raw material (burnable material) generates a large amount of CO2.

Biomass power generation solves that problem.

To put it simply, biomass power generation is a power generation method that uses organic waste such as kitchen waste and construction waste and unused resources such as thinned wood as raw materials for thermal power generation.

Of course, CO2 is generated even if you burn garbage and waste materials.

However, if the raw material is waste material, if it is in the state of a tree, it absorbs CO2 during photosynthesis, so it only restores the CO2 that was originally on the earth. In other words, since the total amount of CO2 has not increased, it can be said that it contributes to CO2 reduction.

By the way, "Udon power generation", which won the 2017 Minister of the Environment Award for Global Warming Prevention Activities, is also a type of biomass power generation that burns udon that is disposed of.

Floor power generation (power generation just by stepping on)

There is also a power generation method that does not generate CO2 at all, as opposed to biomass power generation, which generates some CO2.

A station where many people come and go. Demonstration experiments of "floor power generation" that utilizes the crowds to generate electricity have been conducted several times since 2006 at JR East / Tokyo Station.

The mechanism is as simple as placing what is called a "piezoelectric element" on the ticket gate or on the stairs near the ticket gate, and generating electricity when a person steps on it.

The railway situation in Japan is ridiculed as "murderous", especially during commuting hours, but the idea of   taking advantage of the congestion is quite impressive.

However, due to its inefficiency (low power generation) and low durability, it is a steep road to practical use.

Sound power generation

Sound power generation is an epoch-making power generation method that uses the same mechanism as floor power generation.

It is a very simple mechanism that you can hear sound → the air is vibrating → the vibration is captured by the piezoelectric element → power is generated.

The mechanism is simple, but if you think about "converting noise into electric power", the noise is reduced and electric power is generated, so it is a wonderful power generation method (when the piezoelectric element converts the vibration of air into energy, the vibration itself is reduced. I will end up).

It is still an experimental technology, but in the future, there may come a dreamlike era in which the noise of highways, railroads, aircraft, etc. is reduced and clean power is supplied accordingly.

What is electricity liberalization?

Approaching the merits and mechanisms

Until now, electricity was sold exclusively by electric power companies in each region, but with the full liberalization of electricity retailing in April 2016 (hereinafter referred to as electricity liberalization), shops such as homes and restaurants Now you can freely choose the electric power company.

 I think there are many people who haven't researched electricity so much in the first place.

We will explain about the electric power that is used casually, what kind of companies have entered from the history of electric power liberalization, and the advantages and disadvantages of electric power switching.

Why did you decide to liberalize electricity in the first place?

The purpose was to open up the market for the electric power business, which had been exclusively carried out by electric power companies in each region, to encourage competition among electric power companies and to reduce electricity prices. As a result, even at home, you can freely choose a price menu that suits your lifestyle, and you can receive various services and benefits as well as the benefits of electricity charges.

Various new electric power companies have appeared due to the liberalization of electric power!

As of January 2018, about 450 new entrants (new electric power) have entered the electric power business. Various rate plans have appeared that combine set discounts by combining electricity and gas, electricity and mobile phones, point services, and services that deal with household problems.

In addition, there is a new electric power that is characterized by the type of electricity supplied, and it has become possible to select a plan that features renewable energy such as solar power and wind power.