Press Release Back Number(2006)

Implementation of Proving Tests on SMES (Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage) System for Power System Control

April 27, 2006
Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc.

Chubu Electric announces that it has decided to implement proving tests in which an SMES (Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage) system is to be connected to the actual power system.

Presently, Chubu Electric has placed SMES equipment in customer facilities and has been conducting proving tests to determine the effectiveness of these systems at protecting customer equipment from momentary voltage losses as a result of lightning and other causes. These tests confirmed the ability of SMES systems in the event of lightning to release electric power instantly as designed.


The SMES systems newly for power system control are capable of repeatedly storing and releasing electric power as needed. Even in cases where power system voltage and frequency fluctuate because of sudden customer load changes or other reasons, the SMES systems can protect customers from such events and ensure a stable, high-quality electricity supply.

With cooperation from Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., Chubu Electric is installing an SMES system with 10,000kW of output power at the Hosoo Electric Power Generating Station of Furukawa Nikko Power Generation Inc. in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture. At the end of the fiscal year Chubu Electric will begin proving tests of the system's ability to stabilize the electric supply widely within the power system.


What the proving tests show

The proving tests are helping us to create a more complete SMES total system by verifying and evaluating the following matters, which cannot be verified in a factory test.

  • • Durability and stability (systems repeat operation 20,000 times or more)
  • • Control responsiveness and operating characteristics during unanticipated fluctuations
  • • System breakdown detection and monitoring function
  • • Impact and effects on electric power network when SMES operates

Just for reference, the proving tests are part of the Superconducting Magnetic Energy Network Control Technology Development Project of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's Agency for Natural Resources and Energy as commissioned by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)*. The objective of this project is to verify the power system control function of an SMES system connected to the power system and is taking place over a four-year period, FY2004 - 07.


*Other participants in this joint project are Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. and the International Superconductivity Technology Center.