Strengthen R&D to Stimulate Innovation

Toshiba has developed a new method for forecasting the amount of renewable energy power generation in the FY2022 Renewable Energy Aggregation Demonstration Project^*1, a demonstration experiment publicly facilitated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, for which Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation serves as the consortium leader. By controlling the storage battery while checking the actual amount of renewable energy power generation, we were able to reduce the imbalance^*2 amount by an average of approximately 70%. We will address climate change by promoting the development of control technology utilizing forecasts for renewable energy power generation and storage batteries, and achieving stable and efficient power systems utilizing renewable energy through the renewable energy aggregation business.

Fig. 1: Jointly developed demonstration system (screen for checking predicted/actual power generation)

• The official name of the project is “FY2022 Subsidy for Demonstration Project for Establishing Next-Generation Technologies Using Distributed Energy Resources such as Storage Batteries (Renewable Energy Aggregation Demonstration Project within the Renewable Energy Generation Aggregation Technology Demonstration Project).”
• Imbalance is the difference between the amount of electricity demanded (used) and the amount of electricity supply that occurs when a renewable energy power generator is unable to achieve the same amount of electricity as planned amounts and actual simultaneously. If the amount of renewable energy power generation deviates from the planned value and the imbalance becomes large, it may cause a decline in the quality of the electricity supplied and power outages. In addition, an imbalance fee must be paid as an adjustment cost due to the imbalance.

Toshiba has developed large-scale production technology for the electrodes that realizes high level efficiency in Power to Gas (P2G) technology, essential know-how for advancing toward a carbon neutral society, while reducing the use of iridium, one of the world’s rarest precious metals, to 1/10. P2G uses electrolysis of water to convert renewable energy into hydrogen, for storage and transportation to where it is needed. Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis is seen as a highly promising conversion method, as it reacts rapidly to power fluctuations and is highly durable. However, PEM uses iridium, one of the rarest of all traded precious metals, as the catalyst in its electrodes. Practical application requires reduction of the iridium used, a real challenge. This advance is expected to drive forward the early commercialization of P2G for large-scale power conversion, and will contribute to the realization of carbon neutrality. In collaboration with Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation, Toshiba has built membrane electrode assembly (MEA) prototypes with electrodes based on the developed technology, and has begun evaluation testing with a water electrolyzer manufacturer.  Going forward, the Company will improve the yield and quality toward mass production of MEA, aiming for commercialization in FY2023 or after.

An electrode cut from a substrate after sputtering

Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Corporation has developed an on-board battery system that combines Toshiba's SCiB™ rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and a vehicle power supply system (SIV). Tobu Railway Co., Ltd. (Tobu Railway) has adopted the system for new rolling stock for the TOBU URBAN PARK Line, and plans its gradual roll-out from FY2024 as an initiative to reduce CO₂ emissions.

Storing the regenerative energy generated when the train's brakes are applied, and using this energy as part of the auxiliary power for air conditioning, etc. contributes to energy-saving operations and a reduction in CO₂. Furthermore, in the event of an emergency, such as equipment failure, power is supplied to the brake compressor and other parts required for driving operations to ensure diffuseness.

Toshiba’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery is used for the storage battery. SCiB™ has excellent characteristics, including high safety, long life with charges and discharges at over 20,000 times, and low-temperature operations that can withstand an environment below -30oC. In terms of safety, in particular, its structure is such that abnormal heat generation or a fire outbreak is highly unlikely even if external pressure is applied and an internal short circuit occurs.

In 2014, Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Corporation delivered a Traction Energy Storage System (TESS) using SCiB™ for the TOBU URBAN PARK Line, which was the first time that an on-board system using  SCiB™ was combined with TESS.

Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Corporation will continue to develop equipment and systems for railroad vehicles, and in addition to pursuing safety and convenience, will co-create carbon neutrality in accordance with the concepts of individual railroad operators.

Toshiba America, Inc. and the Chicago Quantum Exchange, an R&D hub in the United States that develops basic technologies for the quantum Internet, have constructed and launched demonstrations of a Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network using Toshiba’s multiplexed QKD system. The network link has been built using a section of the quantum network being built across the United States, connecting the University of Chicago and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, and has been used by researchers for demonstrations and research. Going forward, Toshiba will continue to develop quantum encryption communication technology, and work to strengthen the cyber resilience required in an information society.