Methods for securing power supply during disasters

table of contents

Introduction
1. Advance preparation and precautions

2. Solar power

3. Wind power

4. Battery pack and generator

5. Microgrid

summary

Introduction

In the event of a disaster, the power supply may be cut off. Power outages not only cause many difficulties in life, but can also affect rescue and recovery efforts. This article details various ways to ensure power supply during a disaster.

 

1. Advance preparation and precautions

1-1 Preparing a rechargeable battery pack

Rechargeable battery packs are very useful in times of disaster. Battery packs can charge small electronic devices such as mobile phones and lights. Charge the battery pack in advance and have it ready for use when needed. It's also a good idea to have a solar panel or car battery to charge the battery pack.

 

1-2 Prepare a portable generator

Portable generators can be a reliable source of power in times of disaster. A portable generator is a device that burns fuel (gasoline or diesel) to generate electricity. Make sure you have a portable power generator with adequate capacity and performance to ensure power supply for critical equipment and facilities. Also, pay attention to proper ventilation and fuel handling when operating the generator, and use it safely.

 

1-3 Installation of solar panels

A solar panel is a device that uses sunlight to generate electricity. In the event of a disaster, solar panels can be an effective power supply source. You can install solar panels on your roof or in your garden to receive sunlight and generate electricity. By installing solar panels and building a power generation system in advance, you can secure a renewable power supply.

 

1-4 Stockpile emergency lights and LED lanterns

Lighting is important during a power outage. Stock up on low-power lighting fixtures, such as emergency lights and LED lanterns. These luminaires operate on methods such as battery-powered or solar-charged, and may last for a long time. In the event of a disaster, it is useful for working in the dark and ensuring safety during evacuation.

 

1-5 Installation of emergency power circuit and backup power supply

It is important to install emergency power circuits and backup power supplies in homes and offices to ensure power supply to critical equipment and facilities. These units automatically switch over in the event of a power outage to provide power from the standby power source. You can prevent the stoppage of important equipment and facilities and enable continuous operation.

 

1-6 Electricity supply at evacuation centers and community facilities

In the event of a disaster, evacuation centers and community facilities (hospitals, schools, community centers, etc.) become important bases for power supply. These facilities may include backup power sources and emergency generator installations. In the event of a disaster, it is important to consider evacuation and cooperation with these facilities and to secure power supply.

 

 

2. Solar power

Solar power is a method of generating electricity using the energy of the sun. A device called a solar panel (or photovoltaic module) takes the sun's light and produces DC power, which is converted into usable power through an inverter that converts it to AC power.

2-1 Solar panel

A solar panel is a unit that combines multiple solar cells to convert light into electricity. Generally, silicon-based solar cells are used. Solar panels are designed to efficiently capture sunlight and are commonly installed on roofs or on the ground.

 

2-2 Inverter

The DC power generated by solar panels must be converted into AC power for use in ordinary homes and buildings. Inverters are used for this purpose. Inverters are responsible for converting DC power into AC power. Inverters also commonly feature maximum power tracking ( MPPT ) capabilities to optimize the efficiency and performance of the power generation system.

 

2-3 Grid-connected photovoltaic system

A photovoltaic system can be connected to the common power grid (transmission grid). In this case, the photovoltaic system can supply the power company with surplus power generated at the same time as self-consumption. This system uses a mechanism called net metering to conduct self-consumption and purchase of electricity.

 

2-4 Off-grid solar power generation system

In some areas, off-grid solar power systems are used when grid connection is difficult or when an independent power supply is required. Off-grid systems use batteries to store the generated electricity and supply it on demand. As a result, you can secure power for 24 hours using the solar power generation system.

 

2-5 Maintenance and Durability

Solar power systems are characterized by relatively low maintenance and long life. Solar panels typically have a lifespan of 25 years or more. Regular cleaning and inspection will ensure efficient operation and maximum power production.

 

Solar power is renewable energy and contributes to energy sustainability. Photovoltaic power generation is widely adopted around the world as it not only reduces global warming and environmental impact, but also reduces energy costs.

 

 

3. Wind power

Wind power is a method of generating electricity by harnessing the energy of the wind. Wind turbines (windmills) are used to convert wind power into rotational energy, which is converted into electrical power with generators. Below are some important points about wind power.

 

3-1 Wind turbine

A wind turbine is a device that converts wind power into rotational energy. Key parts include rotating blades (rotors), drives (generators), towers, control systems, etc. When the wind blows, the blades rotate and generate energy.

 

3-2 Operating conditions and control

Wind turbines operate most efficiently in a specific range of wind speeds. There are usually minimum and maximum operating limits for wind speed. If the wind speed is too low, the rotation speed will not be enough and the power generation will be reduced. On the other hand, if the wind speed is too high, the wind turbine will be overloaded and risk mechanical damage. The control system monitors changes in wind speed and direction and controls the rotational speed of the turbines to maintain optimum operating conditions.

 

3-3 Layout and wind farms

Wind turbines are affected by the strength and direction of the wind and should be placed in areas with favorable wind conditions. Wind farms use wind strength and direction data to optimize the placement of wind turbines for efficient power generation. Wind farms are generally located in windy locations such as windy hills and coasts.

 

3-4 Grid-connected wind power system

The wind power system can be connected to the common power grid (transmission grid). In this case, the electricity generated by the wind farm is supplied to the electricity demand area via the grid. When power demand is high or when wind farms are generating surplus power, they can feed the grid.

 

3-5 Maintenance and environmental impact

Wind power systems are considered to be relatively maintenance-free, but regular inspections and maintenance work are carried out. Wind turbines are a relatively environmentally friendly method of generating electricity, reducing emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and helping to curb global warming.

 

As a renewable energy source, wind power contributes to sustainability and helps ensure a stable energy supply. Wind power generation can also contribute to revitalizing local economies and creating jobs.

 

4. Battery pack and generator

4-1 battery pack

A battery pack is a device that stores electrical energy as chemical energy. A charged battery pack can provide power on demand. The main features are as follows.

Electrical energy storage : Battery packs accept and store electrical power when charging. When there is demand, the stored power is released to supply power.

Portability and Flexibility : Battery packs are portable and can be connected to different devices and systems. Battery packs of various sizes and capacities exist to meet different power demands.

Charge and Discharge Cycles : Battery packs can be charged and discharged repeatedly. It draws power from an external power source when charging and powers connected devices when discharging.

Battery packs are used as portable power supplies, backup power sources in emergencies, and are widely used as storage devices for renewable energy.

 

4-2 Generator

A generator is a device that produces energy from fossil fuels and renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro, etc.). Generators utilize a power source such as an internal combustion engine or turbine to convert mechanical energy into electrical power. The main features are as follows.

Power generation from fuel : A generator produces energy by burning a fuel (gasoline, diesel, natural gas, etc.). The combustion of fuel turns the internal combustion engine, and the generator converts the rotational energy into electrical power.

Power supply stability : Generators can provide power for short periods of time when demand is high or when the power supply is interrupted. This allows you to respond to emergencies and temporary power demands.

Fuel storage and replenishment : Generators require fuel, which requires fuel storage and regular replenishment. Continuous operation time varies depending on fuel type and capacity.

Generators are widely used for emergency and remote power supply, temporary power supply such as construction sites and campsites. There are also renewable energy generators (wind power generators, solar power generators, etc.) that are used to reduce the burden on the environment.

 

 

 

5. Microgrid

A microgrid is a form of electricity distribution system, an integrated system for generating, distributing and controlling electricity within a small area or building. Below are more details about microgrids.

 

5-1 Components

A microgrid is composed of multiple elements.

Power Sources : Microgrids may include renewable energy (solar, wind, etc.) and fuel cells as primary power sources. These energy sources are selected according to local characteristics and demand.

Battery : A microgrid may contain battery systems to store electricity. Batteries ensure the stability of the power supply by storing power when demand is low and releasing it when demand is high.

Control system : A microgrid has a control system for integrated control of power sources, storage batteries, and power demand. This optimizes the balance between power supply and demand, realizing a stable power supply.

5-2 Features and Benefits

Microgrids have the following features and benefits:

Independent operation : A microgrid can supply power independently from the point of demand. This enables a stable power supply even when the demand area is disconnected from the main power grid.

Resilience : Microgrids can provide continuous power supply even in the event of a disaster or failure of the main power grid. This makes it possible to continue living and doing business even in emergencies and outage situations.

Energy Efficiency : Microgrids can improve energy efficiency to optimize local supply and demand. You can maximize your power self-consumption and reduce your dependence on the main power grid.

Harnessing Renewable Energy : Microgrids can leverage renewable energy sources as their primary power source. This will realize the sustainability of the region and reduce the burden on the environment.

5-3 Application field

Microgrids are used in various application fields.

Communities : Microgrids are used as independent power supply systems in small communities and regions. This will improve the energy self-sufficiency rate of the region and realize a sustainable power supply.

Commercial facilities and campuses : Microgrids are being deployed in buildings and facilities such as commercial facilities and university campuses to provide stable power supply and reduce energy costs.

Emergency Preparedness : Microgrids are also used as a countermeasure to ensure power supply during disasters and outage situations. Even if the main power grid goes down, microgrids can still support livelihoods and relief efforts.

Microgrids have become a key technology for improving the stability and sustainability of local power supplies.

 

 

summary

There are various ways to ensure power supply in the event of a disaster. Preparing and taking precautions, as well as leveraging renewable energy, are key to ensuring a sustainable electricity supply. There are a variety of options, including private power generation methods such as solar and wind power, the use of battery packs and generators, and even the construction of microgrids. In preparation for disasters, consider these methods and use them to secure power supply.