The Sendai Microgrid Operational Experience in the Aftermath of the Tohoku Earthquake: A Case Study

[13 January, 2013] 

Introduction:

This case study describes the Sendai Microgrid, located on the campus of Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai City in the Tohoku district in Japan, and focusses on its operation in the aftermath of the Tohoku Earthquake.

The Sendai Microgrid was initially designed in 2004 as a test bed for a demonstration project of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), entitled “Experimental Study of Multi Power Quality Supply System (MPQSS).” The demonstration project was conducted by NTT Facilities, Inc. (NTT-F). The microgrid supplied power to facilities at the Tohoku Fukushi University. After the study was completed in 2008, the microgrid system continued in operation under the management of NTT-F.

On March 11, 2011, the devastating Great East Japan Earthquake hit the Tohoku district, inflicting catastrophic damage on the district’s energy supply system for a number of days. Despite the extreme devastation, the Sendai Microgrid continued supplying power and heat to customers, proving its effectiveness.

The primary focus of this case study is an analysis of the operations of the Sendai Microgrid in the aftermath of the earthquake.

To download the study, please click here.