Solar and wind power are promising forms of renewable energy that may fulfill a fundamental role in future society. Sony conducts R&D on“open energy systems” that help communities take advantage of this renewable energy.
Sony has been addressing issues associated with renewable energy—specifically, the fact that generation fluctuates with weather conditions, and that surplus energy has often been wasted. Toward this end, energy storage systems have been built with original Sony energy storage modules, and R&D is focused on Sony's own approach to open energy systems that store renewable energy to help communities avoid wasting it. These open energy systems may prove useful not only in addressing environmental issues but also in providing a back-up reserve in the case of blackouts, not to mention a regular source of power in villages without electricity in developing countries.
Energy storage modules currently available
| Industrial energy storage module IJ1001M |
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Energy storage unit for industrial use ESSP-2000 |
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Compact energy storage unit for home use CP-S300E (50 Hz output)
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Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology
Group company Sony Computer Science Laboratories is now studying an open energy system in use at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, a new graduate school dedicated to world-class research and education in science and technology. On-campus wind turbines and solar panels are linked to an energy storage system incorporating energy storage modules (IJ1001M). Ultimately, administrators also hope to use renewable energy to meet the needs of a neighboring community with ties to the school. Through pilot programs of open energy systems, Sony supports the formation of eco-conscious communities served by renewable energy.
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Wind turbines and solar panels on campus
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Three projectors on campus are currently powered by renewable energy.