Chubu Electric Power Builds Microgrid Testing Facility with Solar Power and Storage Batteries
September 30, 2025
Overview of Otaka Grid
(Source: Chubu Electric Power)
Equipment Configuration Image
Control
System (EMS)
Within Research Institute Premises
Simulated Distribution Line
Series
Impedance
Distribution Line
Measurement Equipment
Substation
Solar Power Generation Simulator
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Energy Storage Equipment
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Simulated Load Equipment (Electronic Load)
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Simulated Load Equipment (Resistive Load)
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Synchronous Power Supply Equipment
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Fault Generating Equipment
Main Equipment Overview
| Equipment Name | New/Existing | Specifications / Role |
|---|---|---|
| Control System (EMS) | New | · Cloud-based · Data acquisition / forecasting · Resource control |
| Solar Power Generation Simulator | New | · 50kW |
| Energy Storage Equipment | New | · Lithium-ion battery · 500kW |
| Simulated Load Equipment (Electronic Load) | New | · 50kW |
| Simulated Load Equipment (Resistive Load) | Existing | · 70kW |
| Synchronous Power Supply Equipment | Existing | · Total 17kW |
| Fault Generating Equipment | New | · Breaker for short-circuit/ground-fault |
| Simulated Distribution Line within Institute | Existing | · Total length approx. 500 meters |
| Series Impedance | Existing | · Equivalent to 10km line length |
| Series Impedance | New (Additional) | · Equivalent to 10km line length |
| Distribution Line Measurement Equipment | New | · Transmits current/voltage measurements to EMS |
On September 26, Chubu Electric Power announced the completion and commencement of operations of the Otaka Grid, a microgrid and control system testing facility using real-world power distribution equipment, at its Technology Development Headquarters in Nagoya.
The Otaka Grid comprises:
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A 50 kW solar power generation simulator
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A 500 kW lithium-ion storage battery
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A 50 kW simulated load device (electronic load)
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A 70 kW simulated load device (resistive load)
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A synchronous power source with a total output of 17 kW
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A fault generator using short-circuit/ground fault switches
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A simulated distribution line totaling approximately 500 meters
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Two series-connected impedances equivalent to 10 km in length
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An energy management system (EMS)
This facility enables a variety of research activities, including:
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Automated microgrid operation testing under power outage or fault conditions
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Field verification of prototype devices for power distribution systems
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Demonstration of new control methods for power distribution networks
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Energy management using storage batteries, solar generation, and electric vehicle (EV) batteries
Chubu Electric Power plans to use this facility to address the increasingly complex challenges faced by power grids due to expanding renewable energy deployment, as well as to research next-generation technologies. The goal is to maximize renewable energy utilization by ensuring stable power supply, maintaining power quality, and enhancing resilience during natural disasters. The company also intends to lease the facility to various industries and research institutions in addition to its own internal use.
Chubu Electric Power has previously implemented a microgrid in Iida City using a large existing solar power plant and storage batteries as an emergency power source (related article: “Microgrid Built in Iida City Using Solar Power and Storage Batteries”).
Distribution Line Measurement Equipment※2
Fault Generating Equipment
Series Impedance
Simulated Distribution Line within Research Institute※1
Synchronous Power Supply Equipment※2
Solar Power Generation Simulator※2
Simulated Load Equipment※2
Substation
Energy Storage Equipment
