Innovating ways to deliver electricity for everyone
Sony Computer Science Laboratories, Inc. (Sony CSL) strives to find more innovative ways to deliver electricity from renewable energy sources, to benefit communities around the world.
What are Open Energy Systems?
As demand for renewable energy grows, unconventional Open Energy Systems automatically manage electricity in communities based on the demand from individual homes and facilities, as well as the fluctuating production rates from renewable energy sources.
Conventional electric power systems
Open Energy Systems
Community-managed energy
Conventionally, electricity is generated in a centralised manner, then distributed through transmission lines that run over long distances, to ultimately reach residences and businesses. Open Energy Systems comprise a decentralised power distribution and battery storage network for renewable power-generating sources. Energy is then shared among local users within the network.
Effective sharing of renewable energy among users
Locally produced renewable energy, for home and business consumption, is realised with direct and efficient peer-to-peer energy distribution. A direct current (DC)-based Open Energy System (DCOES) utilises DC power, which solar panels generate, batteries store, and the peer-to-peer distribution mechanism shares among users.
Making electricity systems more independent and reliable
An Open Energy System advances the viability of renewable energy generation through autonomous exchange of electricity. Because an OES operates independently from a conventional utility power grid, it is especially valuable in places lacking reliable electricity distribution networks, or where power outages occur frequently.
Implementing a DC-based Open Energy System
At the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University, faculty residences are equipped with a direct current (DC)-based Open Energy System (DCOES). Sony CSL has been demonstrating autonomous exchange of electricity since December 2014.
Bringing electricity to the world’s people
Yoshiichi Tokuda
Sony CSL
Research and development work on novel sustainable power systems, known as Open Energy Systems (OES), began in 2010 with a project to provide public viewing of World Cup soccer games to people living without electricity. Using solar-generated power, more than 10 off-grid communities in the Northern Region of the Republic of Ghana were able to watch games from the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.
We are continuing the development, currently in Okinawa, of DC-based autonomous electrical exchange technology, which allows electricity generated from local renewable sources to be used, and distributed, efficiently in areas without large-scale power stations or even electrical distribution networks.
“Bringing electricity to the world’s people through sustainable power systems using renewable energy” is one part of the future that Sony CSL hopes to realise.
Sony Computer Science Laboratories, Inc.
Dedicated to the common good, we seek to use the benefits of our research to support positive change in the lives of the world’s people. At Sony CSL, we are inspired to develop technology and business that hold great promise for a brighter future for all”.
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