Contents

Overview of the FY2015 Annual Report .................................... . . . . . 2
Ⅰ.

Business Report

Business Management
20-Proposals for Fair Competition after Full Liberalization of the Retail Electricity Market

１.

Outline of Business Activities ...................................... . . . . .

２.

Research Report2 - 1.

List of Research Subjects

2 - 2.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......................... 56

4

Outline of Results ........................................................ . . . . . 6...... 54

21-Proposal for Design of a System Responding to the Issues Arising with the Large-Scale
Introduction of Solar Photovoltaic

３.

Organization Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......................... 58........................................... . . . . . 14

Major Research Results

Ⅱ.

Nuclear Power Generation
1-Proposal of a Rational Speed Evaluation Method and Protection Measure for Tornado Missiles. . 162-Evaluation of Radioactive Material Decontamination Performance Utilizing a FilteredContainment Venting System..................................................... . . . . . 18
3 Clariﬁcation of Degraded Fuel Behavior During Severe Accidents ..................... . . . . . 20
4 Establishment of an Error Management Process for Power Stations ................... . . . . . 22
5 Coating Integrity of Nuclear Reactor Containment Vessel and internals ............... . . . . . 24
6 Development of a Virtual Ultrasonic Testing System ................................. . . . . . 26-

Financial Statement
１.

Overview of Financial Statement ..................... 60

２.

Financial Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................ 62-

7-Development of Countermeasure Technology for Stress Corrosion Cracking in Preparation
for the Practical Application of Concrete Casks..................................... . . . . . 28

Thermal Power Generation. . . . . . 30
9 Development of high-eﬃciency oxy-fuel IGCC ...................................... . . . . . 32
8-Development of an Evaluation Technique for Creep Life in High Chromium Steel Welds-

Renewable Energy

Facts & Figures
Research Results / Intellectual Property .......................... 66
Research Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................ 67
Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................ 68. . 34............ . . . . . 36

10-Development of Technology to Predict Photovoltaic Power Generation Output in Real-Time
11-Development of a Hybrid Geothermal-Biomass Power Generation System

Electric Power Distribution
12-Assessment of the Impact of Changes in Supply and Demand Situation, etc. on Maintaining
Voltage....................................................................... . . . . . 38

13-Proposal of a Failure-Probability Evaluation Method Considering the Structural Abnormality ofTransformer Windings.......................................................... . . . . . 40

14 Ascertaining the Lightning Failure Mechanism of Smart Meter and Proposing
Countermeasures-.............................................................. . . . . . 42

15-Development of Evaluation Technology for the Seismic Performance of Transmission
Towers against Large Earthquakes............................................... . . . . . 44
16 Strengthening Response Capability against Cyber-attacks on the Electric Power Sector . . . . . . 46-

Services for Power Consumers
17-Development of a Power Consumption Estimation Method by Region Capable of
Incorporating Consumer Characteristics.......................................... . . . . . 48
18 Development of Component Technology to Utilize Smart Meter Data ............... . . . . . 50-

Environment
19-Development of New Evaluation Methods for the Environmental Impact Assessmentof Power Plants............................................................... . . . . . 52

Keyword Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................ 70

Overview of the FY2015 Annual Report

Overview of the FY2015 Annual Report
The road to resumption of nuclear power plant operation is gradually reopening, however
electric power utilities continue to face a harsh business environment. Meanwhile, in April 2016
the electric power retail market became fully liberalized, with many new operators entering theindustry and electric power utilities diversifying their business strategies or breaking up into
separate companies, indicating that the electric power business is on the brink of signiﬁcantreform.
With a forward-thinking focus on this electric power business reform, CRIEPI has conducted
research based on a speciﬁc order of priority in our FY2015 activities, produced many
accomplishments which contribute to industry and society through ongoing enhancement ofsafety in the nuclear power generation ﬁeld, stable operation after resumption of nuclear power
generation, rationalization of diagnosis for high-temperature equipment andmaintenance/operation of existing plants in the thermal power generation ﬁeld, rationalizationof equipment maintenance and renewal and natural disaster countermeasures in the power
distribution ﬁeld.
In parallel to these initiatives, CRIEPI steadily advanced our measures related to corporate
operation, including completing the transition to a general incorporated foundation andupgrading our research bases. We promoted structural reform so that we may continue fulﬁlling
our duty as a research institute which contributes to the further sophistication andrationalization of energy supply and usage, including electric power. In other words, CRIEPI has
begun establishing a sustainable business management system. Furthermore, in order to convey
our new form to stakeholders and emphasize that CRIEPI will embrace the coming reforms andfurther lead them, we have replaced our conventional Business Report/Financial Statement withthis Annual Report.
The electric power domain is an equipment industry based on technology, and the fact will
never change that technical solutions to challenges from all aspects will always be sought andthat the approval of society in regards to these technologies is essential. CRIEPI will continue tocreate and oﬀer research accomplishments based on scientiﬁc objectivity as the“central
research institute of the electric power industry”and“academic research institute contributing
to society through scientiﬁc technology research”.
Masahiro Kakumu

CRIEPI, as the“central research institute of the electric power industry”and“academic research institute contributing to society through scientiﬁctechnology research”, will support reform of technologies and systems relating
to the supply and usage of energy, including electric power, and continue toguide the energy industry forward.

President

2

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report3

Ⅰ. Business Report1.

Outline of Business Activities

1. Outline of Business Activities

As the central research institution of the electric power industry, CRIEPI engaged
in a broad range of R&D activities, produced results able to be utilized in avariety of scenes within the industry and ultimately, contributed to society.

・In light of the open innovation trend emerging in industrial research, CRIEPI formed a range of alliances with universities,
research institutions, private companies, etc. in areas such as smart meter data utilization and IoT (Internet of Things), withthe aim of further harnessing our research capability.
・With consideration to the Electricity System Reform, CRIEPI has amended its bylaws, etc. on the continuous beneﬁts
concerned with J-POWER (Electric Power Development Co., Ltd.), the Japan Atomic Power Company and the Okinawa
Electric Power Company, so that individual electric utility companies can utilize our institution equally in accordance with
their respective licenses.

In ﬁscal 2015, amidst demands for R&D activities which responded to pressing issues, such as securement of a stable power
supply and harmony with the environment, speciﬁcally, securing safety in accordance with new regulations for nuclear power
plants and the large-scale introduction of renewable energy into power systems, while creating new value for consumers
relating to the utilization of electric power and energy, CRIEPI has once again produced a wide-range of results and provided
these to the electric power industry in order to support its advancement.

Moreover, CRIEPI deﬁned ﬁscal 2015 as the“Year to Prepare for Change ”in order to accommodate changes in the businessenvironment of the electric power industry. As part of this, we formulated research strategies by business sector, strengthened
communication with electricity providers and shared our R&D roadmap.
Additionally, we continued the renewal of our fundamental technologies based on a mid-to-long term perspective, maximum
rationalization of operational tasks and cost minimization. We also proceeded with the reduction of ﬁxed overhead costs, etc.
as part of our eﬀort to build sustainable management structures.

■ Maintained and improved our research capability and problem-solving ability
・CRIEPI carefully selected large research facilities critical to solving issues in the electric power industry, such as theExperimental Facility for Supply/Demand Regulation in Low-Voltage Distribution Systems, which can recreate various eventsin low-voltage distribution systems, including consumer-related, on a real-life scale, and the Aberration-CorrectedTransmission Electron Microscope (Cs-TEM), which observes the microstructure of high chromium steel pipes in thermal
power equipment. Once we made our selection, we introduced and renewed this equipment while reducing costs.
See p.13 [Major New Research Facilities]
・We promoted the development of personnel with highly-specialized knowledge and knowledge on the electric power industry
through dispatching our researchers on a long-term basis to research institutions and electric power companies, etc. both in■ Created and provided a wide-range of results to solve issues in theelectric power industry

・CRIEPI accurately assessed issues in the electric power industry which needed solving, and by allocating our resources in accordanceJapan and abroad.
・We strengthened and expanded our networks with research institutions both in Japan and overseas through joint researchand human interaction with institutions possessing sophisticated technology in energy-related R&D (EDF in France, EPRI in
the U.S., etc.)

See p.67 [Research Network]with the order of priority assigned to such issues, ultimately produced and provided results which contributed to solutions.
Examples of our achievements include proposal of a speed evaluation method and protection measure for tornado missiles, as well as
an evaluation of radioactive material decontamination performance utilizing a ﬁltered containment venting system for the nuclear power
generation ﬁeld, development of an evaluation technique for creep life in high chromium steel welds for the thermal power generationﬁeld, development of evaluation technology for the seismic performance of transmission towers against large earthquakes for the electric
power distribution ﬁeld, and a proposal for design of a system responding to the issues arising with the large-scale introduction ofsolar photovoltaic for the business management ﬁeld.

See Fig. 1, p.16 to p.57 [2-2. Major Research Results] (21 in total)

・CRIEPI also played a role in solving urgent issues by responding to accidents at electric power industry worksites, and ﬂexibly
and meticulously responding to other requests for consigned research during ﬁscal 2015.

See Fig. 2

・In regards to consigned research at the request of the Japanese national government, etc., CRIEPI was commissioned by the
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Secretariat of the Nuclear Regulation Authority and so on to undertake
research which would contribute to solving issues faced by the electric power industry, as well as advanced research toenhance and reﬁne our research capabilities.

Nuclearpower
generation

Consumer services 5※Research themes
spanning both thermal
power generation andpower distribution are
shown in duplicate.

※Renewable energy was
promoted in the 9
research themes of otherrelated ﬁelds

Power
distribution

27

Hydropower generation 1

Fig. 1・CRIEPI broadly disclosed its research results to the general publicthrough research reports with the awareness that such results

30

Thermalpower
generation

16

No. of research themes by ﬁeld for FY2015

600

646

588

712

730

709

society at large. Moreover, in regards to our intellectual property
such as patents and software, CRIEPI licensed our development

1500

programs to various corporations, such as the licensing of CPAT

1000

(CRIEPI’s Power system Analysis Tool) to the Organization for

500

Cross-regional Coordination of Transmission Operators
See Fig. 3, p.66 [Research Results / Intellectual0・Through participation in various committees run by government
bodies and academia, CRIEPI contributed to the establishment ofFig. 3

2,002

1,988

595

429

1,024

1,176

papers(reviewed)

1,845

1,865

1,854

436

453

515

1,049

1,062

971

383

383

360

350

368

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

（FY）

Transition in no. of research reports and papers

Earthquake Resistant Design of Nuclear Power Plants.
・In addition to fulﬁlling our responsibility as a PD Examination Center under the PD (Performance Demonstration) certiﬁcation

400

program which involves performing ultrasonic ﬂaw detection on nuclear power generation equipment, CRIEPI performed

300

short-circuit tests on power equipment upon request from electric power companies, manufacturers, etc. at our High Power

200

Testing Laboratory.

100

Fig. 22000

at academic
conferences

various standards and technical guidelines relating to energy and the environment, such as the Technical Guidelines on the

500

0

2500

Property]

（No.）
800
700

of reports/（No. papers） reports, etc.

acquire value when utilized by the electric power industry and(OCCTO).

Business management 5
Environment 6■ Contributed to a society that utilizes our intellectual property andproprietary technologies
Research
Papers presented
Academic

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015 （FY）

Transition in no. of consigned research projects
from electric power utilities■ Formed research strategies, etc. in preparation for change・With an awareness that the advancement of the Electricity System Reform, etc. would impact upon the various businesssectors in diﬀerent ways, CRIEPI formulated mid-to-long term research strategies for each sector speciﬁcally.
Moreover, we ensured multilayered communication with electricity providers, shared our mid-to-long term R&D roadmap for■ Steady promotion of research development base and reduction ofﬁxed overhead costs

・CRIEPI continued to steadily promote of a research development base in the Yokosuka area, etc. by creating a research
environment for the future and developing measures which contribute to the reduction of ﬁxed management overheads.
・We made a through eﬀort to reduce costs in the aspects of both research and operations, such as promoting competitive
ordering in regards to procurement, and internalizing operational tasks.

See p.58, p.59 [3. Organization Management]

the electric power industry, and amidst this, clariﬁed CRIEPI’s roles and research projects for attention.
・We used our foresight to pinpoint imminent events predicted to surface in the future, such as the role of the electric powerindustry regarding mid-to-long term policies on climate change, then promoted research to ﬁnd solutions for issues that could■ Overview of ﬁnancial Statement

potentially arise in these areas. CRIEPI also engaged in research based on creative ideas with the potential of leading to・Current revenue for ﬁscal 2015 was 27,610 million yen, which included 23,560 million yen in beneﬁts received from electric

breakthroughs for the supply and utilization of energy, including electric power industry.
・With consideration to the changes about to occur in the electric power industry, CRIEPI has continued to strengthen thefundamental technologies expected of an industrial research institute, while at the same time keeping such technologies
up-to-date by scaling down those we judged to be of low priority for the future, etc.

4Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report

power utilities under the temporary reduction measures ongoing since ﬁscal 2014, and 3,730 million yen of
government-funded consigned research projects. Meanwhile, current expenditure was a total of 28,190 million yen, which
included 9,460 million yen in personnel expenditures and 18,720 million yen in overheads. There was an ordinary net
decrease of 570 million yen.

See p.60 to p.63 [II. Financial Statement]

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report52. Research Report
2–1.

2–1.

Outline of Results

Outline of Results

After comprehensive appraisal of the whole of the electric power industry, CRIEPI
clariﬁed the issues which required solving, promoted research and produced/provided
various research results which will contribute to electric power industry.

Countermeasures for major incidents
・CRIEPI has developed Japan’s ﬁrst Fuel Rod/Control Rod Breakage/Melting Test Unit which is able to reproduce theconditions inside a reactor during a severe accident. We also clariﬁed the physical and chemical properties of fueldebris, such as the characteristics of products created by melted fuel reacting with concrete and the seepage ofradioactive substances created from the melted fuel.

See p. 20

・As part of an initiative to prevent human error in power plants, we formed an Error Management Process and presented
procedures for its gradual introduction and continuous improvement measures.

In order to clarify the beneﬁts our research results oﬀer the electric power industry and society on the whole, we newly

See p.22

established research subjects from 8 areas including nuclear power generation and promoted our research based on these.
Please refer to p. 14 for a list of these research subjects.

Safe operation of light water reactors

Below is an outline of the research results best representing each area. Also, from p. 16 onwards, we have provided
detailed descriptions of the major research results worthy of special mention.
● Keywords used in the index (p.70, p.71) are shown in bold. Explanations have been provided for some keywords.

Advances to safety technology for light water reactors
・Regarding the coating of devices, pipes, etc. installed inside nuclear reactor containment vessels, we clariﬁed thespeciﬁcations for a type of coating that doesn’t peel even during loss-of-coolant accidents or deteriorate the performance

Nuclear Power Generation

Aging management
assessment

Greater advancements in safety of light water reactors
Initiatives aimed at resumption of operations
・CRIEPI supported electric utilities to assess external natural events (earthquakes, tsunamis, tornados, volcanic eruptions,etc.) and to develop countermeasures in preparation for New Regulatory Requirements reviews.
For example, CRIEPI contributed to resumption of operations through assessment of the impact of tornado-borne missile
on nuclear power facilities and adoption of a protection net as the countermeasures in actual plants.

See p.16

・To realize an evaluation of the decontamination performance of the Filtered Containment Venting System (FCVS), which
Human Reliability
Analysis
Human reliability analysis
is a technique used in
PRA to quantitatively or
qualitatively assess thelikelihood and impact of
unsafe human acts.

allows for the containment over-pressure release through multi-scrubbers, CRIEPI has developed a technique acquiring asystematic database of FCVS decontamination performance for the major radioactive materials.

Surveillance specimen
Test specimens fabricatedfrom the same alloy metal
as reactor pressure
vessels (RPVs) which areplaced inside the RPV
upon commencement ofoperation and removed
periodically in order toinvestigate embrittlement
caused by neutron
irradiation.

Establishment of probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) technology
・In order to establish a ﬁre hazard analysis method and data for ﬁre PRA, weclariﬁed the relationship between the mass loss rate and heat release rate of
the combustion property data used in the ﬁre model (Right ﬁgure).
・In order to improve seismically induced ﬂooding PRA method and internal
ﬁre PRA, which can impact the progress of severe accidents, we are

Narrative

Earthquake groundmotion formulated
without a hypocenter
speciﬁed
Seismic ground motion
formulated withconsideration to thepossibility an active fault
may exist within theproximity of a power
plant unable to beassessed even in a
detailed investigation.

6

See p.24

developed a virtual UT system that enables examination personnel to simulate damage detection without using actual
pipes or detectors.

See p.26

・To establish a fracture toughness evaluation based on the
Master Curve method using miniature specimens whichenables the eﬀective utilization of surveillance specimens in
LWR aging management assessments and special
inspections, we clariﬁed the dimensional tolerance for
specimens and accuracy of fracture toughness evaluations.
・We demonstrated that even if a realistic dimensional

20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0

tolerance was used for miniature specimens it would notaﬀect evaluation accuracy, and reﬂected this ﬁnding in the

Thickness: 4±0.08mm
Width: 8±0.04mm
Length: 10±0.08mm
Height: 9.6±0.08mm
Notch width: 0.08mm

Thickness: 4±0.1mm
Width: 8±0.1mm
Length: 10±0.1mm
Height: 9.6±0.1mm
Notch width: 0.25mm

Dimensional tolerancein accordance withcurrent standards

Relaxeddimensional
tolerance

Radiation risk evaluations

Cancer eﬀect provable lower limit curve

・As a new indicator used in radiation risk evaluations, we
proposed the minimum provable dose (MPD) using an index
of the possibility to prove epidemiological radiation eﬀect,
and demonstrated it was possible to quantitatively allocate

and trial quantiﬁcation of ﬁre frequencies for ﬁre source categories, etc.
nuclear power stations, we have created a HRA implementation guidewhich contains a qualitative analysis technique with an innovative

Ceiling height: High

Ceiling height: Low

Provable
Not provable

MPD

If there is variation in the lifetime risk of cancer mortality
the minimum provable dose does not decrease even if theepidemiology population is increased

priority to protection measures for emergency personnel in
relation to the eﬀect on cancer (Right ﬁgure).

Population exposed to radiation (persons)

Minimal provable dose (MPD)

establishing a PRA method by developing a simulator for internal ﬂooding,・To enhance the human reliability analyses conducted for the Japanese

Variation approximate
speciﬁc toreference temperatureEﬀect of dimensional tolerance relaxation on thestandard deviation of reference temperature

JEAC by JESC (Right ﬁgure).

See p.18

the ﬁre source by conducting a lubricant oil combustion test and enhanced“Narrative”is a narrative
and the related
background informationof context leading up to
accidents or human errors
which is based on thefacts such as situationsaﬀecting human failure
events in accident
sequences, accident
analysis results etc.

A technical assessment
focusing on importantsafety equipment andinternals conducted prior
to a plant operating for
30 years (and every 10
years thereafter) fromcommencement ofcommercial operation.
This assessment assumes
that the facility being
assessed will continue tooperate beyond theabovementioned periods.

vessels.

・To achieve low-cost, eﬀective training of the examination personnel who conduct ultrasonic testing in a plant, we

Dose

PRA is a method toquantitatively assessfrequency and impact ofaccidents which could
occur in nuclear power
facilities and to express
the safety level in term of
risk, which is the productof frequency and degreeof impact.

of the emergency reactor core cooling system strainer. The results have been utilized to repair coatings in the containerStandard deviation ofreference temperature, ℃

Probabilistic Risk
Assessment (PRA)

Establishment of nuclear fuel cycle technology

A lubricant oil combustion test using
ceiling height as a parameter・In order to achieve storage of spent fuel in concrete casks, regarding the stress corrosion cracking (SCC), which is aconcept,“Narrative”, as well as a quantitative analysis method of human error probabilities.

major issue concerning metal canisters stored in casks, we have developed a technique for the prediction of SCC
occurrence through inspection of the amount of adhered salt content, etc., an evaluation technique for the speed ofcrack tip progress, and occurrence prevention technology.

Establishment of evaluation techniques for low-frequency phenomena
・We aim to establish a rational and highly-accurate evaluation technique for earthquake ground motions formulated

concentrated high-level waste, which is one of the severe accidents in a reprocessing plant deﬁned by the New

without a hypocenter speciﬁed, and near-fault ground motions. We modeled the subsurface velocity structures based on

Regulatory Requirements. The reaction mechanism evolving the volatile Ru species was then clariﬁed based on thethe results of the geophysical surveys at the strong-motion observation sites where the large accelerations were recorded
during medium-scale earthquakes. Moreover, we estimated the slip distribution on the fault planes of several
earthquakes which showed a signiﬁcant eﬀect to near-fault ground motions.
・To enhance the evaluation technique of fault activity, we veriﬁed the change in geometry of the fault plane and change in
fault fracture properties through fracture zone structure evaluation and conﬁrmed the existence of similar changes in theactual fault.
・We used actual components such as the safety valves of nuclear power devices to conduct a vibration test using astrong shake generator, conﬁrmed the dynamic function when vibration had a maximum acceleration of 20G andreﬂected the result into relevant standards (Japan Electric Association, JEAC4601 by JESC, etc.).

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report

See p.28

・CRIEPI devised a method to determine the Ru species volatilized during the loss of cooling function in a storage tank ofexperimental results.
High-level radioactivewaste
Highly-radioactive waste
liquid and the glass solids
thereof remaining after
the spent fuel reprocessing
process due to being
unsuitable for reuse.

Support for radioactive waste disposal operations
・To establish rational risk assessments of uplift and erosion in the selection of sites for the geological disposal ofhigh-level radioactive waste, we analyzed the amount of erosion over the past 100,000 years for 45 locations acrossJapan, and demonstrated the maximum amount of erosion due to sea level fall is around 100 meters.

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report

7

2–1.

2–1.

Outline of Results

Outline of Results
Response to large-scale introduction of renewable energy

Thermal Power Generation

・In order to develop a ﬂexibility of thermal units, based on current situation surveys of electric utilities and power plants
in Europe, the frontrunner in regards to the large-scale introduction of renewable electricity source, CRIEPI compiled
operational improvement methods for coal-ﬁred and natural gas thermal power generation which increase market value

Ensuring reliability of existing thermal power plants

and clariﬁed the technical conditions necessary to respond to renewable electricity source ﬂuctuations.

・For the development of visual observation technology in an

Clinker
Clinker is formed when
the ash formed from coal
combustion adheres tothe furnace wall tube, etc.
and forms clumps in acoal-ﬁred boiler. Clinker isan obstacle to the boiler
operation and must
therefore be removed.

operational pulverized coal combustion boiler to clarify the factors ofclinker formation in the pulverized combustion boiler, CRIEPI
discovered that camera technique using a mid-infrared is eﬀective.

Hydroelectric Power Generation(Right ﬁgure).
・To streamline the timing of chemical cleaning carried out to avoid
creep failure in the tubes of boilers for thermal power generation, we

Superheater

clariﬁed the impact of actual operating temperature which aﬀects the

Visible light image

failure time by conducting creep tests using actual tubes and tube

Disaster prevention and maintenance and management forhydropower facilities

Mid-infrared image

Photographs of boiler interiortemperature analyses. Based on this, we proposed an evaluation
method for chemical cleaning in line with actual operational statuses.

・In order to improve the accuracy of life assessments for the creep damage which occurs in the welds of high-Cr steel
pipes, we utilized actual plant waste to clarify the type of damage and creep strength over a prolonged period of timeand developed a life assessment technique for girth welds and repaired welds based on this.

See p.30

・To expand the eﬀective utilization of coal ash, we reduced the cost of manufacturing“Neutron Boron Gauge”which
rapidly measures the boron content in coal ash, reduced measurement time and gained an outlook forcommercialization. These eﬀorts are anticipated to facilitate the speedy selection of coal ash able to secureenvironmental safety even if used for a prolonged period of time as artiﬁcial ground material, etc.

Seismic performance
veriﬁcation
To conﬁrm whether or
not target structures have
suﬃcient seismic
performance to withstandearthquake groundmotion.

・We established a simple technique using two-dimensional static analysis as an alternative to complicated dynamic
analysis in seismic performance veriﬁcations of gravity dams in the event of a large-scale earthquake (Below image).
This technique can be applied to dams of 50 meters or less in height, which account for 70% of the gravity dams owned
by electric power companies, and is anticipated to speed up seismic performance veriﬁcations and help reduce costs.
Rigid deformation
Reservoir

Bending deformation

100-m high dam
Dam body

15.8N/mm2
Compression stress

Bed rock

Thermal technology to mitigate environmental load

simple, monthly maintenance. (Right ﬁgure)・To reduce CO 2 emissions from coal-ﬁred power plants, we proposed
high-eﬃciency oxy-fuel IGCC which recirculate Gas turbine exhaust gas (CO2)and use mixture of O2 and recirculated exhaust gas for coal gasiﬁcation andgas turbine combustion. Through various veriﬁcations, we conﬁrmed thefeasibility of this system.

See p.32

Selenium monitor（mg/L）

actual plant and veriﬁed that concentration monitoring was possible throughMaximumtensile stress
13.5N/mm2

89m
150m

Maximumtensile stress
15.8N/mm2

Compression stresslarger than static
analysis occurs

1.2

・To reduce the cost of monitoring selenium in desulfurization wastewater, weevaluated the applicability of the CRIEPI-developed selenium monitor on an

Tensile stress

Wastewater treatment
upstream
Wastewater treatment
downstream

1.0

Approx. 400m

0.8

Static analysis

Example of element mesh used in analysis

Dynamic analysis

Principal stress distribution when downstream deformation
occurs for a 100-m high dam

0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

Renewable Energy

1.2

Oﬃcial method (ICP-OES）（mg/L）

Selenium monitor measurement
accuracy

System stabilization on large-scale introduction of renewableenergyDiversiﬁcation of fossil fuels600

operation evaluation system able topredict and evaluate the operation costs ofcoal-ﬁred power plants at an actual power
plant. Moreover, we clariﬁed that it waspossible to use our combustion numericalanalysis to predict the combustion state
inside an actual pulverized coal boiler,
where it is diﬃcult to measure the state

Temperature ℃
1800
400

Heat absorption［MW］

・We veriﬁed the eﬀectiveness of our coal

due to a high temperature. (Right ﬁgure)400

Condition B70
Plant data
Numerical analysis（heat transfer/radiation）
Condition B10
Plant data
Numerical analysis（heat transfer/radiation）

200
Radiation

A boiler without Secondary SH
a ceiling

Tertiary SH

Comparison with plant data relating toheat absorption

Comparison with combustion numerical analysis result and plant data

8

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report

Ascertaining PV output
To predict and ascertain
the photovoltaic (PV)output within a speciﬁcarea from solar irradiance,
etc. when the system
operator is unable todirectly know what thePV generation output is.

ﬂuctuation by applying the moving average of the irradiation measurement value to establish technology for real-time
photovoltaic output assessment in a particular region, and veriﬁed this through application at an actual location.
See p.34

Expansion of the introduction of biomass and geothermal
power generation

Heat transfer

0

Boiler internal ﬂow condition
and gas temperature・With the goal of achieving stable power supply/demand operation, CRIEPI devised a technique for levelling irradiance・To realize a highly-eﬃcient, highly-economic geothermal power generation system, CRIEPI created a hybrid
geothermal-biomass power generation system able to improve power generation eﬃciency by utilizing renewable energy,
etc. to super-heat the steam injected into the turbines in a geothermal power plant. Moreover, we clariﬁed the system
conﬁguration, as well as the thermal eﬃciency and cost of power generation under actual operating conditions assuming
a commercial plant.

See p.36

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report

9

2–1.

Outline of Results
Forming, maintaining
maintaining andand update
update power
powerdistribution
distributionfacilities
facilities

Electric Power Distribution

・In order to reduce lightning damage of smart meters, we conducted a lightning performance evaluation test to clarify thelightning failure mechanism of smart meter, and proposed an eﬀective lightning protection measure.
See p.42

Response to the Electricity System Reform

Electromagnetictransient analysis
It simulates the dynamic
behavior of a power system
based on the waveform-levelcalculations.

Water tree
A phenomenon whereby anextremely small amount ofwater penetrates theinsulation layer of XLPE
cable (cross-linked
polyethylene), condensates
at localized points where
the electric ﬁeld is high,and the water-condensatedvolume progresses andforms branches (tree).

Lightning Location
System (LLS)
A system with multiple
sensors which detect theelectromagnetic ﬁeld
waveforms radiated fromlightning strokes to makeestimation of lightning
location, time, peakcurrent amplitudes, etc.
based on data analysis.

Formation, maintenance and upgrades of substations andtransmission lines
Advancing preservation technology for aged facilities

System stabilization on large-scale introduction of renewable energy

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report

0.20

0.25

0.30

Services for Power Consumers
Promotion of energy conservation and electriﬁcation andenhanced customer satisfaction

Demand Response（DR）
When the wholesale price has
escalated or there is a drop in
system reliability, changing
the power consumption
pattern to suppress powerusage by consumers to suitelectricity price settings or
payment of incentives such as
supply/demand adjustment
agreements.

・We conducted a questionnaire to investigate the ability of theindustrial sector to respond to a reserve power supply-type of
Demand Response (DR) as a countermeasure for ﬂuctuation in
renewable energy output（Right ﬁgure）.
・W e e v a l u a t e d t h e s t e a m m a n u f a c t u r i n g c a p a c i t y , e n e r g y
consumption eﬃciency and controllability, etc. of industrial steam
generation heat pumps, and clariﬁed technological measuresnecessary to further improve energy-saving performance.
・In order to develop a new technique for power supply/demand
management which achieves both the rational operation/formationof power distribution equipment and maintenance/enhancement ofcustomer beneﬁts, we developed a technique to estimate power
consumption by application and time of day for up to 1,000
households which considers regional diﬀerences and consumer
diversity.
See p.48
・In order to create new services which enhance customer satisfaction,
we have developed a technology using machine learning fromdemand data obtained through smart meters. This technology
estimates with high accuracy the demand data that can be utilized
to enhance consumer convenience and incorporated in services suchas DR which are eﬀective towards energy conservation.
See p.50

100％
80％
60％

5%
42%

2%

79%

7%
49%

No answer
Not possible
Possible

40％
20％

53%

0％

19%

44%

5%

0%

3%

80％

25%

35%

26%

60％

28%

40％

24%

32%

13%

16%

13%

18%
7%

20%
6%

100％

20％
0％

100％
80％
60％

25%
4%

29%
10%
14%

0%
2%
6%
17%
22% 10% 3%
41%

16%

40％

21%

20％

24%
2%

29%

25%
Air conditioning・In order to respond to the large-scale penetration of PV power generation and activation in demand areas due toadvancements in storage battery technology, CRIEPI devised a method to evaluate the eﬀect of autonomous operation
by groups of consumers (communities) on the voltage, current, load factor, etc. of power distribution systems.

0.15

Production
process/device

Next-generation power distribution system technology compatible with greater activity in demand region

0.10

Private power
generation

・We conducted a veriﬁcation test for economic supply/demand operation and system frequency stabilization utilizing
storage batteries under the large-scale introduction of renewable energy, and clariﬁed the eﬀect on reducing fuel costs
and reducing the capacity of storage batteries, which are necessary to maintain system frequency, by the optimization of
supply/demand operation plans.
・To the existing power distribution system integration analysis tool, we added functions enabling the calculation ofconnectable capacity for dispersed types of power sources such as mega solar and evaluation of the eﬀect on power
distribution cable voltage during connection. This activity improved applicability in the ﬁeld.

0.05

Prediction result for sea salt deposition after the
onset of an explosive low-pressure system

Support to streamline facility design and operate facilities
・In order to use a Lightning Location System (LLS) to estimate lightning data such as peak current amplitudes and charge
amount, which are necessary for lightning damage risk evaluation and eﬀective lightning protection design, wedeveloped a lightning data evaluation technique which uses numerical electromagnetic ﬁeld analysis and clariﬁed thelevel of performance appropriate for devices equipped on the new LLS.
・To achieve practical application of cleaning large equipment contaminated with trace PCB, we shortened cleaning timeand expanded the scope of equipment suitable for the heat-clean processing technology certiﬁed by the Ministry of theEnvironment (oil quantity, PCB concentration).

0

Sea salt deposition [mg/cm2]

・Main corrosion factors such as airborne salinity was calculated based on meteorological and terrain conditions, aiming at
establishing a preventive maintenance for operation of overhead transmission towers. Calculated results were taken overto construct corrosion maps for the overhead transmission towers across the country.
・We succeeded in the artiﬁcial formation of a progressed water treewith a long and narrow shape, which is the main cause of aged
XLPE cable (22-77 kV) deterioration (right ﬁgure). This
achievement is expected to advance life evaluation and
2.1mm
3.25mmdeterioration diagnosis technology utilizing extremely aged XLPE
cable samples.
・To establish a rational replacement plan for oil-immersed powertransformers, CRIEPI proposed an evaluation method of the failure
Water tree found in Water tree formed throughprobability of transformers from diagnoses of degradation ofan actual cableaccelerated deterioration test
insulation materials and of, abnormalities of windings.
See p.40
Progressed water trees witha long and narrow shape.

Response to changes in supply form and demand-side changes

10・To evaluate and countermeasure the risk of damage to powertransmission steel towers due to earthquakes, we conductedearthquake response observation and a load resistant capacity test,
etc. on actual steel towers and developed an evaluation method forearthquake performance against high-level seismic ground motion by
verifying and sophisticating seismic response analysis technology.
See p.44
・To evaluate meteorological disaster risk and take countermeasures,
we developed a system to predict rapid contamination of power
distribution equipment due to sea salt in association with a typhoonor explosive low-pressure system two to three days in advance（Right ﬁgure）.
・W e b u i l t a n a c t u a l u n i t e n v i r o n m e n t w h i c h s i m u l a t e s a nadministrative processing system typical of electric utilities andconducting realistic response drills for cyber terrorism. This activity
improved technical and organizational response skills against cyberterrorism attacks on electric utilities.
See p.46

DR responsiveness

An analysis technology toanalyze changes in theroot mean square valuesof voltage and current in
the seconds after an
accident, for example,
then calculate systemstability, etc.

Response to disaster and human risks

・As a response to the enhancement of wide-area power system operation, CRIEPI launched a tool for the analysis of root
mean square value of power systems (CPATFree), which can be downloaded for free, in order to standardize powersystem analysis tools.
In additions, we have developed and maintained the generic simulation models of modular multi-level (MMC) ac/dc
converters which are expected to become the main technology for 50/60-Hz frequency conversion and dc transmission.
The models have been integrated into the electromagnetic transient analysis program XTAP, and this signiﬁcantly
simpliﬁes the complicated simulation tasks.
・We developed a technique to evaluate how power quality would be aﬀected due to changes to the operation of existing
power generation systems expected to occur as a result of separation of power generation and power transmission andthe large-scale introduction of renewable energy. We clariﬁed the issues which need to be addressed and presented
solution methods thereof.
See p.38

Prior notiﬁcation time

Analysis of root meansquare value of powersystems

Duration

2–1.

Outline of Results

0％

27%

No answer
Week priorDay prior
3 hours prior
1 hour prior
10 min prior

No answer
7 days or more
Between 25 hours
and 7 days
Between 13
and 24 hours
Between 3
and 12 hours
Up to 2 hours

Responsiveness to a reserve power supply-type ofDR, acceptable prior notiﬁcation time and duration

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report

11

2–1.

2–1.

Outline of Results

Outline of Results
Major New Research Facilities

Environment

Addition of a 3-Dimensional Shaking Table Function on the Dynamic Geotechnical Centrifuge
CRIEPI added a shaking table capable of 3-dimensional excitation to the platform of our dynamic geotechnical centrifuge. This is the world’s ﬁrst

Response to environmental policy and regulations
0・Regarding the long-term targets of the world climate policy, CRIEPI

20

40

case of a 3-dimensional excitation function being added to a dynamic geotechnical centrifuge. This has made it possible to obtain veriﬁcation60

addressed the main issues from a scientiﬁc perspective after

80

100％

Other overseas countries

analyzing the relationship between cumulative CO2 emissions andManmade sources
within Japan

temperature rise, as well as the diﬀerence in relevant results of the
Fourth and Fifth Assessment Reports by the IPCC

Automobiles(Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change).
・We evaluated the impact of manmade sources in Japan on the status

China

Korea

Other ﬁxed
sources

Power plantsof PM 2 . 5 , the atmospheric particulate matter which has been

Agriculture/ Other
livestock manmadesources・In order to respond to the increasingly complex environmental impact assessments of thermal power plants, CRIEPI
developed a numerical model also useful for the prediction of cold water discharge dispersion (in addition to warm
water discharge) in the area of LNG thermal power generation.
Moreover, in order to simplify and expedite the environmental impact assessments of geothermal power plants, CRIEPI
developed numerical models to predict the dispersion of the hydrogen sulﬁde discharged from cooling towers.
Furthermore, we developed a method to investigate the ﬂight patterns of birds utilizing a transportable camera system
which can be used for environmental impact assessments and monitoring of wind farms.

Rotating axis

Rotating
arm（40ton）
Counter
WeightSlip ring for control
Rotary joint(Air/water/oil pressure)Pressure generator（Water pressure:
Up to 20MPa）

Height7.8m

Platform
Size: 1.60m×1.65m
Max. load capacity: 150G・ton(1.5ton can be loaded when 100G）

Eﬃcient environmental assessment

See p.52

Shaking table(3-dimensional excitation)

Dynamic Geotechnical Centrifuge

Plants/
Ships
Volcanos

Breakdown of impact of sources in Japan and abroad on
PM2.5 (top) and impact of manmade sources in Japanhighlighted as a substance for environmental regulation. (Right ﬁgure)data of a seismic design method using 3D chronological nonlinear time history analysis able to evaluate up to the type of ground failure.

Facility installed in March, 2009

Wireless LAN

Eﬀective rotating radius（3.2m）
Modeled sample
Pipe

Centrifugal
acceleration
Max. 100G(167.2rpm)

Photo of platform
The shaking table ismounted on top of this.

Motor (350kW)
Data logger Temperature control unit
(up to 100℃）

Slip ring for power

By rotating, the platform (shown in orange) swings upwards
and centrifugal force will work on the modeled sample.

Aberration-Corrected Transmission Electron Microscope (Cs－TEM)
The Cs-TEM, due to featuring an aberration corrector, is a transmission electron microscope thatoﬀers signiﬁcantly superior analysis spatial resolution and analysis speed compared withconventional electron microscopes, and is capable of performing a detailed analysis of a wide range
in a short time. The Cs-TEM enables quantitative and statistical studies of the dispersion of ﬁne
precipitates in high chromium steel with diﬀering chemical elements and heat treatment, etc., which

Business Management

were diﬃcult to detect with conventional electron
microscopes.
Based on these results, CRIEPI will clarify the

Evaluation and analysis of energy and environmental systems
・As a response to the debate concerning detailed institutional design of the electricity system reform, CRIEPI carried out an
investigation into the issues related to the price regulation during the transitional period following the full liberalization ofcorrelation between microstructure and material
strength, thus contributing to elucidation of thedeterioration mechanism of high chromium steel
pipes and sophistication of life prediction methods.

retail electricity market, as well as regulatory issues concerning Japan’s Antimonopoly Act, and presented a course ofaction for institutional design necessary to create an appropriate business environment.

See p.54

・Through observations relating to the introduction of‘Safety Goals’ as an autonomous measure to enhance the safety of
nuclear power plants, CRIEPI presented its stance on the issues surrounding establishment of a scheme to secure safety thatbusiness operators, society and regulating bodies could all cooperate towards, and the solutions of such issues. (Below ﬁgure).
・CRIEPI conducted a quantitative assessment of the problem of uncollected capital for existing power generation facilities
stemming from the large-scale introduction of renewable energy. The results will be useful for assessing and proposing
capacity mechanisms necessary for stable power supply,See p.56

・CRIEPI analyzed and evaluated the eﬀectiveness of the Paris Agreement as an international framework for climate policy
The Paris Agreement
An agreement adopted atthe 21st United Nations
Climate Change Conference(COP21) on December 12,2015.

and presented Japan’s issues after its adoption. We also evaluated the cost eﬀectiveness of related projects andinitiatives undertaken within the domestic climate policy framework.
Shared understanding of the signiﬁcance of safety
goals in the nuclear power industry

To assume a questioning attitude throughadaptive management

The nuclear power industry shares an understanding of why safety
goals need to be established. The utilization of safety goals combinedwith establishment of value/impact analysis, etc. leads toimprovement of decision-making, improved relationships withregulatory bodies and other incentives for business operators.

Assume an ongoing questioning attitude about what one may notknow in an attempt to achieve safety, based on the concept ofadaptive management, which emphasizes review of risk management
presumptions and systematic learning.

Experimental Facility for Supply/Demand Regulation in Low-Voltage Distribution Systems
This facility recreates various event phenomena at full-scale for distribution systems between substations and consumers (6.6kV to 100/200V),
in particular low-voltage distribution systems. This facility has an inverter power source (6.6kV, 1MVA) and can simulate the various types ofvoltage ﬂuctuations, etc. that occur in systems. This experimental facility will be utilized in order to economically maintain electric power
quality through voltage management of low-voltage distribution systems and evaluate breakdown of low-voltage equipment such as smart
meters in line with the increased introduction of photovoltaic power generation, etc.

Towards Safety Goals for continuous improvement
Periodic review from the stance of persons
other than business operators

Rebuilding the relationship with society

There are calls for an organization with suﬃcient knowledge andexperience and a stance close to business operators to constantly monitor
conditions and request periodic reviews to prevent safety goals becoming
rigid and stop taking a“countermeasure-approach”, thus contributing to
improvement of risk management in the nuclear power industry.

There is a need to hold discussions with local governments, residents,
etc. regarding“what we should protect”, which is the basis of safety
goals. Moreover, goals should not just be technical system-orientated,but also targets which spark discussion on social safety, such as therole and responsibility of concerned parties in disaster prevention.

Factors inhibiting utilization of safety goals in the nuclear power domain and future course of action

12

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report13List of Research Subjects

List of Research Subjects

Nuclear power generation●Greater advancements in safety of light water
reactors■ Initiatives aimed at resumption of operations

・Technical Assessment on Nuclear Power Plant Designs against External Natural Events・Improvement of Internal Fire Protection Methodologies in Nuclear Facilities
・Improvement of Design-Base Event Evaluation in Nuclear Reactors
・Development of Evaluation and Operation Method of the Reactor Containment
Failure Prevention Function
・Enhancement of the Severe Accident Analysis Technology and Evaluation of theEﬀectiveness of Nuclear Facilities Measures■ Establishment of probabilistic risk assessment (PRA)
technology

・Improvement of Internal Fire Mitigation Methodologies in Nuclear Facilities

・Development of Evaluation Method of Phenomena for Enhancement of PRA
Technology
・Development of Cross-Cutting Issues Required for Nuclear Risk Management
・Enhancement of PRA Technology and Establishment of Risk Management
Methodology■ Establishment of evaluation techniques for low-frequency
phenomena・Assessment of External Natural Hazards to Nuclear Facilities

・Assessment of Fragility of Nuclear Facilities due to External Natural Events■ Countermeasures for major incidents

・Improvement of Transient Event Evaluation in Nuclear Reactors
・Evaluation of Fuel Melting Processes in LWR Severe Accidents and its Mitigation
Measures・Development of Voluntary Safety Action Programs in Consideration of Human Factors
・Assessment of Radioactive Material Diﬀusion and its Impact Evaluation in
Environment
・Development for Prevention Technology of Radiation Contamination at Severe
Accidents●Safe operation of light water reactors■ Advances to safety technology for light water reactors

Thermal power generation●Ensuring reliability of existing thermal power plants

・Development of Condition Diagnostic and Maintenance Management
Technologies of Thermal Power Plants

・Improvement of Integrity Evaluation Method for Reactor Pressure Vessels
・Improvement of Integrity Evaluation Method for Core Internals, Pipings and Other
Components
・Development of Nondestructive Inspection Technologies for Components andPiping in Nuclear Power Plants■ Radiation risk evaluations

・Development of LWR Fuel and Core Management Technologies

・Impact Assessment to Safety and Performance for Operation Extension●Establishment of nuclear fuel cycle technology

・Development of Long-Term Storage Management Technologies for Spent Fuel・Technology Development for Safety Improvement and Stable Operation of
Reprocessing Plants●Support for radioactive waste disposal operations

・Development and Systematization of Long-Term Safety Assessment Technologies
for Radioactive Waste Disposal
・Development of Streamlined Approach for the Implementation of Radioactive
Waste Disposal Project●Ongoing long-term use of nuclear reactors
・Technology Development for Long-Term Use of Nuclear Energy●Response to Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power
Station・Back-Up Studies for Decommissioning and Contaminated Water Issue ofFukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station

14

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report

・Development of Support Technology for Widening System Operation and
Reinforcing System Interconnection
・Development of Techniques to Maintain Power System Stability under Steady-Stateand Emergency Conditions

・Development of Life Assessment Technology for High Temperature Structural
Components Made of High Chromium Steels in Thermal Power Plants

・Development of ICT Infrastructure Building Techniques Based on General-Purpose
Communication Technology

・Development of Countermeasures for Biofouling and Jellyﬁsh Invasion at Cooling
Water Intake Structure of Coastal Power Plant●Formation, maintenance and upgrades of substations
and transmission lines

・Development of Performance Degradation Assessment and Enhancement Methods
for Thermal Power Civil Engineering and Building RC Structures
・Development of Technologies for Increasing Use of Coal Ash●Thermal technology to mitigate environmental load

■ Advancing preservation technology for aged facilities

・Diagnostic Technology for Overhead Transmission Facilities
・Diagnostic Technology for Substation Equipment

・Development of Technologies to Reduce Environmental Burden from Thermal
Power Plants

・A Study on Rationalization of Insulation Design of the Power Apparatus andSystems Based on the Lightning Risk Management

・Development of Biomass-Derived Power Generation Technology
・Investigation and Analysis of the Trend of Hydrogen Utilization Technologies●Diversiﬁcation of fossil fuels

・Development of Advanced Technologies to Apply Unused Fuel Resource to
Thermal Power Plants●Response to large-scale introduction of renewable energy
・Load Following Capability Improvement of Thermal Power Plants

・Development of Flexible Generating Techniques for Backup Power●Thermal power generation business under theElectricity System Reform・Clariﬁcation of R&D Strategy for Thermal Power Generation Sector●Response to risk of disasters◇ Development of Extreme Weather Forecasting and Hazard Evaluation Methods
for Electric Power Facilities◇ Evaluation and Measures of Earthquake Disaster Risk on Thermal Power

Hydroelectric power generation●Disaster prevention and maintenance andmanagement for hydropower facilities

・Development of Disaster Prevention and Maintenance Technologies for
Hydropower Facilities

Renewable energy●System stabilization on large-scale introduction ofrenewable energy▽ Development of Supply-Demand Operation and Control Technology Using Energy
Storage System▽ Development of Next Generation Power Distribution Network System▽ Development of Power System Stabilization Technology in Trunk Transmission
System Assuming High Penetration of Renewable Energy▽ Development of Accurate Power Output Estimation and Forecast Techniques of
Photovoltaic and Wind Power Generation▽ Establishment of the Evaluation Technology of the High-Performance Secondary Battery▽ Evaluation of the Long-Term Performance of Photovoltaic Systems for Power
Demand and Supply Operation▽ Eﬀects of Large Scale Introduction of Renewable Energy●Expansion of the introduction of biomass andgeothermal power generation▽ Development of Biomass-Derived Power Generation Technology▽ Development of Technologies to Reduce Environmental Burden from Thermal
Power Plants

Services for power consumers●Promotion of energy conservation and electriﬁcationand enhanced customer satisfaction
・Assessment of the Value of Next-Generation Demand Management
・Development and Evaluation of Advanced Heat Pumps
・Development of Energy-Saving and Electriﬁcation Technology in Consumer andIndustrial Sectors
・Research and Development for Electriﬁcation Promotion of the Transportation Sector
・Development of Energy Information Utilization Technology▽ Supply/Demand Coordination Technology between Distributed Energy System
and Ordinary Power System▽ Issues in Institutional Design of the Electricity System Reform

・Diagnostic Technology for Underground Transmission Cable System

・Development of Maintenance and Improvement Technology of Environmental
Facilities for Thermal Power Plants

・Quantitative Evaluation of Low-Dose Radiation Risk and Reﬂection to Radiation
Protection Systems■ Improvements and upgrades to light water reactor
technology●Response to the Electricity System Reform

・Improvement of Remaining Life Assessment, Diagnosis and Maintenance ofThermal Power Plant Components

・Improvement of Pipe Wall Thinning Evaluation and Water Chemistry Control in
LWR
・Improvement of Preventive Maintenance Technology for LWR Components andPipings

Electric power distribution■ Support to streamline facility design and operate facilities

・Solutions for Electromagnetic Compatibility and Electromagnetic Interference(EMC/EMI) Caused by HV Substations and Transmission Lines・Development and Estimation of Countermeasure Technology for Fault Currents toSecure Public Safety
・Evaluation and Validation of Washing Treatment for Low-Level PCB ContaminatedTransformers
・Development of Countermeasures Against Wildlife Causing Trouble in ElectricTransmission Facilities
・D e v e l o p m e n t o f T e c h n o l o g i e s A p p l i e d t o M a i n t a i n i n g a n d R e n e w i n g
Communication Facilities for Electric Power System Operations■ Next-generation equipment technology anticipating
future facility upgrades

・Development of High Eﬃcient Electric Power Distribution Facilities for Next
Generation

Environment●Response to environmental policy and regulations
・Scientiﬁcally and Economically Rational Scenarios to Reduce CO2 Emissions▽ Evaluation and Analysis of Climate Policy・Research and Responses to Recent Biodiversity Related Issues in Electric Power
Industry・Characterization and Rational Measures of Environmental Health Risks●Eﬃcient environmental assessment

・Development of Advanced and Eﬃcient Impact Assessment Methods for
Atmospheric Environment
・Development of Advanced and Eﬃcient Impact Assessment Methods for Coastal
Environment
・Development of Eﬃcient Impact Assessment Methods for Ecosystems●Response to changes in supply form and demand-sidechanges■ System stabilization on large-scale introduction ofrenewable energy

・Development of Supply-Demand Operation and Control Technology Using Energy
Storage System
・Development of Next Generation Power Distribution Network System
・Development of Power System Stabilization Technology in Trunk Transmission
System Assuming High Penetration of Renewable Energy
・Development of Accurate Power Output Estimation and Forecast Techniques of
Photovoltaic and Wind Power Generation
・Establishment of the Evaluation Technology of the High-Performance Secondary
Battery
・Evaluation of the Long-Term Performance of Photovoltaic Systems for Power
Demand and Supply Operation

Business management●Evaluation and analysis of energy and environmental
systems・Issues in Institutional Design of the Electricity System Reform・Forecast and Analysis of Japanese Economy, Industrial Structure and Electricity
Demand・Socio-Economic Analysis of Nuclear Power Generation
・Eﬀects of Large Scale Introduction of Renewable Energy
・Evaluation and Analysis of Climate Policy■ Next-generation power distribution system technology
compatible with greater activity in demand region・Supply/Demand Coordination Technology between Distributed Energy System andOrdinary Power System
・Power Quality Preservation and Enhancement for Distribution Systems with
Advanced Customer Devices●Forming, maintaining and update power distribution
facilities

・Development of Evaluation Technology on Lightning Risk Management and Fault
Current Countermeasures for Distribution Systems
・Diagnostic Technology for Power Distribution Equipment●Response to disaster and human risks◇ Development of Extreme Weather Forecasting and Hazard Evaluation Methods
for Electric Power Facilities◇ Evaluation and Measures of Earthquake Disaster Risk on Thermal Power・Establishment of Protective Measure Technologies against Wind and Snow
Damage of Overhead Transmission and Distribution Facilities
・Development of Intrusion Detection Techniques of Cyber Attacks against
Supervisory Control System● ： Large segment a grouping of related research subjects in each ﬁelds■ ： Intermediate segment a grouping deeply related research subjects within
the large segment

・ ： Name of Research Subjects◇ ： Name of Research Subjects（promote cross-sectional study across multiple ﬁelds（Double Serving））▽ ： Name of Research Subjects（promote research subjects related to other ﬁelds（Double Serving））

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report

15

2–2.

2–2.

Major Research Results-1

Major Research Results–1

Proposal of a Rational Speed Evaluation Method andProtection Measure for Tornado Missiles
In preparation for the collision of tornado missiles on nuclear power facilities

Nuclear Power
Generation

Background
Nuclear Power plant (NPP) operators are expected by society to protect their facilities against natural disasters to the
maximum extent possible, based on the lessons learnt from the Fukushima Daiichi Power Plant disaster in 2011. One
foreseeable event is the collision of objects that have become airborne due to tornados (tornado missiles) into nuclear
power facilities.

Major Research Results

Major Research Results

As such, CRIEPI is engaging in R&D to prepare for the collision of tornado missiles into nuclear power facilities.

Outline of Results◇ Development of a Rational Speed Evaluation Method

Assessment guide for
tornado eﬀect on NPPs
A guideline to conﬁrm ininstallation approvalstages that a nuclear
reactor facility is of adesign whereby its safety
will not be impaired by atornado.

how an object will scatter from the actual height located in an NPP as an alternative to the assessment guide for tornado
eﬀect on NPPs established by the Nuclear Regulation Authority, etc. The newly developed method has been used in the
speed evaluation of tornado missiles by many NPPs and contributed to investigations verifying the conformity of NPPs
with new regulatory standards.

Koji Shirai/Yuzuru Eguchi◇ A Lightweight, Earthquake-resistant Protection Method against Tornado Missiles

External Natural Event Research Team,CRIEPI has devised a lightweight protection method with superior earthquake resistance focusing on high-strength wire

Nuclear Risk Research Centermesh made by the three-dimensional weaving of high-strength steel wire. In this protection method, a wire rope is used
TOrNado-BOrne
miSsile analysis code
TONBOS

Nuclear Power Generation

Nuclear Power Generation

CRIEPI has developed TONBOS, or TOrNado-BOrne miSsile analysis code, as a new method that enables evaluation ofaround the entire perimeter of the protection net in order to support loads caused by tornado missiles across a wide area.
Moreover, in order to prevent the wire rope breaking, we created a design whereby the deformable steel columns securing
the wire could distort ﬂexibly to suit the wire tension. This method has been adopted in many NPPs.

Analysis software toobtain calculation results
for maximum tornado
missile speed, etc. by
inputting tornado
conditions (maximum
wind speed, travel speed,
radius) and missile data
(ﬂight constant, object
height). Visualization in
the form of moving imageis also possible.

Speed［m/s］:

5High-speed Loading Experimental Facility

Equipment to elucidate dynamic material properties through an impact tensile test of net material

10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50+40m

Test to verify penetration resistance against
tornado missiles-100m

A test in which a steel weight (1500 kg) isallowed to free fall onto a full-size, high-strength
wire mesh protection net (4 m×3 m) from aheight of around 15 meters.

-100m

+100m

Application Examples of Research Results
The calculation results of TONBOS, the TOrNado-BOrne miSsile analysis code developed by CRIEPI, have been included and quoted in investigations
into the conformity of NPPs with new regulatory standards. Moreover, the protection method against tornado missiles proposed by CRIEPI has beent = 3.00sec

adopted by many NPPs in Japan, put to practical use and contributed to recommencement of operations.

An example of analysis using TONBOS
Visualization of tornado missile movement in the case a tornado (black circle) occurs directly above agroup of containers (colored balls) set up on the ground. The top left ﬁgure indicates initial conditions,while the bottom right ﬁgure indicates the position of the missiles 3 seconds later, horizontal speed (color)and speed vector (arrows).

16

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report

References： Eguchi et al., Transactions of the JSME, Vol.81, No.823 (2015)
Shirai et al., CRIEPI Research Report N14009 (2015)

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FY2015 Annual Report

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2–2.

2–2.

Major Research Results-2

Major Research Results–2

Evaluation of Radioactive Material Decontamination Performance
Utilizing a Filtered Containment Venting System
Suggest the optimal operation method for Japan and contribute to the ongoing

Nuclear Power
Generation

enhancement of safety

Background
In order to reduce the release of radioactive material during a severe accident of a nuclear reactor, optimal operation of a

A facility to reducepressure inside a nuclear
reactor containment andreduce radioactive
material release through amultistage ﬁlter.

we have to rely on the knowledge of European manufacturers. As such, CRIEPI is acquiring a systematic database ofFiltered Containment Venting System (FCVS) is necessary however its technical bases is still not suﬃcient in Japan and
FCVS performance, with the goal of suggesting the optimal operation method in Japan.

Major Research Results

Major Research Results

Filtered Containment
Venting System（FCVS）

Outline of Results◇ Construction of testing facility to evaluate FCVS performance
The eﬃciency of decontamination for the main types of radioactive materials (aerosols, iodine, organic iodine), depends
on many complex factors, such as thermal-hydraulic and physiochemical factors. Therefore CRIEPI has developed afull-scale test facility that can evaluate complex phenomena with high accuracy. This test facility has real scale test vessel

Nuclear Power Generation

Nuclear Power Generation(height: 8 m, inner diameter: 0.5 m), steam boiler, iodine/ aerosol generation system and latest measurement system. It
enables evaluation of FCVS performance under various conditions (temperature, pressure, gas-ﬂow rate, water quality).

Taizo Kanai◇ Detailed decontamination performance evaluation for the major radioactive materials

Risk Assessment Research Team,CRIEPI clariﬁed the detailed property of each ﬁlters (venturi scrubber, wet scrubber, metal ﬁver ﬁlter and so on) that makeNuclear Risk Research Centerup the FCVS. We performed Japan’s ﬁrst full-scale test for the elemental iodine, and conﬁrmed enough decontamination
performance in the high pH range that is assumed during actual operation. Moreover, this results show that pH control(adding NaOH) is valid as a countermeasure for reducing decontamination performance. Moving forward, based on thisdetailed data, CRIEPI will develop a simulator that enable evaluation of the actual FCVS performance and link this with
Severe accident
analysis code

Full-Scale Test Facility for Filtered Containment Venting System Performance Evaluation

the sever accident analysis code of nuclear power plant to suggest the optimal management method for FCVSs.

Integrated analysis codesable to predict andascertain conditions
inside a reactor such as
the position of fuel debris
during severe accidents.
Typical examples ofanalysis codes are MAAP,
MELCOR, etc.

Test facility for Filtered Containment
Venting System (FCVS) performance
evaluation

A full-scale test section andequipment such as steam boilers arealso installed.

Application Examples of Research Results
Schematics of FCVS (Left) and dependence of iodine Dependence of iodine DF w on pH (Right)
The ﬁlter portion (left (1) to (5) diﬀers depending on the type of radioactive material. High iodine decontamination factor (DF) is expectedin the alkaline solution expressed by (DF W) in the diagram on the left, and the extent of that eﬀect depends on the solution’s pH level.
CRIEPI conducted a test regarding the dependence of iodine decontamination performance on the pH level of a solution and obtained theresult that iodine can be reduced eﬃciently in the range of pH>12.

Utilization of a FCVS evaluation tool based on test data obtained with a full-scale test facility has contributed to promotion of activities to improvereliability of impact mitigation measures during severe accidents, and promote safety enhancement activities conducted by electricity providers, as wellas helped to reduce the amount of radioactive material released during a severe accident.

References： T. Kanai, M. Furuya, T. Arai, Y. Nishi,“Development of an aerosol decontamination factor evaluation method using an aerosol spectrometer”,
Nucler Engeering and Design 303, pp58-67 (2016)

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Major Research Results-3

Major Research Results–3

Clariﬁcation of Degraded Fuel Behavior During Severe
Accidents
Contributing to the enhancement of nuclear power plant safety through clariﬁcation

Nuclear Power
Generationof the core degradation process during severe accidents

Background
Japanese electric power suppliers are promoting the development of countermeasures against light water reactor severe
accident (SA) as reﬂections upon the fact that they could not prevent the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant from SA

When a situation arises
which surpasses theassumptions made during
the design stage of a
nuclear power plant that
render it impossible tosuitably control withassumed means andresults in damage such ascore meltdown.

progression. This research clariﬁes the damaged fuel behavior in the degradation and relocation processes during SA andphysicochemical property of re-solidiﬁed fuel debris formed in accident prototypical scenarios, which are necessary to
improve SA countermeasures.

Outline of Results

Major Research Results

Major Research Results

Severe accident◇ Development of a core DEGradation and RElocation test Equipment (DEGREE)CRIEPI has developed Japan’s ﬁrst out-of-pile fuel bundle experimental facility (DEGREE) capable of simulating thechemical conditions inside a reactor pressure vessel during SA, such as high temperature steam atmosphere with rapid
temperature rise of 3 ℃/s or more. DEGREE can heat 9 (3 × 3) simulated fuel or control rods in steam atmosphere up to
2000℃ or more to observe fuel behavior at the early stages of accident progression in accordance with changes in steam
processes, it will be possible to clarify the core degradation sequences during SA in detail.

Kinya Nakamura

Nuclear Fuel and Reactor Core Domain,◇ Ascertaining fuel debris properties

Nuclear Technology Research Laboratory

In order to clarify the physicochemical properties of products generated through the interaction between molten fueldebris and concrete during SAs, CRIEPI used our simulated fuel debris manufacturing furnace to conduct a meltdown test
combining ZrO2 as a simulant of molten fuel debris (U,Zr)O2 and typical concrete at a temperature up to 2500℃ and then
Fuel debris

cooled at a possible rate of 0.1 ℃/s. As a result, we clariﬁed that the ZrO 2 and concrete components hardly dissolve into

Fuel debris are created
when nuclear fuel in areactor core overheats
during a nuclear reactor
accident, causing thenuclear fuel and nuclear
reactor structure, etc. tofuse together, then cools
and solidiﬁes.

each other at all when they solidify.

Zr

AI

Si

core DEGradation and RElocation test Equipment - DEGREE
Equipment to verify the early stages of accident progression of fuel bundles, including the chemical reactions between fuel pellets, cladding, control rod,channel box, grid spacer, etc. in high temperature steam and/or air atmosphereCa

Enlargedview

W

Concentration of concrete components of Al, Si and Ca (black) areminimal in ZrO2 precipitation (high amount of Zr, shown in orange)
Fig. 1 Microstructure after adding concrete (60 wt.%) to ZrO2, melting at 2300℃ and then cooling at a rate of 0.1 ℃/s.
Moreover, in order to clarify the leaching property of actinides and ﬁssion products (FPs) from fuel debris immersed inboric acid solution which may be used as cooling water to cool a reactor core during SAs, CRIEPI analyzed a segment ofspent fuel and TMI-2 fuel debris to identify the substances that had leached into pure water and boric acid solution incollaboration with Europe’s Institute for Transuranium Elements (ITU). As a result, we clariﬁed the leaching rate for
uranium was not much diﬀerent between these two.
By identifying the physicochemical properties of once-molten fuel debris in this way, it is possible to elucidate the

TMI-2
The abbreviation for
Three Mile Island-2, oneof the reactors of Three
Mile Island Nuclear
Generating Station in the
U.S. where a severe
accident resulting in coredamage occurred in
1979.

actinides and FPs behavior of degraded and re-solidiﬁed fuel debris under various SA scenarios.

A test fuel bundle after out-of-pile severe fuel damage
test in steam-limited atmosphere above 2000℃

Application Examples of Research Results
Through accumulating experimental data on the early stages of accident progression of fuel bundle using DEGREE, it will become possible to elucidate
the reactor core damage sequences during SA in detail. Moreover, DEGREE can be used for several fuel damage tests, such as for spent fuel pool in
hypothetical SA scenario and for accident tolerant fuel or cladding materials as performance test.
By ascertaining the physicochemical properties of fuel debris, it will be possible to elucidate the release behavior of FPs caused by reaction between molten fueland concrete as well as contribute to studies into technique for the criticality management and material accountancy for degraded fuel. DEGREE will also be
useful in the study of retrieval methods for fuel debris from PCV/RPV at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant and design of fuel debris storage containers.
References： Nakamura et al., Atomic Energy Society of Japan, 2016 Annual Meeting, 2G05, Mar. 26-28, 2016, Sendai, Japan.
Nakamura et al., Atomic Energy Society of Japan, 2016 Fall Meeting, 3H09, Sep. 7-9, 2016, Kurume, Japan.

Spent fuel fragment
Fig. 220

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

TMI-2 (Molten pool portion)

TMI-2 (Crust portion)

Spent fuel fragment and TMI-2 fuel debris sample used in leaching test

FY2015 Annual ReportInagaki et al., CRIEPI Research Report, L15006 (2016).
Sonoda et al., Atomic Energy Society of Japan, 2016 Fall Meeting, 3B10, Sep. 7-9, 2016, Kurume, Japan.

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21

Nuclear Power Generation

Nuclear Power Generation

ﬂow rate, rate of temperature rises and cooling conditions. By accumulating experimental data on fuel behavior in the

2–2.

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Major Research Results-4

Major Research Results–4

Establishment of an Error Management Process forPower Stations
Contribute to prevention of events through the systemization of human error

Nuclear Power
Generation

prevention measures

Background
In order to prevent events triggered by human error (human factor events), nuclear power stations and other businesssites engaged in various measures from the perspective of quality management and safety management however thesemeasures need to be developed into an approach with higher eﬀectiveness. This research aims to develop a method to

Outline of Results◇ Systemization of error management process
Error management
A comprehensive andsystematic approach topreventing human factor
events at business sites
proposed by James
Reason of the Universityof Manchester.

CRIEPI developed the Error Management Process presented in Figure 1 as the vision of what human error prevention
measures in power stations should aim for. For the Error Management Process, CRIEPI speciﬁed the below four functionsof error management, clariﬁed the relationship between measures and developed implementation procedures for eachmeasure.
Function 1： Systemization of human error prevention activities at worksites

Measures: Establish annual activity plan, conduct activities, etc.

Function 2： Identiﬁcation and reactive prevention of problems based on
event information

Measures: Report human factor events, major event analysis,trend analysis, etc.

Function 3： Identiﬁcation of good practices and potential problems aimed
at proactive prevention

Measures: Observe on-site behavior, report near misses. etc.

Function 4： Prioritization of human error prevention activities at worksites
based on problems

Measures: Comprehensive evaluation, develop comprehensive
improvement measures, etc.

Yuko Hirotsu

Human Factors Research Center,

Nuclear Technology Research Laboratory◇ Establishment of continuous improvement approach for the error management process
HINT/J-HPES
A root cause analysis
method for major humanfactor events developed by
CRIEPI. Consists of[Understand event], [Gather
and classify information
about causal factors],[Analyze causal factors] and[Propose countermeasures].

Regarding the functions shown in Figure 1, CRIEPI proposed the gradual introduction consisting of (1) implementation of
the major event analysis of Function 2 (utilization of HINT/J-HPES developed by CRIEPI), (2) enhancement of Function 2,(3) addition of Function 1 and Function 4 and (4) addition of Function 3. This makes it possible to continuously improvethe error management process while evaluating the actual status of human error prevention measures.

Performance

Human factor
eventsDo - Conduct activities Implementation
stage

Tasks/work
processes (Behavior, mind)

Power station:
management, culture
Act Develop
improvement
measures22

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

Establish
annualactivity plan

Developindividual event
countermeasures

Measures for function 2:
Identiﬁcation and reactive
prevention of problems
based on event information

Observeon‐site behavior

Planning /Evaluation
preparation stage
stage

Developcomprehensive
improvement
measuresFig. 1

Report human factor events

Individual
Task/work

Plan Establish
Establish
behavior
human error
standard
prevention plan

Measures for function 1:
Systemization of humanerror prevention activities
at worksites

Reportnear misses

Measures for function 3:
Identiﬁcation of goodpractices and potential
problems aimed at
proactive prevention

Do
Conduct activities

Categorize/sort/accumulatepotential
Collect/utilize risk information risk information
Human factor training

Check
Identify / evaluate problems
RewardComprehensive
evaluation

Trend analysis
Conduct survey
Trend analysis

Categorize/sort/accumulate event
information

Measures for function 4:
Prioritization of humanerror prevention activities
at worksites based on
problems

Minor
ScreeningThis method is already adopted at one nuclear power station and utilized as a means of reactive and proactive event prevention. Moreover,
HINT/J-HPES, the root cause analysis method for major events developed by CRIEPI, is adopted at six nuclear power stations and utilized as a meansof reactive event prevention.
Leveraging the achievements of this research as a guide, it can be anticipated that the systemization and enhancement of human error prevention
measures at each power station will lead to greater prevention of events.

Major

Major event
analysis**Key measure

Outline picture of error management process in power stations

FY2015 Annual Report

Application Examples of Research Results

Reference： Hirotsu et. al, L08（2016）
Hirotsu,Y.: “A Management Process for Strategic Error Prevention”, In Hollnagel(Eds), “Safer Complex Industrial Environments： A Human Factors Approach”, CRC Press, (2010)

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Nuclear Power Generation

Nuclear Power Generation

Major Research Results

Major Research Resultsbuild a framework for executing the PDCA cycle, which is useful in improving eﬀectiveness, to an entire power station.

2–2.

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Major Research Results-5

Major Research Results–5

Coating Integrity of Nuclear Reactor Containment Vessel
and internals
Conﬁrm coating speciﬁcations which conform to standards and contribute to

Nuclear Power
Generation

nuclear power plant maintenanceBackground
Emergency corecooling system
Nuclear reactor(ECCS)
containment

The devices and pipes inside the nuclear reactor
containments of nuclear power plants are coated toprevent corrosion however if the coating ﬁlm peels backAn accident whereby
coolant (water) leaks due
to pipe failure, etc. in a
nuclear reactor resulting
in the inability to cool thereactor core.

and falls oﬀ during loss-of-coolant accidents, the coolant

Nuclear reactor
pressure vessel

would leak, which may have an adverse eﬀect on theemergency core cooling system（Fig. 1）. For this reason,
there is a need to conﬁrm coating speciﬁcations which do
not peel and fall oﬀ through Design Basis Accident

Pressure suppression pool
Coating with specs conforming
to JEAG4628-2010

simulated testing (DBA testing) which simulates the steam

Coating with specs notconforming to JEAG4628-2010environment during an accident, in accordance with theguideline issued by the Japan Electric Association relating
to the coating used inside nuclear reactor containments(JEAG4628-2010). Due to discontinuation of some paints,

Secure coolant
ﬂow rate

there is a need to evaluate the integrity of new coating

Normal intakeof pool water

Concern regarding
strainer blockage

Peeled oﬀ
paint, etc.

No peeled oﬀ coating ﬁlms in
Concern of adverse eﬀect on
the pressure suppression pool, strainer performance due to thetherefore no adverse eﬀect presence of peeled oﬀ coating ﬁlms
on strainer performance.
in the pressure suppression pool.

speciﬁcations. As such, CRIEPI has conducted DBA testingon the new paint speciﬁcations with high priority at electric

Nuclear Power Generation

power companies.

Nuclear Power Generation

Paint repairs to prevent
corrosion if device/pipe
paint peels away

ﬁltering unit
(Strainer)

Major Research Results

Major Research Results

Loss-of-coolant
accident

Condensate storage tank

Advantages of conducting paint repairs using
coating conforming to JEAG 4628-2010
Fig. 1

Schematic of a nuclear reactor containment andan emergency core cooling system

Kenji Kako

Structural Materials Sector,

Materials Science Research Laboratory

Outline of Results◇ Conﬁrmation of coating speciﬁcations based on DBA testing
BWR equation
Water environment
conditions of a BWR(Boiling Water Reactor)
such as internal steam
and pressure.

Up until FY2015, DBA testing was carried out for 31 types of coating speciﬁcations (Fig. 2). CRIEPI conducted anevaluation based on JEAG 4628-2010 and an evaluation of blistering, cracking and peeling based on Japanese Industrial
Standards (JIS) quoted in the JEAG 4628-2010 guideline. As a result, of the 31 types of paint speciﬁcations tested, it was
conﬁrmed that 9 types conformed to the coating guidelines for BWR equation. The results of this research will be
provided as a list of coating speciﬁcations conforming to JEAG4628 and will be utilized when coating repairs are carriedout inside nuclear reactor containments at electric power companies.

Irradiation process(γ ray)Coating speciﬁcation A（Steam conditions）【Absorbed dosage】
1x104 Gy/h

【Temperature】
171℃【Temperature】
121℃【Temperature】
93℃【Irradiation duration】≒1000 hours【Pressure】
0.48MPa【Pressure】
0.21MPa【Pressure】
0.07MPa×××【Radiation absorbed dose】
1x107 Gy

【Time】
1 hour【Time】Up to 4 days

【Time】Up to 3 days

×

×

×

×

Non-conforming↓

Coating speciﬁcation B

Experimental Facility for DBA Testing

Process of Design Basis Accident Simulation

Conforming

Radiation

A facility that can simulate a steam
environment with various temperature andpressure conditions. Coated test pieces
are exposed to steam with controlledtemperature and pressure.

Application Examples of Research Results
Coating with appropriate speciﬁcations which do not adversely aﬀect the performance of strainers during loss-of-coolant accidents can be used to carryout coating repairs if deemed necessary as the result of periodic inspections in nuclear power plants.

Example of JEAG 4628-2010 test process (BWR equation) and test pieces photos
Fig. 2

Flow of DBA testing conducted using BWR equation and judgment of conformity/non-conformity

This experiment involves irradiating test pieces with various coating speciﬁcations with radiation then exposing them to asteam environment simulating the inside of a BWR reactor and investigating whether or not the coating ﬁlms peel oﬀ.

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25

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Major Research Results-6

Major Research Results–6

Development of a Virtual Ultrasonic Testing System
Training tool for examination engineers who can detect defects with high reliability,

Nuclear Power
Generation

thereby enhancing reliability

Background
Ultrasonic testing (UT) is one of the non-destructive examination techniques used for crack detection in the piping weld

Performance
Demonstration (PD)As y s t e mt ocomprehensively provethe defect detection
ability of defect testingprocedures, equipment
and inspection personnel
in conditions closely
resembling reality.

results. As such, if high reliability is required, in addition to conﬁrming the inspection personnel’s actual level of skill
through the Performance Demonstration system (PD), it is important to improve this skill through training, etc. However,
one issue preventing the spread in skill level tests and training is the fact that a large number of expensive specimens withrealistic defects are required. Therefore, CRIEPI has developed a system to partially substitute testing and training
through simulated crack detection not requiring actual specimens.

Outline of Results◇ Virtual Ultrasonic Testing (UT) System prototype

Nuclear Power Generation

Nuclear Power Generation

A non-destructive
inspection whichtransmits an ultrasonicpulse and detects the
position and size ofdamage by receiving echo
to suit the nature of thedamage, such as internal
defects, etc.

joints in power plants, etc. However the skill of the examination engineer (inspection personnel) signiﬁcantly aﬀects UT

Major Research Results

Major Research Results

Ultrasonic Testing (UT)The Virtual UT System displays a waveform depending on the position and skew angle of the dummy probe scanning by
the examination engineer. The displayed wave data was recorded by scanning from actual examination data and test
specimens in the past. Also, to achieve a real-time response as much as possible, the Virtual UT System pursues
conditions as close to the actual task as possible to achieve realistic simulation. Based on these results, CRIEPI prototyped
a virtual UT system which adopts a magnetic 3D position sensor capable of detecting the position and angle of the probewith good accuracy and demonstrate high response speed (Figure).

Hajime Shoji

PD Center, Materials Science Research Laboratory◇ Veriﬁcation of prototype system performance and fabrication of a ﬁrst generation model
We conﬁrmed that the prototype system had suﬃcient accuracy in relation to probe position and skew angle, and that a
waveform could be displayed "real-time". We gathered feedback from inspection personnel on how it felt to operate thisprototype and received reviews that it did have suﬃcient functions to partially substitute testing and training. After this,
we fabricated a ﬁrst generation model which reﬂected these reviews, thus making it possible to train inspection personnel
at a low cost.
Displayed ultrasonic
waveform

Ultrasonic instrument(waveform display）

Probe

Simulated probe

Segmented specimen

Virtual Ultrasonic Testing system
Just as if performing testing on a real
specimen with defects, by scanning thesimulated probe over a simulated pipe,
the corresponding defect waveform isdisplayed. This eliminates the need touse expensive specimens and createsa virtual experience resembling theactual task of defect testing.

Application Examples of Research Results
The Virtual UT System will be used to train examination engineers, who will perform UT inspections to verify plant soundness, and test their skill level.
The ﬁgure on the left shows a crack detection test using an actual specimen
and the ﬁgure on the right shows a virtual UT system
The ﬁgures respectively show defect testing using an actual specimen and defect testing using the Virtual UT System fabricated by CRIEPI
on this occasion. The displayed waveform data is based on edited data obtained from specimens and defect testing on actual pipe welds,
and if defect testing work using a simulated probe on a simulated pipe is performed, the corresponding waveform is displayed.

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FY2015 Annual Report

It will also contribute to enhancing the skill level of personnel performing non-destructive testing who are involved in periodic inspections at power
plants, human resource development and increasing the reliability of inspection results.

References： Hajime Shoji et. al., CRIEPI Research Report Q14007 (2015)

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FY2015 Annual Report

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2–2.

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Major Research Results-7

Major Research Results–7

Development of Countermeasure Technology for Stress Corrosion
Cracking in Preparation for the Practical Application of Concrete Casks
Evaluate the long-term safety and soundness of spent fuel storage containers

Nuclear Power
Generation

Background
The amount of spent fuel has increased due to the recommencement of nuclear power plants and decommissioning offor spent fuel, therefore making the establishment of countermeasures to deal with spent fuel an important issue.
Considering the increase in dry cask storage, it would be diﬃcult to store spent fuel in metal casks, which are alreadybeing utilized, from the perspective of manufacturing capacity, therefore it is necessary to make concrete cask storage
possible in Japan, as this is expected to be an economic approach to store large volumes, thus expanding dry cask
method options. To put concrete casks to practical use, the long-term soundness of canisters is a key factor, however
there is concern that stress corrosion cracking (SCC) caused by airborne salt will cause the canister’s sealing performance
to deteriorate. As such, CRIEPI engages in the development of SCC countermeasure technology, including SCC
evaluation and prevention technique for SCC initiation.

Concrete Cask
（See p.29）
A cylindrical container forstoring spent fuel.
Concrete casks compriseof a concrete storage
container and canister(made of stainless steel),and its design is such thatthe heat caused by the
spent fuel decaying isreleased via naturalconvection through thecanister’s surface.

Outline of Results◇ Establishment of a prediction technique for SCC initiation caused by salt deposition
CRIEPI proposed an evaluation method relating to the amount of salt deposition on the surface of stainless steel canisters

Nuclear Power Generation

Masumi Wataru / Yuko Sakamoto(accumulated amount) over the passage of time, and clariﬁed the salt amount limit for SCC initiation (Fig. 1). Moreover,Nuclear Fuel Cycle Backend Research Center,

we developed infrared measurement technology utilizing a laser to enable measurement in high temperature, highCivil Engineering Research Laboratory

irradiation environments as a technique to inspect the amount of salt deposition during the storage period. This has madeit possible to evaluate the potential for SCC initiation during the storage period and secure soundness.

Thermostatic Chamber for Evaluation of Long-term Soundness
A thermostatic chamber providing constant temperature and humidity to perform long-term soundness experiments (corrosion testing, etc.)
on full-scale specimens (e.g. diameter: 1.8m, height: 1m, weight: approx. 2ton).

◇ Evaluation of SCC growth rate
Using a specimen fabricated with the same technique as the actual cask, CRIEPI quantiﬁed the growth rate in the case of
SCC occurring and, based on this result, clariﬁed the crack depth tolerance at which canister soundness could be

Concrete cask

maintained and storage would continue to be possible (Fig. 2).

◇ Development of SCC prevention measure
As a technique to alleviate the weld residual stress which is a factor causing SCC initiation, CRIEPI used either shot
pinning, which involves colliding small steel balls with a metal surface at high speed, or burnishing, a process of pushingsmall steel balls up against a metal surface, to a canister specimen with the same diameter as an actual canister, andveriﬁed the eﬀectiveness of this as a measure to prevent SCC.
0.4

120

Airborne salt concentration（μg/m3）
20
40
100

0.3

100
Canister temperature

80

0.2
Salt concentration limitof SCC initiation in Amount of salt deposition
SUS304L material
found with the simple

0.1

60
40

prediction method

Canister temperature（℃）

Amount of salt deposition（g/m2 as Cl）

Nuclear Power Generation

A method of storing spent
fuel in a metal container
containing inert gas(helium, etc.). The methodof storing spent fuel in apool is referred to as“wetstorage”.

reactors, and this has led to the Japanese government calling for the strengthening of storage capability in its action plan

Major Research Results

Major Research Results

Dry Cask

Concrete casks are mainstream in the U.S.,
primarily for economic reasons, and SCC
evaluations are conducted on the canisters ofstorage facilities which have been in use for20 years. These canisters are then allowed tocontinue being used for storage if theapproval of the NRC (U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission) is granted.

Cooling air outlet
Spent fuelConcrete
BasketCanister

Cooling air inlet

Application Examples of Research Results
CRIEPI plans to reﬂect the results of this research in revisions to the concrete cask standards of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers and theAtomic Energy Society of Japan. In regards to securing soundness through SCC evaluation and SCC prevention technology, a demonstrative experiment2.15mmat full-scale cask size is necessary to obtain approval. Once this is done, it is anticipated that the practical application of concrete cask storage will bepossible, there will be more options regarding dry cask storage methods, storage capability will be stronger and spent fuel countermeasures will have

0.0

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

20
8.49mm1mm

Storage years (years)

Fig. 1

28

Schematic of a concrete cask and example ofconcrete cask storage facility in the US

Evaluation of salt deposition on canisterFig. 2 Example of crack growth test results using SUS304L materialWith the concentration of airborne salt as aparameter, CRIEPI used its simple prediction method
to calculate the amount of deposition over time.

A 4-point bending test was performed on specimens made from SUS304L
and 316L to measure the crack growth rate. The specimens were broken
after the test to measure the depth and shape of the SCC.

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report

greater ﬂexibility.
References： M.Wataru et al.,“CRIEPI’s studies on the SCC of the canister for spent nuclear fuel”, Proceeding of International Conference on Management of Spent Fuel from
Nuclear Power Reactors, IAEA (Vienna), 2015
M.Wataru et al.,“SCC Tests of the canister for spent nuclear fuel storage using full scale lid model”, Proceeding of the 18th International Symposium on the
Packaging and Transportation of Radioactive Materials (PATRAM), Kobe (Japan), 2016

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Major Research Results-8

Major Research Results–8

Development of an Evaluation Technique for Creep Lifein High Chromium Steel Welds
Contribute to the safe operation and maintenance of high-eﬃciency thermal power

Thermal Power
Generation
High Chromium Steels

Steam temperatures of thermal power plants are increasing in order to achieve high-eﬃciency and, generally-speaking,high chromium steel is adopted to achieve this. In recent years there have been reports of cracks occurring due to creep
damage in the welds of large-diameter, high chromium steel pipes, which are used in 600℃-level thermal power plants.
CRIEPI has conducted a detailed analysis and study using both actual experimentation and theoretical calculations inregards to creep phenomena in girth welds (circumferential welding of pipes) and repair welds, and developed a new life
evaluation technique.

Creep Damage
A phenomenon whereby
stress works continuously
on an object and strain
increases over a long-term
period to ultimately cause
the object to break.

Outline of Results◇ Observation of damage in specimens of girth joints for large-diameter pipes under bending-internalpressure creep conditions
In actual power plants, pipes are subjected to internal pressure acting on an interior surface of pipes in addition to

Thermal Power Generation

bending force. Given this, CRIEPI performed a simulated pressurization/load experiment on a large-diameter pipe
HAZ
(Heat Aﬀected Zone)
The area of the basematerial aﬀected by heat
due to directly contacting
the weld metal. The
strength of the HAZchanges to that of theunaﬀected base material
therefore must be treateddiﬀerently.

specimen made of 12 Cr and 9 Cr, which are materials used in power plants, stopped the experiment just before the crack

Masatsugu Yaguchi / Satoshi Nishinoiri

reached the outer surface and, as a result, was the ﬁrst to successfully observe the girth weld cross-section immediately
before breakage. Through this activity, it was discovered that a large, visible crack progressed along the ﬁne grain region

Structural Materials Domain,of the HAZ within the pipe metal (Fig. 1). The results of this research will contribute to elucidation of high chromium steel

Materials Science Research Laboratory

breakage as valuable data demonstrating the crack progress in full-scale, large-diameter pipes.

◇ Stress analysis of experiment results and failure life estimation based on these results
Based on the results obtained from our experiment, CRIEPI conducted a stress analysis considering the diﬀerent

Actual Pipe Component Test Facility
A facility to perform a bending test on pipes of the actual size used in power plants while adding internal pressure. This facility is installed
underground in consideration of size and testing safety, and is capable of long-term testing.

deformation properties of the base material, welded metal and the HAZ. We satisfactorily recreated creep deformation
behavior by considering that hardening of pipe material would recover slightly if pressurization/load was stopped
mid-way through. Based on this knowledge, we developed a method of estimating the life of creep in the girth welds ofpipes under arbitrary internal pressure and bending load conditions. We also derived a formula to estimate creep life in
the case of repair welds. Consequently, it is now possible to estimate failure life of high chromium steel pipes at a

Left-hand HAZ Right-hand HAZ
Base material Welded metal Base material0

Right-hand HAZ

Outer
surface
Crack

30
-25

0

Inner
surface25

Distance from weld center (mm)Fig. 1

Crack

0mm

Crack

Crack

120mm 240mm 255mm

Distance from specimen bottom end
measured along the outer surface

Crack progress in a 12 Cr steel weld

Calculated creep failure time trcalc［ｈ］

suﬃcient accuracy by combining the life evaluation formula of small joint specimens (Fig. 2).

Position in pipe thickness direction（mm）

Thermal Power Generation

Background

Major Research Results

Major Research Results

The general term for
ferritic heat-resistant steel
containing 9 to 12%
chromium. These steels
have a heat resistance of
600 to 630℃.

plants104

103

Application Examples of Research Results
102

The results of this research will be applied to not only 600℃-level thermal power plants but also for the maintenance and management of high
102

103

104

Creep failure time measured in experiment trexp［ｈ］

Fig. 2Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report

replacement work.

Accuracy of creep life estimation

Fig. 1 is a photo of a large-diameter specimen cross-section.
By intentionally bending the pipe and stopping just before breakage, it was possible to clearly observe crack progress. The points in Fig. 2
are data obtained from various experiments. The solid line is the result of a calculation using the new life evaluation method. With thesolid line as the datum, practically all experiment data was within the range of double and half.

30

chromium pipes used in combined cycle thermal power plants; contributing to signiﬁcant maintenance cost reductions as well as eﬃcient planned pipe

References： Nishinoiri et al., ASME 2015 Pressure Vessels and Piping Conference, PVP2015-45423 (2015)
Takahashi et al., ASME 2015 Pressure Vessels and Piping Conference, PVP2015-45384 (2015)

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Major Research Results-9

Major Research Results–9

Development of high-eﬃciency oxy-fuel IGCC
Simultaneously achieve highly-eﬃcient coal-ﬁred power generation and signiﬁcant

Thermal Power
Generation

reduction of CO 2 emissions

Background
The application of CCS (CO 2 capture and storage) is currently being investigated as one mid-to-long term option for
reducing the amount of CO2 emissions from coal-ﬁred power stations. However, regarding conventional CO2 capture

A highly-eﬃcient gas
turbine combined power
generation system whichuses gas obtained fromcoal gasiﬁcation as fuel.
A net thermal eﬃciency ofat least 46％ is expected.

Net thermal eﬃciency

30% range, therefore an increase in power generation costs has emerged as an issue. In order to make a breakthrough, the
New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) started project to develop a technology
which will enable power generation to be performed with high eﬃciency in the 40% range even after CO2 capture isincorporated. CRIEPI is currently engaged in this NEDO project to develop high-eﬃciency oxy-fuel IGCC System.

Outline of Results◇ Concept and performance evaluation of high-eﬃciency oxy-fuel IGCC System

Thermal Power Generation

Thermal Power Generation

Ratio of transmitted
electricity among overallcaloriﬁc value of fuel.

technologies, a large amount of in-house power is required to capture CO2, and even in the case of IGCC (Integrated
Coal Gasiﬁcation Combined Cycle), it has been tentatively calculated that net thermal eﬃciency would decrease to the

Major Research Results

Major Research Results

IGCC (Integrated coalGasiﬁcation Combined
Cycle)

Yuso OkiCRIEPI proposed a high-eﬃciency oxy-fuel IGCC System which recirculate Gas turbine exhaust gas (CO 2 ) and use
mixture of O2 and recirculated exhaust gas for coal gasiﬁcation and gas turbine combustion. This system makes it possible

Advanced Thermal Power Technology Sector,

to achieve high net thermal eﬃciency even after CO2 capture is incorporated by combining an O2-CO2-blown coal gasiﬁer

Energy Engineering Research Laboratory

and semi-closed cycle gas turbine system. This is possible due to there no longer being a need for a CO 2
separation/capture unit such as a shift reactor which reformed syngas in the case of the conventional pre-combustion
capture method, and the adoption of a gas turbine system instead, which has minimal exhaust heat loss (Fig.). Systemanalysis, using three types of coal with diﬀerent properties, evaluated that a net thermal eﬃciency of approx. 43% could
be expected in the case of all three coal types.

H2

Coal
GasiﬁerGas
clean-up

CO2
Separation
CO2

Air/
oxygenThis unit is not required in the caseof high-eﬃciency oxy-fuel IGCC

GT/
HRSG*

Gasiﬁcation reaction is accelerated
by recirculated CO2Compression＊HRSG: Heat recovery steam generator

Conventional pre-combustion capture IGCC

Signiﬁcant reduction ofwaste heat loss (approx. 1/7)

Gas turbine system with minimal waste heat loss
Coal

Storage

Coal Research Gasiﬁer
To support IGCC demonstration project, we have developed a numerical analysis tool which considers conditions inside a gasiﬁer;
speciﬁcally, ﬂow pattern, particle trajectory, convection and radiant heat transfer and gasiﬁcation reaction. In order to verify the
analysis results of this tool, we use this research gasiﬁer to measure actual temperature distribution, and to analyze gas composition,and so on, in the gasiﬁer.

Gasiﬁer
OxygenHightemperature
gas clean-up

Oxygen

CO2

HRSG

GT

CO2

CO2

High eﬃciency is attained by installation of the high temperature gas clean-up

Compression
Storagehigh-eﬃciency oxy-fuel IGCC

Characteristics of high-eﬃciency oxy-fuel IGCC

◇ Conﬁrmation of system feasibility by evaluating eﬀect and impact of CO2 recirculation
In preparation for the implementation of the system, CRIEPI installed a CO 2 supply unit to our existing coal research
gasiﬁer, which has a coal processing capacity of 3 ton/day, and evaluated the impact of CO 2 recirculation on gasiﬁer

Former type desulfurization sorbent

Improved desulfurization sorbent

Comparison of durability to the carbon deposition of the desulfurization sorbents
The former type sorbent (left) was suﬀered by deteriorative carbon deposition under the severe condition. As alteration of raw
material enhanced durability of the improved sorbent (right), the performance of the improved sorbent was maintained properly
under the same condition.

Application Examples of Research Results
Through saving fuel consumption thanks to high eﬃciency and supporting CCS, CRIEPI’s research in this area will help to signiﬁcantly alleviate the burden
on the environment as a result of thermal power generation. Moreover, there is expectation that O2-CO2-blown gasiﬁer can be put to practical use as
high-performance gasiﬁer for industrial use due to the fact that next to no N2 mixes with the generated gas.

performance. Moreover, numerical simulation clariﬁed that it was possible to evaluate the impact of CO2 recirculation on
performance of a commercial-scale O2-CO2-blown gasiﬁer. Through these veriﬁcations, we conﬁrmed the feasibility of thissystem. Anxiety of carbon deposition at the series of equipment through which syngas ﬂows arose from carbon monoxide(CO) that was produced from carbon in coal at the gasiﬁer. The highest anxiety of the carbon deposition at the sulfur
removal process was solved by the measure of exhaust gas recirculation and development of durable sorbent.

References： Hamada, H., Kidoguchi, K., Kajitani, S., Oki, Y., Umemoto, S., Umetsu, H.,“Evaluation of CO2-Enriched Gasiﬁcation Characteristics Using Coal Research Gasiﬁer”,
Proceedings of POWER-GEN International 2013 (2013)
Kobayashi, M., Nakao, Y., Inumaru, J., Hara, S., Oki, Y.,“Suitable method to prevent carbon deposition in the IGCC power generation system with exhaust recycling and CO2
capture”, Proceedings of POWER-GEN Europe 2012 (2012)
Oki, Y., Hamada, H., Kobayashi, M., Nakao, Y., Hara, S.,“Development of high eﬃciency Oxy-Fuel IGCC System”, Proceedings of ICOPE-15 (2015), Paper ID:ICOPE-15-1174.
Oki, Y.,”Development of high eﬃciency Oxy-Fuel IGCC System”, Presentation at Gasiﬁcation technology conference 2013 (2013), (online), available from<http://www.gasiﬁcation-syngas.org//uploads/eventLibrary/>, (accessed on 28 September, 2016).

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Major Research Results-10

Major Research Results–10

Development of Technology to Predict Photovoltaic
Power Generation Output in Real-Time
Ensuring stable utility power system operation by predicting the output ofRenewable
Energygrid-connected photovoltaic systems

BackgroundIn the recent years, a large volume of photovoltaic power (PV) has been interconnected with electric power systems. In
the interconnected systems, the actual electric power demand is unknown due to the supply of power from PV, and thishinders the ability to secure reserve power, etc. Therefore, in order to ensure stable operation of the utility power system,
it is necessary to accurately ascertain in real-time PV output in areas of various scales, from wide areas covering theentire power system, to regional levels corresponding with each distribution substation. The total PV output cannot bedirectly measured as PV systems are distributed across the regions, therefore CRIEPI has been involved in theestimated from weather satellite images.

Solar irradiance

Outline of Results

Estimating PV output by amethod other than directly
measuring electricalcurrent or electricalvoltage. For example,
estimating PV output fromthe solar irradiance in aplace where a PV system
is installed.

most important parameter when estimating PV output. CRIEPI has
discovered it was possible to reproduce the incidence of clearness
indices through overlapping four normal distributions (modes)
roughly corresponding to the weather conditions of clear, fair,slightly cloudy and overcast (Fig. 1). By combining these analysis
results with weather satellite image data, CRIEPI has succeeded inestimating the solar irradiance for speciﬁc areas.

0.05
0.04
0.03

Distribution of clearness indicesincidence at the Akagi Testing Center

Observation value
without sunlight
Mode 40.02

Observation
value withsunlight

Mode 2Mode 1

Renewable Energy

Estimation of PV
outputPV output is most aﬀected by the solar irradiance; thus, it is the

0.06
Incidence frequency

Amount of energy
radiated from the sun. In
addition to the sunlight
directly obtained from thesun, PV also uses diﬀused
light for power generation.

◇ Development of an estimation method for solar irradianceusing weather satellite data

Renewable Energy

Major Research Results

Major Research Results

development of technology to ascertain PV output from the solar irradiance detected through terrestrial observation andMode 3

Akira Usami

0.01

Electric Materials Domain,0

Materials Science Research Laboratory

0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
Ratio of the horizontal global irradiance to the corresponding
extraterrestrial irradiance(clearness indices）

Fig. 1 The 4 weather modes proposed based on
the observation results of Akagi Testing
Center and corresponding incidences
The peaks were named Modes 1 through 4. The
incidence of each mode and the transition probability
through modes were analyzed to clarify the propertiesof the solar irradiance, which is directly connected withthe estimation of PV output.

◇ Estimation of PV output for wide areas and its demonstration
In order to ascertain PV output in wide areas, it is necessary to

Area boundary●： Solar irradiance observation sites

Akagi Testing Center’s outdoor measurementsite for PV power generation

estimate the solar irradiance within the area. We ﬁrst devised amethod to calculate the total PV output of a wide area fromobservations of solar radiation amounts at a small number ofArea 4locations. We also developed a method to compensate estimatedvalues for solar radiation amounts in unobserved areas withweather satellite data. Finally, in order to evaluate the validity ofﬁeld application of these methods, we evaluated the error in the
total output calculated from the PV output estimated in the fourareas (Fig. 2) against actual PV power generation measured on-site,using the main island of Okinawa as a case study. As a result, wehave demonstrated the CRIEPI’s estimation methods could be used
for actual system operation. These results will be incorporated in
the system operation of various regions and contribute to stablesystem operation.

Area 3
Area 2
Area 1This facility has PV panels facing south, west
and north and is installed adjacent to apyrheliometer.

Application Examples of Research Results
CRIEPI’s estimation methods can be used to ascertain grid-connected PV output in the utility companies. Consequently, it will become possible toacquire appropriate reserve power and standby power, which will reduce operation costs and improve the stability of utility power system operation.

Fig. 2 Solar irradiance observation sites and area
divisions on main island of Okinawa
CRIEPI divided the main island of Okinawa up into fourareas for each solar irradiance observation site andascertained PV output.

References： Usami et. al., CRIEPI Research Report Q14012 (2015)
Usami et. al., CRIEPI Research Report Q15014 (2016)

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Major Research Results-11

Major Research Results–11

Development of a Hybrid Geothermal-Biomass Power
Generation System
Realizing high-eﬃciency power generation through superheating geothermal steam

Renewable
EnergyBackground
Japan’s Basic Energy Plan has a target of the domestic geothermal power generation capacity being 1.55 million kW by
the year 2030, however currently, it stands at around 500,000 kW. Factors preventing the expansion of geothermal power
generation include limited land and the fact that the associated thermal eﬃciency is quite low at around 10%, therefore
CRIEPI is engaged in development of a geothermal power generation system with higher eﬃciency and excellent
economic performance in order to promote renewable energy (research under commission by New Energy and Industrial

Major Research Results

Major Research Results

Technology Development Organization (NEDO)).

Outline of Results◇ Concept of the hybrid heat source geothermal power generation system and economic performance evaluation
CRIEPI devised the concept of a hybrid geothermal-biomass power generation system which could improve thermal

Steam generated byseparating the two-phaseﬂuid of steam/hot waterfrom underground in amoisture separator.

eﬃciency by utilizing an external heat source to superheat the geothermal saturated steam injected into the turbines of ageothermal power plant (Fig. 1). In regards to the external heat source, after considering factors such as heat source
performance, legal aspects and equipment investment, we determined that, out of biomass, solar heat and fuel cell
exhaust heat, biomass was the most promising.

Yoshinobu Nakao

In order to verify the feasibility of this system, CRIEPI tentatively calculated the cost of power generation for the

Energy Platform Creation Domain,increased output based on biomass and discovered it would be less than, 40 yen/kWh, which is the FIT cost of biomass

Energy Engineering Research Laboratory

power generation. CRIEPI also clariﬁed the relationship between the amount of timber oﬀ cuts able to be procured due tospeciﬁc forest thinning plans in certain locations and the procurement cost including carrying the timber oﬀ site,transportation and chipping (Fig. 2). Through applying this technique, it is possible to evaluate equipment capacity andMoisture separator

orSolar heator
Biomass

Fuel cell exhaust heat

TurbineSteam superheater
Production well

Generator

Reinjection wellCondenser

Cooling
tower

Procurement cost［yen/kg］

power generation capacity corresponding with potential at development locations.

Fig. 1

Schematic of a hybrid heat source
geothermal power generation system

Electron Probe Micro Analyzer (EPMA)
A device to perform morphological observation and elemental mapping, etc. of a solid surface at a micron level.
This research uses an EPMA for observance of scale buildup on turbines and heat exchangers, elemental mapping, etc.

Compiled from data on woodbiomass availability in thevicinity of Power Plant A

14
12
10

From this ﬁgure it is possible totentatively calculate the power
generation cost andequipment capacity for a
hybrid heat source geothermal
power generation systemcorresponding with theassumed procurable biomass
amount and procurement cost.

8
6
4*Source ﬁgure from METI’s website

Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy

Geothermal saturated
steam

0

Fig. 22,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000 14,000
Procurable amount［ton/year］

Relationship between procurable biomass
amount and cost (results of tentative calculationsat actual locations)Application Examples of Research Results◇ Evaluation of plant performance of a hybrid geothermal-biomass power generation system
Energy Win
A general-purpose
program developed by
CRIEPI for analyzing
power generation system
heat eﬃciency. This
program enables the heatand mass balance
analysis of energy
systems.

36

By using Energy-Win™ to analyze performance of the hybrid geothermal power generation system, we discovered thatpower generation output increased by 30% and thermal eﬃciency was more than 20% in prescribed production well

Improvement in the eﬃciency and output of geothermal power generations will lead to recovery of the slump in output due to reduction in steam
production volume at existing geothermal power plants and the development of geothermal power generation in new regions.

steam conditions and cooling water conditions*.
In the new system, power generation eﬃciency was 22.7%, where this eﬃciency can be expressed as the net output
increase in relation to the caloriﬁc value of the injected biomass chips (geothermal 3 MW-class + biomass 1 MW-class).
This means that, compared to the 14%thermal eﬃciency of a power generation system which exclusively uses biomass asfuel (1 MW-class), the CRIEPI system would lead to eﬀective utilization of biomass chips.
* Production well steam conditions: Saturated gas: 0.5MPaA, condenser water conditions: Condenser vacuum: 700mmHg

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References： Nakao et al., World Geothermal Congress 2015 (Melbourne)
Nakao, The Geothermal Research Society of Japan Symposium Annual Meeting (2015)

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Major Research Results-12

Major Research Results–12

Assessment of the Impact of Changes in Supply and
Demand Situation, etc. on Maintaining Voltage
Indicating the possibility that unbundling and high penetration of renewable energy

Electric PowerDistribution
Reactive power

Voltage regulator
Shunt Capacitor andReactor or transformer
tap to regulate reactive
power with the aim ofmaintaining appropriate
voltage

Background
Maintaining voltage, a quality of electric power, within the appropriate range is critical to the stable supply of electric
power, and adjustment of reactive power is necessary to achieve this. The conventional large-capacity power stations(thermal, hydro, nuclear) have excellent ability to do this and have contributed for maintaining the appropriate voltage
through integrated operation with power transmission facilities (voltage regulators).
In Japan, electricity system reform have been conducted in 2013. In the future, utilities is unbundling into system
operation department and generation department. It may become diﬃcult to maintain the appropriate voltage eﬃciently,
therefore there is a need to prepare a framework to substitute integrated operation. Moreover, high penetration ofrenewable energy (RE) such as photovoltaic (PV), will cause changes in supply and demand condition and power ﬂow. It
may result in even greater changes in system voltage operation than ever before experienced. In this way, the operational
status of conventional generators and PV, etc. will impact signiﬁcantly on system voltage, and as such there is a need toquantitatively assess the issues about voltage operation.
Consequently, CRIEPI is currently engaged in the identiﬁcation of issues relating to system voltage maintenance anddevelopment of countermeasure technologies with consideration to future status changes.

Major Research Results

Major Research Results

Power necessary tomaintain voltage.
Reactive power isadjusted with a generator
and a voltage regulator.

may impact on power quality during normal condition in power system.

Bulk power system
The framework of powersystem. Mainly comprisesof between 500 kV and154 kV facilities.

Subtransmission system
The power system
responsible for supplying
electricity. Mainlycomprises of between
154 kV and 6 kV.

◇ Development of a system model to be used in
identifying issues and examining countermeasuresrelating to system voltage maintenance withconsideration to future status changes
With consideration to both the bulk power system, which is
subjected to changes in operational status of conventional
generators, and the subtransmission systems with highpenetration of PV, CRIEPI developed a system model tosimulate voltage of each location, power ﬂow including
reactive power, and regulation of reactive power using
voltage regulators.
Simulations using this system model enabled thequantitative assessment of the reciprocal impact onmaintaining voltage in the bulk power system andsubtransmission systems (Fig. 1) by inputting the generator
operational status and 24-hour ﬂuctuations of the PV output
status. These simulations are eﬀective in ascertaining
locations where voltage ﬂuctuation becomes obvious.

◇ Assessing the impact of future status changes onmaintaining appropriate system voltage
By simulating voltage ﬂuctuation over 24 hours using thedeveloped system model, we assessed the impact onmaintaining appropriate system voltage when a part ofconventional generator were partially terminated. The
simulation results showed that the impact had on
maintaining voltage in subtransmission systems diﬀered
between locations. We indicated that, in the area withdecreasing conventional generators, the ability to regulate
reactive power in the nearby location decreased, therefore
there is an increased need to adjust voltage with theoperation of a voltage regulator, hence the burden on theseregulator is increased (Fig. 2).

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Bulk powersystemSubtransmission
system(SS)Reactive power

SS

Generator
(Gen)

Gen

Gen

Change in operationof generators
under unbundling

Reduced ability tomaintain voltage
in the bulk powersystemTermination ofgenerators due
to highpenetration of RE

Reduction ofreactive power
supplied fromgenerators

Fig. 1

Subtransmission
systemTAP

Primary
Shunt Capacitor substation/Reactor

SS

Reciprocal
impact ofvoltage faces

Electric Power Distribution

Electric Power Distribution

Outline of Results

TAP

TAP

TAP

PV

PV

PV

Increases involtage
ﬂuctuationand trend in
subtransmission
systems

Distribution
substation

Hideo Koseki

Electric Power Systems Sector,

System Engineering Research Laboratory

Change in powerﬂow ﬂuctuation
and reactive
power loss due
to highpenetration of RE

Issues with maintaining system voltage during
normal condition after unbundling

The bulk power system and subtransmission systems areinterconnected via a primary substation.
It is assumed that changes in operation or termination of
conventional generators in the bulk power system due tounbundling will lead to the reduction of reactive power supply
and lead to a decreased ability to maintain voltage.
Furthermore, it is also assumed that voltage ﬂuctuation will
increase depending on the RE output status, therefore there is aneed to consider the reciprocal impact of voltage faces.

30
25
20
15

No PV output

Frequency of voltage regulator operation increase(in proximity to terminated generators)

20% PV
40% PVNo change in regulator operation

Application Examples of Research Results

1050Primarytransformer tap

Shunt
Capacitor/Reactor

Locations with high ability
to maintain voltage

Primarytransformer tap

Shunt
Capacitor/Reactor

Locations with low ability
to maintain voltage

Fig. 2 Change in frequency of voltage regulator operation
due to termination of conventional generators
In the area with decreasing conventional generators, the ability toregulate reactive power decreased, therefore there is an increased
need to adjust voltage with the operation of a voltage regulator,
hence the burden on these regulator is increased (Fig. 2).

As a way of accommodating the Electricity System Reform and advancement of high penetration of RE in Japan, it is anticipated that the appropriate
voltage can be eﬀectively maintained even with future changes in status by developing a voltage control system based on the results of this research.
This research may also contribute to the design of a framework whereby generation operators and system operators collaborate to maintain theappropriate voltage.

Reference： CRIEPI Research Report R15019 (2016), Koseki et al.

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Major Research Results-13

Major Research Results–13

Proposal of a Failure-Probability Evaluation Method Considering
the Structural Abnormality of Transformer Windings
Contribution to the establishment of a rational repair/replacement plan for aged

Electric PowerDistribution

Background

Major Research Results

In Japan, many power transmission and power distribution facilities were introduced during the period of high economic
growth and have been operated more than 30 or 40 years. Appropriate operations of such aged facilities while
maintaining high supply reliability and rational repair/replacement planning are important issues. Evaluation ofequipment life as failure probability is important to achieve rational repairs and replacement. Regarding oil-immersed
transformers, winding structural abnormalities＊1 can occur, for example, due to the internal electromagnetic force due toshort-circuit. In addition, the thermal degradation of insulation materials, such as oil-immersed insulation paper and press
board, progresses due to aging and there is a possibility of winding structural abnormalities occurring due to the loosening
in clamping strength of the windings. Therefore, CRIEPI has developed diagnosis methods for thermal degradation of theinsulation materials and abnormalities of winding such as winding displacement.

Major Research Results*1: For the purposes of this report,“structural abnormalities”shall refer to winding abnormalities such as winding displacement due to spacers
falling oﬀ and changes in the physical layout and size of windings.

Outline of Results◇ Development of a diagnosis methods for transformer degradation and abnormalities

Frequency Response
Analysis（FRA）
FRA is a method for
diagnosing winding
abnormalities. In FRA,
transfer functions, such as
the ratio of electric
input/output signal on atransformer (e.g. voltage
ratio) from several tens of Hz
to several MHz, aremeasured. The abnormalities
are detected by comparing
them with reference datameasured when thetransformer was in normal
condition.

CRIEPI developed a method to estimate the degree of degradation of the insulation materials by calculating the variationof the temperature of the windings, and so from the variation of the load during transformer operation, and evaluating thethermal stress of the insulation materials. This has made it possible to evaluate mechanical strength based on the thermal
degradation of the insulation materials. CRIEPI also developed a method to judge the existence of a winding structuralabnormality using Frequency Response Analysis (FRA).

Electric Power Distribution

Satoru Miyazaki/Yoshinobu Mizutani
High-voltage and Insulation,

Electric Power Engineering Research Laboratory◇ Establishment of a failure probability evaluation method considering structural abnormality of windings
CRIEPI established a method to evaluate the probability of transformer failure which considers the degradation of theinsulation materials in mechanical strength due to thermal aging and increase in the electromagnetic force due to winding
structural abnormalities＊2. Using the 60 kV-class transformer model as an example, we evaluated the failure probability
for the transformer winding in normal condition and for winding having some structural abnormality. We discovered thatthe failure probability becomes higher due to thermal degradation. Furthermore, it becomes even higher when thewinding has a structural abnormality. Through this, CRIEPI conﬁrmed that it is possible to evaluate transformer life
quantitatively as failure probability by using the developed diagnosis method for degradation of the insulation materials
and winding structural abnormality discussed above (Fig.).
*2: Quantitative evaluation of structural abnormality is believed to be possible by increasing the accuracy of FRA-based diagnosis method.
50
Normal condition
When spacer on the bottom of the V phase high voltage
winding has fallen oﬀ (10mm)

40
30

Avg. degree of polymerization 450

Avg. degree of polymerization 250

20

w phaselow-voltage windingv phaselow-voltage windingu phaselow-voltage winding

W phasehigh-voltage winding

V phasehigh-voltage winding

U phasehigh-voltage winding

w phaselow-voltage windingv phaselow-voltage windingu phaselow-voltage winding

W phasehigh-voltage winding0

V phasehigh-voltage winding

10

U phasehigh-voltage winding

Press break failure probability [％]Electric Power Distribution

transformers

Transformer failure probability: This was establishedas the spacer (press board) break probability by ahigh current due to short circuit of low-voltage
terminals, which is determined only by theshort-circuit impedance of the transformer. Here, theprobability of external short-circuit occurrence is notconsidered.
Avg. degree of polymerization of insulation paper andpress board: Used as an indicator of the degree ofdegradation. There is strong correlation between
them. According to the Japan Electrical
Manufacturers’ Association’s standard, JEM-1463, anaverage degree of polymerization of 450 for insulation
paper indicates life level, while 250 indicates danger
level.

Example of an evaluation result for transformer failure probability (press board failure probability)with a structural abnormality on the transformer winding

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Diagnosis of abnormalities oftransformer winding by FRA

Application Examples of Research Results
In order to apply the developed method to transformers in actual use, the accuracy of evaluations for thermal degradation of the insulation materials
and winding structural abnormalities must be improved, however it is expected that by applying this method, it will be possible to evaluate the life ofaged transformers based on failure probability and to establish rational repair/replacement plans for transformers.

References： Miyazaki et al., CRIEPI Research Report H15002（2016）
Mizutani et al., CRIEPI Research Report H11026（2012）
Miyazaki et al., CRIEPI Research Report H14010（2015）

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Major Research Results-14

Major Research Results–14

Ascertaining the Lightning Failure Mechanism of Smart
Meter and Proposing Countermeasures
Help reduce lightning damage of smart meter through eﬀective measures

Electric PowerDistribution

BackgroundIn recent years, the introduction of smart meters is being promoted in power distribution systems and there is a demand
to secure even higher reliability than previously due to the fact that smart meters are being used not only to measureelectrical power, but also for communication and as switches, etc. Meanwhile, since smart meters have internal electronic

A phenomenon in which ahigh voltage (overvoltage)occurs in a power line orcommunication cable, etc.
due to lightning, generating alarge current (overcurrent).

vulnerable to disturbance such as lightning surges. Hence, ascertaining the lightning failure mechanism of smart meterand developing appropriate designs and countermeasures are key issues to be addressed.

Outline of Results◇ Ascertaining the lightning failure mechanism smart meter and proposing countermeasures
Lightning impulse
Voltage/current generated
by simulating a lightning
surge in a high voltage
testing unit.
The standard waveforms
stipulated in industrial
standards are used involtage resistance tests,
etc.

From a lightning performance evaluation test using lightning impulse current (max. current value t: 18.7 kA), CRIEPI
clariﬁed that the causes of electronic watt-hour meter failure could be broadly categorized into (1) breakdown between

Electric Power Distribution

Electric Power Distribution

circuits which operate at low voltage, the same as conventional electronic power meters, and, there is concern they are

Major Research Results

Major Research Results

Lightning surge

the main circuit and case, etc., (2) fusing of cables on the PCB due to lightning current and (3) breakdown of the CPU
due to the magnetic ﬁeld generated by the lightning current that ﬂows through the main circuit. Regarding (1) and (2),Kazuyuki Ishimoto

CRIEPI demonstrated that rearranging varistor layout was an eﬀective countermeasure. In regards to (3), we clariﬁed that

Lightning and Electromagnetic Environment,

rearranging or shielding the CPU inside the electronic watt-hour meter were eﬀective approaches to reducing theElectric Power Engineering Research Laboratory

magnetic ﬁeld aﬀecting this portion.

◇ Establishment of a technique to estimate the failure rate of smart meter
CRIEPI established a technique to estimate failure rate caused by transient magnetic ﬁeld by comparing the failure
threshold value and the analysis result of the lightning current ﬂowing into the smart meter when distribution lines are

Lightning Impulse Generator
An apparatus which generates and applies lightning impulse voltage or current in order to verify the voltage resistance of devices. This
research used the 12 MV impulse generator (below) located at CRIEPI’s Shiobara Testing Yard which has the same function and canperform full-scale tests of distribution systems.

directly struck by lightning. By evaluating the failure rate due to lightning, it has become possible to clarify the lightning
performance demanded of smart meters and verify the eﬀect of countermeasures implemented on power lines.

(2): Failure of the PCB due tolightning current energy

Varistor

Input
CPU
conversion
portion(3): Breakdown of the CPU
due to the magnetic ﬁeld
generated by lightning
current

Power bus(1): Failure due to breakdown
between phases or
between a phase and thecaseTerminal block： Flow of lightning current【Measures to reduce lightning damage to smart meters】(1) & (2): Prevent cables on PCB from melting by rearranging varistor layout(3) Reducing magnetic ﬁeld on CPU through rearranging/shielding the CPU

Interior of a smart meterwith the CPU and otherelectric circuits removed

Causes of smart meter failure due to lightning and countermeasures thereof

12 MV impulse generator (Shiobara Testing Yard)

External appearance

Application Examples of Research Results
By utilizing this research, it can be anticipated that new smart meters will be given an optimal design to withstand lightning. Moreover, it will be possible
to reduce the smart meter failure rate to suit the distribution line equipment conditions and verify the eﬀect of countermeasures. This is expected to help
reduce damage to smart meters caused by lightning.

References： Ishimoto et. al., CRIEPI Research Report H14009（2015）
Ishimoto et. al., CRIEPI Research Report H15003（2016）

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Major Research Results-15

Major Research Results–15

Development of Evaluation Technology for the Seismic
Performance of Transmission Towers against Large Earthquakes
Contribute to evaluation of performance against large earthquakes andElectric PowerDistribution

Design seismic motion（Level 1 seismic
motion）
Seismic motion with aprobability of occurring
once or twice whiletransmission towers are inservice.
In principle, therequirement is thatstructures would not bedamaged if subjected todesign seismic motion.

As a result of the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake, evaluation of transmission tower seismic performance against high level
seismic motion and the countermeasures thereof have become key issues. To conﬁrm that power supply would not benotably interrupted in the case of high level seismic motion, it is necessary to conduct a detailed evaluation of the degreeof damage to structures. Moreover, regarding the JEC-127, the Japanese Electrotechnical Committee’s（JEC）standard for
Design Standards on Structures for Transmission, revision work is being carried out to newly incorporate seismic load indesign standards and there is a pressing need to establish a practical seismic design load. For these reasons, CRIEPI isdeveloping a sophisticated seismic response analysis technology in preparation for the evaluation of complex-structured,large-scale transmission towers.

Outline of Results◇ Observation of transmission tower seismic response
CRIEPI conducted an observation of the seismic response of an actual transmission tower (Iwaki city, Fukushima
prefecture ‒ completed FY2015), and simultaneously observed the seismic ground motion in relation to the 2011 Tohoku
Earthquake and the response of the transmission tower in accordance with the earthquake. This was Japan’s ﬁrst

Electric Power Distribution

simultaneous observation against high level seismic motion.

◇ Evaluation of seismic performance against high level seismic motion

Yusuke Sato/Tomomi Ishikawa

Structural Engineering Sector,

CRIEPI performed a steel tower load resistant capacity test using a scaled-down model as well as a sliding element test of

Civil Engineering Research Laboratory

the bolt joint portion and through this established the optimal transmission tower model for seismic response analysis. We
also developed an analysis method to evaluate the dynamic behavior in the plastic zone and veriﬁed the validity of
non-linear seismic response analysis using the results of the abovementioned seismic response observation. These
initiatives have made it possible to evaluate seismic performance against high level seismic motion (Fig.).

T o w e r M o d e l a f t e r L o a d R e s i s t a n t C a p a c i t y T e s t ‒ Buckling deformation of the main leg member of the model.

◇ Evaluation of earthquake-resistant design against design seismic motion
By developing a modal analysis program for towers and strung wires coupled system and studying equivalent static
seismic design load using the program, CRIEPI has made it possible to create a practical earthquake-resistant design.

Load resistant capacity test using a scaled-down
tower model

CRIEPI performed a seismic response analysis on a 275 kVtransmission tower against the seismic motion assuming the
Nankai Trough Mega-Earthquake. The result conﬁrmed that,while there was partial damage and residual displacement,
the functions of the tower were maintained.
1500
Line orthogonal direction (mm)Electric Power Distribution

Seismic motion that
extremely rarely occurs
while transmission towers
are in service.
In principle, therequirement is to ensure
no notable (long-term andwidespread) interference
to power supply.

Background

Major Research Results

Major Research Results

High level seismic
motion（Level 2 seismic
motion）

establishment of eﬀective countermeasures

In order to ascertain the collapse behavior oftransmission towers, CRIEPI created a test model(1/7th of actual size) representing a portion of an
80-meter transmission tower and used a static load
application testing unit able to accommodate loads
of up to 2000 kN to clarify the load-displacement
relationship of the model against cyclic load, which
represents seismic load.

Post-earthquake residual
displacement(pre-earthquake is origin)

1000

Application Examples of Research Results

5000Permanent distortionof parts

-500
-1000

the seismic performance of transmission towers against future large earthquakes, such as the Nankai Trough Mega-Earthquake, and there are expectations

Maximum displacement-1500-1500 -1000 -500

By utilizing evaluation technology for the seismic performance of transmission towers against high level seismic motion, it will become possible to evaluatethat this will result in establishment of eﬀective countermeasures. There are plans to incorporate the seismic design load relating to design seismic motion onrevision work of the JEC standard.

0

500 1000 1500

Line direction (mm)Example of displacement history of tower top

Post-earthquake state

Example of seismic response analysis results against the seismic motion assuming the Nankai Trough Mega-Earthquake

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References： Sato et al. Japan Society of Civil Engineers, 69th Annual Meeting (2014)
Sato et al., 15th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering (2012)

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Major Research Results-16

Major Research Results–16

Strengthening Response Capability against
Cyber-attacks on the Electric Power Sector
Acquire and enhance incident response capability through security exercises

Electric PowerDistribution

BackgroundDue to the sophistication of cyber-attacks, it has become impossible to completely prevent cyber-intrusion of ICT
systems. In the electric power sector in Japan, as a critical infrastructure sector, it is necessary to not only establish
prevention measures against cyber-attacks, but also develop countermeasures for cyber-intrusion. To respond toincidents, not only is early discovery critical, but so too is establishing a framework to enable swift incident response andPost-occurrence responseto mitigate damage whenan undesirable event
arises compromising theinformation security
relating to information
control or system
operations (incident).

suﬃcient incident response capability. Training through security exercises is eﬀective in accomplishing this.

Major Research Results

Major Research Results

Incident response

Outline of Results◇ Providing security exercises able to respond to the latest cyber-attacks
In order to ensure security in the electric power sector, CRIEPI utilizes the knowledge it has acquired throughinvestigations and research into related technologies such as ICT (latest attack techniques and countermeasure
deployment), to provide security exercises targeting business systems for electric power companies. For security exercise,Electric Power Distribution

Electric Power Distribution

we have developed a simulated operational environment that consists of actual equipments and devices. The system forexercises is a dedicated system isolated from the internet, and therefore it enables unrestricted simulations of cyberattacks which are diﬃcult to experience in actually operated systems. Furthermore, cyber-attacks techniques areadvancing at a fast pace. Therefore, CRIEPI is continuously adding new scenarios based on investigations of the latest

Takehiro Shimada

attack techniques.

Communication Systems,

Through these exercises, the following beneﬁts can be gained (Fig.).

System Engineering Research Laboratory

・ Raise awareness of the need for security through experiencing realistic attacks.
・ Gain knowledge related to the latest techniques through exercises responding to the latest attacks
・ Acquire, strengthen and maintain incident response capability through experiencing and responding to rapidlychanging situations under cyber attacks
By analyzing incident responses in exercises against the latest attack techniques, the results are incorporated in thedevelopment of countermeasures suited to operators of ICT systems for the electric power industry and risk assessment
techniques, then the outcomes of this development are reﬂected in electric power companies. Through these exercises,
CRIEPI also ascertains the speciﬁc needs of techniques supporting intrusion detection and countermeasure deployment
and reﬂects these in countermeasure evaluations and simulation system design.

Incident
Attack team
(Persons implementing
the exercise)

AttackMonitor, manage, and control theattack and incident response sothat the exercise runs smoothly

An exercise environmentthat consists of actual
equipment and devices.
(simulates a businesssystem)Exercise management
team(Persons managing
the exercise)Operational
monitoring

Operations team
(Persons implementing
the exercise)
Incident response・ Damage prevention
・ Damage mitigation
・ Damage escalation prevention
・ Cause investigation/removal
・ Communication with related
areas

Engaged in incident response

Application Examples of Research Results
These exercises began in 2004, before any other sector of critical infrastructure in Japan, and were completed by a total of 860 personnel by FY2015(just under 90 participants/year). The exercises are utilized for skill development of persons involved in cyber security at electric power companies andaﬃliate companies.

Outline of exercises
Exercises involve 3 teams, an attack team, operations team and exercise management team,
who monitors, manages and controls exercise activities to provide the operations team witheﬀective exercises.

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Major Research Results-17

Major Research Results–17

Development of a Power Consumption Estimation Method by
Region Capable of Incorporating Consumer Characteristics
Estimation of demand by application and time of day for a residential area of 1000

Services forPowerConsumers

households

Background
The full liberalization of retail power has created a need to equalize the overall consumer load in order to further reduce
costs on the supply side. Moreover, it can be assumed that demand will become increasingly complex due to theintroduction of photovoltaic generation (PV) and storage batteries, etc. to residences. Considering this situation, in orderto maintain and enhance individual consumers’ beneﬁts such as comfort, etc., one approach believed to be eﬀective is aregional diﬀerences and consumer type diﬀerences when estimating demand for a particular region for speciﬁc times of
day and applications.

Outline of Results◇ Development of a power consumption estimation method for a residential area of 1000 households

Services for Power Consumers

Services for Power Consumers

A control method tomaintain electric power
quality throughcollaboration between
consumer equipment
such as energy storage
devices installed within aconsumer’s household
and power distribution
equipment.

can collaborate within regions with common power distribution lines. To achieve this, it will be necessary to incorporate
Major Research Results

CRIEPI developed a method to estimate power consumption by application (e.g. lights) and in units of 0.1 hours forresidential areas in speciﬁc regions which takes consumer diversity into consideration. This method makes it possible toestimate the power consumption for an entire residential area within a region by application and time of day by inputting
residence type (detached, complex, ﬂoor area) and residence type-speciﬁc information (no. of households, family
composition), as well as utilizing statistical data on the inhabitants’ daily routine (wake time, sleep time) and device

Ayako Yasuoka/Tsuyoshi Ueno

(refrigerator, etc.) power consumption in addition to results of software developed by CRIEPI which calculates power
consumption for air conditioning purposes to calculate the power consumption by application and time of day for eachResearch Team for Advanced Management of Power Supply & Demandindividual household. As a result of applying this method to a small region within a city on Tokyo’s outer fringes(detached house region, housing complex region), we conﬁrmed it was possible to estimate the changes in power
consumption between morning and evening corresponding with each residence type in a region (Fig. 1), and that

0
1000
500
0
1000
500
0

0

6

12

18

24 0

6

12

18

Other
LightsHeaterCoolerLaundry
Hot water
KitchenTV
Refrigerator

24

Time of day [h]

48

4000

（A）+（B）
Other power
speciﬁcs（C）
Lights（B）

3000
2000

Refrigerator（A）

1000
0Comparison data 3

500

5000

Comparison data 2

Feb

1000

6000

Comparison data 1

No. of households: 643
Percentage of detached houses: 23%
Avg. ﬂoor area: 52
Avg. no. of people per household: 1.9

Housing complex
regionNo. of households: 631
Percentage of detached houses: 85％
Avg. ﬂoor area: 68
Avg. no. of people per household: 2.8

Detached house
regionHousing complex
regionPower consumption [kWh/year/household]

Residential area withdetached houses

May

Power consumption [kW]estimated values per application (Fig. 2) had an accuracy in the same order as documented values.

Aug

Major Research Results

new method of power supply and demand management in which power distribution equipment and consumer facilities
Method of power
supply and demand
management

Customer Test Facility（Akagi District）

Application Examples of Research Results

Fig. 1 Results of a power consumption estimation according
to season and application to suit a speciﬁc region

Fig. 2 Comparison of estimated values versus documented
values of annual power consumption by application

By applying this method in regions where photovoltaic power generation and storage batteries have been introduced to common households, there areThis is an example of estimation results for monthly-average daily
power consumption by season targeting two regions with diﬀeringcharacteristics. It is possible to estimate power consumption bytime of day and conﬁrm that the increase in power consumption atmorning and night within a residence is expressed.

Indicates the annual power consumption per household speciﬁc torefrigerators, lights and other power usage. It is clear from theﬁgure that the estimated values obtained using the method
developed by CRIEPI are in the same order as actual measured
data used in documentation (Energy Eﬃciency and Conservation
Subcommittee, Advisory Committee for Natural Resources andEnergy (Comparison data 1), actual measurement by Tsuji et al.
from Osaka University, part 1 (Comparison data 2) and part 2(Comparison data 3).

maximize both energy eﬃciency and economic eﬃciency, as well as utilize supply/demand collaboration in the power distribution sector for rational

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report

expectations that it will become possible to estimate residential power consumption within a region with several hundred to a thousand households, andequipment operation.

References： Ueno et al., CRIEPI Research Report R15006 (2016)
Yasuoka et al., CRIEPI Research Report R14010 (2015)

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Major Research Results-18

Major Research Results–18

Development of Component Technology to Utilize
Smart Meter Data
Approximating actual demand from recorded data in units of 100 Wh

Services forPowerConsumers

BackgroundIn recent times, an increasing number of common households are being ﬁtted with smart meters. There is a movement toutilize the electric power demand data measured by smart meters (smart meter data), then collected and recorded every
30 minutes through Route A, for the purpose of enhancing services oﬀered to electric power company customers.
However, smart meter data is collected in units of 100Wh, therefore changes in electric power demand cannot be

A communication routethat sends the automatic
readings taken by smart
meters to electric powercompanies. Through RouteA, demand data is rounded
oﬀ to the nearest 100Wh
every 30 minutes and sent.
The portion that is roundedoﬀ is carried forward to thenext 30-minute period.
M e a n w h i l e , t h ecommunication route
within a household isreferred to as“Route B”.

analyzed in detail, and there is concern that this limits the data’s potential as a means of enhancing customer service. In
order to remove such limitations, CRIEPI is engaged in the development of component technology to utilize smart meterdata with good accuracy.
Major Research Results

Outline of Results◇ Development of a method to estimate actual demand from smart meter data
CRIEPI developed a technology to estimate actual demand with good accuracy based on smart meter data alone. Smart

Services for Power Consumers

meter data is collected in units of 100Wh, therefore, in the case of a household which uses practically no electricity at all,Services for Power Consumers

Major Research Results

Route Aa measurement of 0Wh would be continuously recorded and collected, however when the cumulative consumption
reaches 100Wh, 100Wh would be recorded and collected, giving the impression that demand is sporadic. In this way,smart meter data and actual demand ﬂuctuate diﬀerently (Fig. 1). As such, CRIEPI developed a method to estimate actual
demand from smart meter data based on the hypothesis that signiﬁcant changes in demand occur infrequently. With thedeveloped method, data accuracy is improved as the curve approaches the changes in cumulative demand values. By

Yasushi Shinohara/Shunichi Hattori

applying the developed method to public data (data taken from 5 Swiss households over a 6-month period), and drawing

Research Team for Advanced Management of Power Supply & Demandcomparisons with actual data in 1Wh units, we assessed that the new method was eﬀective in improving data accuracy.
We then used the 3 households with the lowest actual demand (average of 200Wh or less) to compare the data obtainedusing the developed method as opposed to the data obtained using the smart meter data directly, and discovered thatwith the former, it was possible to reduce the error of the measured demand with the actual demand (absolute value
average) between 20 and 60%, therefore proving that the developed method made it possible to get closer to actual
demand. This method makes it possible to ascertain the operational status of home electrical appliances, etc. with higher
accuracy.

Power consumption (Wh)Power consumption (Wh)Smart meter

200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0

200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0

Actual demand

Low demand (absent)
Seemingly sporadic
demand (100Wh) occurs

6

9

12

15

Time of day

18

21

24

Error Wh with actual demand(absolute value average)[Wh]
Smart meter
data

Estimateddemand data

No.1

107

43

17

No.2

142

41

27

No.3

177

36

28

No.4

408

33

36

No.5

436

33

35

Estimated value
Actual demand

Low demand (absent)
Practically reproduces
actual demand

Application Examples of Research Results
Using the developed method, it is possible to better ascertain actual demand, and through combined use with AI and big data analysis technology, such

6

9

Fig. 1

12

15

Time of day

18

21

24

Example of smart meter data

Smart meter data is measured in units of 100Wh and the roundedoﬀ portion is carried forward to the next 30-minute period.
Demand is measured as 0Wh until the cumulative demand reaches
100Wh, therefore the ﬂuctuation diﬀers to actual demand.

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Avg. Wh ofHousehold actual demand[Wh]

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FY2015 Annual Report

Fig. 2

Smart meter data and estimated demand data

In the households with relatively low average demand (No. 1 ‒ 3),
the error between the demand estimated using the developed
method and actual demand was signiﬁcantly less than the error
between smart meter data and actual demand. However, therespective error values did not change signiﬁcantly in the case ofhouseholds with large average demand (No. 4 and 5).

a method has the potential of being used for the sake of new, high-quality services aimed at consumers such as care services for the elderly andenergy-saving advice.

References： Hattori & Shinohara, CRIEPI Research Report R15004 (2016)

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Major Research Results-19

Major Research Results–19

Development of New Evaluation Methods for theEnvironmental Impact Assessment of Power Plants
Eﬃcient environmental impact assessments

Environment

BackgroundIn recent years, electric power companies require performing the environmental impact assessments for the power plants
under the complex conditions, because the new power plants constructed near the existing power plants or cities is

A process that aims tocreate better business plansfrom the perspective ofenvironmental conservation.
Business operators perform
investigations, predictions
and evaluations of theenvironmental impact oflarge-scale development
projects before
implementation.

consider environmental conservation. Moreover, in regards to renewable energy, which is also becoming increasingly
popular, CRIEPI is conducting R&D aimed at the simpliﬁcation and acceleration of environment impact assessments
concerning geothermal power generation and wind power generation in order to reduce development lead-time.

Outline of Results◇ Developing a 3D model for the prediction of cold
water dispersion
Cold water discharge is heavier than the ambient waterand disperses as it sinks to the seabed. CRIEPI has
developed a numerical model considering the eﬀects ofthree-dimensional factors, such as sea bottom topography.
Using this model as an alternative to the scaled hydraulicexperiments, eﬃcient evaluation of cold water dispersion ispossible with high accuracy.

Cold water discharge

Ocean surface

ΔT=0.5℃
Area oftemperature
decrease

ΔT=1.0℃
Area oftemperature
decrease
Distance across the shore (m)ore (m)ong the shDistance al

The dispersion of cold water
discharge calculated by using CRIEPI's 3D model◇ Development of an impact prediction method to increase eﬃciency of environment impact assessments
related to renewable energy
A wind tunnel experiment is essential to predict thedispersion of hydrogen sulﬁde, which is discharged from

Toru Takeuchi/Hiroki Ono/Yasuo Niida

Environment

Environment

Environmental impact
assessment

discharged into the sea amidst such complex conditions as preparation for the construction of power plants, which

Water depth (m)Warm water discharge isthe seawater discharged
after being used as coolingwater in the condenser ofthe power plant. Coldwater discharge is cold
water discharged after
being cooled during LNG
regasiﬁcation in LNG
power plant.

increasing in the coastal zone. CRIEPI is developing the numerical model to evaluate the dispersion of warm/cold water

Major Research Results

Major Research Results

Warm/cold water
discharge

Biological Environment/Atmospheric and Marine Environment/

River and Coastal Environment Sectors, Environmental Science Research Laboratory
Large-scale Parallel Computer
Utilized for predicting dispersion of warm/cold water discharge into the sea and dispersion of hydrogen sulﬁde into the atmosphere.
This device is utilized in various ﬁelds other than those mentioned and is producing many research results.

Visible plumethe cooling towers of geothermal power plants, and thisrequires exorbitant costs and time. To solve this issue,
CRIEPI has developed a 3D, detailed numerical model
capable of making predictions with around the sameaccuracy as wind tunnel experiments and a PC-compatible
simple tool which also conforms to the Ministry for
Environment’s Guidelines for Rationalization of
Replacement Assessments. By substituting conventional
wind tunnel experiments, it will be possible to achieve
more eﬃcient assessments.

Distribution of ground concentration ofhydrogen sulﬁde (Concentration decreases
in the order of red ‒ white ‒ blue）

Example of a visualization of visible plume andthe distribution of ground concentration
calculated using a prediction model for
dispersion of hydrogen sulﬁdeperform such evaluations. By using the numerical model to make predictions on the dispersion of hydrogen sulﬁde in geothermal power assessments, it isDevelopment Organization（NEDO）

possible to reduce the time and cost required for assessments by more than half of the conventional wind tunnel experiments. This method is expected
to be incorporated in environment impact assessments of geothermal power plants planned for construction during FY2016. To facilitate the application

In assessments and post-event monitoring targeting birds into birds colliding into turbine blades or changing their ﬂight

Black kite

path to avoid such collisions is required. For this reason,
CRIEPI has developed a system that comprehensively andeﬃciently detects bird ﬂight and quantiﬁes (converts to 3D
coordinates) ﬂight paths from long videos taken on twocommercially-available cameras. This contributes to bettereﬃciency of bird surveys related to wind powerassessments.

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In the evaluation of discharged cold water dispersion in the environmental impact assessment for LNG power plants, the numerical model developed by
CRIEPI can provide an alternative to the scaled hydraulic experiments and is anticipated to be beneﬁcial in reducing both cost and time required to* Joint research with New Energy and Industrial Technology

line with wind farm construction, quantitative data relating

Application Examples of Research Resultsof this method to bird surveys for wind power assessment or monitoring, CRIEPI is currently collaborating with wind power operators to verify
Jungle croweﬀectiveness through demonstration experiments at operational wind farms.

Flight altitude
Camera 1

Camera 2

References： Niida et al., EMECS 11-Sea Coasts XXVI (2016)
Ono et al., The 13th International Conference on the Atmospheric Sciences and Application to Air Quality (2015)
CRIEPI TOPICS Vol.16 (2014)

Transportable bird observation system

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Major Research Results -20

Major Research Results -20

Proposals for Fair Competition after Full Liberalizationof the Retail Electricity Market
Advocate a fair institutional design for price regulation and Antimonopoly Act

Business
Management

issues such as product bundling.

Background
The recent full liberalization of the retail electricity market will enable electricity retailers to be creative and oﬀer theircustomers a diversity of rate plans, and competition is expected to progress. However, there is also a possibility that suchprogress will be hampered by the continuation of transitional measures such as price regulation and over-regulation by
the Antimonopoly Act.
This research has referred to case studies in leading overseas markets to propose a fair institutional design which

Major Research Results

Major Research Results

promotes the progress of market competition in line with the full liberalization of the retail electricity market.

Outline of Results
As a result of focusing our study on judgment concerning the abolishment of price regulation and Antimonopoly Act
issues such as price bundling, CRIEPI has put forward the following main proposals.

◇ Evaluation of competition considering price setting by retailers and the switching behavior of consumers
It is diﬃcult to pass judgment regarding the progress of competition and abolishment of price regulations based on market

Business Management

Business Management

share and the shift in electricity prices alone, and CRIEPI raised the point that, in the case of Europe, a variety ofindicators have also been proposed concerning the behavior of business operators and consumers. (Table)
Table
Indicators proposed in Japan

Three-block IBT(increasing block tariﬀ)
A system whereby
electricity prices are low forhouseholds with minimal
electricity consumption,
middle-of-the-range forhouseholds with average
electricity consumption andhigh for households withhigh consumption. Thissystem is applied to theregulated electricity prices
for households.

Guidelines for Proper
Electric Power Trade
A document expressing
guidelines for electric
power trade to achieve
an electric power market
which promotes faircompetition.

54

An example of indicators used to judge the progress of competition in Europe
Indicators adopted in Europe

Comparison of Japan and Europe Points to note

Share of new entrant retailers, mutual
market share, market concentration index (HHI: Herﬁndahl-Hirschmancompetition between incumbent
Index, CR3: Total of the 3 companies with the top market share, etc.)
retailers, share of consumers utilizing
Percentage of consumers utilizing electricity with regulated prices
market-based priceIn Europe, new entrant retailers are notoften distinguished to monitor market share
if there are several incumbent retailers.

Shift in electricity prices

Avg. and breakdown of electricity prices,
Wholesale electric power price - retail electricity priceinterrelationship and retail margin

Care must be taken regarding whether it isappropriate to make evaluations amidst
continuation of price regulation

Consumer awareness ofliberalization

Retailer behavior: Price distribution, type, etc.
Consumer behavior: Awareness of liberalization and role of power
distribution companies, level of trust towards the energy market, statusof price comparison websites, percentage of consumers switching
electricity retailers, renegotiation with retailers the consumer is currently
under contract with, considering changing electricity retailer, etc.

This serves as material to verify consumer
price sensitivity. This is also important forfactor analysis of market share andelectricity prices and improvement
measures. However, suitable indicators must
be selected.

Status ofsmart meter
popularization(not considered much before now)

In Europe, rather than the actual introduction ofsmart meters, there is a movement to evaluateinnovation such as added-value services which
utilize smart meters and demand response.

Yoshikuni Sato/Hisanori Goto

Utilities Policy and Economic Analysis Sector, Socio-economic Research Center◇ Judgment on abolishing regulations with consideration to the adverse eﬀects of price regulation
When passing judgment on whether or not to abolish price regulation, it is necessary to consider the adverse eﬀects ofprice regulation in addition to evaluating the status of competition. Particularly in the case of Japan, an understanding of
the adverse eﬀects created by the three-block IBT used for price regulation is essential. Three-block IBT is set up so thathouseholds with high power consumption are charged a higher rate, however CRIEPI raised the point that if the switching
to market-based prices happens without abolishing the three-block IBT element of price regulation it may result in a
deterioration of balance of revenue and expenditure for incumbent utilities and create disadvantageous competition
conditions.

Application Examples of Research Results
CRIEPI has pointed out the issues related to overlapping regulations by the Electricity and Gas Market Surveillance Commission and the Japan Fair
Trade Commission, as well as Antimonopoly Act issues such as price bundling discount and long-term contract discount (ﬁndings published in an article◇ Reduction of risk concerning over-regulation in accordance with the Antimonopoly Act

featured in The Denki Shimbun and research reports of academic societies). Moreover, we also demonstrated that continuation of price regulation had
the potential to hamper the progress of competition and discussed the topic of liberalization in a seminar aimed at consumers, with the media and so on.

In order to demonstrate how the Antimonopoly Act should be applied to the bundled discounts after full liberalization ofretail electricity, CRIEPI investigated the discussions concerning similar issues in the United States Antitrust Law. As aresult, in order not to curb price competition, CRIEPI showed that regulations should not only be restricted in cases where
there are obvious adverse eﬀects, as there is a risk that the Guidelines for Proper Electric Power Trade, which states thatthe illegality of price bundling discount should be judged in the same way as predatory pricing, could be over-regulation.

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report

References： Goto, CRIEPI Report Y15019 (2016)
Sato, CRIEPI Report Y15015 (2016)

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report

55

2–2.

2–2.

Major Research Results -21

Major Research Results -21

Proposal for Design of a System Responding to the Issues
Arising with the Large-Scale Introduction of Solar Photovoltaic
Evaluate issues arising from the large-scale introduction of renewable energy andBusiness
Management

conduct study to establish countermeasures thereof

Background
In Europe, solar photovoltaic(PV) has been introduced in large scale due to initiatives such as FIT (feed-in tariﬀ forrenewable energy) and this has led to issues such as a fall in wholesale electric power price and poorer economic viabilityof power sources for supply/demand regulation necessary to secure stable supply. In other words, Europe is now facing a“missing money”problem. Moreover, the large-scale introduction of PV for self-consumption has caused the demand forcommercial power to decline, and there is concern that this will lead to increased electricity prices, thus causing demandfor commercial power to fall even further and triggering a negative cycle. CRIEPI has investigated and analyzed casestudies from countries leading the way in this area regarding the issues associated with large-scale introduction ofMajor Research Results

Major Research Results

renewable energy and we will use our ﬁndings to draft suggestions for Japan.

Outline of Results
CRIEPI quantitatively evaluated the impact of large-scale PV introduction on thermal power generation facilities, as wellas investigated the impact on power distribution facility costs and countermeasures thereof.

tentatively calculated the balance-of-payments (BOP) of thermal power
generation in the case that the outlook for long-term energy
supply/demand (year 2030) actually materialized. Compared with
FY2014, the tentatively calculated BOP had worsened by approximately
8 trillion yen per annum (Fig. 1), and showed that there was a possibilityof not being able to secure capital cost, operational maintenance costand fuel costs for 18% of thermal power generation facilities required to

BOP by fuel type (trill yen)

Using the supply/demand operation simulator developed by CRIEPI, we

12achieve a stable power supply from the income of electricity power sales.

COAL
LNGCC
LNG
Oil

4

Proﬁt would drop by 8 trill
yen if energy-mix such aslarge-scale introduction of
VRE was realized.

0

CRIEPI is using these results in the design of a system for post-electricity
system reform.

8-1Fig. 1Business Management

Business Management◇ Quantitative evaluation of the missing money problem

Kenji Asano

Energy System Analysis, Socio-economic Research Center

-0.13

2014

2030

Change in the BOP of thermal
power generation facilities◇ Quantitative evaluation of the fairness of consumer burden for power distribution equipment costs
depending on whether or not roof-top PVis installed
In light of the fact that in Western countries, the unfairness of power distribution facility cost burden by consumers iscorrected by considering whether or not the consumer has roof-top PV installed, CRIEPI gathered and analyzed relevant
information and provided it to individual electric power utilities (Table 1).

Table 1

An example of retail price systems to correct unfairness
Beneﬁts of price system introduction

Points to be cautious of regarding price system introduction

Consumptionbased pricesystemA price system proportional tothe amount of electric powerdrawn from the distribution
network

Consumers who draw relatively more
electric power from the consumption
network pay a larger share of facility
maintenance costs

If consumers withdraw from the power
distribution network there is an increased
risk that costs will not be recovered

Capacity
price system

A price system reﬂecting the
maximum electric power
amount drawn from the power
distribution network

Less risk of inability to recover costs ascosts can be recovered reﬂecting facility
capacity, irrespective of the amount ofelectric power used

Cost distribution must consider the time of
day the maximum demand occurs in thesystem and the time of day maximum
demand occurs for individual consumers

Fixed pricesystemConsumers who draw from thepower distribution network arecharged a ﬁxed rate

Less risk of inability to recover costs as costs
can be recovered evenly from consumers
connected to the power grid system

Needs to be designed to avoid excessive
cost recovery when combined with aconsumption-based price system

Time-of-daybased powersystemConsumption-based pricesystem reﬂecting the
supply/demand status of thepower distribution network

For the short-term, this system would help reducerisk of being unable to recover costs due to theexistence of times in which higher electricity prices
applied. For the long-term, this system is anticipatedto have the eﬀect of minimizing equipment costs

This would be ineﬀective in minimizing
equipment costs if there were no
consumers who could respond to pricePrice systems Overview of retail price systems

Capacity mechanism
A system whereby a certain
amount of money is paid
based on an evaluation of
the value (kW value) of
maintaining electricity
supply capacity (kW)56

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report

Application Examples of Research Results
CRIEPI conducted a detailed quantitative evaluation of the missing money problem. Moving forward, we propose evaluating options regarding thedesign of systems, such as the capacity mechanism, to ﬁnd the equipment capacity necessary for stable electricity supply.
Moreover, CRIEPI provided information to electric power utilities on the debate surrounding corrective measures of the unfairness of power distribution
equipment costs bore by consumers depending on the existence of PV equipment in Western countries. Moving forward, we will evaluate
countermeasures for mid-to-long term issues of the power distribution equipment plan in accordance with the large-scale introduction of renewableenergy. This evaluation will look at topics such as plans to strengthen power distribution which consider future uncertainties, etc. and based on thisevaluation, CRIEPI will present its proposals accordingly.

References： Asano et al., CRIEPI Report Y15022（2016）
Brunekreeft et al.,"Evaluation of Strategy of Power Generation Business under Large-Scale Integration of Renewable Energy" Bremen Energy Working Papers No. 23, (2016)
Furusawa et al., CRIEPI Report Y15024（2016）

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report

57

3.

3.

Organization Management

Organization Management
Aiming for future development as a research institute, CRIEPI isdeveloping two of its research bases and reducing ﬁxed general runningcosts in order to establish a sustainable business operation structure.
■ Developing of Research Bases■ Cost Reduction and Streamlining of Operations
Abiko Area

・In an eﬀort to create a research environment with a focus
on strengthening collaboration between various subject
ﬁelds as well as reducing general running costs, CRIEPI isconcentrating its operations into the two areas at Yokosuka

Komae Area

and Abiko. Yokosuka will be the research base for energy

OtemachiHead Oﬃce

Base for research
into natural andenvironmental
science.

・CRIEPI made a concerted eﬀort to further reduce costs incurred in both the research and administrative aspects in ways suchas promoting competitive ordering in procurement operations, being creative regarding ordering methods to suit the speciﬁc
project, detailed investigations into speciﬁcations and the review of operational task processes in indirect departments.

and industrial technologies, while Abiko will be the researchbase for natural and environmental science. In ﬁscal 2015,as part of preparations to relocate the researchers andequipment at our Komae Area to the Yokosuka Area,
CRIEPI engaged in the construction of a new researchbuilding (planned for completion in July 2016) and amaterials analysis building (planned for completion in May
2017), as well as made preparations such as organizing andsecuring oﬃce space for researchers and installation space

Yokosuka Area

Base for research into energy
and industrial technologies■ Personnel（Personnel）
900

・Our personnel plan of reducing the CRIEPI workforce
population of 845 in ﬁscal 2011 to 800 by ﬁscal 2015 wasfor equipment to be transplanted.

796

2012

2013

2014

778

500

must further reduce labor cost, which is one of our ﬁxed

400
300

to reduce the ﬁgure of 800 at the start of ﬁscal 2015 to200around 750 by the end of ﬁscal 2017. As part of this eﬀort,

100

we have reduced the number of personnel assigned from0

other institutions and dispatched personnel to external
parties. Consequently, the overall number of personnel
working at CRIEPI at the end of this ﬁnancial term was 778.

・To mark one year since the establishment of the Nuclear

820

600

establish a sustainable business operations structure, we
running costs, therefore we have revised our personnel plan

■ Information Dissemination

825

700

achieved early at the end of ﬁscal 2014. In preparation to
Status of Research Base Upgrades

835

800

2015
（FY）
Transition of Overall Personnel Population(at end of each FY)

2011

・Regarding our researchers, in order to systematically develop professionals with a high level of expertise to support the basic

Risk Research Center (NRRC), CRIEPI hosted a Nuclear Risk

technology of the future electricity business, CRIEPI is constantly searching for new recruits based on a hiring plan

Research Center Symposium 2015 in September 2015,

formulated with consideration to the research strategies of each subject ﬁeld and regeneration of basic technology.

which attracted around 450 participants. In addition to an
overview of the Center’s activities, two panel discussions
were held on the topics of“Expectations towards the
N R R C ’ s a c t i v i t i e s ”a n d“ T h e c o n c e p t o f r i s k a n dcorresponding rational solutions to safety issues of nuclear

Administration Electricity

power facilities”. Panelists consisted of business operators,
representatives, media ﬁgures and academic experts andlively discussion was had, including various opinions andquestions from the audience.

96

Research support & management

members of regulatory bodies, local government

110

94

Statement of Dr. George Apostolakis
Head, Nuclear Risk Research Center

Civil Engineering & Construction

113

Socioeconomics

40

Mechanical

Information & communications

98

37

Environment

51

Chemistry

Nuclear engineering

53

End of ﬁscal 2015

58

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report

Biology

44

42

Personnel conﬁguration by subject ﬁeld

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report59

Ⅱ．Financial Statement
1.

1.

Overview of Financial Statement

Overview of Financial Statement

While ordinary proﬁt was around the same as last year, the ordinary expenses of labor and general running costs were both less thanlast year, resulting in less ordinary decrease for the current period compared with last year.

Net Assets Variation Statement（Unit: 100 mill yen）

（100 mill yen）
350

Change in general net assets
FY2015FY2014Diﬀerence

281.9

299.9

△ 18.0Labor costs

94.6

100.3

△ 5.6

General running costs

187.2

199.6

△ 12.3

Ordinary expenses

FY2015FY2014Diﬀerence

276.1

278.1

△ 1.9

Ordinary beneﬁt received

235.6

235.6

－

Operating revenue

37.3

39.3

△ 1.9

Other revenue

1.2

1.2

0.0

Transfer from designatednet assets

1.9

1.9

0.0

Transfer to ordinary proﬁt
decrease for the current period

5.7

21.8

△ 16.0General net asset decrease
for the current period

5.6

Ordinary revenue

22.1

Transfer to general net assets

FY2014

1.9

2.1

△ 0.2

Transition ofordinary
revenue

FY2014Diﬀerence

Subsidy etc. received

1.0

0.7

0.2

Decrease in designated net
assets for current period

0.9

1.4

△ 0.5

264.7

278.1

276.1

200
150
100

Ordinary
beneﬁtsreceived

0

235.6

273.7

272.7

262.7

235.6

235.6

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

297.3

288.6

284.2

299.9

281.9

（FY）

（100 mill yen）

△ 16.5FY2015

288.3

50

313.4

300

Transition ofordinary
expenses

Diﬀerence

300.8

250

350

Change in designated net assets
FY2015

305.6

300

250
200
150

Generalrunning
costs

201.1

188.2

171.5

180.4

199.6

187.2

Labor costs

112.3

109.1

117.1

103.7

100.3

94.6

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

100
50
0

（FY）

2015

（100 mill yen）
Decrease in net assets
for current period

6.5

23.6

30

△ 17.020

Transition ofordinary proﬁt

10

3.4

0

△ 0.3

△ 10
Balance Sheet
Assets
FY2014Diﬀerence

Current assets

44.4

68.1

△ 23.6

Fixed assets

472.9

490.5

△ 17.5

517.3

558.6

△ 41.2FY2015FY2014Diﬀerence

Current liabilities

42.3

69.5

△ 27.1

Fixed liabilities

94.0

101.6

△ 7.5

Total liabilities

136.4

171.1

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report

500

Transition of
overall assets
5.1

6.0

△ 0.9

General net assets

375.8

381.4

△ 5.6

Total net assets

380.9

387.5

△ 6.5

Designated net assets

600△ 19.5

△21.8

2013

2014

2015

568.2

558.6

517.3

2010

2011

2012

495.2

506.4

505.3

373.5

375.5

368.4

411.1

387.5

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

（100 mill yen）

△ 34.7

Net assets

60

△ 30

Liabilities
FY2015

Total assets△ 20（Unit: 100 mill yen）

△5.7

△ 7.8

（FY）

400
300
200

Net assets

380.9

100
0

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

2015

（FY）

FY2015 Annual Report

61

2.

2.

Financial Statement
Balance Sheet

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

As of March 31, 2016

Account

ⅠAssets

Current ﬁscal year

1. Current assets

Cash and deposit

2,292,810,542

Suspense payments

216,594,784

Advance payments

23,743,060

Total current assets

From April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016

Previous ﬁscal year

1,912,295,724

Accounts receivable

4,559,029,175
2,093,724,144
124,531,714
36,075,915（Unit: yen）

Change△ 2,646,733,451
199,086,398
92,063,070△ 12,332,855

6,813,360,948△ 2,367,916,838

Buildings

182,014,923

199,044,490△ 17,029,567

Structures

1,254,848

1,506,426△ 251,578（1）Special assets
Facilities attached to buildings

17

Machine and equipment
Tools and furniture

364,016,210

450,562,924

1,494,158

1,276,709

42,055,863

Lump-sum depreciable assets
Intangible ﬁxed assets

Special assets for retirement lump sum grants beneﬁts package allowance
Special assets for acquisition of research facilities reserves
Special assets for special project reserves
Special assets for base establishment

Total special assets

5,552,456

3,435,900,000
3,050,000,000
510,000,000

3,995,408,033

11,587,696,508（2）Other ﬁxed assets
Land

90

8,505,971,179

52,191,042

5,063,494,033△ 1,068,086,000

910,000,000

13,322,301,093
8,553,518,118

Structures

1,260,143,361

1,301,936,553

7,278,748,477

Tools and furniture

1,776,705,958

Rolling stock and vehicles

34,574,209

Lump-sum depreciable assets

49,573,608

Intangible ﬁxed assets

698,615,565

Construction in progress accounts

2,699,182,150

Total other ﬁxed assets
Total ﬁxed assets
Total assets

3,337,553,859
7,920,162,857
1,781,777,579
35,055,189
59,008,061

710,378,781

0△ 400,000,000△ 1,734,604,585△ 47,546,939△ 205,697,708△ 187,519,311△ 41,793,192△ 641,414,380△ 5,071,621△ 480,980△ 9,434,453△ 11,763,216

1,572,937,930

1,126,244,220

49,052,955,315△ 1,759,082,165

35,706,176,642

35,730,654,222

51,739,317,260

55,866,316,263

47,293,873,150

217,449△ 150,000,000

10,458,325,295

Machine and equipment△ 10,135,179

3,200,000,000

10,252,627,587
3,150,034,548△ 86,546,714△ 2,772,923

Buildings

Facilities attached to buildings△ 73

8,325,379

3,435,900,000△ 24,477,580△ 4,126,999,003

Ⅱ Liabilities

1. Current liabilities

Accounts payable

3,914,547,169

6,603,858,643△ 2,689,311,474

Advances received

2,763,544

23,925,345△ 21,161,801

4,237,720,892

6,952,027,477△ 2,714,306,585

483,000,000

527,000,000△ 44,000,000

Deposits received

80,410,179

Accrued bonus

240,000,000

Total current liabilities

2. Fixed liabilities

Allowance for retirement beneﬁts for directors

Accrued retirement beneﬁts for employees

8,922,000,000

Total liabilities

13,642,720,892

Total ﬁxed liabilities

9,405,000,000

80,243,489

244,000,000

166,690△ 4,000,000

9,635,000,000△ 713,000,000

17,114,027,477△ 3,471,306,585

10,162,000,000△ 757,000,000

Ⅲ Net assets

1. Designated net assets
Special beneﬁts

311,069,978

360,363,361△ 49,293,383

Donations, etc.

82,153,686

95,324,897△ 13,171,211

Subsidies

120,262,827

Total designated net assets（including appropriation to special assets） （2. General net assets（including appropriation to special assets） （Total net assets

Total of liabilities and net assets

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

152,692,612

513,486,491

608,380,870

37,583,109,877

38,143,907,916

38,096,596,368

38,752,288,786（
513,486,491 ）（
7,638,310,017 ）

51,739,317,260

FY2015 Annual Report（608,380,870 ）Account

Current ﬁscal year

ⅠGeneral net assets change

4,445,444,110

2. Fixed assets

62

Financial Statement△ 32,429,785△ 94,894,379△ 94,894,379 ）△ 560,798,039（
9,278,020,223 ）△ 1,639,710,206 ）

55,866,316,263△ 4,126,999,003△ 655,692,418

1.Ordinary proﬁt(1)Ordinary revenue[1] Beneﬁt received
Ordinary beneﬁt received[2] Operating revenue
Consigned research operating revenue
Other operating revenue[3] Other revenue
Interest received
Facility usage fee received
Miscellaneous revenue[4] Transfer from designated net assets
Total ordinary revenue(2)Ordinary expenses[1] Operating expenses
Labor
Salary and beneﬁt
Retirement beneﬁt
WelfareGeneral expenses
Supplies
Printed materials
Utilities
Outsourcing costs
Joint research contribution
Repair expenses
Rent
Taxes and dues
Travel and transport
Communication and transportation
Other
Depreciation
Subtotal of operating expenses[2] Administrative expenses
Labor
Director remuneration
Salary and beneﬁts
Retirement beneﬁt
WelfareTransfer of allowance for director retirement beneﬁts
General expenses
Supplies
Printed materials
Utilities
Outsourcing costs
Repair expenses
Rent
Taxes and dues
Travel and transport
Communication and transportation
Other
Depreciation
Subtotal of administrative expenses
Total Ordinary expenses
Current ordinary proﬁt
2.Non-recurring change(1)Non-recurring proﬁt[1] Gain on donation of ﬁxed assets
Gain on donation of facilities[2] Gain on sale of ﬁxed assets
Gain on sale of equipment, etc.
[3] Transfer from designated net assets
Total non-recurring proﬁt(2)Non-recurring expenses[1] Loss on｠retirement of ﬁxed assets
Loss on｠retirement of facilities, etc.
[2] Loss on sale of ﬁxed assets
Loss on sale of facilities, etc.
Total non-recurring expenses
Current non-recurring change
Current general net assets change
General net assets beginning balance
General net assets ﬁnal balance

Ⅱ Designated net assets change[1] Subsidies received, etc.
Subsidies received[2] Gain on donation of ﬁxed assets
Gain on donation of facilities[3] Transfer to general net assets
Current designated net assets change
Designated net assets beginning balance
Designated net assets ﬁnal balance

Ⅲ Net assets ﬁnal balance

（
（

（

（

（

（

Previous ﬁscal year

（Unit: yen）

Change23,565,000,000
3,736,470,427 ）（2,774,762,795
961,707,632
120,808,812 ）（
16,618,198
79,257,258
24,933,356
197,105,186
27,619,384,425

23,565,000,000
3,934,904,356 ）（2,595,035,679
1,339,868,677
120,747,952 ）（
7,605,705
78,020,293
35,121,954
196,474,301
27,817,126,609

0△ 198,433,929 ）
179,727,116△ 378,161,045
60,860 ）9,012,493
1,236,965△ 10,188,598
630,885△ 197,742,184

8,598,452,383 ）（6,984,078,741
592,824,028
1,021,549,614
18,032,648,591 ）（
1,918,375,604
360,229,217
855,463,238
5,742,133,729
647,060,220
1,443,438,910
317,241,433
493,542,441
677,465,509
78,358,443
607,438,831
4,891,901,016
26,631,100,974（
8,994,556,998 ）
7,001,720,008
1,030,040,436
962,796,554（
19,195,543,266 ）
1,840,610,215
345,422,554
942,168,597
6,593,060,516
799,176,286
1,503,189,521
293,212,280
509,600,453
675,361,319
75,685,649
557,618,728
5,060,437,148
28,190,100,264△ 396,104,615 ）△ 17,641,267△ 437,216,408
58,753,060△ 1,162,894,675 ）
77,765,389
14,806,663△ 86,705,359△ 850,926,787△ 152,116,066△ 59,750,611
24,029,153△ 16,058,012
2,104,190
2,672,794
49,820,103△ 168,536,132△ 1,558,999,290

870,199,630 ）（
158,070,000
540,360,361
41,891,202
71,358,067
58,520,000
693,950,383 ）（
5,387,419
43,234,680
6,073,183
110,451,038
11,368,418
338,806,563
41,315,458
22,438,327
7,775,172
75,232,913
31,867,212
1,564,150,013
28,195,250,987△ 575,866,562

1,037,382,202 ）（142,100,000
580,315,089
85,929,699
142,037,414
87,000,000
770,637,284 ）（
22,093,545
31,288,987
24,590,796
120,876,881
9,093,823
341,356,242
47,465,917
20,173,619
7,800,548
100,774,824
45,122,102
1,808,019,486
29,998,119,750△ 2,180,993,141△ 167,182,572 ）
15,970,000△ 39,954,728△ 44,038,497△ 70,679,347△ 28,480,000△ 76,686,901 ）△ 16,706,126
11,945,693△ 18,517,613△ 10,425,843
2,274,595△ 2,549,679△ 6,150,459
2,264,708△ 25,376△ 25,541,911△ 13,254,890△ 243,869,473△ 1,802,868,763
1,605,126,579

10,380,000

21,706,204△ 11,326,204

107,777,836
2,103,177
120,261,013

270,169
23,241,748
45,218,121

107,507,667△ 21,138,571
75,042,892

105,192,490

83,721,772

21,470,718

0
105,192,490
15,068,523△ 560,798,039
38,143,907,916
37,583,109,877

161,447
83,883,219△ 38,665,098△ 2,219,658,239
40,363,566,155
38,143,907,916△ 161,447
21,309,271
53,733,621
1,658,860,200△ 2,219,658,239△ 560,798,039

63,997,783

35,621,840

28,375,943

40,316,201
199,208,363△ 94,894,379
608,380,870
513,486,491
38,096,596,368

43,249,645
219,716,049△ 140,844,564
749,225,434
608,380,870
38,752,288,786△ 2,933,444△ 20,507,686
45,950,185△ 140,844,564△ 94,894,379△ 655,692,418

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report63Facts & Figures

Research Results / Intellectual Property

Research Reports / Research Papers / Intellectual Property

Research Network

This section introduces key data on CRIEPI’s FY2015 activities, including the number of report publications, number of paper
presentations and number of patent applications.

Fig. 1

Transition in number of reports published（No. of reports）
700

Research reports, etc.

131

500
300

515

429

436

158

166

183

256

271

270

270

259

2012

2013

2014

2015（FY）

100
0

2011

（No. of papers）
1500

1,407

1,559

Socioeconomics

20

Environment

33

Customer energy service

18

39

Fossil fuel power generation

84

1,412

Power distribution

Nuclear power
generation

135

126

Fig. 4 Breakdown of no. of FY2015 papers by subject field

Papers presented at academic conferences

1,409

5

36

New energy

Transition in no. of papers presented
Academic papers (peer reviewed)

Advanced basic research

19

464

200

Construction and maintenanceof electric power facilities
Information and communication

453

400

Fig. 3

Consigned research report

595

600

Fig. 2 Breakdown of no. of FY2015 reports by subject field

Construction and maintenanceof electric power facilities

1,339

Other

Advanced basic research

1761

Socioeconomics

75

97

Information and communication

1000

1,176

1,024

1,049

1,062

New energy

971

Environment

98

28

Customer energy service

105

54

Fossil fuel power
generation

500

0

383

360

350

368

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015（FY）

Nuclear power
generation

302

Asia

366

Fig. 6 Breakdown of no. of FY2015 patent registrations by subject field

Socioeconomics

Other

Advanced basic research

17Construction and maintenanceof electric power facilities
Information andcommunication

1

8

No. of patent licenses

No. of software licenses

4

Fossil fuel power
generation

17

357

Idaho National Laboratory (INL)

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC)

National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)

Europe

11

19

2011

2012

2013

Atomic Energy Canada Limited (AECL)

French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA)

European Technology Development Ltd. (ETD), UK

National Agency for Radioactive Waste Management (ANDRA）

Studsvik Nuclear AB (Sweden)

Électricité de France (EDF）

L’Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), France

Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Germany
Institute for Transuranium Elements (ITU), Germany

Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company (SKB)
Institute for Energy Technology (IFE), Norway

Studiecentrum voor Kernenergies ‒ Centre d’etude de l’Energie Nucleaire (SCK・CEN)

National Cooperative for the Disposal of Radioactive Waste (NAGRA)
European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC/EURATOM)

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development / Nuclear Energy Agency (OECD/NEA)

Australia

Commonwealth Scientiﬁc and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Mont Terri Consortium

312

30

Taiwan Power Company (TPC)

United States Department of Energy (DOE)

Other International Projects

440

Halden Reactor Project

Participation in International Organizations

200

66

Information and communication

11

Korea Institute of Nuclear Security (KINS)Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI）

Gesellschaft für Anlagen- und Reaktorsicherheit mbH (GRS), Germany

646

500

0

Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company Central Research Institute (KHNP-CRI)

Gesellschaft für Nuklear-Service mbH (GNS), Germany

600

100

Nuclear power generation

5

700

299

Korea University

Korea Power Exchange (KPX)

Jacobs University Bremen, Germany（No. of patent rights/software）

300

5

6

New energy

Transition of patent /software licenses

400

Customer energy service

Power distribution

Construction and maintenanceof electric power facilities

Nuclear power generation

15

4

Fig. 720

3Fossil fuel power
generation

12

Advanced basic research16

New energy

Environment

Power distribution

13

Korea Electric Power Research Institute (KEPRI)Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)

Customer energy service

9

Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI)

North America (including neighboring countries)

3

Environment

3

China Electric Power Research Institute (CEPRI)

Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI)

Fig. 5 Breakdown of no. of FY2015 patent applications by subject field
1

Main Partners for Research Cooperation Agreements and Joint Research

Power distribution

136

383

Other

With the aim of identify the trend of the most advanced of R&D in the energy ﬁled as well as strengthening and enhancing ourresearch network, CRIEPI proactively promotes research cooperation agreements and engages in joint research with international
partners whom uphold high technological standards.

Union of the Electricity Industry (EURELECTRIC)

52

21

2014

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

2015（FY）

FY2015 Annual Report

Association of the Electricity Supply Industry of East Asia and Western Paciﬁc (AESIEAP)International Electric Research Exchange (IERE)Electromagnetic Transients Program-Development Coordination Group (EMTP DCG) Committee

World Nuclear Association (WNA)

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report67Organization

Locations

Organization

CRIEPI facilities are located in Tokyo and four surrounding prefectures in the Kanto region. These facilities consist of four researchand business activities bases and two testing bases.
Currently, CRIEPI is developing its facilities with a focus on the Yokosuka Area and Abiko Area, and aims to make Yokosuka a basefor research into energy and industrial technologies and Abiko a base for research into natural and environmental science.

Board ofCouncillors
Board ofDirectors

Shiobara Testing Yard

President

GeneralAuditorExecutive Vice
President

Akagi Testing Center
Research Laboratories and Center

Head Oﬃce

Abiko Area
Internal Audit Oﬃce

General Aﬀairs Group

Planning Group
Abiko Research Contracts & Intellectual Property Section

Yokosuka Research Contracts & Intellectual Property Section

Planning and Administrative Team

Accounting & Finance Group

Risk Assessment Research Team

Public Communications Group

Nuclear Risk Research Center

Research Team for Advanced Managementof Power Supply & Demand

External Natural Event Research Team

Nuclear Power Plant MaintenanceResearch Team

Socio-economic Research Center

System Engineering Research Laboratory

System Engineering Research Laboratory*, Nuclear Technology Research Laboratory*, ElectricPower Engineering Research Laboratory, Energy Engineering Research Laboratory, Materials
Science Research Laboratory, Yokosuka Operation & Service Center
2-6-1 Nagasaka, Yokosuka-shi, Kanagawa 240-0196
TEL: +81-46-856-2121

Radiation Safety Research Center

Yokosuka Area

Human Factors Research Center

Shiobara Testing Yard

Nuclear Technology Research Laboratory

Civil Engineering Research Laboratory, Environmental Science Research Laboratory, AbikoOperation & Service Center, Procurement Center
1646 Abiko, Abiko-shi, Chiba 270-1194
TEL: +81-4-7182-1181

Nuclear Fuel Cycle Backend Research Center

Akagi Testing Center

Civil Engineering Research Laboratory

Abiko Area

Environmental Science Research Laboratory

Yokosuka Area

High Power Testing Laboratory

Abiko Area

Shiobara Testing Yard

Komae Area

Electric Power Engineering Research Laboratory

Otemachi Head Oﬃce

Energy Engineering Research Laboratory

System Engineering Research Laboratory*, Nuclear Technology Research Laboratory*, Komae
Operation & Service Center
2-11-1 Iwadokita, Komae-shi, Tokyo 201-8511
TEL: +81-3-3480-2111

PD Center

Komae Area

Materials Science Research Laboratory

Akagi Testing Center

Komae Operation & Service Center

Internal Audit Oﬃce, Head Oﬃce, Nuclear Risk Research Center, Socio-economic Research Center
1-6-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8126
TEL: +81-3-3201-6601

Abiko Operation & Service Center

Otemachi Area

Yokosuka Operation & Service Center

Yokosuka Area

Procurement Center

Otemachi Head Oﬃce

Komae Area

Eight Research Laboratories
CRIEPI’s research division essentially consists of eight research laboratories, each specializing in a speciﬁc subject ﬁeld, with the aim of strengthening
consistent research capability in each ﬁeld to cover everything from basic to applied research. In addition, by forming cross-laboratory projects, CRIEPI
conducts a matrix-type research framework able to respond ﬂexibly to the needs of the electrical power industry.

Akagi Testing Center
2567 Naegashima-machi, Maebashi-shi Gunma 371-0241

TEL: +81-27-283-2721

Nuclear Risk Research Center
The Nuclear Risk Research Center (NRRC) was established in September 2014 with the goal of autonomous safety improvement of nuclear power
plants by electrical power utilities. Through close collaboration with business operators, CRIEPI is advancing R&D initiatives aimed at risk reduction,
including research into low-frequency external natural events, such as large-scale natural disasters, Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA), decision-making
utilizing risk information and development of the latest risk communication techniques.

Shiobara Testing Yard
1033 Sekiya, Nasushiobara-shi Tochigi 329-2801

TEL: +81-287-35-2048

Special Research Teams
Special Research Teams are mechanisms for the cross-laboratory promotion of speciﬁc research projects. In FY2015, two research teams, the Nuclear
Power Plant Maintenance Research Team (research contributing to maintenance activities to maintain the safety of nuclear power plants) and the* Komae Area is scheduled to be transferred to the Yokosuka Area in FY2016

68

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report

Research Team for Advanced Management of Power Supply & Demand (research for the optimization of electrical power/energy supply/demand andthe creation of new values related to electrical power), demonstrated their combined strength and engaged in research activities.

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report69Keyword Index

Keyword Index
This Annual Report features the key words and terminology with
explanations in I-2. Research Reports.
Page no.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Severe accidents.............................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Lightning impulse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Smart meters . . . . . . . . ................................. 11

Amount of solar radiation ...... .................... 34

Environment Impact Assessment .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Lightning Location System (LLS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Spent fuel storage . . .................................

Analysis code of severe nuclear accidents ...... 18

Error Management ..................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Lightning surge

Analysis of root mean square value of power systems .. 10

Estimation of PV output ............... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Loss-of-coolant accident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Surveillance specimen ..............................

Ascertaining PV output ......... ....................

Evaluation of fault activity ............. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

M

T

F

Meteorological disaster risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Thermal discharge

Frequency Response Analysis（FRA）. . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Method of power supply and demand management . . 48

Three-block IBT (increasing block tariﬀ) ......... 54

Electromagnetic transient analysis

Aging management assessment ..................

7

9

EnergyWin

Atmospheric particulate matter PM2.5 ........... 12

B

Fuel debris. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

7

Stress Corrosion Cracking（SCC） ................. 28

7

6

Assessment guide for tornado eﬀect on NPPs .. 16.............................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

BWR equation ........................................ 24

TOrNado-BOrne miSsile analysis code TONBOS .. 16

Narrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Geothermal saturated steam

Capacity mechanisms ........... .................... 56

Global warming

Chemical cleaning ...................................

8Groups of consumers (communities) . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Clinker ............................. ....................

8

Guidelines for Proper Electric Power Trade . . . . 54

Coal ash ...............................................

8........................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

6

Trunk network . . . . . . ................................. 38

Net thermal eﬃciency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
New Regulatory Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6UUltrasonic Testing (UT)............................ 26

P
Paris Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

V

PCB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Filtered Containment Venting System（FCVS）... 18...................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Performance Demonstration (PD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Veriﬁcation of seismic performance ..............

.............................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Power quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Voltage regulating device .......................... 38

DHigh Chromium Steels ................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Power System Stabilization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Demand Response（DR）........ .................... 11High level radioactive waste .......... . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Probabilistic Risk Assessment（PRA）. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Design seismic motion (Seismic movement level 1) .. 44

High level seismic motion (Seismic movement level 2) . . 44

Distributed Generations ........ .................... 10

HINT/J-HPES ............................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22R

Dry cask ............................................... 28

Human Reliability Analysis ............ . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Radiation risk evaluations

Concrete cask .................... .................... 28

H

Creep Damage ....................................... 30

HAZ

Heat pump

7

6

6

9

W
Water tree . . . . . . . . . . . ................................. 10........................

7

Reactive power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

E

I

Reprocessing plant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Earthquake damage risk ........ .................... 11

IGCC (Integrated coal Gasiﬁcation Combined Cycle) . . 32

Route A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Earthquake ground motion formulated
without a hypocenter speciﬁed ...................

Incident response ...................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

6

Electricity System Reform .......................... 1270

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report

IPCC ...................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

7

S
Secondary systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

FY2015 Annual Report

71

Keyword Index........ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

C

. ................................. 52

TMI-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................. 20

N
G

Keyword Index. . . ................................. 20

LA

Photo by Kira Sugiyama“Industrial research is the cultivation of wisdom,and should therefore contribute to society”
Yasuzaemon Matsunaga （1875-1971）
CRIEPI Founder, 2nd President［ About the Cover Design ］
The lines of diﬀerent colors and angles signify CRIEPI’s tireless eﬀorts tocreate a better futureThese lines, which are the unraveled form of CRIEPI’s ﬁrst letter“C”,
appear in many colors to represent the diverse subject ﬁelds of CRIEPI’s
research and each of these ﬁelds converge at a single point.
That point of convergence is CRIEPI.