ISSN 0915-3160

通巻百四十二号

No.

2

Vol. 36 April 2024
SpringS pec i a l Feat u re

Utilizing ICT to Stabilize Usage of Electricity

Optimizing Power Supply Stability through ICT Utilization in Power Systems
Utilizing ICT to Stabilize Energy Use— Comprehensive optimization of the entire factory through visualization —Research and Development of Autonomous Distributed Power System andContribution to Regional Decarbonization

New Breeze Vol. 36 No.2 Spring

New Breeze

April 2024

C O N T E N T S

ISSN 0915-3160

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		 Special Feature — Utilizing
ICT to Stabilize Usage of Electricity
1

Optimizing Power Supply Stability through ICT Utilization

6

Utilizing ICT to Stabilize Energy Use — Comprehensive
optimization of the entire factory through visualization —		

11Editorial Committee
Chairman: Wataru Kameyama
Members: Ministry of Internal Affairs andCommunications, Association of Radio Industries
and Businesses, Communication Line Products
Association of Japan, Fujitsu Limited,Japan Broadcasting Corporation,
Japan Network Information Center,
KDDI CORPORATION, National Institute ofInformation and Communications Technology,
NEC Corporation, NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND
TELEPHONE CORPORATION, Oki ElectricIndustry Co., Ltd., Softbank Corp.,
Sony Group Corporation,
The Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association, and
The Telecommunication Technology Committee

in Power Systems

Research and Development of Autonomous Distributed Power
System and Contribution to Regional Decarbonization

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Optimizing Power Supply Stability through ICT Utilizationin Power Systems

Tetsuo Otani

Grid and Communication Technology Division
Grid Innovation Research Laboratory
Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

1. Introduction

Electricity is an essential energy for daily life and industry,and sound operation of power systems for electricity supply
to consumers is directly related to stable supply of electricity.
To operate a power system in a sound state, the following
requirements must be satisfied: (i) match the amount of electricity
generated with demand constantly (supply-and-demand balance),(ii) maintain power quality such as frequency and voltage (quality
maintenance), (iii) promptly locate and isolate a fault section of
the power grid (fault clearance), and (iv) maintain continuationof power supply to sound areas that are not affected by the fault(security of the electricity supply). Various ICT-based systems
are in operation to satisfy these requirements concerning powersystems.
In the meantime, to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, it
will be increasingly necessary to promote renewable energy andutilization of facilities and equipment that demand electricity suchas electric vehicles (EVs). The utilization of ICT will be a crucial
factor in achieving the goal.
Considering the background, this paper describes the usage of
ICT in power systems currently in operation as well as the future
vision of such usage of ICT and expectations for it.

main protection relay and a back-up protection relay—eliminates
short circuits or earth faults that occur on transmission lines.
The main protection relay uses communication/transmission forsampled values of current and voltage, and pulse-code-modulation(PCM) current differential relays are used as the main protection
relays in 500 and 275 kV bulk power systems.
The basic configuration and operation of the PCM current
differential relay is shown in Figure 1. Protection-relay devices are
installed at substations located at both ends of the transmission
line to be protected, and sampled values of the current flowing ineach phase of the transmission line are constantly transmitted tothe other end of the line. The protection relay devices calculate thedifference of current by using the current values sampled at its own
end and those transmitted from the other end. In the case where
the difference exceeds the setting criteria, they judge that a fault
has occurred on the transmission line, and dispatch trip signals to
the circuit breaker to isolate the fault section.
■ Figure 1: Configuration of PCM current differential relay
system

2． Utilizing ICT for power systems

This section focuses on the utilization of ICT for stabilizing
electric power supply. So it describes the following systems
and technologies as representative examples in the following
sub-sections: a “transmission line protection relay system” insubsection 2.1 and an “online pre-calculating system stabilizing
controller (OPCSSC)” in subsection 2.2, which are responsible
for adjustment of supply and demand to maintain the supply-anddemand balance during normal times in subsection 2.3; control of
output for non-firm power sources to achieve both effective useof transmission and substation facilities and stable power supply
and quality control on the consumer side in subsection 2.4; and a"distribution feeder automation system” in subsection 2.5.
Smart meter systems also utilize various t y pes ofcommunications. However, this paper focuses on power supply
stability. So please refer to other literature for communications for
smart meter systems, if necessary.
2.1 Transmission line protection relay system
A transmission line protection relay system—consisting of a

Communication systems used for the PCM current
differential relays must have low latency (i.e., 5 ms for 50 Hz
power systems and 4 ms for 60 Hz power systems) and highreliability (i.e., system-wide failure rate to operate of 1.0 ×
10 -7)[1]. To meet those requirements, microwave radio[2] andoptical ground wires (OPGW)[3] are used as communication
media, which are connected by dedicated multiplex equipment(CR-MUX). Microwave radio has two key features as a

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communication technology for the PCM current differential
relays: (i) ease of assuring low-latency transmission because thetransmitting and receiving points are connected over the shortest
possible distance and (ii) reliability even in the event of large-scaledisasters because physical media are not used (only robust towers
are used)[4].
2.2 Online pre-calculation system stabilizing controller
Online pre-calculation system stabilizing controllers(OPSSCs) are operated for purposes such as maintenanceof frequency during severe accidents, and they play a role inpreventing fault cascading[5]. During the large-scale power
outages that occurred in recent years, they also operated to prevent
blackouts from occurring[6].
Figure 2 shows a basic configuration of OPSSC —[7]. The
processing device constantly receives measured values related to
power flows at important points within the power system, and it
repeatedly identifies circuit breakers to be tripped for all patterns
related to transmission route faults in a bulk power system, loss ofgeneration, etc. at regular intervals. In the event of a fault causinga system disturbance, the relevant monitoring devices notify thefault occurrence to the processing device, which then sends trip
signals to the power/load shedding devices responsible for thecontrol target at that time. The power/load shedding devices
receiving the trip signals, they trip the designated circuit breakers.
The transmissions of fault notifications and trip signals
necessitates ICT that achieves low latency and high reliability;
therefore, as in the case of PCM current differential relays,
microwave radio, OPGW, etc. are used as the communication
media.
■ Figure 2: A basic configuration of OPSSC

2.3 Supply and demand balance control
To maintain the balance between power supply and demand,

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the output of generators and other equipment is controlled by“load frequency control” (LFC) and “economic load dispatching
control” (EDC). Figure 3 illustrates the basic configuration of
the system used for LFC and EDC. The load dispatching centersystem receives measured values such as output and current flow
and status values such as breaker open/close status from power
plants, etc., and it sends control signals for LFC and EDC to thetarget power plants every few seconds and every few minutes,
respectively. Since the communication used for LFC and EDC(especially in the case of the LFC command) requires low latency
and high reliability, microwave-radio and OPGW are mainly used
for the transmission path.
■ Figure 3: Basic configuration of the system for balancing
supply and demand

2.4	Curtailing the output from non-firm connected power
supplies
Non-f irm connection is a method of connecting thepower supply with the upper limit of the available capacity oftransmission and substation facilities, and the output of thepower supply is controlled according to the available capacity.
Specifically, this control is achieved by transmitting the upperoutput-limit schedule for each 30-minute time frame as apercentage of the generator’s rating in advance via communication.
In some cases, the upper output limit value in the 30-minute
frame during operation is changed on demand according to thesituation.
Two different systems are operated for this output curtailment,
and the one chosen depends on the voltage level with which thepower supply is interconnected. For power supplies connected tomedium- and low-voltage (less than 66 kV) grids, a system basedon the Internet and HTTP is used. As for this system, a serveris installed on the side of the distribution system operator, andthe output-upper-limit schedule is periodically obtained from thegenerator side via HTTP and Internet VPN. On the contrary, forpower supplies connected to high-voltage (66 kV or higher) grids,
the output-upper-limit schedule is distributed by cyclic digitaltransfer (CDT) via a dedicated communication network. Via thededicated network, commands can be issued at any time, so output
can be controlled in real time according to the actual supply anddemand of the day.
2.5 Feeder automation system
A feeder automation system in Japan is mainly for mediumvoltage feeders (6.6 kV), and they are responsible for distribution
grid switching, regulating voltage, and quick restoration of soundsections by isolating a trouble section[8]. This system is almost
100% adopted in Japan, where it is contributing to optimizing
voltage and shortening power-outage times. Figure 4 illustrates
the basic configuration of a feeder automation system. The system
consists of a master unit which is responsible for monitoring andcontrol as well as fault location, isolation, and service restoration,and field controllers. Some of the field controllers are responsible
for control of sectionalizer and measurement of current andvoltage, and others are used to monitor and control voltagecontrol equipment (e.g. a step voltage regulator) installed on themedium-voltage feeders. The master unit is also linked to othersystem such as distribution management systems and control
and protection systems for transmission power systems. For
communication between the master unit and field controllers,
power line communication, metal cables, and optical cables areused as dedicated communication paths. Whichever is used,
they are basically mounted to distribution poles and laid along
medium-voltage feeders.

“real-time smart digital twin” (RSDT) proposed by the Central
Research Institute of Electric Power Industry as one kind ofdigital twin, as shown in Figure 5, remote devices installed in
power plants and substations synchronize their times with highprecision and transmit measured values with time stamp to theprimary device at 10 ms intervals. The primary device ascertains
the degree of system stability in a few minutes according to thereceived values measured at the same time, and it could perform
preventive control, as necessary[9].
■ Figure 5: Illustration of communication relationship in
RSDT (transmission of measurement and statusvalues only)■ Figure 4: Basic configuration of feeder automation
system

3.2 Cooperation between power system and EVs
EVs are one of the major changes in future electricity
usage compared to today’s one. Numerous projects are alreadyconducting field trials to utilize the charging and discharging
functions of EV storage batteries as a service for operation of
power systems[10]. These field trials include transmitting control
setpoints to EVs to supply services for replacement reserve forfeed-in-tariff. In the future, the utilization of telematics data is
anticipated to foster a synergy between the power system and EVs,
serving as a key component of a broader range of services tailored
to EVs.

3．Future vision of utilizing ICT in powersystems

3.3 Utilization of flexibility
Alongside the synergy between power systems and EVs
outlined in the previous section, there is increasing focus on
power system operations – such as congestion management andvoltage regulation – that capitalize on the flexibility provided by
distributed energy resources (DERs), including controllable loads,
to adapt power output or demand.[11]. When utilizing flexibility,
power system operators and aggregators exchange data related toFour future visions of the use of ICT that are considered todiffer significantly from the conventional use of ICT in powersystems are described in this section.
3.1 Utilization of ICT for digital twins
Utilizing ICT is essential to create a digital twin. As for the

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■ Figure 6: Platform
for utilizing flexibility (cited from reference[11])service transactions and operations of DERs through a platform
such as that shown in Figure 6.
3.4 Collection of equipment-maintenance data
To stabilize power supply, it is necessary to maintain not only
the operation and protection of the power system as describedabove but also the soundness of facilities such as transformers
and transmission lines. Until now, the soundness of facilities has
basically been maintained through periodic inspections; however,in the future, methods that actively utilize ICT for appropriate
inspections and repairs while monitoring the condition of facilities
are expected to become mainstream[12]. That is, in addition totemperature, liquid level, vibration, and other data that are widelyused in other fields, data characteristic of the electric-power field(such as partial discharge) is expected to be collected through theInternet of Things (IoT) and other means, and the state of thesystem will be analyzed by using AI and other methods.

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4．Expectations for ICT

Expectations for ICT are described hereafter from theperspective of realizing the above-described future vision of ICT
utilization and enabling the stable power supply in the future.
4.1 Ensuring openness through international standards
As for coordination with EVs and utilization of flexibility,
parties outside of the electric-power sector are involvedin the operations of the power system. And as for ICT usedin such environments, “openness” is expected to be ensured.
One way to ensure openness is to create international standards
for coordination between the electric-power field and otherfields. That standardization should be led by the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which creates international
standards for electric power-related communications. For
example, regarding IEC 61850, the international standard forcommunications for monitoring and controlling power systems,the IEC has published a technical report for communications
related to the sector coupling between power systems and thermalenergy systems. In addition, another document for “power to gas”
(P2G) technology is under development.
4.2 Expanding the scope of wireless communications
Wireless communications are already used in the PCM
current differential relays for transmission line protection andsmart meters. In addition, it is anticipated that its application incollecting facility-maintenance data will increase. At that time,
it is expected that the power supply for wireless-communication
terminals will also become wireless or independent. Moreover, theapplications of wireless communication in fields such as protection
and control are expected to simplify removal of communication
cables and testing at substations.
4.3 Utilization of all-photonic communication network
To create digital twins, it is necessary to implement highspeed broadband communications. As one of the communication
networks to meet that need, the “all-photonic communication
network” is expected to be used in combination with high-speed
wireless communication. It has already been presented by NTT
in the form of their concept known as the “Innovative Opticaland Wireless Network” (IOWN), and domestic and international
companies are participating in the IOWN forum[13]. It is hopedthat IOWN technologies will contribute to the realization ofdigital twins.
4.4 Assuring cybersecurity
Assuring cybersecurity is required in all fields. The design ofcybersecurity measures for ICT in power systems should ensure
the uninterrupted continuity of power system operations. For
example, if communication is cut off immediately when a security
certificate expires, the power system may be unable to operate,
and a large-scale power outage may occur. For that reason, it
is expected that an appropriate security policy—tailored to thecharacteristics of the electric-power sector—will be established,
and that power systems will be operated in accordance with thepolicy.

References[1]	“Rationalization of Design of Protection Relay System using New Communication
Technology,” Electric Technology Research Association, Vol. 71, No. 1 (2015)[2]	“Microwave Communication System Design Technologies for Power Applications,” ElectricTechnology Research Association, Vol. 72, No. 2 (2016).
[3]	“Fiber Optic Composite Overhead Ground Wire,” Electric Technology Research
Association, Vol. 46, No. 1 (1992).
[4]	H. Hoshi: “The Role of Communication Networks for Electric Power Systems in The 2018
Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake,” Journal of the Institute of Electronics, Information andCommunication Engineers, Vol. 103, No. 12, pp. 1180–1186 (2022)[5]	“Challenges and Responses to Grid-stabilization Systems brought about by Changes
in the Environment Surrounding the Power System,” Electric Technology Research
Association, Vol. 77, No. 1 (2021)[6]	Records of Large-scale Power Outages Editorial Committee: “Records of Large-scale
Power Outages−Safety and Resilience of Power Systems,” Ohmsha (2021)[7]	H. Oshida, Y. Kowada, K. Kurose, T. Maeda, and S. Kyomoto: “Large-scale Gridstabilization System,” Mitsubishi Electric Technical Report, Vol. 86, No. 9, pp. 6–11 (2012)[8]	“Advancement of Power-distribution Automation Technology,” Electric Technology
Research Association, Vol. 72, No. 3 (2016)[9]	Y. Kitauchi: “The Concept of Next Generation Type Power System Reliability Control
System Based on RSDT (Realtime Smart Digital Twin) for CPAT,” 2018 IEEJ Power andEnergy Division Conference, No. 197 (2018)[10]	“FY2020 Virtual Power Plant Construction Demonstration Project Results Report,” General
Incorporated Association Environmental Creation Initiative Homepage (2021) https://sii.
or.jp/vpp02/conference.html (accessed on November 11, 2022)[11]	NEDO: “Overview of Project Results (final report) for the “Feasibility Study for theDevelopment of Distributed Energy Resource Control Technology to Alleviate Power
System Congestion” (2022), https://www.nedo.go.jp /content/100945215.pdf (accessedon November 11, 2022)[12]	Smart Security Public-Private Council Electricity Safety Subcommittee: “Smart Security
Action Plan” (2022), https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/safety_security/ industrial_safety/
smart_industrial_safety/action_ plan_denki.pdf (accessed on November 11, 2022)[13]	NTT: “IOWN Innovative Optical and Wireless Network,” https://www.rd.ntt/iown/(accessed on November 11, 2022)

Cover Art
Shinagawa, Tokaido

5．Conclusion

This article has described how various ICTs are utilizedin power systems and contribute to stable power supply. It also
outlines future visions for ICT utilization in power systems,
including digital twins, EV integration, flexibility use, and facility
maintenance data collection, along with the expected role of ICTin achieving these visions.

Utagawa Toyokuni(III)(1786-1864)
Source: National Diet Library,NDL Image Bank(https://rnavi.ndl.go.jp/imagebank/)

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Utilizing ICT to Stabilize Energy Use— Comprehensive optimization of the entire factory through visualization —Harutaka Hokahara

Power-Distribution&Energy-Saving Solution Sect., Marketing Dept.
Fukuyama Works, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

1. Introduction

Concern about countermeasures against global warming
is growing globally, and many countries are moving towardachieving carbon neutrality in 2050. In October 2020, Japan alsodeclared that it aims to achieve carbon neutrality in 2050. As amedium-term goal before 2050, Japan also announced that it aims
to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in 2030 by 46% compared to2013 levels and that it will further strive to reach an even higher
reduction of 50%. Moreover, fossil fuels (mainly oil, coal, andnatural gas) account for approximately 90% of Japan’s primaryenergy supply (as of 2020), and most of Japan’s supply of mineral
resources (i.e., raw materials) relies on overseas sources (according
to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Agency for
Natural Resources and Energy, Energy White Paper 2022).
To achieve carbon neutrality and stabilize energy use, it isnecessary to further promote energy conservation in the future.
In recent years, it has become essential to promote not only
the conventional rationalization of energy use but also further
energy conservation through (i) energy management that considers
the balance between electricity supply and demand and (ii)
implementation of “factory energy-management systems” (FEMS)
that utilize the Internet of Things (IoT).
At Fukuyama Works, we have deployed a system thatincorporates part of a concept called “e-F@ctory” (our IoTtechnology) as a FEMS to implement energy managementin the factory. The efforts that Fukuyama Works has been
comprehensively undertaking to optimize energy saving in theentire factory using FEMS are introduced hereafter.

2．Mitsubishi FA integrated solution:
e-F@ctory

As Mitsubishi’s factory-automation (FA) integrated solution,
e-F@ctory visualizes sensor-collected data by linking FA andinformation technology (IT) in a way that reduces TCO (total costof ownership) by repeating the plan-do-check-act (PDCA) cycle
at several stages. At the Fukuyama Works, e-F@ctory is being
used to save energy and improve productivity (Figure 1). The
architecture of e-F@ctory is divided into three main layers: “shopfloor,” “IT system,” and a middle layer (“edge computing”) thatlinks them.
On the “shop floor” layer, FA-manufactured products such as
sequencers, various devices, and sensors, which are the brains of
production equipment, are connected by FA networks, and various

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data are collected in real time. The data are then seamlessly linked
to the IT system for analysis, and the analysis results are fed backfor utilization on the shop floor. However, data obtained on the
shop-floor layer cannot be fully analyzed because it contains
special know-how, circumstances, and other causal relationshipsthat cannot be understood if sent directly to the IT system.
Therefore, primary processing, namely, edge computing, is needed
to associate causal relationships to the data and make the data
informative. One of the key features of e-F@ctory is that the
middle (edge-computing) layer between the FA and IT layers is
responsible for not only seamless linkage but also optimization of
the entire FEMS.
■ Figure 1: Conceptual diagram of e-F@ctory

3．Efforts concerning energy saving at
Fukuyama Works
3.1 Background of energy-saving activities
While energy-saving activities have been promoted to comply
with the Japan’s “Act on the Rational Use of Energy” (i.e., “Energy
Conservation Act”), recently, companies are required to continueeven more long-term efforts to solve global environmental issues.
We have also positioned environmental contribution as animportant management issue and formulated “Environmental
Vision 2050” to take the initiative in solving environmental issues.
Under these circumstances, aiming to achieve virtually zeroCO2 emissions in 2050, we will respect international trends
toward the creation of a decarbonized society and promote thereduction of greenhouse-gas emissions throughout the entire
value chain—from design and development to raw material
procurement, manufacturing, sales, distribution, use, and disposal.
To achieve the goal, the Fukuyama Plant is promoting energy

conservation by replacing aging facilities with high-efficiency
equipment, using renewable energy sources such as solar-power
generation, and implementing EM (“energy-loss minimum”)
activities to detect and reduce energy loss in production activities
through the use of FEMS.
3.2 Overview of energy saving
The Fukuyama Works aims to both improve productivity andsave energy by utilizing control technology from the productionequipment field and measurement technology developed in thefield of power distribution and reception. The products that
we manufacture are circuit breakers, meters and gauges, smart
meters, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and energy-saving
support equipment, which is installed at various locations aroundthe factory and utilized in energy-saving activities throughvisualization of sensor data (Figure 2).
■ Figure 2: Overall diagram of the energy-management
system at Fukuyama Works

Our energy-saving activities are twofold. The first activity
is “target management” (i.e., “demand management”) that uses
measured energy usage to set and manage target values. As for thesecond activity, we set production lines as role models for energysaving activities. We then collect their production volumes andmeasure their energy consumptions and determine their specificconsumptions from that data. These activities are then constantly
managed by using specific consumption. Moreover, the automatic
assembly line for circuit breakers measures energy consumptionof each individual facility, collects the production volumes, andcorrelates production-related data (such as product quality, errors,
and results) as an indicator for managing energy consumption.
Energy saving through specific consumption management
involves four steps: “measuring,” “visualizing,” “reducing,” and“managing.” When measuring energy consumption, it is important
not only to collect energy-use data on the shop floor but also tocollect data in conjunction with production information such as
production volume.
In the visualizing step, the measured energy and production
information is visualized by using IT, the data is analyzed, points
at which energy loss occurs are identified, and those points arehandled in the reducing step. In the reducing step, for example,
operations are improved by utilizing energy-saving drive products
such as inverters and high-efficiency motors, stopping idling ofequipment on standby, and optimizing the startup and shutdownof equipment.
In the managing step, energy usage and specific consumptionof lines and equipment are monitored in real time, and thoseactual values are managed so that they do not exceed the target
values. To improve in terms of productivity and energy saving,
four consecutive steps, “measuring”, “visualizing”, “reducing”, and“managing,” are repeated multiple times along with each PDCA
cycle.
Recently, focusing on five key points for energy saving(equipment-start-up time loss, equipment-shutdown time loss,
utility time loss, production intensity, and production-loss time
ratio), we are utilizing one of our products, “EcoAdviser”, anenergy-saving analysis-and-diagnosis application equipped with
our AI technology, “Maisart” to extract notices of energy loss
automatically from data on power consumption and production
volume measured and collected at the transformer production line.
The insights that we gained from this process have led to energysaving improvements.
3.3	Energy saving through target management (demand
management)
Fukuyama Works received ISO14001 “Environmental
Management System” certification in 1997, and we started
energy-saving activities from that time. Utilizing the ISO 14001
organizational structure, each department manages electricityconsumption targets to ensure that actual results do not exceed
the targets. The amount of electricity used at each location ismeasured by a measuring device at that location, and themeasurement information is transmitted to an energy-saving datacollection server (one of our products, EcoServerIII) via B/NET
transmission (a field network for power distribution and controlof equipment) for data collection. The web-server function of
EcoServer III connects to the Fukuyama Work’s network systemand discloses the collected data on the web server. In this way, we■ Figure 3: Energy-management system

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have created an environment in which workers can monitor theirenergy use (Figure 3).
As for management of power demand, electric-power pulses
supplied from transactional watt-hour meters of the electricity
utility providing our electricity are used, and the number of pulses
is imported into EcoServer III, which uses its demand-monitoring
function to monitor demand. When the demand reaches theenergy-saving level, the energy-saving level is sent as a “demand
signal” to AE-200J centralized air-conditioning controllers,
which send a “power-saving-operation signal” to inverter-type
air-conditioners installed in the factory and offices to achieve
automatic energy-saving operation (Figure 4).
■ Figure 4: Energy-saving control of air-conditioners basedon energy-saving level

In our five-story office building (General Administration
Building), where general affairs, sales, and design staff work,
electricity consumption for air-conditioning, lighting, officeautomation (OA), and outlet circuits on each floor is measured.
This measurement information is collected by EcoServerⅢ and
can be checked on the web, so it is possible to manage targets
based on the measurement data. Energy-conservation measurescover lighting and air-conditioning; as for the former, lights areturned off before the start of work and during lunch breaks. As
for the latter, we are working to ensure “schedule management”(e.g., shutting down operations before and after work hours) and“temperature management” (28°C is the target for air conditioning
and 20°C is the target for heating). To avoid going back to theprevious energy-conservation (energy saving) measures, thecompliance status of the countermeasure-applied operations ischecked with the measurement data collected by EcoServer III(Figure 5).
3.4	Energy saving through production-intensity
management
Energy use on production lines increases in proportion withproduction volume. Managing energy usage only is insufficient
to determine whether energy is being used efficiently, so it isnecessary to manage trends in energy usage while comparing
it with production information. At the Fukuyama Works, welink production volume to energy consumption and practiceproduction-intensity management. On performing production-

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■ Figure 5: Energy management of the office building

intensity management, we construct energy-saving model lines bytargeting lines that are likely to be effective when improvements
are made. The targeted lines include lines that consume a lotof energy, lines that can be expected to be expanded laterally
after being improved, and lines with significantly fluctuatingproduction volume due to changes in types of products
manufactured. A case study of one of these energy-saving model
lines, namely, a production line for printed circuit boards in ourelectronic-module factory, is introduced hereafter. An EcoServer
III, the above-described energy-saving data-collection server, isconnected to the line, measurement devices are installed at theswitchboards of the production line and used to measure theelectricity consumption of the entire line, and sensors are installed
along the production line and used to collect production figuresand visualize production intensity (Figure 6).
■ Figure 6: Energy-managementsystem for electronicmodule factory

By linking the amount of electricity used on the line with thenumber of products produced, the energy-management systemfor our electric-module factory (as shown in Figure 6) manages
specific consumption by using the amount of electricity consumed
to produce one product (kWh/item) as an index. In small group
activities, which are improvement activities undertaken at
production sites, we check the temporal fluctuations in production
intensity, analyze the factors that exaggerate the points along theline at which the production intensity exceeds the target value, anddiscover points at which production intensity can be reduced. Asshown in Figure 7, items for improvement were hidden at points
where specific consumption exceeded the target value, and specificconsumption was improved through small group improvement
activities.
■ Figure 7: Example of analysis using production intensity
graph

To reduce specific consumption, it is effective to improve andincrease productivity as well as to reduce energy consumption, andby promoting these activities in conjunction with improvement
activities at production sites, the efficiency of production lines
can be improved. By accumulating improvement activities toaddress the identified improvement points, we reduced production
intensity by 61% compared to before we implemented the small
group activities (Figure 8).

management for each line, only rough production information andenergy information was available, so it took a huge amount of timeand effort to analyze the factors that worsened the production
intensity. And it was difficult to identify which piece of equipmentin the line was making the production intensity worse (i.e.,
increasing it).
In 2010, when the automatic-circuit-breaker assembly line was
upgraded, we introduced production-intensity management foreach piece of equipment comprising the line (as shown in Figure9). This upgrade allowed us to (i) identify the equipment that wascausing the energy-consumption rate to increase immediately and(ii) collect information on production, quality, and equipment
errors (short stoppages) from the sequencers used to control that
equipment. Then, by comparing the collected data with the
production-intensity data, it is possible to analyze the causesof the increase in the production-intensity. As for the featuresof the energy-management system, energy consumption andproduction information for each unit comprising the production
line is measured. Data on energy consumption is collected andintegrated by EcoServer III, and production information collected
via the sequencers is collected and integrated by EcoAdviser, anenergy-saving support application installed on MELIPC (ourindustrial computer).
■ Figure 9: System for collecting energy and productioninformation from automatic-circuit-breakerassembly line

■ Figure 8: Improvement effect through productionintensity management

Moreover, by building a system that visualizes energy
and production information for each manufacturing facility,
we were able to make more detailed improvements in specificconsumption, improve productivity, and achieve optimal use ofenergy. In the above-mentioned case study (as shown in Figures
6 and 7), we implemented production-intensity management on a
production line basis, and factors that worsened the consumption
rate and improvement measures were identified through small
group activities. However, in the case of production intensity

The collected data is displayed as energy and production
information on a dashboard, one of EcoAdviser’s functions, on alarge monitor that is set up on the shop floor, as shown in Figure
10, and the monitor is used to share information with the shopfloor workers. To manage productivity, a ranking of first-passyield by process and number of “pass” or “failed” products for eachprocess is displayed in a manner that makes it possible to identify
bottleneck processes easily. The number of equipment errors
and cycle time are also managed, so it is easy to link awarenessof processes that need to be improved to improvement actions.
As a result of daily improvement activities, production intensity(kW/unit) was reduced by approximately 30% (compared to 2012
figure).
As for a recent initiative, on our transformer production line,
as shown in Figure 11, EcoAdviser, the energy-saving analysis anddiagnosis application equipped with our AI technology Maisart,

New Breeze Spring 2024

9

■ Figure 10: Dashboard
of EcoAdviser on the circuit-breaker automatic assembly line

is being used to measure and collect electricity consumption andproduction volume for each piece of equipment on the production
line, automatically diagnose energy loss, and make improvements
based on the insights gained from these measurements.
■ Figure 11: Energy-management system of production line
for transformers

First, from the preheating furnaces, pouring equipment, andcuring furnaces on the transformer production line, the curing
furnace with the highest electricity usage was selected as thetarget for improvement. As a step toward improvement, thegraph function of EcoAdviser is used to determine the electricity
usage of the furnaces from various graphs plotting (1) numberof products and energy by furnace, (2) production intensity by
furnace, (3) overall production intensity and vacancy rate of thefurnace, and (4) energy consumption by operating status as shownin Figure 12.

and (ii) power loss due to waiting for workpieces to be loaded.
These findings have enabled us to improve the efficiency of the
production line for transformers.
The “energ y-loss automatic-diagnosis function” of
EcoAdviser—which focuses on f ive key energ y-saving
perspectives (equipment-start-up-time loss, equipment-shutdowntime loss, utility time loss, production intensity, and productionloss time ratio)—is used to automatically extract “energy-loss
notices” from the data on amount of energy consumption andproduction volume for each curing furnace. We focused on twoof those perspectives, namely, equipment-start-up-time loss andproduction intensity, which are the most-common energy losses,
and proceeded to understand their current status we determined
and analyzed their status as explained hereafter.
As a countermeasure for equipment-start-up-time loss, as
shown in Figure 13, we found that the start-up time of thecuring furnace was earlier than the production start time. As for
production intensity, we found that among several curing furnaces,a particular furnace routinely showed about three-times-higher
consumption than that of the others. After checking the on-site
curing furnace in question, we found that hot air was leaking fromthe product-loading door, so we fixed that leak; consequently, we
reduced CO2 emissions by approximately 50 tons per year.
■ Figure 13: Energy-loss diagnosis screen■ Figure 12: Graphs for energy-saving operation of curing
furnaces

4．Conclusion

A case study of a factory that uses FEMS to optimize energy
use comprehensively throughout the entire factory and reduceenergy consumption in the utility and production systems was
described. We will continue our efforts as described in this casestudy to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
Analyzing the information obtained from the graphs revealed(i) a furnace with poor furnace efficiency (large vacancy rate)

10

New Breeze Spring 2024

＊This article is only a case study of Fukuyama Works, which may
not necessarily be applicable to our overseas works.

Research and Development of Autonomous Distributed Power
System and Contribution to Regional Decarbonization

Kotaro Jinushi＊1

OES Project, Planetary Navigation GroupSony Computer Science Laboratories, Inc.

1. Introduction

At Sony Computer Science Laboratories (Sony CSL), we arepromoting the introduction of renewable energy through researchand development of the Open Energy System™ (OES)—namely,
a concept that will form the basis of distributed power systems
using distributed renewable energy and change the nature ofsociety. The contents of this research and development, examples
of demonstration experiments, and future developments aredescribed hereafter.

2．Background of the need for distributed
power systems

As reaffirmed in the Sixth Assessment Report of theIntergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which is
the intergovernmental organization that collects and organizes
scientific studies on global warming, climate change is being
driven by global warming[1]. Countries are also increasingly
moving to counter carbon-dioxide emissions, which are closely
related to global warming.
Japan can be taken as an example country. In October 2020,
Japan’s Prime Minister Suga announced the policy goal of
reducing emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide
to virtually zero (so-called “carbon neutrality”) by 2050. To
achieve this goal, the energy-conversion sector (primarily power
generation by power plants)[2], which emits the largest amountof carbon dioxide by sector, must be decarbonized; that is, power
generation must stop depending on burning carbon-dioxideemitting coal, natural gas, etc. In fact, the Sixth Strategic Energy
Plan approved by the Japanese Cabinet in October 2021 clearlystates that renewable energy must be introduced to the maximum
possible extent.
As pointed out in the Net Zero 2050 report [3] of theInternational Energy Agency (IEA), which makes policy
recommendations on energy issues in general, to achieve
decarbonization by 2050, it will be necessary to (i) shift fromconventional fossil fuels (which emit CO2) to renewable-energy
sources such as solar and wind power and (ii) make maximum useof those sources. These renewable-energy sources are also called“variable renewable energy” in a way that indicates the amountof electricity generated by them fluctuates with variable weather

Daisuke Kawamoto＊2

OES Project, Planetary Navigation GroupSony Computer Science Laboratories, Inc.

and other factors. As for electricity systems, it is essential that
supply (generation) and demand (consumption) always match. It
is therefore necessary to be able to balance the fluctuating amountof electricity generated by renewable-energy sources with demand.
As one renewable-energy source, solar-power generation
benefits from ease of introduction, so it will be installed in various
places. In conjunction with this trend, the nature of electricitytransmission networks will also change. Conventionally, largescale power plants were built far from the power-consumption
areas. From the power plants, electricity only flowed one-way via
transmission lines toward the consumption areas. As stated in the
Sixth Strategic Energy Plan, since fewer suitable sites are available
for construction of large-scale solar power plants, it is necessary to
install solar-power-generation facilities on the roofs of houses, on
idle land in municipalities, and in various other locations where
solar power has not been introduced before. As a result, power willflow “in” from the extremities of the power network in a mannerthat was not previously anticipated. Dealing with this new trend
will also be a challenge.

3．Our approach

As for transitioning the electricity system to generation fromrenewable-energy sources and promoting decarbonization, twoissues must be addressed: (i) coordinating the ability to balance
supply and demand and (ii) managing the new electricity network.
Sony CSL has focused on “microgrids” as a mechanism forutilizing distributed renewable energy. A microgrid is a distributed
power system that enables control of the balance between demandand consumption in a small, regional (community size) basis,stable operation of the electricity system, and connection withexisting power systems. A microgrid is a distributed power systemthat generates, stores, and distributes the electricity consumed
within a certain area while being able to adjust locally. OES isa concept centered on a distributed power system that utilizes
this microgrid mechanism to maximize the use of renewableenergy and achieves regional energy circulation. As for the coretechnology of OES, we have developed the “autonomous powerinterchange system” (APIS), which is a control technology that
establishes a microgrid by autonomously matching supply anddemand on a one-to-one (peer-to-peer) basis and flexibly adapting＊1 Kotaro Jinushi’s affiliation is as of January 2023.
＊2 Daisuke Kawamoto’s affiliation is as of January 2023.

New Breeze Spring 202411the power supply by utilizing storage batteries connected by DC
private lines.

4．Our technology

As explained below, APIS consists of two technologies: (1)physical peer-to-peer power interchange and (2) autonomous
distributed cooperative control.
(1) Physical-peer-to-peer (PP2P) power interchange
A feature of this technology is that power is interchanged
between storage batteries by using constant-current control toadjust the power balance between the storage batteries. In thecase of conventional power interchange using voltage control, it isdifficult to achieve quantitative power interchange within a single
power network. Constant-current control enables PP2P powerinterchange through flexible battery combinations such as manyto-many, one-to-many, and many-to-one, so it becomes possible
to adjust the balance between demand and supply. PP2P powerinterchange between five storage batteries in a DC power network
is shown schematically in Figure 1.
■ Figure 1: PP2P power interchange(2) Autonomous distributed cooperative control
As for APIS, each storage battery is controlled by softwarewith the same functions. The software transfers power according
to the trading conditions set for the storage batteries, i.e., target
SoC (state of charge) for each time period, amount of electricity
to be interchanged, electricity prices, etc. (hereafter, simply“conditions”). Each storage battery periodically compares its“conditions” with the target SoC and offers to interchange power
flexibly with the other storage batteries. The battery receiving theoffer checks its SoC and other conditions and decides whether toaccept the proposal. If it accepts the offer, a deal will be concluded,
and power will be interchanged (Figure 2). This conditions foreach storage battery can be set in units of time. The conditions canbe changed all at once from the server side. While each storage
battery can autonomously perform power interchange, it is also
possible to control power interchange from the APIS control
center side.
Combining these two technologies has the following two
benefits.

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New Breeze Spring 2024

Effective use of renewable energy: By exchanging power
between storage batteries, it is possible to adjust the supply-anddemand balance of renewable energy (the amount of which is
generated is expected to fluctuate) and use it effectively.
Regional circulation of energy: Controlling the charging anddischarging of individual storage batteries by using APIS makes
it possible to collect surplus electricity within a certain region
at specific facilities. It will also be possible to transfer surplus
electricity to the large batteries of EVs and transport it to the placethat it is needed in a manner that achieves “energy circulation”
within the region.
■ Figure 2: Autonomous distributed control of household
power supply by APIS

5．Example demonstration of OES
We first tested APIS at 19 residences for teachers on thecampus of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology
Graduate University (OIST). Solar panels and storage batteries
equipped with APIS were installed at each residence and operated
from December 2014 to March 2020. (This demonstration
experiment was selected as Okinawa Prefecture’s “SubtropicalIsland-type Energy Basic Technology Research Subsidy Project”
and was conducted as a joint venture with OIST, OkisokouCo., Ltd., and Sony Business Operations Corporation). This
experiment demonstrated that a new distributed power system
can be constructed in parallel with the conventional powersystem, operate stably, and consume more renewable energy thansimply installing solar panels and storage batteries at each home
(Figure 3).
■ Figure 3: Effects of power interchange in Okinawa
Self sufficiency rate

Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug.

Simulation from OIST’s actual data (from 2015)

APIS can be constructed relatively easily by connecting eachstorage battery with a private DC line. However, installing new
private DC lines faces issues such as high installation cost, which
limits the locations where they can be installed. With that issue
in mind, we are expanding and demonstrating APIS to enable
power interchange similar to that described above by utilizing AC
distribution lines that are already installed.
The location of the expanded demonstration of APIS is
Umaba School Cottage, a “workcation” facility in Shiraji Umaba,
Ikeda-cho, Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture (Figure 4). Since
October 2021, a power-interchange demonstration experimentusing storage batteries (Figure 5) connected to the AC wiringof this building has been conducted in collaboration with theConsortium for the Creation of Environmentally Friendly
Workation Models, a consortium of industry, government, and■ Figure 4: Umaba School Cottage and solar-power
generation■ Figure 5: Installed storage batteries(Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.)

academia.
At the same time, we are verifying the charging anddischarging of fixed amounts of electricity from EV storage
batteries via CHAdeMO using ECONET-Lite. In 2023, abattery-storage system and expanded APIS were installed atother facilities in the city. We plan to implement two-way powerinterchange between multiple points (i.e., those facilities) by using
an actual power-distribution network and EVs.
We want to demonstrate that this battery-storage system andexpanded APIS can be used to effectively utilize renewable energy,
contribute to the decarbonization of the region, and promote
the circulation of energy within the region by supplying surplus
daytime solar power generated by households in the region tocommunity centers that consume electricity during the daytime.

6．Future developments

Our goal is to implement a new distributed power system,
mainly based on renewable energy, to promote decarbonizationand increase regional energy independence. To help achieve thisgoal, APIS was released on an open-source basis in December
2020 [4]. We hope that this open-source release will promote
open innovation and that we can introduce APIS widely. We arealso thinking about redefining APIS for matching surpluses andshortages of various goods and expanding it into a system thatcombines excess and shortages in the flow of goods and people
within a certain area in a way that makes efficient use of them.
For example, when EVs are recharged in areas with electricity
surpluses and transported to places with electricity deficiencies,
people can be transported in those EVs, thereby contributing tosecondary transportation in those areas. We are also considering
combining APIS with smart agriculture. When the timing andquantity of agricultural crops to be harvested are estimated, if asurplus of agricultural produce is estimated, it can matched withthe demand of organizations within the region and supplied tothem. We believe it is possible to expand APIS to such an intraregional distribution system. Pursing these kind of distributed
systems that are not limited to electricity, and their social
implementation, cannot be achieved by Sony CSL alone. We
therefore strongly desire to promote APIS while co-creating itwith various organizations.
(This is a translation of the January 2023 issue of the ITU Journal)
References[1] IPCC Sixth Assessment Report First Working Group Report,
https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_WGI_SPM.pdf[2] J CCCA 4-04 Carbon-dioxide Emissions by Sector in Japan (2020), https://www.jccca.org/
download/65477?parent=chart&p_page=3#search (viewed 2022/11/17)[3] IEA Net Zero by 2050 https://www.iea.org/reports/net-zero-by-2050[4] Sony CSL APIS https://github.com/SonyCSL/APIS

New Breeze Spring 2024

13

APT Training 2023

— Developing fundamental network planning skills in regional communities tobridge the digital divide —The ITU Association of Japan
International Cooperation Department
Since FY2017, the ITU Associationof Japan has been conducting an AsiaPacific Telecommunity (APT) training
pro g r a m ＊1 a s a hu m a n-r e s o u rc e
development support program to teachnetwork planning skills, in an effort toeliminate information disparity in urban
and rural areas of developing countries, in
the APT.
Over the eight days＊2, from October
11 to 20, 2023, we held a face-to-facetraining program for the first time in four
years, since 2018. This year, the training
was held approximately one month earlier
than most years, so there was only about
one month—less than usual—to recruit
participants, but with the help of the APT
administration, nine trainees were selectedfrom the APT. One was selected fromeach of Laos, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal,
Palau, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand,
and Tuvalu. The trainees stayed at the
Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku, near thesouth exit of Shinjuku Station in Tokyo,
and the training was held in a meetingroom on the fourth floor of a building next
to the hotel.
In an effort to eliminate information
disparity in urban and rural areas ofdeveloping countries, trainees gained skills
to analyze the state of communication
networks in their countries, to use basic
network design methods for eliminating
information disparity, and to apply thosemethods designing a communications
network optimized for their region. The
trainees were given to several tasks. Before
the training, each trainee had to submit
a country report analyzing the state andissues with communication networks intheir own country. Then, at the end of
the training period, they had to select anunder-populated area in their own country,
study what would be the best type of
network for that area using the network
design skills they had learned, and submit
an action plan summarizing the results of
their study.
The training proceeded with lecturesand drills for practice. Mr. Takayoshi
Hamano, formerly of NTT, conducted the“Network Planning” lectures and drills,
regarding technical skills for overcoming
digital disparity. To complement this,“Optical Fiber” lectures were given by Mr.
Kazuhide Nakajima, who is from NTT.
The schedule for the eight-day training
program was as follows.
･ Day 1 AM O
 rientation , Opening
ceremony
PM P
 resentation of traineecountry reports, Welcome
reception.
･ Day 2 AM P
 resentation of Japancountry report
PM L
 ectures by Mr. Hamano,
Mr. Nakajima.

･ Day 3	Visit to Kanagawa Institute ofTechnology･ Day 4 to Day 6 Practice with various
drills･ Day 7 Create an action plan･ Day 8 AM P
 resentation of actionplans by trainees, closing
ceremony, farewell lunch
meeting
A detailed description of each day
follows.
The first day began with an orienta­
tion, providing guidance regarding
the training program. This included an
overview of the schedule and the areasurrounding Shinjuku station. An icebreaker was then held to help diffuse any
tension, in which trainees introduced
themselves to each other in pairs. An
opening ceremony was held in theafternoon, with an opening greeting by
Mr. Yujiro Hayashi from the Ministryof Internal Affairs and Communications(MIC) (Figure 1). This was followedby presentations of country reports,■ Figure 1: Group photo from the opening ceremony＊1 A training program to convey Japanese technologies and services to communications technologists and government-related people in APT member countries, using funding
contributed by the Japanese government.
＊2 Excluding the weekend (Saturday, Sunday)

14

New Breeze Spring 2024

■ Figure 2: C ountry reportpresentation

which trainees were required to prepare
beforehand (Figure 2). The trainees
presented the state of telecommunicationsin their countries, including issues such as
the digital divide, with local data such as
the various regions, population, geography
and the available equipment and facilities.
Through the presentations and Q&A
sessions afterward, participants shared
the state of the telecommunications
environment in their countries withthe lecturers and other participants.
A welcome reception was held after
presentation of the country reports,
helping to build closer relations among
the trainees and with the lecturers andsecretary staff. In the morning on Day 2,
the ITU-AJ Secretary General, Kazuhiko
Tanaka, gave a presentation on the stateof mobile communications in Japan as acountry report for Japan. In the afternoon,
Mr. Hamano gave a lecture on network
planning and wireless technology, which
trainees would work on starting on Day
4 (Figure 3). Finally, Mr. Nakajima fromNTT gave a lecture on optical fiber,
providing the trainees with details of
optical fiber technology.
On Day 3, trainees visited Kanagawa
Institute of technology, so they could see■ Figure 3: Network planning lecture
by Mr. Hamano■ Figure 4: Group photo from Kanagawa Institute of Technology

an advanced technology research facility inJapan (Figure 4). In the morning, trainees
learned about smart-house technology
in a lecture by Kanagawa Institute ofTechnology Professor Masao Isshiki. In
the afternoon, they visited the university’ssmart-house experimental building, andlearned how smart-house technology isactually being used through explanationand demonstration (Figure 5). Thiswas followed by tours of various otheruniversity facilities.
From Day 4 to Day 6, trainees studied
basic network design methods throughpractice and discussion, using drills createdfrom different types of geographic data oneach of the three days.
During the mornings, the lecturer
would explain the drills, and individual
students would think about a network
plan for that geography. In the afternoon,trainees divided into three groups to■ Figure 5: Tour of smart house test
facility at Kanagawa
Institute of Technology

discuss the network plan for the geography
in that drill. This discussion was repeated
two or three times, rearranging the groups,
to derive the best network plan. Finally, a
representative from each group presented
their best network plan, and the lecturer
gave comments regarding the presentations
to evaluate them (Figure 6, 7).
Day 7 was for creating presentationmaterials regarding the action plan. The
trainees selected a region in their country,
considered concrete aspects of this area
■ Figure 6: G roup discussion for a
drill■ Figure 7: Presentation after group
discussion for a drill

New Breeze Spring 202415

such as population, geography andavailable facilities, investigated an optimal
network plan for eliminating the digital
divide, and prepared the materials.
On the last day of the training, trainees
presented their action plan (Figure 8). The
lecturer and other trainees held Q&As
about the presented action plans, which
led to lively discussion. After presentationof the action plans there was a closing
ceremony, where IT U-AJ Genera l
Secretary, Mr. Tanaka, presented eachtrainee with a certificate for completing thetraining (Figure 9). This was concluded
with each trainee giving their comments
regarding the training program. After the
ceremony, a farewell luncheon was held at■ Figure 8: Action plan presentationa Japanese restaurant, where they enjoyed asoba and mini-donburi lunch.
It h a s b e en fou r y e a r s si nc e
training was held in-person, so wegave consideration to having a training
environment that would encourage active
discussion among participants. One effort
was to provide drink and snack cateringin the training room, to encourage more
active communication among trainees
and with lecturers and secretary staff. The
trainees gathered there during each breakand it became a good communication
tool. A second effort was to prepare large
printed maps showing the regions for eachof the drill problems, so that the network
plan could be drawn directly on the map.
This also encouraged discussion. We
arranged the desks into the three groups
for group discussions, so that trainees
could sit around the map while discussing
the problem. We also rearranged groupmembers for several discussions soeveryone could hear a range of opinions
when studying network plans, to help
create more-comprehensive network plans.
Each day we had a representative fromeach group present their network plan, but■ Figure 9: Presenting completion certificates

16

New Breeze Spring 2024

we also tried to ensure that everyone had achance to give a presentation. As a resultof these efforts, we received action plan
reports from all of the trainees on the final
day.
Because telecommunications technolo­
gy advances so quickly, we want to consider
selection of lecture content and locations
to visit so that participants are exposedto the latest technologies. Although thebasic concepts of designing and building
communication networks do not changemuch, we also want to ensure that thecontent of drills are reviewed appropriately,accord ing to t he latest t rends incommunication technology, so that we canoffer a more meaningful training program.
In conclusion, we would like to offer
sincere thanks to everyone at the APT and
MIC for their guidance and cooperation
in offering this training program, to Mr.
Hamano for his efforts preparing lecturematerials and guiding the trainees, to
Mr. Nakajima from NTT for his lecture,
to Prof. Isshiki and to all others from
Kanagawa Institute of Technology for their
help with the lecture and facility visit.

= A Serial Introduction Part 3 =Winners of ITU-AJ Encouragement Awards 2023
In May every year, The ITU Association of Japan (ITU-AJ) proudly presents ITU-AJ Encouragement Awards to people who have madeoutstanding contributions in the field of international standardization and have helped in the ongoing development of ICT.
These Awards are also an embodiment of our sincere desire to encourage further contributions from these individuals in the future.
If you happen to run into these winners at another meeting in the future, please say hello to them.
But first, as part of the introductory series of Award Winners, allow us to introduce some of those remarkable winners.

Masamune Nakakita

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone East Corporation
https://www.ntt-east.co.jp/en/
Fields of activity: New Business Development in South-East Asia

Providing value-added services and implementing smart city in collaboration
with partners in Vietnam
I am very thankful to have received this prestigious
Encouragement Award from the ITU Association of Japan. I
would like to express sincere thanks to all at ITU-AJ and themany others who have offered their guidance and cooperation inthese activities.
During the four years from 2017 to 2021, I worked to provide
value-added services at OCG Technology JSC in Hanoi, Vietnam,
which is a joint venture between the NTT East Group andthe VNPT Group, a national telecommunications provider in
Vietnam. After returning to Japan, I worked on new businessdevelopment in South-East Asia, and mainly on smart-city
development projects in the Bình Dương province of Southern
Vietnam.
To expand the service platform business that VNPT isproviding to the Vietnamese market, I particularly coordinatedamong various Japan and Vietnam partners in areas where Japan

Yuki Matsumura

has experience, such as cloud gaming and mind-training content,
from localization to preparation for implementation.
I later lead a smart-education solution project for elementary
schools in Vietnam, involving tablets, electronic blackboards anda cloud-based classroom support system, from trial to launching acommercial service.
In the most recent two years, I have been studying ways toimplement a smart city plan quickly in Southern Vietnam. For
example, we are planning a population flow control system thatuses camera video and AI analysis to shed light on the behaviorof residents, linked to transit and other services. Implementing
this will require high-speed connectivity such as Local 5G,
conforming to O-RAN, and also applications provided on that
platform. I look forward to continuing this work and collaborating
more closely with everyone at the ITU active in these various
fields.

NTT DOCOMO, Inc
https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/
Fields of activity: 3GPP RAN1

Contributions to 3GPP RAN1 standardization
I am very honored to have received this prestigious
encouragement award from the ITU Association of Japan. I would
like to express my sincere gratitude to all at ITU-AJ and everyone
else involved. Since I joined NTT DOCOMO in 2014, I havebeen working on 3GPP standardization. For the first three years,
I worked on simulation of standard techniques. Since 2017, I haveattended 3GPP RAN1 meetings.
One interesting practice in 3GPP RAN1 is to continue
discussion until none of the companies raises any concerns
regarding the proposal. Any delegate in any company attending
the RAN1 meeting has a right to speak their views or raise
concerns regarding the proposals, which I think is a fair practicethat can help avoid overlooking potential issues. On the other
hand, sometimes it takes a long time to reconcile companies’ views

on an argument. In the last stage of Rel. 15 (i.e., the first release of
the 5G standard specification) in 2017, the discussion sometimes
started in the early morning and ended at midnight. In addition
to the official meeting, there were several offline discussions to
exchange companies’ views in detail. It was very hard work, but
I felt a sense of accomplishment when I first read the finalized
standard specification for Rel. 15.
Since 2022, I have taken the role of moderator for the topicof Multi-Input-Multi Output (MIMO) in RAN1 for Rel. 18.
Although it is not easy to coordinate different views from different
companies, I feel it is very interesting when we converge after
extensive discussion and reach agreements. I will take this award
as encouragement and continue my effort to contribute to 3GPP
standardization activities.

New Breeze Spring 2024

17

通巻百四十二号

定価一冊一、六五〇円 （本体価格 一、五〇〇円、消費税 一五〇円） 年間購読料

The ITU Association of Japan六、六〇〇円 （本体価格 六、〇〇〇円、消費税 六〇〇円）