Chofu City, the University of Electro-Communications, NTT East Tokyo Musashino  and NTTe-Sports held an e-sports experience event using “portable cylindrical solar power generation modules” on December 6th at the community space “Shibasaki Irodori Station” in Chofu City.

The University of Electro-Communications is focusing on the development and demonstration of portable solar power generation modules that can generate electricity anywhere.
By making the power generation module cylindrical, unlike the panel shape, it can generate electricity efficiently regardless of the direction of the sun. Furthermore, by arranging multiple power generation modules at intervals, wind pressure is less likely to be applied, so a heavy mount is not required.

横川教授と、しばさき彩ステーションに設置された可搬式円筒形太陽光発電モジュール（Professor Yokogawa and portable cylindrical solar power generation module）

Professor Shinji Yokogawa of the University of Electro-Communications said, “We believe that portable cylindrical solar power generation modules will be a means of disseminating renewable energy in urban areas where land is limited. We are promoting the spread of usable renewable energy. We want to make it a platform that will make it easier for Tokyo residents to generate their own electricity”.

Portable cylindrical solar power generation modules are in high demand not only in urban areas, but also in agricultural and snowy regions, and the company has received a variety of inquiries. The main reason is ease of maintenance.
Currently, there is a growing movement to combine agriculture and power generation. This is because agricultural ICT is becoming more widespread and large amounts of electricity are now being used on farmland.
“If you install a regular flat solar panel on farmland, it will cast shadows and reduce crop yields. On the other hand, cylindrical solar modules are blind-shaped, so electricity is generated at the top and farming is done underneath. “This will enable solar sharing,” Professor Yokogawa explains.
Flat solar panels stop generating power if about 1 cm of snow accumulates on the panel surface. Therefore, the snow has to be constantly removed. On the other hand, with cylindrical photovoltaic modules, there is no such concern.

“We are receiving inquiries from overseas from areas without electricity, such as Africa. Even in countries where large-scale investments such as building power plants are difficult, cylindrical solar power generation modules can generate electricity in a small form. “The IT needs are increasing even in countries where the infrastructure is not well developed. In order to use IT, electricity is ultimately required,” Professor Yokogawa said.