Overview
At Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd., we have continued to implement the power-conservation measures of summer 2011 and last winter in order to prepare for the demand expected for summer 2012. For summer 2012, certain plants have taken steps to install additional gas absorption-style hot/cold water supply machines*1. Through these power-conservation measures, we predict that we will be able to achieve the reduction ratio compared with FY2010 that is demanded by the government, in all regions where we have facilities (Tohoku, Kanto, Kansai, Hokuriku, Chugoku) .
Detail
At Murata, to ensure that component production is not adversely affected by the requirement to reduce power consumption, we are making use of co-generation systems to the maximum extent possible and increasing the number of gas absorption-style hot/cold water supply machines. There are no plans to move holidays or alter shifts. The principle measures to be taken at each plant are as follows.
New Measures for Summer 2012
Region serviced by Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc.
At our Yokaichi Plant (Higashiomi-shi, Shiga Prefecture) , where we carry out research/development and manufacture of materials for electrical components, additional gas absorption-style hot/cold water supply machines have been introduced, and we will start using these in July to reduce power demand at peak times. The cold water generated by the hot/cold water supply machine will be used for air conditioning systems or to cool parts of the manufacturing equipment.
Region serviced by Hokuriku Electric Power Company
In the Hokuriku region, where we have a number of manufacturing facilities, additional gas absorption-style hot/cold water supply machines have been introduced at Fukui Murata Manufacturing (Echizen-shi, Fukui Prefecture) and Toyama Murata Manufacturing (Toyama–shi, Toyama Prefecture) , and we will make arrangements to enable a switch to these in July. The cold water generated by the hot/cold water supply machine will be used in air conditioning systems or to cool parts of the manufacturing equipment.
Ongoing Measures
Regions serviced by Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc.
The following measures have enabled us to reduce power consumption by about 15% in comparison with FY2010.
- Head Office (Nagaokakyo-shi, Kyoto)
Use of solar power generating system
- Yasu Division (Yasu-shi, Shiga Prefecture)
Operate cogeneration system*2 (CGS)
- Yokaichi Plant (Higashiomi-shi, Shiga Prefecture)
Reduction in power consumption by the turbo refrigerator*3 by operating gas absorption-style hot/cold water supply machines.
Measures implemented at all plants
- Extending "Cool Biz" to last from May to October
- Turning off non-essential lighting
- Adjustment of lighting brightness, thinning out, and switching off lights to the maximum extent possible
- Fixing the minimum temperature of air conditioning systems to 28°C
- Stopping air conditioners or running them at intervals
- Stopping certain parts of the production machinery at times of peak demand
- Powering off machinery on standby
- Installation of heat-shielding film on windows
- Power-saving support on OA machines etc.
A word from Koji Makino,
Executive Vice President, Member Of The Board Of Directors
At the Murata Group, we are determined to do everything in our power to implement measures to reduce power consumption over group companies as a whole. We anticipate increasing demand for electronic components for smartphones, tablets, and car electronics, among others. In view of this, we have put measures in place to ensure that production will not be affected as we continue to work to meet our customers' needs.
Terminology
| *1 |
Gas absorption-style hot/cold water supply machine: |
Equipment that generates cold or warm water using gas as the main power source. A refrigeration cycle is created using a chemistry-based method in which a heat-absorbent material is used instead of a compressor in a compressor-style refrigeration machine. |
| *2 |
Co-generation system: |
Describes a high-efficiency system whereby at least two types of useful secondary energy, such as electricity and heat, are extracted from a single energy source. The system uses city gas as fuel. |
| *3 |
Turbo refrigerator: |
Refrigerator in which a turbo compressor (centrifugal compressor) is used. |