* March 2012: will be delivered the products to OSAKA gas (gas dealer)
* Price: around 260 man-yen
* Target number of products in 2012: 6,000 units (double of the number of products sold in 2011)
* Overall efficiency = 94% (city gas for primary fuel, LHV (lower heating value) base)
* Installation space: 22% reduced (compared to the current product)
* ENEFARM = home-use micro-CHP
If any, feel free to contact us.
Source >> here
2011年12月22日木曜日
2011年12月10日土曜日
Magnesium, fuel to metal fuel cell
Magnesium has attracted attention recently in the fuel cell field. It has many attractive features when it is applied as the fuel to the metal fuel cell. The magnesium resource is almost limitless. It is recyclable, relatively high safety, and good storageability.
The problem we have to solve before it is used as the fuel to the metal fuel cell is how to reduce MgO (raw and/or produced after Mg is used). The reducing process currently used is expensive since it needs the burning of a large amount of coal that is done while emitting a great amount of CO2, and further needs the catalyst for the reaction promotion.
Prof. Yabe (Tokyo Institute of Technology) has provided a good solution to the MgO reduction problem. The proprietary solar pumped laser is used for smelting magnesium. A 1 kW solar pumped laser was completed. Another challenger for the MgO-reduction problem solution appeared recently. The challenger is Prof. Kohama (Tohoku University) et al. He uses a solar furnace with a concave mirror. The mirror concentrates the solar rays to a single point to form a super high temperature spot of at least about 1,200 degrees of C.
Prof. Kohama has revealed a prototype of a new Mg fuel cell recently. I wrote an article on this new Mg fuel cell. For details, please visit here, if interested. As well known, Mg is almost limitless as its resources. Mg fuel cell is resistance to disasters. The Mg FC does not need the gas infrastructure which is required for the fuel cells (PEFC, SOFC) currently used. And if the infrastructure is damaged in disasters, the Mg FC is operable.
The problem we have to solve before it is used as the fuel to the metal fuel cell is how to reduce MgO (raw and/or produced after Mg is used). The reducing process currently used is expensive since it needs the burning of a large amount of coal that is done while emitting a great amount of CO2, and further needs the catalyst for the reaction promotion.
Prof. Yabe (Tokyo Institute of Technology) has provided a good solution to the MgO reduction problem. The proprietary solar pumped laser is used for smelting magnesium. A 1 kW solar pumped laser was completed. Another challenger for the MgO-reduction problem solution appeared recently. The challenger is Prof. Kohama (Tohoku University) et al. He uses a solar furnace with a concave mirror. The mirror concentrates the solar rays to a single point to form a super high temperature spot of at least about 1,200 degrees of C.
Prof. Kohama has revealed a prototype of a new Mg fuel cell recently. I wrote an article on this new Mg fuel cell. For details, please visit here, if interested. As well known, Mg is almost limitless as its resources. Mg fuel cell is resistance to disasters. The Mg FC does not need the gas infrastructure which is required for the fuel cells (PEFC, SOFC) currently used. And if the infrastructure is damaged in disasters, the Mg FC is operable.
2011年9月29日木曜日
New electrolytic cell for hydrogen generation, developed by Toshiba
Toshiba has developed a new electrolytic cell for hydrogen generation.
It is used in a high temperature steam atmosphere.
Toshiba has already developed the electrolytic cell for hydrogen generation, which is operable at 900°C in the high temperature steam electrolysis process.
The electrolytic cell developed this time will operate at temperatures below 900°C.
It is a ceramic electrolytic element having a three-layer structure, which consists of a zirconia electrolyte and two electrodes layered on both major sides of the electrolyte. The structure of the electrolytic cell is substantially the same as that of the cell unit of the SOFC.
In operation, the ceramic electrolytic element is placed in a high temperature steam atmosphere, and voltage is applied to between the electrodes. Steam is electrolyzed at one electrode into H2 and oxygen ion (O2-). The O2- immigrates to the other electrode where it is released outside in the form of O2.
To learn mode, visit here.
It is used in a high temperature steam atmosphere.
Toshiba has already developed the electrolytic cell for hydrogen generation, which is operable at 900°C in the high temperature steam electrolysis process.
The electrolytic cell developed this time will operate at temperatures below 900°C.
It is a ceramic electrolytic element having a three-layer structure, which consists of a zirconia electrolyte and two electrodes layered on both major sides of the electrolyte. The structure of the electrolytic cell is substantially the same as that of the cell unit of the SOFC.
In operation, the ceramic electrolytic element is placed in a high temperature steam atmosphere, and voltage is applied to between the electrodes. Steam is electrolyzed at one electrode into H2 and oxygen ion (O2-). The O2- immigrates to the other electrode where it is released outside in the form of O2.
To learn mode, visit here.
2011年9月19日月曜日
Great step toward explosion-free lithium ion battery
A new ceramic electrolyte sheet has been developed. The sheet exhibits high ion conductivity at room temperature. Where it is applied to the all-solid state lithium ion battery, an explosion-free lithium ion battery, which is operable at room temperature, is realized. An overall conductivity of the ceramic electrolyte sheet is 1 x 10-3 S/cm at room temperature.
A unique sintering process was developed. It successfully reduced the particle resistance, leading to development of the ceramic electrolyte sheet.
Applications of the sheet are 1) the electrolyte of the all-solid lithium ion battery 2) the electrolyte of the lithium-water battery (since it has waterproof performance), and 3) others.
Where the technology is used, less energy is required to manufacture large-area thin electrolyte sheets.
For the all-solid lithium ion battery and the lithium-water battery, visit here.
Source: AIST
A unique sintering process was developed. It successfully reduced the particle resistance, leading to development of the ceramic electrolyte sheet.
Applications of the sheet are 1) the electrolyte of the all-solid lithium ion battery 2) the electrolyte of the lithium-water battery (since it has waterproof performance), and 3) others.
Where the technology is used, less energy is required to manufacture large-area thin electrolyte sheets.
For the all-solid lithium ion battery and the lithium-water battery, visit here.
Source: AIST
2011年8月6日土曜日
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publications (KOKAI)
[Announcement]
“Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publications (KOKAI)”:
Provisional English translation of the KOKAI has been presented on my site (A1-KOHO)
The translation is under progress, and the translated KOKAI will be accumulatively added upon completion of its translation.
* Keyword: includes solid oxide fuel cell
* Int.Cl.:
* Searched: from 2011 to
* Gathered from JPO's database
* Contents of Table:
1) Title
2) Int.Cl.
3) Object (to provide)
4) Means to Achieve the Object
5) Related Drawing
You can read the JPO’s formal translation of the same after about 3 months from the date of the publication of the KOKAI.
JPO = Japanese Patent Office
“Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publications (KOKAI)”:
Provisional English translation of the KOKAI has been presented on my site (A1-KOHO)
The translation is under progress, and the translated KOKAI will be accumulatively added upon completion of its translation.
* Keyword: includes solid oxide fuel cell
* Int.Cl.:
* Searched: from 2011 to
* Gathered from JPO's database
* Contents of Table:
1) Title
2) Int.Cl.
3) Object (to provide)
4) Means to Achieve the Object
5) Related Drawing
You can read the JPO’s formal translation of the same after about 3 months from the date of the publication of the KOKAI.
JPO = Japanese Patent Office
2011年7月29日金曜日
Two Technical News：1) SOFC Electrolyte Operable at < 300 degrees C、2) Precise Doping Process
1) SOFC Electrolyte Operable at < 300 degrees C
In the oxide artificial superlattice having a multilayer structure consisting of atomic layers, those layers are selectively reduced and oxidized at lower than 300 degrees C.
The oxide artificial superlattice may be used also as a new oxygen storage material.
2) Precise Doping Process. The process is capable of controlling, as desired, the chemical compositions and the structure of the oxide nanosheet of 1 nm thick.
To read more, visit here.
In the oxide artificial superlattice having a multilayer structure consisting of atomic layers, those layers are selectively reduced and oxidized at lower than 300 degrees C.
The oxide artificial superlattice may be used also as a new oxygen storage material.
2) Precise Doping Process. The process is capable of controlling, as desired, the chemical compositions and the structure of the oxide nanosheet of 1 nm thick.
To read more, visit here.
2011年7月11日月曜日
Succeeds in manufacturing low-temp SOFC modules using micro-tube SOFC cells
The left photo is credited by AIST (Advanced Industrial Science And Technology).
Announcement
This article has been copied & pasted by Japan Energy, without my permission.
If interested, visit this site and click the title of "チューブ sofc".
Most of the English articles in this site are illegally copied & pasted from my site "FuelCell japan-1".
Japan Energy is malicious.
Currently it responds to visitor’s actions in the following way.
Where the Google’s browser is used:
1) In the case of the browser containing my attribute registered,
the comment box located below the article stolen allows my comment claiming the copyright to appear in the box. So you who are reading my article here will see my comment in the comment box of Japan Energy when visiting this malicious blog site.
2) In the case of the browser not containing it, it rejects my writing of the copyright claiming comment. You cannot see my comment in the box.
*********************************************************
SOFC module prototypes using micro-tube SOFC cells were successfully developed. Those SOFC modules operate at 650 degrees of centigrade or lower. A number of miro-tube SOFC cells were integrated into an SOFC unit (Fig. 2). Two SOFC units were combined to form an SOFC module. A total number of micro-tube SOFC cells used for the SOFC module was 90. The output power of the SOFC module was 50 watts or higher. The power generation efficiency was 40% or higher. The power generation density was 2 W/cm3.
Another SOFC module of 200 W output power was also manufactured using eight SOFC units (Fig. 3). The SOFC module, which consists of eight SOFC units, is considerably complex in structure. In this study, the gas manifolds and the current collecting electrodes were further assembled into such a complex integration structure.
Thus, the micro-tube SOFC cell high-density packaging technique for SOFC modules and its evaluation technique were successfully established.
The co-developer has a plan to apply the SOFC module of 200 W output power to APUs (auxiliary power units), small cogeneration systems, etc., and to evaluate the resultants. The results of this study will be presented in The Eleventh International Symposium on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC-XI)、in Vienna, Austria from October 4-9, 2009
Co-developed by:
AIST (Advanced Industrial Science And Technology)
FCRA (fine ceramics research association)
NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd
TOHO Gas Co., Ltd.
SOFC is usually used for the large-scale power plant since its operation temperature is high (800-1000 degrees of centigrade). The SOFC has many advantages, for example, of high power generation efficiency, simple structure, and easy maintenance. With those advantages, there is a strong demand for development of small SOFC power generators. The SOFC modules using micro-tube SOFC cells developed this time will for sure satisfy the demand.
[Copyright by FuelCell japan]
The technical development for realizing small SOFC power generation systems is under progress. The SOFC modules, developed this time, are one of the development results and may indicate the present level of the SOFC development. This technology is one of the watchful technologies
Source: AIST’s Press release issued on September 10, 2009
2011年7月6日水曜日
FC Chargers, Now Commercially Available from Aquafairy, and Micro SOFCs
Fuel cell chargers are now commercially available from Aquafairy Corporation in Japan. The chargers came on the market this April. The charger is one of the really commercialized fuel cell products, not many, and is the hot product.
Many medias have reported the FC charger. For its details, refer to the medias. The company’s website also presents the details of the product.
The product name of the charger is AF-M3000. The fuel cell used is of PEFC type. The output power of the charger is 3 W. The price is a little lower than 400 USD. Hydrogen as the fuel is generated in a simple manner that a cartridge containing hydrogen generating agent is set to the charger body and then water is injected into a water port of the charger body. The hydrogen generating agent is calcium hydride. In use, AF-M3000 as the charger is applied to a rechargeable-battery contained device, such as smart phones, mobile phones, mobile game machines, to charge the battery.
With regard to the hydrogen supplying system to the fuel cell system, the company has many useful technologies that have already been developed and are now being developed. Some of those technologies have been incorporated into the product, and other technologies will be incorporated into the same. Some important features are:
1) to on/off control the supply of hydrogen.
2) to control an amount of hydrogen to be produced in accordance with an amount of electric power used. In other words, the Aquafairy’s hydrogen supply control system is capable of controlling the power supply to a device (e.g., note PC) of which the load largely varies, while following up a large load variation. The control function will be incorporated into the charger next Spring.
3) To continuously supply hydrogen fuel to such a device that is operable at low power consumption for a long time. Necessity of the fuel replenishing operation and the recharging operation are completely removed, as a matter of course.
Development of micro SOFC (solid oxide fuel cell) is being actively made worldwide. This tendency is part of movement to replace PEFC with SOFC. The major reason for this is to use the SOFC having many advantages for the power sources of small devices such as mobile phones, note PCs, APU and residential CHP systems. As known, the SOFC is superior to the PEFC in that the power generation efficiency is high, the structure is simple, the durability is high, and a variety of fuels may be used for the fuel.
A company (Germany) has reached a stage where the micro SOFC is successfully assembled into the mobile phone. The SOFC unit used consists of an integration of ceramic tubular SOFC elements each being 3 mm in diameter and 4 to 5 cm in length. The output power of the SOFC unit is 1 W. The primary fuel of the micro SOFC is camping or lighter gas. At least two points are unknown to me. The first is the startup time of the SOFC unit. The second is how to technically deal with the considerably high temperature. The micro SOFC that is assembled into the mobile phone, when it is operating, must be at considerably high temperature.
[Copyright by FuelCell japan]
In Japan, the prototype of the micro SOFC was manufactured at the time of 2006. The prototype was at relatively high levels of performances and reached the stage of mass production. Tubular SOFC elements are integrated into a micro SOFC unit. Each tubular element is about 1 cm in length and 1.6 mm in diameter. The output power of the prototype was 0.17 to 1 W/cm2 at 450 to 570 degrees C. Ceria ceramics was used for the electrodes as well as the electrolyte. At this time, a micro SOFC prototype using tubular elements having 0.8 mm diameter was also manufactured successfully.
The technology levels of the micro SOFCs in Japan seems to be high enough when comparing with those in other countries, so far as I know. The micro SOFCs referred to here is the one developed in an initial stage of the development and had reached a mass production stage. In addition to the micro SOFCs referred to here, there are many other excellent micro-SOFC technologies, which had been developed up to mass production levels. I have never heard that those micro SOFCs have been practically used, however. I don’t understand the reason why any action has been taken to apply those developed SOFCs to practical devices, such as mobile phones and smart phones.
I wrote the blog in light of recent small fuel cells, although it was a casual idea popped up to my mind. I have a plan to write recent micro SOFCs mainly of Japan in the form of report. I am gathering materials for writing the report. The writing work isn’t going as well as I would like. I'm planning to go writing the report in English. I feel that a fewer number of publications on recent micro SOFC technologies in Japan have been presented to general pubic.
*****************************
I have recently formed the sub-site of Aquafairy Corporation in my website, FuelCell japan. If interested, please visit my website FuelCell japan.
In my website, please click “Companies & Products” on the top page, and then find “Aquafairy Corporation”.
I introduced the company in my blog FuelCell japan-1 about two years ago.
2011年5月27日金曜日
Titanium Oxide Solidified Body Absorbs and Stably Confines a Large Amount of Cesium
NIMS successfully created a new material being capable of absorbing high concentrations of cesium and stably confining the absorbed one for a long time.
A titanium dioxide （TiO2）was used as a solidified body to absorb cesium. The titanium oxide of 1 cm3 is capable of absorbing the amount of cesium contained in a cesium aqueous solution of 100 tons, which contains 10 ppb of cesium, and stably confining the same therein. The titanium oxide solidified body is throughout prepared under normal pressure.
This leads to size reduction and construction simplification of the disposal equipment when the titanium oxide solidified body is applied to the radioactive cesium disposal. Fukushima nuclear reactor accident still continues but the radiation leak is almost stopped. Cesium 137: Radioisotope of cesium, around 30 years as its half-life, emitting radiation, and high chance of suffering from cancer when it enters the body.
[Copyright by FuelCell japan: http://www.fcpat-japan.com/]
To learn more, visit HERE.
A titanium dioxide （TiO2）was used as a solidified body to absorb cesium. The titanium oxide of 1 cm3 is capable of absorbing the amount of cesium contained in a cesium aqueous solution of 100 tons, which contains 10 ppb of cesium, and stably confining the same therein. The titanium oxide solidified body is throughout prepared under normal pressure.
This leads to size reduction and construction simplification of the disposal equipment when the titanium oxide solidified body is applied to the radioactive cesium disposal. Fukushima nuclear reactor accident still continues but the radiation leak is almost stopped. Cesium 137: Radioisotope of cesium, around 30 years as its half-life, emitting radiation, and high chance of suffering from cancer when it enters the body.
[Copyright by FuelCell japan: http://www.fcpat-japan.com/]
To learn more, visit HERE.
2011年4月23日土曜日
Micro SOFC Now in Japan
Development efforts are focused mainly on PEFC and SOFC now in Japan.
SOFC is superior to PEFC in that it is high in energy conversion efficiency, simple in construction, and high in durability, and further that it is operable with relatively many types of fuels.
***************
To learn more in English, feel free to contact at newene02"abc" fcpat-japan.com
Please replace "abc" with "@".
We don't accept free-mail addresses.
Please understand that our special circumstances cause us to do so.
FuelCell japan: http://www.fcpat-japan.com/
SOFC is superior to PEFC in that it is high in energy conversion efficiency, simple in construction, and high in durability, and further that it is operable with relatively many types of fuels.
***************
To learn more in English, feel free to contact at newene02"abc" fcpat-japan.com
Please replace "abc" with "@".
We don't accept free-mail addresses.
Please understand that our special circumstances cause us to do so.
FuelCell japan: http://www.fcpat-japan.com/
2011年4月4日月曜日
Photovoltaic/Storage Cell
Photovoltaic cell, it generates electricity responsive to sunlight, … in clean manner. The most serious drawback of the solar cell is that it can produce zero output power when light to the cell is zero or weak, … well, for example, at night, in rainy and cloudy days.
The output power drops to zero.
And the zero output power state continues for a long time.
I don’t want to use the word “variation” to express the power level changes.
I have felt for a long time that the solar cell device has been used quite luxuriously.
There are many ways to level the output power of the solar cell.
Its examples are combinations with secondary battery, fuel cell or the like.
A bold scheme is present to make full use of the solar cell.
A solar power generation station is located at such a place in the universe as to allow the station to constantly receive sunlight. Electric power from the station is transmitted to the earth by space propagation medium, e.g., microwave.
This is really an ideal power leveling approach.
I know that the United States has a plan to demonstration test the scheme in around 2015. This is a grand experiment.
***************
[Copyright by FuelCell japan: http://www.fcpat-japan.com/]
To learn more in English, feel free to contact at newene02"abc" fcpat-japan.com
Please replace "abc" with "@".
We don't accept free-mail addresses.
Please understand that our special circumstances cause us to do so.
FuelCell japan: http://www.fcpat-japan.com/
The output power drops to zero.
And the zero output power state continues for a long time.
I don’t want to use the word “variation” to express the power level changes.
I have felt for a long time that the solar cell device has been used quite luxuriously.
There are many ways to level the output power of the solar cell.
Its examples are combinations with secondary battery, fuel cell or the like.
A bold scheme is present to make full use of the solar cell.
A solar power generation station is located at such a place in the universe as to allow the station to constantly receive sunlight. Electric power from the station is transmitted to the earth by space propagation medium, e.g., microwave.
This is really an ideal power leveling approach.
I know that the United States has a plan to demonstration test the scheme in around 2015. This is a grand experiment.
***************
[Copyright by FuelCell japan: http://www.fcpat-japan.com/]
To learn more in English, feel free to contact at newene02"abc" fcpat-japan.com
Please replace "abc" with "@".
We don't accept free-mail addresses.
Please understand that our special circumstances cause us to do so.
FuelCell japan: http://www.fcpat-japan.com/
2011年3月30日水曜日
What I Think of Fukushima Nuclear Reactor Accident
I begun to write the blog around 10 days ago. I am too late to upload the blog for my own reasons. The situations of the earthquake, tsunami and power outage, which were described by me in this blog, are different from the current situations. Bear this in mind when reading the blog.
*************
Fukushima nuclear reactor accident, its situation is changing time to time. It seems that the sea water pouring action into the used fuel pool of the Fukushima Daiichi No.3 nuclear reactor become effective to prevent its overheat. The workers are trying to introduce the power lines into the nuclear power plant. There is a report that they succeeded in connecting the power lines to a nuclear reactor in the power plant. It is reported that radiation leaks from the nuclear power plant have been scattered over a broad area. The area where I live must be distanced at least 150 km from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor. Radiation iodine and radiation cesium have been detected although their amounts are minute. Those radioactive substances are found in the spinach or other leaf vegetables. Shipment of those vegetables is now refrained. I am nervous when going out.
Of the earthquake disaster, Tsunami, rather than earthquake, seems to give big and misery damage. As already reported, the damage is disastrous. In the case of MinamiSanriku-machi, almost one town was flown away. Around 10,000 residents are still unknown. This town is located near my hometown. My relatives, friends, distant and younger-days memories, histories of my family and myself, memorable buildings and others were broken and flown away. This is a real thing. I have no word to express this tragedy and shock.
Takashi Hirose (journalist) wrote about the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear reactor accident. The title is “Could we avoid the catastrophic end of … ? - Truth of Fukushima No. 1 nuclear reactor – “ (Diamond ONLINE). I carefully read the report. Hirose already wrote a book titled “Nuclear Reactor Time Bomb”.
He has doubts on the value of the 9.0 magnitude. He said also that before about 100 years we had experience of the immense Tsunami, which is larger than of the present Tsunami. And he believes that the nuclear reactor accident is a man-made disaster.
Hirose describes a state that the nuclear reactor plant goes damaged: After one hour from the earthquake, the AC power source to the reactor plant stopped, and then the control/drive systems in the plant stopped. In this state, Tsunami attacked the nuclear plant. Oil tanks were flown away and the power systems are under water. The ECCS (emergency core cooling system) started to operate but they lost their functions immediately. Was there something to deal with the situation at that time or before the tsunami attacked the plant?
The nuclear power plant accident should not occur, absolutely.
I have hoped for the nuclear power plant as the most promising clean power generator. I expected that many countries would also have the thoughts on the clean energy power plant, which are similar to my thought. My hope has easily crumbled away. The forces of nature ignored and treated condescendingly the technologies on which we absolutely rely. I think that the building of the nuclear power plants will be a taboo phrase, while we clearly recognizes the need for the nuclear technology.
A large-scale power outage occurred. In the earthquake area, the nuclear power plants have halted their operations. The power supply is being intentionally stopped in the earthquake area including Kanto and Tohoku to cover the electric power shortage caused. I have never experienced such a large-scale power outage like this. This indicates the seriousness of the current situation.
Electric power will be suspended for over 3 hours in the morning tomorrow.
Electricity is used to light the rooms, and to drive heaters and cookers. Choice left to me is to go to bed. I don’t want to go outside. I am afraid of atmospheric radioactivity.
In the power outage by the earthquake, the current centralized generation explicitly showed its inherent defect, while having been highly managed and maintained. I guess that if the decentralized generation is employed, the power outage problem could be considerably eased. I should think that the government employs the fuel cell-based decentralized generation for the national power distribution system. The power outage this time is caused by the earthquake. If a war (I do not want to suppose it) causes the power outage, the situation will be more serious. If the enemy attacks the power generation stations in pin-point style, the power outage situation will be reproduced.
The fuel cell technology is not yet matured. I understand this fact. The (PEM) micro CHP system for home use, which is in the early stage market, has a price problem. Its price is still too high. The micro CHP is to be reduced to half price in around 2015. A new type (SOFC) micro CHP system will be launched into an early stage market soon. There is no reason that we must do nothing till that the technology and products are completed in satisfactory levels and matured. The fuel-cell micro CHP system has been commercialized though imperfect.
I think that a measure that legally supports the fuel cell developers to give a strong incentive to the developers and motivates them to develop the fuel cell is one of effective solutions, and increases the number of the fuel cell products while reviewing the state of the progress. In this case, the measure will be executed while minimizing problems raised anew.
The power supply frequency in the western Japan is different from that in the eastern Japan. I wonder that this frequency difference has some merit. Why do we have the different power supply frequencies in this small country?
In an emergency like this, it is impossible for the disaster area to receive a sufficient amount of electric power from the area not damaged. This is out of the question. I think that the government should immediately take some action to make the power supply frequencies equal to each other. This action should be executed at a stretch by, for example, the premier's instruction. This is the perfect chance to change the power supply frequency.
[Copyright by FuelCell japan: http://www.fcpat-japan.com/]
*************
Fukushima nuclear reactor accident, its situation is changing time to time. It seems that the sea water pouring action into the used fuel pool of the Fukushima Daiichi No.3 nuclear reactor become effective to prevent its overheat. The workers are trying to introduce the power lines into the nuclear power plant. There is a report that they succeeded in connecting the power lines to a nuclear reactor in the power plant. It is reported that radiation leaks from the nuclear power plant have been scattered over a broad area. The area where I live must be distanced at least 150 km from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor. Radiation iodine and radiation cesium have been detected although their amounts are minute. Those radioactive substances are found in the spinach or other leaf vegetables. Shipment of those vegetables is now refrained. I am nervous when going out.
Of the earthquake disaster, Tsunami, rather than earthquake, seems to give big and misery damage. As already reported, the damage is disastrous. In the case of MinamiSanriku-machi, almost one town was flown away. Around 10,000 residents are still unknown. This town is located near my hometown. My relatives, friends, distant and younger-days memories, histories of my family and myself, memorable buildings and others were broken and flown away. This is a real thing. I have no word to express this tragedy and shock.
Takashi Hirose (journalist) wrote about the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear reactor accident. The title is “Could we avoid the catastrophic end of … ? - Truth of Fukushima No. 1 nuclear reactor – “ (Diamond ONLINE). I carefully read the report. Hirose already wrote a book titled “Nuclear Reactor Time Bomb”.
He has doubts on the value of the 9.0 magnitude. He said also that before about 100 years we had experience of the immense Tsunami, which is larger than of the present Tsunami. And he believes that the nuclear reactor accident is a man-made disaster.
Hirose describes a state that the nuclear reactor plant goes damaged: After one hour from the earthquake, the AC power source to the reactor plant stopped, and then the control/drive systems in the plant stopped. In this state, Tsunami attacked the nuclear plant. Oil tanks were flown away and the power systems are under water. The ECCS (emergency core cooling system) started to operate but they lost their functions immediately. Was there something to deal with the situation at that time or before the tsunami attacked the plant?
The nuclear power plant accident should not occur, absolutely.
I have hoped for the nuclear power plant as the most promising clean power generator. I expected that many countries would also have the thoughts on the clean energy power plant, which are similar to my thought. My hope has easily crumbled away. The forces of nature ignored and treated condescendingly the technologies on which we absolutely rely. I think that the building of the nuclear power plants will be a taboo phrase, while we clearly recognizes the need for the nuclear technology.
A large-scale power outage occurred. In the earthquake area, the nuclear power plants have halted their operations. The power supply is being intentionally stopped in the earthquake area including Kanto and Tohoku to cover the electric power shortage caused. I have never experienced such a large-scale power outage like this. This indicates the seriousness of the current situation.
Electric power will be suspended for over 3 hours in the morning tomorrow.
Electricity is used to light the rooms, and to drive heaters and cookers. Choice left to me is to go to bed. I don’t want to go outside. I am afraid of atmospheric radioactivity.
In the power outage by the earthquake, the current centralized generation explicitly showed its inherent defect, while having been highly managed and maintained. I guess that if the decentralized generation is employed, the power outage problem could be considerably eased. I should think that the government employs the fuel cell-based decentralized generation for the national power distribution system. The power outage this time is caused by the earthquake. If a war (I do not want to suppose it) causes the power outage, the situation will be more serious. If the enemy attacks the power generation stations in pin-point style, the power outage situation will be reproduced.
The fuel cell technology is not yet matured. I understand this fact. The (PEM) micro CHP system for home use, which is in the early stage market, has a price problem. Its price is still too high. The micro CHP is to be reduced to half price in around 2015. A new type (SOFC) micro CHP system will be launched into an early stage market soon. There is no reason that we must do nothing till that the technology and products are completed in satisfactory levels and matured. The fuel-cell micro CHP system has been commercialized though imperfect.
I think that a measure that legally supports the fuel cell developers to give a strong incentive to the developers and motivates them to develop the fuel cell is one of effective solutions, and increases the number of the fuel cell products while reviewing the state of the progress. In this case, the measure will be executed while minimizing problems raised anew.
The power supply frequency in the western Japan is different from that in the eastern Japan. I wonder that this frequency difference has some merit. Why do we have the different power supply frequencies in this small country?
In an emergency like this, it is impossible for the disaster area to receive a sufficient amount of electric power from the area not damaged. This is out of the question. I think that the government should immediately take some action to make the power supply frequencies equal to each other. This action should be executed at a stretch by, for example, the premier's instruction. This is the perfect chance to change the power supply frequency.
[Copyright by FuelCell japan: http://www.fcpat-japan.com/]
2011年3月4日金曜日
ARIOS’ platinum catalyst formation rate is 50 times compared to the conventional one
ARIOS Inc., in cooperation with Prof. Toru Yonezawa, Hokkaido University, has developed a process for forming platinum catalyst at extremely high rate.
The in-water microwave-excited plasma process was used for forming the platinum catalyst. The catalyst formation rate was 5g/hour. This value is 50 times as large as that of the conventional process.
In the catalyst forming process, platinum nanoparticles of 2 nanometers in particle diameter
***************
[Copyright by FuelCell japan: http://www.fcpat-japan.com/]
To learn more in English, feel free to contact at newene02"abc" fcpat-japan.com
Please replace "abc" with "@".
We don't accept free-mail addresses.
Please understand that our special circumstances cause us to do so.
FuelCell japan: http://www.fcpat-japan.com/
The in-water microwave-excited plasma process was used for forming the platinum catalyst. The catalyst formation rate was 5g/hour. This value is 50 times as large as that of the conventional process.
In the catalyst forming process, platinum nanoparticles of 2 nanometers in particle diameter
***************
[Copyright by FuelCell japan: http://www.fcpat-japan.com/]
To learn more in English, feel free to contact at newene02"abc" fcpat-japan.com
Please replace "abc" with "@".
We don't accept free-mail addresses.
Please understand that our special circumstances cause us to do so.
FuelCell japan: http://www.fcpat-japan.com/
2011年2月26日土曜日
SOFC-based home fuel cell systems are put into the market this autumn
JX Nippon Oil & Energy announced that the company will reduce the price of the current ENE-FARM and will start the sale of new ENE-FARMs, which is of the SOFC type, in autumn this year.
[Copyright by FuelCell japan]
1. To reduce the price of the ENE-FARM (PEFC-based micro-CHP system) being currently sold by about 20%.
2. To launch the sale of new ENE-FARMs, or SOFC-based micro CHP systems, in October this year.
3. Features of new ENE-FARM: 1) remarkable size reduction of about 40% (volume ratio) when compared with the current machine, and 2) the rated power generation efficiency = 45%.
4. Customers will have more flexible choice when buying the ENE-FARM, with addition of the new SOFC ENE-FARM.
5. To outsource production of the new ENE-FARMs to Dainichi Co., Ltd. (Niigata city).
6. To reveal the SOFC ENE-FARM in “FC EXPO 2011”, March 2 to 4, Tokyo Big Site.
Source: News release
[Copyright by FuelCell japan]
1. To reduce the price of the ENE-FARM (PEFC-based micro-CHP system) being currently sold by about 20%.
2. To launch the sale of new ENE-FARMs, or SOFC-based micro CHP systems, in October this year.
3. Features of new ENE-FARM: 1) remarkable size reduction of about 40% (volume ratio) when compared with the current machine, and 2) the rated power generation efficiency = 45%.
4. Customers will have more flexible choice when buying the ENE-FARM, with addition of the new SOFC ENE-FARM.
5. To outsource production of the new ENE-FARMs to Dainichi Co., Ltd. (Niigata city).
6. To reveal the SOFC ENE-FARM in “FC EXPO 2011”, March 2 to 4, Tokyo Big Site.
Source: News release
2011年2月25日金曜日
PEFC Operable in Intermediate Temperature Region
Another Fuel Cell Operable in the intermediate temperature region (100 to 200 Celsius degree) was already developed. The fuel cell is a PEFC of the non-humidification type. A unique solid electrolyte membrane is used which is a PBI/H3PO4 composite membrane made of polybenzimidazole (PBI) doped with phosphoric acid. Possible applications of the technology are alkaline fuel cell, MFC and others, in addition to the PEFC.
Developer: Lab team led by Masahiro Rikukawa, professor of the Faculty of Science and Technology at Sophia University.
[Copyright by FuelCell japan: http://www.fcpat-japan.com/]
Sources: Tech-On!
I found the technology when writing other related articles, but I missed to refer to this technology.
Developer: Lab team led by Masahiro Rikukawa, professor of the Faculty of Science and Technology at Sophia University.
[Copyright by FuelCell japan: http://www.fcpat-japan.com/]
Sources: Tech-On!
I found the technology when writing other related articles, but I missed to refer to this technology.
2011年2月19日土曜日
Micro-tubular SOFC Directly Reforms Hydrocarbon Fuel at 450℃ or Lower and Generates Electric Power
A micro SOFC has been recently developed. It is a micro-tubular SOFC. The operating temperature of the micro SOFC is 450 Celsius degree or lower. The developers = AIST and Prof. Nigel Sammes, Colorado School of Mines.
The micro-tubular SOFC is featured by:
***************
To learn more in English, feel free to contact at newene02"abc" fcpat-japan.com
Please replace "abc" with "@".
We don't accept free-mail addresses.
Please understand that our special circumstances cause us to do so.
FuelCell japan: http://www.fcpat-japan.com/
The micro-tubular SOFC is featured by:
***************
To learn more in English, feel free to contact at newene02"abc" fcpat-japan.com
Please replace "abc" with "@".
We don't accept free-mail addresses.
Please understand that our special circumstances cause us to do so.
FuelCell japan: http://www.fcpat-japan.com/
2011年2月5日土曜日
“Hydrogen Town Project” is going on in Japan
The project has started on January 15, 2011.
The fuel cell systems using pure hydrogen as their fuel are demonstration tested in a (Kitakyushu) hydrogen town. In the town, ordinary homes, condominiums, commercial and public facilities are installed with different types of fuel cell systems (1 kw, 3 kw and 1,000 kw). Hydrogen gas is produced in Nippon Steel Yawata Works, located near the hydrogen town. Hydrogen gas produced is delivered to the hydrogen town, through the pipelines that are laid in the city area of the hydrogen town. The project is very unique.
To read more, visit HERE.
The fuel cell systems using pure hydrogen as their fuel are demonstration tested in a (Kitakyushu) hydrogen town. In the town, ordinary homes, condominiums, commercial and public facilities are installed with different types of fuel cell systems (1 kw, 3 kw and 1,000 kw). Hydrogen gas is produced in Nippon Steel Yawata Works, located near the hydrogen town. Hydrogen gas produced is delivered to the hydrogen town, through the pipelines that are laid in the city area of the hydrogen town. The project is very unique.
To read more, visit HERE.
2011年1月26日水曜日
Car and Energy Sectors Actually Move toward Early Stage Market of FCVs in Japan
The Japanese FCV industries, including car and energy, take a large step toward the early stage market of FCVs in 2015.
Recently, in Japan, three big automakers and ten energy companies issued a joint statement declaring that the companies make active efforts to build the infrastructure for supplying hydrogen gas to fuel cell vehicles (FCV), which will enter the early market stage in around 2015. About 100 hydrogen stations will be built in the major metropolitan cities of Tokyo, Aichi, Osaka and Fukuoka.
The FCV driving demonstration test using FCV buses has started from the middle of December last year. The FCV buses regularly run on the routes, including the highway, between Haneda airport and two locations in Tokyo. The demonstration test using the hired-car will be conducted before long. The hired-car runs on the highway between Narita airport and the center of Tokyo.
The way for the hydrogen station to obtain hydrogen gas is different between 1) the hydrogen station coupled to the bus route and 2) that coupled to the hired-car route.
To learn more, visit HERE.
Recently, in Japan, three big automakers and ten energy companies issued a joint statement declaring that the companies make active efforts to build the infrastructure for supplying hydrogen gas to fuel cell vehicles (FCV), which will enter the early market stage in around 2015. About 100 hydrogen stations will be built in the major metropolitan cities of Tokyo, Aichi, Osaka and Fukuoka.
The FCV driving demonstration test using FCV buses has started from the middle of December last year. The FCV buses regularly run on the routes, including the highway, between Haneda airport and two locations in Tokyo. The demonstration test using the hired-car will be conducted before long. The hired-car runs on the highway between Narita airport and the center of Tokyo.
The way for the hydrogen station to obtain hydrogen gas is different between 1) the hydrogen station coupled to the bus route and 2) that coupled to the hired-car route.
To learn more, visit HERE.
2011年1月21日金曜日
Another micro SOFC operating at 450 Celsius degree or lower
A micro-tubular SOFC, co-developed by AIST and Prof. Nigel Sammes, Colorado School of Mines.
It is capable of generating electric power by directly reforming any of various kinds of hydrocarbon fuels into hydrogen fuel even at 450 Celsius degree or lower.
A ceria layer of nanometer-size (reforming catalyst) is formed on the inner wall of the tube.
More
It is capable of generating electric power by directly reforming any of various kinds of hydrocarbon fuels into hydrogen fuel even at 450 Celsius degree or lower.
A ceria layer of nanometer-size (reforming catalyst) is formed on the inner wall of the tube.
More
2011年1月15日土曜日
SOFC and PEFC, their Operating Temperatures Go toward Intermediate Temperatures
In the PEFC and SOFC fields, it seems that much development efforts are directed to the technologies to stably operate those types of the fuel cells at the intermediate temperatures in practical levels.
The fuel cell that Nordic Power Systems uses operates at temperatures higher than 100 Celsius degree, the limit operating temperature of the PEFC.
SiEnergy Systems, LLC (USA) has fabricated a prototype of the micro-SOFC, which operates at 300 Celsius degree.
[Copyright by FuelCell japan]
In connection with this, the lab team led by Prof. Yuichi Shimakawa (Kyoto University) discovered the fact that the oxygen ions anisotropically diffuse in the solid oxide at 300 Celsius degree or lower. The discovery shows that the perovskite-structure oxide exhibits the oxygen ion conductivity in the intermediate temperature region. The discovery is a big discovery when considering the current development trend to operate the fuel cells at the intermediate temperatures. The news on the discovery was released at about this time of the last year. I have carelessly forgotten to refer to the discovery news in my related articles although I wanted to do so. The technical paper describing the discovery was posted to the journal Nature Chemistry and was published on its online version.
SiEnergy: http://www.alliedminds.com/Portfolio/SiEnergy_Systems/index.htm
Nature Chemistry：
http://www.ehcc.kyoto-u.ac.jp/eh10/index.php?plugin=attach&refer=%E8%AB%96%E6%96%87/Publications&openfile=133_NatureChemistry_SrFeO2film.pd
My site：http://www.fcpat-japan.com/SiEnergy.htm
The fuel cell that Nordic Power Systems uses operates at temperatures higher than 100 Celsius degree, the limit operating temperature of the PEFC.
SiEnergy Systems, LLC (USA) has fabricated a prototype of the micro-SOFC, which operates at 300 Celsius degree.
[Copyright by FuelCell japan]
In connection with this, the lab team led by Prof. Yuichi Shimakawa (Kyoto University) discovered the fact that the oxygen ions anisotropically diffuse in the solid oxide at 300 Celsius degree or lower. The discovery shows that the perovskite-structure oxide exhibits the oxygen ion conductivity in the intermediate temperature region. The discovery is a big discovery when considering the current development trend to operate the fuel cells at the intermediate temperatures. The news on the discovery was released at about this time of the last year. I have carelessly forgotten to refer to the discovery news in my related articles although I wanted to do so. The technical paper describing the discovery was posted to the journal Nature Chemistry and was published on its online version.
SiEnergy: http://www.alliedminds.com/Portfolio/SiEnergy_Systems/index.htm
Nature Chemistry：
http://www.ehcc.kyoto-u.ac.jp/eh10/index.php?plugin=attach&refer=%E8%AB%96%E6%96%87/Publications&openfile=133_NatureChemistry_SrFeO2film.pd
My site：http://www.fcpat-japan.com/SiEnergy.htm
登録:
投稿 (Atom)
