NIMS has succeeded recently in fabricating a new electrolyte thin film which enables the realization of micro SOFCs that may be used as the power sources of small electronics devices such as laptop PCs and mobile phones.
* NIMS = National Institute for Materials Science
The electrolyte thin film is a yttrium-doped barium zirconate （BaZr0.8Y0.2O3-.、BZY）thin film (BZY thin film). The BZY thin film fabricated is epitaxially oriented and relatively thick and contains no grain boundaries.
The proton conductivity of the BZY thin film is 0.01 S/cm at 350℃. This value is a minimum of proton conductivity values required for practical fuel cells. Incidentally, in this type of micro SOFC, its operation temperature must be below 450 degrees Celsius. The proton conductivity of the BZY thin film measured at 350 degrees Celsius is the highest of the oxide materials ever reported. It is also much higher than the conductivity of the oxygen ion conductor that is stable in the same temperature region.
It is said that the BZY has never been taken up as the SOFC electrolyte material because its proton conductivity is extremely low. The BZY contains much grain boundaries. The blocking effect of the grain boundaries renders the proton conductivity low. To avoid this, the study used the pulse laser deposition to fabricate the BZY thin film.
[Copyright by FuelCell japan: http://www.fcpat-japan.com/]
For somewhat more detail, visit KOKO.
2010年10月12日火曜日
Switched Reluctance Motor Supersedes Rare Earth-Contained Motors
Keywords
Rare earth, switched reluctance motor, synchronous motor, SRM, reluctance differences, interior permanent magnet synchronous motors, IPMSM, permanent magnet rotor, EV, HEV, FCV, China, Japan, collision accident, fishing boat, patrol boat, export, import
Summary
SRM was improved to have the performances comparable with those of the incumbent IPMSM. Some characteristics of the improved SRM exceeded those of the IPMSM. Creative efforts were focused on the motor structure and selection of the materials to be used, and the best combinations of them were found.
[Copyright by FuelCell japan]
The rare earth issue has been closed up recently in Japan.
Over 90% of the rare earths currently used in Japan is imported from China. Recently, the collision accident between the Chinese fishing boat and the Japanese patrol boat occurred. As the result of the
**************
[Copyright by FuelCell japan]
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/
Rare earth, switched reluctance motor, synchronous motor, SRM, reluctance differences, interior permanent magnet synchronous motors, IPMSM, permanent magnet rotor, EV, HEV, FCV, China, Japan, collision accident, fishing boat, patrol boat, export, import
Summary
SRM was improved to have the performances comparable with those of the incumbent IPMSM. Some characteristics of the improved SRM exceeded those of the IPMSM. Creative efforts were focused on the motor structure and selection of the materials to be used, and the best combinations of them were found.
[Copyright by FuelCell japan]
The rare earth issue has been closed up recently in Japan.
Over 90% of the rare earths currently used in Japan is imported from China. Recently, the collision accident between the Chinese fishing boat and the Japanese patrol boat occurred. As the result of the
**************
[Copyright by FuelCell japan]
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/
2010年9月23日木曜日
Oxygen Ion Distribution in SOFC Cells, Successfully Visualized
Technology Brief Description:
A new technology developed this time uses the stable isotopes of oxygen (18O) as labeling elements, and further uses the SIMS (secondary ion mass spectrometry) for measuring a distribution of concentrations of oxygen stable isotopes (18O) at high resolution of the order of micrometers or smaller.
Reference is made to Figs. A to D (the uppermost drawings of HERE). A medium-temperature planar tubular cell stack (Figs. A and B) of a practical SOFC machine, which is operating at high temperature, was used. The stable isotopes of oxygen (18O) were introduced into the SOFC machine. And the fuel cell reaction took place. The cell stack was rapidly cooled down to normal temperature. In this state, a measurement was made of a concentration distribution of the oxygen stable isotopes in the solid electrolyte. As a result, active sites of oxygen ionizing reaction in the cell were visualized and specified (Figs. C and D).
The technology is capable of specifying portions in the electrodes and the electrolyte where oxygen ionization reaction activity is high, and further visualizing a concentration distribution associated with the oxygen ions (diffusion). Therefore, the technology will provide helpful instructions to designers of high performance electrode/electrolyte interfaces and contribute to elucidation of the deterioration mechanism.
Background Description:
As known, SOFC (solid oxide fuel cell) has advantageous features of high power generation efficiency, substantially eliminating the need of catalyst, and the like. And it has been known as the next generation fuel cell. In Japan, residential SOFC micro-CHP systems have been under demonstration test from 2007. Osaka gas, Toyota, Kyocera, etc. has substantially completed development of the same type of fuel cell system, and entered the demonstration test. "BlueGen" of Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited in Australia is well known for the SOFC micro-CHP system. The output power of BlueGen is 2 kW.
SOFC has the electrolyte consisting mainly of solid ceramics. In the SOFC, oxygen molecules (O2) are ionized into oxygen ions (O2-). The oxygen ions diffuse into the solid electrolyte, and then react with hydrogen to produce electricity. To enhance the performances of the SOFC, it is necessary to reduce reaction resistance associated with the oxygen ionization and the oxygen ion diffusion.
Motions of oxygen and oxygen ions have been estimated indirectly. A model of the electrode reaction mechanism was established. The model was placed in various conditions. Electrical signals produced from the model were measured. There are almost no technologies being capable of directly visualizing portions of the practical SOFC machine where oxygen ionization reaction activity is high and concentration distributions of oxygen ions associated with the diffusion of the oxygen ions.
For somewhat more detail, visit HERE.
***************************
Ikuo Kawai & UNHCR
News: Sept. 23, 2010 -
1) Koydo says: Japanese prime minister Naoto Kan stated at the Millennium Development Goals summit, New York, that Japan pledges to contribute a total of 8.5 billion dollars to the U.N. for five years from now on: 5 billion dollars for anti-infectious disease measures, and 3.5 billion dollars for the spread of universal primary education.
2) Time says: U.N.: More Funds Pledged to Fight Poverty
(UNITED NATIONS) — A three-day summit to push global leaders to meet U.N. goals to significantly reduce poverty by 2015 wraps up Wednesday with new financial pledges from countries but no certainty there will be enough money and political commitment to meet the targets.
[Copyright by FuelCell japan: http://www.fcpat-japan.com/]
Ikuko Kawai: Stradivarius violinist
Official site: http://www.ikukokawai.com/prof/prof-english.html
Volunteer work: Visit Ikuo Kawai & UNHCR
Listen to Albinoni's Adagio, if interested.
A new technology developed this time uses the stable isotopes of oxygen (18O) as labeling elements, and further uses the SIMS (secondary ion mass spectrometry) for measuring a distribution of concentrations of oxygen stable isotopes (18O) at high resolution of the order of micrometers or smaller.
Reference is made to Figs. A to D (the uppermost drawings of HERE). A medium-temperature planar tubular cell stack (Figs. A and B) of a practical SOFC machine, which is operating at high temperature, was used. The stable isotopes of oxygen (18O) were introduced into the SOFC machine. And the fuel cell reaction took place. The cell stack was rapidly cooled down to normal temperature. In this state, a measurement was made of a concentration distribution of the oxygen stable isotopes in the solid electrolyte. As a result, active sites of oxygen ionizing reaction in the cell were visualized and specified (Figs. C and D).
The technology is capable of specifying portions in the electrodes and the electrolyte where oxygen ionization reaction activity is high, and further visualizing a concentration distribution associated with the oxygen ions (diffusion). Therefore, the technology will provide helpful instructions to designers of high performance electrode/electrolyte interfaces and contribute to elucidation of the deterioration mechanism.
Background Description:
As known, SOFC (solid oxide fuel cell) has advantageous features of high power generation efficiency, substantially eliminating the need of catalyst, and the like. And it has been known as the next generation fuel cell. In Japan, residential SOFC micro-CHP systems have been under demonstration test from 2007. Osaka gas, Toyota, Kyocera, etc. has substantially completed development of the same type of fuel cell system, and entered the demonstration test. "BlueGen" of Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited in Australia is well known for the SOFC micro-CHP system. The output power of BlueGen is 2 kW.
SOFC has the electrolyte consisting mainly of solid ceramics. In the SOFC, oxygen molecules (O2) are ionized into oxygen ions (O2-). The oxygen ions diffuse into the solid electrolyte, and then react with hydrogen to produce electricity. To enhance the performances of the SOFC, it is necessary to reduce reaction resistance associated with the oxygen ionization and the oxygen ion diffusion.
Motions of oxygen and oxygen ions have been estimated indirectly. A model of the electrode reaction mechanism was established. The model was placed in various conditions. Electrical signals produced from the model were measured. There are almost no technologies being capable of directly visualizing portions of the practical SOFC machine where oxygen ionization reaction activity is high and concentration distributions of oxygen ions associated with the diffusion of the oxygen ions.
For somewhat more detail, visit HERE.
***************************
Ikuo Kawai & UNHCR
News: Sept. 23, 2010 -
1) Koydo says: Japanese prime minister Naoto Kan stated at the Millennium Development Goals summit, New York, that Japan pledges to contribute a total of 8.5 billion dollars to the U.N. for five years from now on: 5 billion dollars for anti-infectious disease measures, and 3.5 billion dollars for the spread of universal primary education.
2) Time says: U.N.: More Funds Pledged to Fight Poverty
(UNITED NATIONS) — A three-day summit to push global leaders to meet U.N. goals to significantly reduce poverty by 2015 wraps up Wednesday with new financial pledges from countries but no certainty there will be enough money and political commitment to meet the targets.
[Copyright by FuelCell japan: http://www.fcpat-japan.com/]
Ikuko Kawai: Stradivarius violinist
Official site: http://www.ikukokawai.com/prof/prof-english.html
Volunteer work: Visit Ikuo Kawai & UNHCR
Listen to Albinoni's Adagio, if interested.
2010年8月20日金曜日
“Hydrogen Embrittlement”, this tough nut is cracked at last
Note:
“Great Solution to "Hydrogen Embrittlement Problem"”, published on July 6, 2010, has been rewritten into this article.
The reasons for this are:
1) Description of the previous article is unsatisfactory because the time allowed for me to write was insufficient.
2) The number of accesses to the article is relatively large.
**************************
Hydrogen embrittlement: When a metal is exposed to hydrogen, the hydrogen enters into the metal and the metal is brittle and fractured.
Discovery: When an extremely large amount of hydrogen was made to enter a metal material, a fatigue strength characteristic of the material was considerably improved.
Discovered by HYDROGENIUS = Research Center for Hydrogen Industrial Use and Storage, located at Ito-Campus of Kyushu University
The discovery denies the explanation of the “hydrogen embrittlement” thus far made.
Much research efforts have been made to elucidate a mechanism of the hydrogen embrittlement for a long time in the world. Some theories to explain the hydrogen embrittlement phenomenon have been proposed. This phenomenon has not yet been elucidated, however. It is sure that this fact has impeded real commercialization of the products using hydrogen gas.
To read more, visit HERE.
“Great Solution to "Hydrogen Embrittlement Problem"”, published on July 6, 2010, has been rewritten into this article.
The reasons for this are:
1) Description of the previous article is unsatisfactory because the time allowed for me to write was insufficient.
2) The number of accesses to the article is relatively large.
**************************
Hydrogen embrittlement: When a metal is exposed to hydrogen, the hydrogen enters into the metal and the metal is brittle and fractured.
Discovery: When an extremely large amount of hydrogen was made to enter a metal material, a fatigue strength characteristic of the material was considerably improved.
Discovered by HYDROGENIUS = Research Center for Hydrogen Industrial Use and Storage, located at Ito-Campus of Kyushu University
The discovery denies the explanation of the “hydrogen embrittlement” thus far made.
Much research efforts have been made to elucidate a mechanism of the hydrogen embrittlement for a long time in the world. Some theories to explain the hydrogen embrittlement phenomenon have been proposed. This phenomenon has not yet been elucidated, however. It is sure that this fact has impeded real commercialization of the products using hydrogen gas.
To read more, visit HERE.
2010年8月10日火曜日
Sulfur-Doped Fe-Te Says “I Need More Wine”
NIMS recently made an interesting discovery on the superconductivity development of specific materials.
Discovery: A sulfur-doped iron- tellurium compound （FeTe1-xSx）, which is synthesized by the solid-state reaction process, was simmered in alcoholic drinks for 24 hours. The temperature was about 70 degrees of centigrade. The onset of superconductivity was observed at about 8 K (265 degrees below zero). The drinks used were red wine, white wine, beer, sake, shochu, and whisky. Of those drinks the red wine presented the largest superconducting volume fraction.
At a party, Dr. Takano was inspired to use drinks to cause the material to develop superconductivity. Isaac Newton reached his theory of gravitation when he was hit with (??) ａ falling apple from a tree. It seems that there is a rule that the discovery occurs outside the laboratory.
[Copyright by FuelCell japan: http://www.fcpat-japan.com/]
To learn more, visit here.
Keywords?: simmer, alcoholic drinks, superconductivity, drunken?
Discovery: A sulfur-doped iron- tellurium compound （FeTe1-xSx）, which is synthesized by the solid-state reaction process, was simmered in alcoholic drinks for 24 hours. The temperature was about 70 degrees of centigrade. The onset of superconductivity was observed at about 8 K (265 degrees below zero). The drinks used were red wine, white wine, beer, sake, shochu, and whisky. Of those drinks the red wine presented the largest superconducting volume fraction.
At a party, Dr. Takano was inspired to use drinks to cause the material to develop superconductivity. Isaac Newton reached his theory of gravitation when he was hit with (??) ａ falling apple from a tree. It seems that there is a rule that the discovery occurs outside the laboratory.
[Copyright by FuelCell japan: http://www.fcpat-japan.com/]
To learn more, visit here.
Keywords?: simmer, alcoholic drinks, superconductivity, drunken?
2010年7月22日木曜日
United Natural Foods purchases a Large Volume of Fuel-Cell Driven Lift Trucks
It seems that the fuel cell lift trucks are increasing in number in the North American area. United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) purchased over 100 fuel-cell lift trucks from Plug Power Inc., and those lift trucks are now operating (press release-2). The fuel cell units mounted on the lift trucks are GenDrive™ (TM = trade mark) units manufactured by Plug Power Inc.
The GenDrive uses the fuel cell stack (Fcvelocity™ (TM = trade mark)) manufactured by Ballard Power Systems Inc. Plug Power has exclusively used the fuel cell stacks manufactured by Ballard, and will use the same in the same way. “Power Plug and Ballard have extended their existing supply agreement, effective immediately, through 2014 (press release-1).” The press release-1 immediately follows the press release-2. The combination of Ballard and Plug Power takes a market share of over 85% in the material handling space.
For somewhat more detail, visit here.
press release-1:
“Plug Power And Ballard Extend Supply Agreement Through 2014” (July 15, 2010)
- Plug Power
- Ballard
press release-2:
UNFI Deploys Plug Power Gendrive Fuel Cells To Increase Productivity At Distribution Center (July 13, 2010)
The GenDrive uses the fuel cell stack (Fcvelocity™ (TM = trade mark)) manufactured by Ballard Power Systems Inc. Plug Power has exclusively used the fuel cell stacks manufactured by Ballard, and will use the same in the same way. “Power Plug and Ballard have extended their existing supply agreement, effective immediately, through 2014 (press release-1).” The press release-1 immediately follows the press release-2. The combination of Ballard and Plug Power takes a market share of over 85% in the material handling space.
For somewhat more detail, visit here.
press release-1:
“Plug Power And Ballard Extend Supply Agreement Through 2014” (July 15, 2010)
- Plug Power
- Ballard
press release-2:
UNFI Deploys Plug Power Gendrive Fuel Cells To Increase Productivity At Distribution Center (July 13, 2010)
2010年7月17日土曜日
Direct Flame Exposure Type Fuel Cell
The solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) has recently attracted attention as the next generation fuel cell. Disadvantageously, however, the SOFC operates at high temperature, usually 750 to 1,000 degrees of centigrade. Long time is taken and much electric power is consumed till the operating temperature of the SOFC is reached.
During search of patent documents, I unexpectedly hit a patent gazette entitled “Direct Flame Exposure Type Fuel Cell”. This technology is unique in that the power generating cells (stack) are heated directly by a heat source to reduce the startup time of the SOFC. The applicant of the invention of the technology is “Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd. (SHINKO)”. The company is a leader of semiconductor packaging manufactures in Japan. It seems that in the invention, the anode side of the cell stack is placed in a flame or located near the flame.
The SHINKO’s homepage says: Such an idea as to directly heat the cell stack for the purpose of reducing the startup time of the SOFC has been known.
The cell stack structure is complicated in many aspects. If heat is directly applied to the cell stack, many problems will be created, and those are serious and difficult to cope with. This encouraged almost no one to take approaches to find solutions to the problems. In this situation, SHINKO ventured to develop the technology of the “direct flame exposure type fuel cell” by making full use of the ceramic technology having been cultivated through the production of ceramic packages.
No other information than above on this technology could be found in the homepage, but the patent database presented many patent applications of the technology (inventions).
[Copyright by FuelCell japan: http://www.fcpat-japan.com/]
For somewhat more detail, visit here.
During search of patent documents, I unexpectedly hit a patent gazette entitled “Direct Flame Exposure Type Fuel Cell”. This technology is unique in that the power generating cells (stack) are heated directly by a heat source to reduce the startup time of the SOFC. The applicant of the invention of the technology is “Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd. (SHINKO)”. The company is a leader of semiconductor packaging manufactures in Japan. It seems that in the invention, the anode side of the cell stack is placed in a flame or located near the flame.
The SHINKO’s homepage says: Such an idea as to directly heat the cell stack for the purpose of reducing the startup time of the SOFC has been known.
The cell stack structure is complicated in many aspects. If heat is directly applied to the cell stack, many problems will be created, and those are serious and difficult to cope with. This encouraged almost no one to take approaches to find solutions to the problems. In this situation, SHINKO ventured to develop the technology of the “direct flame exposure type fuel cell” by making full use of the ceramic technology having been cultivated through the production of ceramic packages.
No other information than above on this technology could be found in the homepage, but the patent database presented many patent applications of the technology (inventions).
[Copyright by FuelCell japan: http://www.fcpat-japan.com/]
For somewhat more detail, visit here.
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