FuelCell english Published using HitRSS.com]]> http://www.fcpat-japan.com/ http://www.fcpat-japan.com/ Sat, 06 Sep 2008 03:24:53 GMT HittRSS FREE RSS Feed Publishing Service at http://HitRSS.com http://www.hitrss.com/logo/hitrss.png Powered by HitRSS.com FREE RSS Publishing Service http://www.HitRSS.com 144 31 en-us Giichi Itoh Additional Advent of Platinum-Substitution Catalyst http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS/fbf83ac2-additional-advent-of-platinum-substitution-catalyst A basic technology to extract electrons from hydrogen at normal temperature and pressure by using a nickel compound as a hydrogen catalyst has successfully been developed by the lab team.
The team has already developed a catalyst for ionizing hydrogen by using nickel contained in the hydrogenase as a natural substance.
The team has elucidated a mechanism for extracting electrons from hydrogen ions generated by using the catalyst.
It is said that the hydrogenase is present in the living thing and hence, is easy to be reproduced, and that its hydrogen catalyst efficiency is equal to or greater than that of platinum.
It is hoped that the new catalyst will supersede platinum catalyst.
Source and reference: Nikkei Net, "Study on Hydrogenase Applicable to Hydrogen Energy", Seiji Ogo
Published using FREE HitRSS]]> Sat, 16 Aug 2008 01:20:00 GMT http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS#rss15 JFCC Develops Nickel-Ceria Fuel Electrode Material http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS/ddd63a8f-jfcc-develops-nickel-ceria-fuel-electrode-material JFCC Develops Nickel-Ceria Fuel Electrode Material
- Remarkable increase of SOFC output power -
Japan Fine Ceramics Center (JFCC) has succeeded in developing　nickel-ceria (Ni-SDC) fuel electrode material added with lanthanum, which has a thickness of 20 micrometers or thicker.
A medium-temperature SOFC, which uses the fuel electrode material developed this time, was manufactured.
The output power of the SOFC is increased by about 20% of that of the conventional SOFC at the operation temperature of 750 °C.
The property of the lanthanum gallate electrolyte is more brought out by controlling the reaction of the electrode with the electrolyte.
A further examination of the effects of the reaction control execution will be continued aiming for better results.
Source: The Chemical Daily Co., Ltd


Published using FREE HitRSS]]> Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:40:00 GMT http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS#rss14 Thin Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Sensor -nm level thickness- http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS/2b663a36-thin-fuel-cell-and-hydrogen-sensor--nm-level-thickness- Developed by Labo team led by Professor Atsunori Matsuda in Toyohashi University of Technology
An alternate laminating process was used for forming the fuel cell and the hydrogen sensor.
A direct methanol fuel cell was trially formed.
Polymer (electrolyte) was formed on a porous substrate in a state that the polymer is sandwiched between the substrate and a platinum layer (electrode). A thickness of the formed fuel cell was about 60 nm. A thickness of the film-laminated cell, currently used, is about 300 mm. When comparing those figures, it is readily seen that the fuel cell developed anew is extremely thin. The fact that the fuel cell is extremely thin indicates that the cell resistance is substantially small and the small resistance leads to increase of the cell output.

A hydrogen sensor was also formed. The alternate laminating process was likewise used for its formation. A thickness of the sensor was approximately equal to that of the fuel cell trially formed. When the sensor contacts with hydrogen, a potential difference is caused between the electrodes. The hydrogen sensing is based on this potential difference. The sensor may be used for sensing alcohol. In this case, hydrogen generated by dissolving alcohol is sensed.

Further study will be continued till the performances of the fuel cell and the hydrogen sensor will reach practical levels.

Sourc and photo:: Robonable

You can read this item in Japanese at FuelCell japan.


Published using FREE HitRSS]]> Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:20:00 GMT http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS#rss13 Screws Developed for Fuel Cells http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS/831a3a34-screws-developed-for-fuel-cells Developed and manufactured by: Maruemu Works Co,. Ltd.
Low cost: The screw manufacturing cost is remarkably reduced (to 1/3).
High temperature durability: The screw is made of high alloy material and is durable against high temperature up to 900°C.
The proprietary cold pressure-forming process was used for manufacturing the screw. As a result, the cost to manufacture the screw was successfully reduced to 1/3 of the cost when compared to the conventional cutting-based manufacturing process.
The screw developed this time is useful particularly for SOFC．
The SOFC is placed in high temperature conditions at the start of its operation. For this reason, high alloy is used for the fastening screws. The high alloy is durable against high temperature.
Toward commercialization of fuel cells, there is a strong demand to lower the cost of the high alloy screws in its manufacturing stage.
Source: THE NIKKAN KOGYO SHIMBUN,LTD.


Published using FREE HitRSS]]> Sat, 02 Aug 2008 07:00:00 GMT http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS#rss12 New and High Performance Hydrogen Separation Membrane Module http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS/41063a21-new-and-high-performance-hydrogen-separation-membrane-module As known, the palladium alloy having the property that is permeable to hydrogen.
The hydrogen separation membrane module developed this time results from unique application of the company's proprietary metal-filter forming technology to the property of the palladium alloy.
A palladium alloy thin film is wound around a cylindrical body of which the outside diameter is 34 mm and the length is 300 mm.
Leakage problem of hydrogen gas was perfectly solved. The company's proprietary film bonding technology was used for this purpose. As a result, an extremely high impurity hydrogen could be generated.
A unique three-layer structure was employed for the palladium alloy thin film formed. With use of the three-layer structure, the film strength and film durability were increased, ensuring long service life and high reliability. It is noted that those advantageous features have not been attained in those fields.
The hydrogen separation membrane module may be reduced in size, light in weight and low in cost.
The palladium alloy membrane module is made entirely of metal.
A desired number of the membrane modules may be combined coupled together by welding in accordance with a desired amount of generated hydrogen gas. The membrane modules may be combined so as to satisfy a large amount of hydrogen generated in large-scale hydrogen production plants.
Target fields:
* PSA (pressure swing adsorption) for hydrogen production in the refinery
* Hydrogen production in hydrogen stations
Hydrogen purification process for residential fuel cell cogeneration systems
* High impurity hydrogen gas purification in semiconductor fields
Source: "New Products" in Nihon Seisen's official website
Published using FREE HitRSS]]> Fri, 01 Aug 2008 02:30:00 GMT http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS#rss11 Two FC (fuel cell) Topics on Nisshinbo Industries, Inc. http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS/3d22397f-two-fc-(fuel-cell)-topics-on-nisshinbo-industries,-inc. Two FC (fuel cell) Topics on Nisshinbo Industries, Inc.
1) Nisshinbo, in cooperation with Tokyo Institute of Technology, has developed a new technology which enables the use of carbon for the catalyst in the fuel cell.
The carbon will supersede platinum, which is a rare metal and expensive.
It is sure that use of the carbon for the catalyst will reduce the price of the fuel cell. Particularly, the residential FC cogenerators are on the eve of mass production stage. The cost reduction is essential to the popularization of the fuel cells.
This new technology also provided an effective solution to the rare and limited resource problem.
Source: Reuters

2) New plant for manufacturing separators for fuel cells will be built in Chiba prefecture.
The production capability of the new plant is 8,000,000 separators/year.
Nisshinbo's separator is of the carbon molding type, and has been delivered mainly for residential FC cogenerators. The company has the top share in this market.
The production facilities in Miai plant, currently operating, in Mie prefecture, will be transferred to the new plant.
This Nisshinbo's action will be in preparation for the semi-mass production of the residential FC cogenerators in 2009 in Japan.
Final decision of building the new plant will be made this autumn.
See also (68) of JFC News.
Source: THE NIKKAN KOGYO SHIMBUN,LTD.


Published using FREE HitRSS]]> Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:25:00 GMT http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS#rss10 "ENE FARM" = residential fuel cell cogenerators in Japan http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS/0563397d-\"ene-farm\"-=-residential-fuel-cell-cogenerators-in-japan During Hokkaido Toyako Summit, July 7 to 9, 2008, Hokkaido, the residential fuel cell cogeneration systems, "ENE FARM" will be installed and operated as part of "Environmental Showcase", at a location adjacent to "International Media Center (IMC)".
The manufactures of those cogeneration systems are manufactured by Panasonic, ENEOS CELLTECH Co., Ltd., Ebara-Ballard, Toshiba Fuel Cell Power Systems Corporation, and TOYOTA.
New Energy Foundation (NEF) is plan to disclose the newest data representing energy saving/CO2 reduction effects.
Published using FREE HitRSS]]> Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:20:00 GMT http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS#rss9 NEXTECH RECEIVES FUNDING FOR ADVANCED FUEL CELL STACK TECHNOLOGY http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS/3f80397e-nextech-receives-funding-for-advanced-fuel-cell-stack-technology TM SOFC technology for large scale stationary power systems. NexTech has also been selected by the U.S. Navy for two development projects. One is to design a fuel cell system for underwater vehicle applications and the other is to develop stack technology for use in a land based APU.
NexTech has been developing advanced planar SOFC stack technology based on its FlexCellTM concept under support of the Air Force, State of Ohio and private funding for the past four years. The unique electrolyte-supported design, combined with advanced anode and cathode systems, delivers high power density, unparalleled sulfur tolerance, and scalability to large areas.
"We are very pleased to have our technology selected for further development by multiple agencies. The rigorous technical evaluation that our approaches have successfully passed is a strong validation of our technology," says Bill Dawson, President and CEO.
Details on the DOE funded project
SECA (Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance)
>>More

Published using FREE HitRSS]]> Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:20:00 GMT http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS#rss8 Hitachi's New Si-MOSFET Hydrogen Sensor http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS/235f382d-hitachi\s-new-si-mosfet-hydrogen-sensor- Hitachi, Ltd, has developed a high performance hydrogen sensor, which is of the Si-MOSFET type.
A thin-film lamination structure made of platinum (Pt) and titanium (Ti) is uniquely used for the sensor part (gate) of the hydrogen sensor.
Many beneficial features:
The new sensor is capable of sensing hydrogen having a concentration of 1000 ppm or higher in about 1 second.
The sensor is highly resistive to heat and humidity.
Its lifetime is 3 year or longer, showed by the lifetime acceleration test.
The semiconductor manufacturing equipment, currently used, may be used for manufacturing the sensor. The sensors can be mass-produced.
A size of the sensor part is 2.0mm x 2.0 mm.
Threshold voltages of the sensors manufactured are little varied in value.
The sensor exactly responds the hydrogen concentration.
Temperature required for accelerating the reaction is about 100oC, lower than that of the ceramic sensor, currently and widely used.
This indicates that power consumption (1000 mW) by the sensor is low.
The explosion-proof structure for the sensor is simple, leading to size reduction.
Published using FREE HitRSS]]> Mon, 23 Jun 2008 07:00:00 GMT http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS#rss7 NEXTECH AND PLUG POWER COMPLETE 2-KW FUEL CELL DEMONSTRATION PROJECT http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS/60c4382e-nextech-and-plug-power-complete-2-kw-fuel-cell-demonstration-project- NexTech Materials, Ltd. and Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ: PLUG) have concluded their two-year collaboration to develop a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) power system. The two companies completed a number of joint activities including market research, fuel cell stack development and testing, system design and prototype construction at both NexTech and Plug Power facilities.
According to Bill Dawson, President/CEO of NexTech, "Completion of this important project positions NexTech to move forward in both the commercial and military power markets.

Published using FREE HitRSS]]> Mon, 23 Jun 2008 07:00:00 GMT http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS#rss6 Succeeded in Dynamically Observing Hydrogen Releasing Reaction http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS/ef6f37e8-succeeded-in-dynamically-observing-hydrogen-releasing-reaction Lab teams, which are led by professor Onuki (Graduate School of Engineering Hokkaido University) and professor Kojima (Institute for Advanced Materials Research in Hiroshima University), who are working in collaboration, have achieved the world's first success in observing a hydrogen releasing reaction in which lithium hydride (LiH) or sodium hydride (NaH) reacts with ammonia gas （NH3）at room temperature to generate hydrogen gas, by using an environmental cell transmission electron microscopy (EC-TEM). The EC-TEM uses an environmental cell for use with the transmission electron microscope, developed anew, which is operable in a reaction gas environment up to two atmosphere pressures.
All the researchers in the world have had a strong desire to observe the reaction of hydride with gas in nano-levels.
It is sure that the direct observation of the hydrogen releasing reaction will make a great contribution to the improvement of fuel cell systems (researcher said).
The study results will be presented in MH2008, International Symposium on Metal-Hydrogen Systems, Reykjavic, Iceland, June 24 to 28.
This news item will be elaborated later if I have time to write.
Source: What's New in homepage of Institute for Advanced Materials Research
Published using FREE HitRSS]]> Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:20:00 GMT http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS#rss5 Genepax Revealed Epoch-Making Technology "Water Energy System (WES)" http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS/d0a137e1-genepax-revealed-epoch-making-technology-\"water-energy-system-(wes)\" Genepax Co., Ltd. revealed a new technology WES which is capable of generating electric power from water.
WES stably generates electric power with no aid of any external energy and without any emission of green house gas, e.g., carbon dioxide and methane. This new technology results from 25-year study efforts.
"New Technology Introduction Meeting" will be held on June 12 in Osaka. A WES-based power generator and a WES-based electric vehicle will be actually operated for demonstration.

Genepax Co., Ltd. is not yet listed n the market (so far as we know).
English version of Genepax's website has opened, although not completed.
Please visit the new website.

The electricity generation module and the prototype generator system, which are based on the WES technology, were disclosed on June 12, 2008, in Osaka.
Many big medias in Japan have reported this new technology.     >> More

 


Published using FREE HitRSS]]> Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:55:00 GMT http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS#rss4 Clay film- CFRP Composite Material - Excellent Hydrogen Gas Barrier Property - http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS/b326378a-clay-film--cfrp-composite-material---excellent-hydrogen-gas-barrier-property--- Contents -
Possible Applications
Background of the New Technology
Features
Study Details

Possible Applications
Airplanes, rockets, hydrogen tanks for vehicles, etc.
Background of the New Technology
Composite material (e.g., CFRP) is used in airplanes since it has excellent mechanical strength.
Attempt is made to use the composite material for the liquid hydrogen tank of the airplane.
The attempt is almost impossible since the hydrogen permeability of plastics (organic polymeric material) is high.
A measure having been taken for the high hydrogen permeability is that an aluminum gas barrier layer is stuck onto the plastic layer.
Aluminum is advantageous in that it has good gas barrier property, but is disadvantageous in that the aluminum layer possibly peels off from the composite material at the interface between those layers, and the weight of the aluminum layer is not light.
To commercialize the fuel cell vehicle, it is essential to develop the lightweight hydrogen tanks.
Minimizing of hydrogen gas leakage during the hydrogen transportation is also essential.
Remarkable cost reduction of space transportation is indispensable for space development.
It is a matter of course that the space transportation system of the reusable type is much better than that of the disposable type from a viewpoint of the cost reduction.
To realize the space transportation system of the reusable type, it goes without saying that it is necessary to further reduce the weight of the spacecraft body, particularly the liquid hydrogen tank.
To read more, visit FuelCell japan
Published using FREE HitRSS]]> Fri, 06 Jun 2008 22:50:00 GMT http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS#rss3 20,000 Hours = Continuous Run Time of JOMO's Residential FC Cogeneration System http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS/def13776-20,000-hours-=-continuous-run-time-of-jomo\s-residential-fc-cogeneration-system JOMO (Japan Energy Corporation) succeeded in continuous running of 20,000 hours without exchanging of any major parts of the cogeneration systems.
JOMO participated in "Large-Scale Residential Fuel Cell Demonstration Test Project" in 2005 and has installed 104 FC cogeneration systems for the demonstration test.
Of those cogeneration systems, two cogeneration systems have continuously run for 20,000 hours (total generated power = 8,400 kWh), and are manufactured by Toshiba Fuel Cell Power Systems Corporation. Those FC cogenerators were installed in 2005.
"Large-Scale Residential Fuel Cell Demonstration Test Project" has been performed by NEF (New Energy Foundation), granted by NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization).
To read more
Published using FREE HitRSS]]> Thu, 05 Jun 2008 02:25:00 GMT http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS#rss2 Decided to Construct New Plant for Manufacturing Fuel-Cell Separators http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS/3fc93651--decided-to-construct-new-plant-for-manufacturing-fuel-cell-separators  Nisshinbo Industries, Inc. has a plan to construct fuel-cell separator
manufacturing plant in Kanto area.
Decision to construct will be formally made by this summer.
It is said that Chiba area will be the location to construct the new plant.
The research/development base of the company is located in this area.
The company has already the cell-production plant in Aichi prefecture.
The company increased the production capacity of the plant
from 2,000,000 separators/year to 4,000,000 separators/year
at the end of the last year (or in the beginning of this year (?)),
by automating the production line.
The company actively takes actions to increase the fuel-cell
separator production.
This is due to the fact that the separator production will increase
from the next year in all possibility.
As known, in Japan the industries in those fields will enter the pre-stage
of mass producing the residential fuel cell cogeneration systems
in the next year (2009).
Source: The Chemical Daily Co., Ltd.
Published using FREE HitRSS]]> Mon, 19 May 2008 12:20:00 GMT http://blogs.hitrss.com/FCJRSS#rss1