12. Task12 Investigation and Study of Innovation & Leading Technology

12.1 Research and Development Goals

The WE-NET is a project worked out from a long-range point of view. In the process of promoting this project, it is conceivable that the innovative and leading technologies which are promising in the future but not covered at present by the project would ripen into maturity. Conventional technologies may also have to be introduced as part of the technologies which constitute the WE-NET, depending on the trend of their improvements. It is aimed at giving valuable suggestions and proposals to the direction of the WE-NET project and contributing to the research and development through feasibility study, as well as further research if necessary, of such innovative, leading and conventional technologies.

12.2 Results of FY 1999 Research and Development

12.2.1 Search for and Assessment of Innovative and Leading Technology

In FY 1999, we received 8 new technology proposals. We evaluated the 8 proposals for feasibility studies, and selected 3 proposals for FY 1999 feasibility studies at the committee. The Table 12.2.1-1 shows the proposed new technologies and their assessment results.

12.2.2 Study on Innovative and Leading Technology

(1) Assessment of FY 1999 Feasibility Study Results

We evaluated the results of the feasibility studies conducted in FY 1999 regarding 3 proposals.

Based on the assessment results of the new technology proposals shown in the Table 12.2.1-1, we selected the feasibility study items for FY 1999, and conducted feasibility studies on 3 proposals. The results of the feasibility studies are as follows:

<1>Research on possibility of applying laser-ablation to production of proton conducting polymer electrolyte membrane

We conducted studies on the application of proton conducting polymer electrolyte membrane to such a field as hydrogen separation, and on the present technology level and related problems. As a result, we found, for example, that it is necessary to develop solid electrolyte materials to permeate and separate high-temperature hydrogen only with the partial pressure difference of the permeation membrane. At present, the technology is at a stage where it is only possible to deposit a membrane with the laser-ablation method. There are some conceivable problems such as airtightness and hydrogen permeability for actual use at high temperature, and cost increase due to application of the PLD method. For the time being, this proposal will not be covered by the WE-NET project, the trend of material development will be watched, and the related activities will be limited to collection of information about the trend of research and development.

<2>Research on possibility of isothermal expansion gas turbine system which uses high-temperature catalytic combustion

To realize an isothermal expansion gas turbine system capable of controlling combustion of premixed fuel-air mixture of a given air-fuel ratio in a highly precise manner at the catalyst bed placed at the nozzle, we conducted the simulation of the catalytic combustion and thermodynamic studies on the isothermal expansion nozzle. As a result, we found that the pressure loss is increased by the catalyst bed because the gas speed is too large from a viewpoint of catalytic combustion, and that it is necessary to develop more active catalysts. As for the study on realization of an isothermal expansion gas turbine system which uses catalytic combustion, we completed the feasibility studies in FY 1999 with the findings mentioned above, and we have decided not to start the fundamental research. From a viewpoint of use of catalytic combustion, however, application to other areas will be considered.

<3>Research on needs for technology development in view of realization of hydrogen energy society

This study is aimed at picking out technical problems to explore innovative and leading technology in the future. In FY 2000, we plan to study how innovative and leading technology should be explored from now on through working based on this study results. We would like to discuss the direction at the committee. Therefore, this study will be assessed by the committee in FY 2000, including the study results of the working group. The research is completed in FY 1999.

12.2.3 Examination of New Research and Development Areas and Items

(1) Selection of Fundamental Research Items

Based on the new technology trends found by the researches and studies conducted to date, we examined the promising technology which should be reflected in the WE-NET project, and selected the items of which the fundamental research should be commenced at the Phase II.

<Fundamental Research Item>

- Magnetic Refrigeration for Liquefaction of Hydrogen

12.3 Research and Development Tasks in Future

We have always kept an eye on the trends of the related technologies, and picked out, examined and evaluated the new technologies which may have to be introduced to profitably develop the WE-NET project. With such efforts, we could explore promising seeds such as "Magnetic Refrigeration for Liquefaction of Hydrogen" of which the fundamental research should be commenced at the Phase II, and provide the project with valuable information to have forecast of the future use of hydrogen.

To continue to maintain the effectiveness of the WE-NET project, it is necessary to continue to always keep an eye on the trends of the related technology.