next-generation thermal power generation - nedo power generation is a method of generating power by...

New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization

2017No.62

Reporting on Today and Tomorrow’s Energy, Environmental, and Industrial Technologies

[1st Featured Article]

Highly Efficient and Eco-Friendly

Next-Generation Thermal Power Generation[2nd Featured Article]

People-FriendlyAssistive Technology Development

FocusNEDO62_eng.indd 1 2017/01/25 14:59

2017No.62

“Focus NEDO” is the public relations magazine of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), introducing the public to NEDO’ s various projects and technology development activities related to energy, environmental and industrial technologies.

Reporting on Today and Tomorrow’s Energy, Environmental, and Industrial Technology

0302 Focus NEDO 2017 No.62

02 Perspectives on Future Technologies

Yoshiharu Habu, Shogi Player

04 1st Featured Article Highly Efficient and

Eco-Friendly

Next-Generation Thermal Power Generation

04 Q.1 Is coal-fired thermal power necessary?

06 Q.2 What will thermal power generation be like in the future?

09 column Japanese Thermal Power Technology Will Help Solve Global Pollution Problems

10 Q.3 How do we address the issues of global warming?

We'llanswer yourquestions!

Artificial Intelligence for People and SocietyYoshiharu HabuShogi Player

In March 2016, an artificial intelligence (AI) and a professional Go player played several Go matches and attracted tremendous interest. In the past, chess, Go, and Shogi players have played matches against computers, and it’s clearly shown the history of the evolution of computers. Lately, AI technologies such as “machine learning” and “deep learning” have drawn much attention, but the most difficult thing for these interactions between computers and humans is that the thinking process of an AI is done in a black box. People don’t know how the process leads from the question to the answer – people don’t know the way of thinking an advanced AI has followed. From now on, it is expected that AI will be leveraged in many situations in society, but for humans the way of thinking and the process are important as well. Unless there are convincing explanations and consensus, it might be difficult to be incorporated in the society even if the technologies are highly advanced. Additionally, AI is not 100% versatile. For example, in Shogi there is a term “horizon effect”. It means to procrastinate on solving major problems and disadvantages and cover them up, and eliminate them from the assessment of predictions. In the Go matches I mentioned at the beginning, there was only on match the human beat the AI and it is widely believed that it is because the AI suddenly went out of control or made mysterious mistakes. But I believe it was probably because of the horizon effect. Therefore, humans and AIs should complement each other, and humans always have to backup and check AIs. I feel it is necessary to deepen discussions on how we should use or not to use AI in society, not only in terms of rules and legislation but also in terms of ethical and emotional preparation. When an AI presents selections and decisions which are unfit to a human’s aesthetics, should the human accept the AI’s decisions and change their aesthetics or should the human and AI choose their own ways? Either one could be possible, but when we face AI, I believe the challenge for humans is to see if we understand the answers drawn by AI and transform them into our technologies and knowledge for the improvement of human. When we accomplish this task, I believe the new direction for the future will be established, which is completely different from the society and world as a continuation of the current ones.

Yoshiharu Habu

Perspectives on Future TechnologiesDirecting the Future

Born in 1970. Started playing Shogi when he was a first grader and then won the elementary students Shogi championship. Joined the Shoreikai, the training organization to cultivate professional Shogi players, when he was a sixth grader. Became the third middle school student in history to be a professional Shogi player. In 1986, won the rookie of the year award with the number one winning rate. In 1989, became the youngest Ryu-oh-i title holder in the history. In 1994, became Meijin title holder. In 1996, became the first holder of all seven major titles in history. In 2008, became eligible to be Eisei Meijin title holder. Holds first place on various records including all-time career titles and wins on official matches.

Contents

12 2nd Featured Article

People-Friendly Assistive Technology Development

16 Easy to understand! News Release Commentary

Explosion-Proof Inspection Robot Developed

18 After Project Follow Up! NEDO Project Success Stories

Playback History Vol 2. Project to Create Photocatalyst

Industry for a Recycling-Oriented Society

20 NEDO Information Information on Upcoming NEDO Events

FocusNEDO62_eng.indd 2-3 2017/01/25 14:59

2013年度FY 20132030年度 FY 2030

LNG 27% 27%

43%LNG 43%

石炭 26%

26%30%石炭 30%

石油 3%3%

石油 15%

原子力 20～22%

20～　22%

原子力 1%

再生エネルギー22～24%

22～　24%

15%

11%1%再生

エネルギー 11%

■LNG■Coal■Petroleum■Renewable

Energy■Nuclear Power

46％31％

23％

46％

1％1％

41％

13％

58％

99％

48％

30％

12％30％

37％

33％

49％

3％

南アメリカ146億t

51％48％

Recoverable Coal Reserve in the World: 891.5B tAnthracite Coal + Bituminous Coal: 410.1B tSubbituminous Coal: 276.4B tBrown Coal: 205.0B t

Europe273.7B t

Central Asia & East Asia217.9B t

South-east Asia & Oceania107.2B t

North America245.1B t

South America14.6B t

Africa & Middle East32.9B t

BrownCoal Anthracite Coal

+ Bituminous Coal

Subbituminous Coal

10,0009,0008,0007,0006,0005,0004,0003,0002,0001,000

0

4543413937353331292725

■再生エネルギー■バイオマス■水素■原子力■ガス■石油■石炭

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Other Renewable Energy　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Bio-energy　　　　　　　　　　Hydrogen　　　　　Nuclear Power　　　　　　Gas　 PetroleumCoal

46％ 37％

2000 2010 2020 2030 2040（Year）

2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040（年）

1992 　　1996 　　 2000 　　 2004 　　 2008 　2012（Year）

（Mtoe） Thermal Efficiency（％）

㉙発電効率 Thermal Efficiency㉚年 Year

㉛日本 Japanドイツ Germanyイギリス UKアメリカ USAオーストラリア Australia中国 Chinaインド India

Japan

Germany

UK

USA

Australia

China

India

Japan

Germany

UKUSA

Australia

ChinaIndia46％

31％

23％

46％

1％1％

41％

13％

58％

99％

48％

30％

12％30％

37％

33％

49％

3％


51％48％


Europe273.7B t







+ Bituminous Coal

Subbituminous Coal

10,0009,0008,0007,0006,0005,0004,0003,0002,0001,000

0

4543413937353331292725



46％ 37％

2000 2010 2020 2030 2040（Year）

2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040（年）

1992 　　1996 　　 2000 　　 2004 　　 2008 　2012（Year）




Japan

Germany

UK

USA

Australia

China

India

Japan

Germany

UKUSA

Australia

ChinaIndia

46％31％

23％

46％

1％1％

41％

13％

58％

99％

48％

30％

12％30％

37％

33％

49％

3％


51％48％


Europe273.7B t







+ Bituminous Coal

Subbituminous Coal

10,0009,0008,0007,0006,0005,0004,0003,0002,0001,000

0

4543413937353331292725



46％ 37％

2000 2010 2020 2030 2040（Year）

2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040（年）

1992 　　1996 　　 2000 　　 2004 　　 2008 　2012（Year）




Japan

Germany

UK

USA

Australia

China

India

Japan

Germany

UKUSA

Australia

ChinaIndia


Thermal Power Generation is Essential for a Stable Power Supply Thermal power generation is a method of generating power by converting energy obtained from burning fuel into kinetic energy through the use of a turbine, which is then used to produce electrical energy by driving a generator. Because thermal power generation utilizes so-called fossil fuels such as natural gas, coal, and oil as fuel sources, there are many who say we should not use thermal power because it releases the greenhouse gas CO2. Especially after the adoption of the Paris Agreement at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) last December, the interests of each country on the discussions regarding energy policies and countermeasures against global warming have been increased all around the world. In Japan, scrutiny of the whole concept of thermal power has increased as well. “First of all, Japan depends on imports for almost all the energy sources we use so we need to maintain a condition where we have various power generation methods available to maintain a stable energy supply. Thermal power using fuels such as coals takes one of these roles. Although we expect to increase the usage of

renewable energy sources such as solar energy and wind energy in the future, thermal power is still important as a back-up power source to these energy sources since their power generation depends on the weather conditions,” Nobuyuki Zaima, Director General of NEDO’s Environment Department, explains with regards to the role of thermal power. As for the future of thermal power, which currently is the core of power generation in Japan, “Long-Term Energy Supply and Demand Outlook”, determined by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in July 2015, says that coals, LNG and petroleum account for 88% of the total thermal power source in FY 2013, but the goal is to reduce the energy composition of these three sources to 56% by FY 2030. Based on this, it aims to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by 26% in FY 2030 compare to FY 2013. Mr. Zaima also says that coal-based thermal power is still a very important power source throughout the world because of the low cost. “There are many countries that have coal as one of their natural resources, including countries in Africa as well as Central and South America which are in the middle of the economic development. To solve the problem of power shortages associated

We'll answer your questions!

Osaki CoolGen Corporation (Osaki Kamijima-cho, Hiroshima) where Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle demonstration tests are conducted.See P.08 for more details.

with economic development, it is important to use the energy resources available in your own country. Because of these reasons demand for thermal power is still high in the world.” According to the forecast produced by international energy organizations, it is expected that demand for thermal power increase further, especially in the emerging countries.

Innovative Next-Generation Thermal Power Generation Technology,The Key to Economic Development and Countermeasures against Climate Change Given what we’ve discussed, METI released the final report on the Technology Roadmap for Next-Generation Thermal Power Generation at the end of June 2016 to present guidelines on the use of thermal power effectively for energy while reducing the CO2 emission. Even after FY 2030, innovative technology development on thermal power will be the key to accomplishing both economic development and developing a countermeasure against climate change, and NEDO acts as a catalyst for technology development.

For more than 30 years since its formation, NEDO has been promoting the development of “Clean Coal Technology” which utilizes coal more efficiently.

Making the World’s Thermal Power Highly EfficientThrough Japanese Technology “Since power and economic activities have close connections, it is essential for every country to secure a ‘base-load power source’ to ensure a stable power supply at all times with low costs and low environmental load, although each country has its own agenda. Japan already has very high technology in thermal power, but I believe NEDO’s next-generation thermal power generation technology will contribute to a lower environmental load and more stable economic development not only domestically but also internationally.” (by Mr. Zaima) The keys needed for this innovative next-generation thermal power generation to be useful worldwide are “high-efficiency” and “separation and capture of CO2”. To accomplish these goals, we’ll show you what kind of technology development NEDO has been working on.

I have answered your question!

Previously served as a Director of NEDO Research and Development Promotion Department’s Commercialization Promotion Group, and a Director of Environment Department’s Clean Coal Group. Project Manager of Project to Promote Japan’s Advanced Clean Coal Technology Overseas.

Director General,NEDO Environment Department

<Clean Coal>

Nobuyuki Zaima

1st　 Featured Article

Next-Generation Thermal Power GenerationDevelopment of thermal power technologies based on the use of coal and LNG (liquid natural gas) as fuel has continued to advance. By using a small amount of energy to generate as much power as possible, NEDO has been trying to reduce the amount of CO2 emitted, which is considered to be of the main problems with thermal power generation. This article covers next-generation thermal power generation technologies NEDO is aiming to develop.

▶Comparison of Power Source Composition, FY 2013 and FY 2030 ▶Worldwide Power Generation Breakdown by Source ▶Worldwide Recoverable Coal Reserves ▶There Are Still Many Low-Efficiency Coal-Fired Thermal Power Plants around the World

Thermal power will remain an important base load power source in the future.Source: METI, “Technology Roadmap for Next-Generation Thermal Power Generation”

Coal-based power generation will still be necessary globally in the future.Source: IEA, “World Energy Outlook” 2002, 2004, 2007-2012, & 2014

Coal varieties which are low in acquisition cost are available all around the world and the main power generation source in many developing countries is thermal power.Source: World Energy Council 2013, “Survey of Energy Resource”

Japanese coal-fired thermal power technology is some of the most advanced in the world. If NEDO can expand the use of Japanese technology to generate more power with less coal overseas, we can contribute to reducing CO2 emissions.Source: ECOFYS “International comparison of fossil fuel power generation efficiency” (2013)

Q.1A.1

Is coal-fired thermal power necessary?

Yes, it is. Because coal is the power source responsible for the stable power supply!

Highly Efficient and Eco-Friendly



Increasing Thermal Efficiency with Gas Turbines that Can Withstand High-Temperature Gases With the heat generated by the combustion of fossil fuels, how much power can be generated? This is called the “thermal efficiency” for thermal power. Given that LNG and coal are the most common forms of fuel used for thermal power generation, NEDO is promoting the development of technologies to enhance the thermal efficiency for these fuel sources. In regards to thermal power from LNG, there is an issue with the turbines, the devices which transform the heat energy of the gas into kinetic energy, in terms of what temperature of gas they can withstand without melting. Raising the temperature of gas that turbines can withstand is one challenge to improving power generation efficiency. Currently “1,600°C-class” gas turbines for thermal power generation offer the best performance of turbines that are in practical service, but if it is possible to further improve the temperature that turbines can operate then efficiency will also be further improved. NEDO has been conducting the “High-Efficiency Gas Turbine Technology Demonstration Project” with

the aim of establishing “1,700°C-class” gas turbine technology by 2020 (see P.07). Currently the main method of thermal power generation using LNG is called “Gas Turbine Combined Cycle (GTCC)”, which generates power with generators that rely on moving gas turbines using high-temperature gas produced by burning LNG along with steam turbines using steam produced by the high-temperature gas, and our demonstration project uses GTCC as a basis.

Gasification of Coal, Power Generation with SteamRaising Thermal Efficiency by Combining Fuel Cells Too On the other hand, in the case of coal-based thermal power, the main method has been burning coal and producing steam to move steam turbines and generate power. However, by the practical full-scale application of “Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC)” technology, which burns gas produced from coal gasification to move gas turbines and then utilizing heat produced by the process to move steam turbines, the efficiency of coal thermal power can be improved moving forward. Further in the future, we have a view to realize “Integrated Coal Gasification Fuel Cell Combined Cycle (IGFC)” technology, which generates additional power with fuel cells by utilizing hydrogen present in the gases produced. NEDO is promoting the “Integrated Coal Gasification Fuel Cell Combined Cycle Demonstration Project” and has set goals to achieve a transmission end efficiency of 46% in the demonstration of IGCC by FY 2018, and a thermal efficiency of 40% while capturing 90% of CO2 in the demonstration of IGCC in CO2 separation and capture-style by FY 2020. Additionally, NEDO aims to achieve a thermal efficiency of 55% in the demonstration of IGFC by 2021.

Surviving Increasingly Fierce CompetitionWorld-Leading Japanese Gas Turbines As part of a NEDO project, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which has already put the world’s highest class 1,600°C-class gas turbine into practical service, is taking on empirical research into 1,700°C-class turbines with the aim of establishing the technology by FY 2020. While the power generation efficiency of 1,600°C-class gas turbines is 54%, it is expected the 1,700°C-class gas turbine could reach a power generation efficiency of 57%. “We are facing fierce competition from the USA and Germany over developing the capabilities of gas turbines. Since it requires a long time and tremendous amount of funds to develop the technology, it is necessary for these nations to work together. It is not easy to lead the world and realize the 1,700°C-class gas turbine,” says Mr. Sato, Chief Officer of NEDO’s Environment Department.

Improving the Capability of Every DeviceThe Challenge of “Seeing the Summit” of the 1,700°C-Class “Realizing the 1,700°C class gas turbine requires a wide range of technologies. We set goals for each device from combustor to turbine then work to integrate them together,” says Mr. Koichi Ishizaka, Head of the Gas Turbine Development Center at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Research & Innovation Center, in explaining the difficulties of improving performance 100°C from 1,600°C to 1,700°C. For example, a combustor which burns gas before sending gas

into the gas turbine would increase the emission of nitrogen oxide (NOx), which increases air pollution in an exponential fashion when the temperature of the gas is raised. Therefore, it is necessary to develop technology to limit the NOx emission by being creative in the shape of the combustor. As for the blades of the turbine, they would melt down if kept exposed to 1,700°C even if they were coated with heat-resistant ceramics. So we place heat vents inside the blades to cool them down from the inside so the blades can be cooled with less air more efficiently. With regards to the NEDO project, Mr. Ishizaka says, “It is great to work on the development of various technologies as a package.” This nine-year project is now in its fifth year. “We are moving to the phase of integrating the technologies we’ve developed into each device. I feel like we are half way through, and we are just starting to see the summit we are trying to reach to establish this technology,” he says.

Prospects of Next-generation Thermal Power Generation Technology, Raising Efficiency and Lowering Carbon Emission

Projected thermal efficiencies and CO2 emissions in the chart have been calculated based on various assumptions drawn from current conditions. (Created based on METI’s “Technology Roadmap for Next-Generation Thermal Power Generation Technical Reference”)

GGTCC Thermal Efficiency: approx. 52%

1,700°C class-GTCC Power Generation Efficiency: approx. 57%

GTFC Thermal Efficiency: approx. 63%

Triple Combined CycleFuel Cell + Gas Turbine + Steam Turbine

USC Power Thermal : approx. 40%

A-USC Thermal Efficiency: approx. 46%

IGFC Thermal Efficiency: approx. 55%

1,700°C-class IGCC Thermal Efficiency: 46 - 50%

CO2: approx. 10% reduction



CO2: approx. 30% reductionLNG-Fired Thermal Power

Coal-Fired Thermal Power

Mechanism of the 1,700°C class gas turbine combined cycle

Triple Combined CycleFuel Cell + Gas Turbine + Steam Turbine

Combined CycleGas Turbine + Steam Turbine

Single CycleSteam Turbine

Combined CycleGas Turbine + Steam Turbine


Highly Efficient and Eco-Friendly Next-Generation Thermal Power Generation

Q.2A.2

What will thermal power generation be like in the future?

Thermal efficiency will be significantly increased!

We have answered your question!

Rotor from a 1,500°C-class gas turbine already in service Head Ishizaka of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (right) and Chief Officer Sato of NEDO.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Research & Innovation Center

Project Manager

Chief OfficerNEDO Environment Department Clean Coal Group

Kouichi Ishizaka

Jun Sato

Present Around 2020 Around 2030

Output Max. 680MW

Generator

Steam turbine

Air intake15°C/atmospheric pressure Gas turbine

Steam from exhaust heat recovery boilerApprox. 650-700°C/170 air pressure

Fuel injectionCombustion condition 1,700°C/25-35

air pressure

Approx. 15m long

NEDO Project Technology Development file1Strengthening the Capability of Turbines, and Achieving High-efficiency Power Generation with Higher Temperature Gas

Thermal Efficiency

65％

60％

55％

50％

45％

40％


NEDO is conducting 61 feasibility study projects in 29 countries. 31 of them are high-efficiency coal-based thermal power projects while 17 of them are low-grade coal projects (gasification, quality improvement, or desiccation).

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High-efficiency coal-based thermal power

Low-grade coal utilization

Others


Japanese Thermal Power Technology Will Help Solve Global Pollution Problems

Coal Thermal Power as a Base-load Power SourceAiming for Significant Efficiency Improvements As part of an effort ultimately aimed at utilizing coal more efficiently while reducing the burden on the environment, Osaki CoolGen Corporation, based in Osaki Kamijima-cho, Hiroshima on one of the islands in the beautiful Seto Inland Sea area, has been working on NEDO’s “Integrated Coal Gasification Fuel Cell Combined Cycle Demonstration Project” to significantly improve coal-based thermal power. Under the motto of “use whatever technologies are available to improve thermal efficiency”, they are about to demonstrate combined cycle as well as triple combined cycle systems based on the use of coal gasification

Although people have a strong interest in reducing CO2

emissions from coal-fired thermal power, conventional low performance thermal power plants are still in use in many developing countries. Problems such as atmospheric pollution and environmental destruction caused by the sulfur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) produced by burning coal as well as the smoke have still not been solved. On the other hand, Japanese thermal power plants have cleared the strictest emission control values for SOx and NOx. In addition, once power generation methods such as IGCC and IGFC are established it will be a great opportunity to disseminate eco-friendly high-efficiency thermal power technology not only in Japan but also in other countries with large coal-based thermal power demands. To improve energy efficiency of partner countries and contribute to solving global environmental issues, NEDO has conducted the “Project Formation Research on High-

Potential for Coal-Based Thermal

Power Infrastructure Export

Efficiency Clean Coal Technology” since FY 2011, which has involved 61 projects in 29 countries that have been done. By introducing Japanese thermal power technology as a package to these partner countries, it is expected to lead further infrastructure exports.

Three-Phase ProjectOxygen Injection IGCC, CO2 Separation and Capture, and Fuel Cell The project is going to have three phases before reaching the final year of the project in FY 2021. The first phase is the demonstration of the Oxygen Injection Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) technology. In this phase we gasify coal particles in gasification furnaces to move gas turbines and use the heat produced to move steam turbines as well to achieve combined power generation. Installation and configuration of all the equipment for the demonstration power plant has been completed and full-scale test runs started in August. “We have completed combining all the equipment and started test runs of IGCC. We’ll verify the reliability through a 5,000-hour long-term endurance test. Safety is the most important thing for this kind of facilities. Ensuring safety and environmental conservation are our highest priorities and we’ll try to accomplish our goals of technology development,” says Mr. Kenji Aiso, President and Representative Director of OSAKI CoolGen Corporation. While traditional coal-fired thermal power creates a large amount of ash as a byproduct, with coal gasification those impurities will be exhausted as a reduced volume of glassy slag. In the EAGLE project, we verified that this molten slag made of coal cinders can be stably removed.

The second phase of the demonstration involves the CO2

separation and capture technology. We separate a part of gas produced from the coal and recover 90% of the CO2 content, with the goal of reaching a purity of 99% or above, and then assess the reliability and economic efficiency of integrating CO2 separation and capture with IGCC. Then the third phase is the demonstration of the Integrated Coal Gasification Fuel Cell Combined Cycle (IGFC) technology, which will use the hydrogen (H2) content of the coal gas to generate power through fuel cells in addition to the gas turbines and steam turbines in the IGCC. “We would like to develop the IGFC system technology once we establish each component technology,” Mr. Aiso says. “The goal of the ‘Technology Roadmap for Next-Generation Thermal Power Generation’ is to reduce CO2 by 30% by 2030 through IGFC implementation. To accomplish it the government and private sector have come together for the further improvement of the efficiency of next-generation thermal power systems,” Chief Officer Yamamoto of NEDO says.

President Aiso of Osaki CoolGen Corporation (right) and Chief Officer Yamamoto of NEDO in front of Osaki CoolGen plant.

technology instead of combusting coal in its normal form.

Applying the Accomplishments from Experiments at the Pilot Plant to Larger Scale Demonstration Power Plants In the past, NEDO conducted the “Multi-purpose Coal Gasification Technology Development-Coal Energy Application for Gas, Liquid & Electricity (EAGLE)” program through FY 2014 to improve the efficiency of coal-based thermal power. There, NEDO did demonstration tests with “oxygen injection” instead of air to increase the heat generation of coal gas when gasifying coals in the gasification furnace. Why do we gasify coal instead of burning it as is? Because converting coal to flammable gas enables the application of combined cycle technology as used in LNG-fired thermal power to increase overall efficiency. In addition, we can recover CO2 before burning which enables efficient CO2 separation and capture. Moreover, even low-grade varieties of coal such as brown coal which are difficult to use as they are can be utilized in gasification. These low-grade varieties of coal cost less and account for half of all the recoverable coal reserves in the world, but they are not fully utilized. The project NEDO is conducting with Osaki CoolGen is designed to apply the accomplishments from the EAGLE pilot plant to a demonstration test at the gasification furnace which is eight times the size and close to actual scale, so the results will easily be transferred to practical application. “This project is considered one of the highest priority projects in the NEDO Environment Department and I can sense the high expectations,” emphasizes Mr. Seiichi Yamamoto, Program Manager and Chief Officer of the NEDO Environment Department.

Photo Credit: J-POWER Electric Power Development Co., Ltd.

Osaki CoolGen oxygen injection IGCC demonstration test facilities which have started integrated test runs. (Credit: Osaki CoolGen Corporation)

We have answered your question!

President and Representative DirectorOSAKI CoolGen Corporation

Chief OfficerNEDO Environment Department Clean Coal Group

Kenji Aiso

Seiichi Yamamoto

Attracting Attention from All Around the World! World‘s Highest Level Coal-Based Thermal Power Plant

The J-POWER Isogo Thermal Power Plant is the world’s cleanest coal-based thermal power plant. They incorporate a flue gas desulfurization system, and the SOx and NOx emissions are one digit lower than those of other countries’ coal thermal power plants. It realizes the possibility of eco-friendly coal-based thermal power generation near a city center.


Highly Efficient and Eco-friendly Next-Generation Thermal Power Generation

NEDO Project Technology Development file2Triple Combined Power Generation by Using Fuel Cells in Combination with Coal Gasification, Gas Turbines, and Steam Turbines

Coal Gasification Unit

Sulfur Recovery Unit

Gas Clean-up Unit

Gas Turbine Unit

Air Separation Unit

New Wastewater Treatment Unit


Five Pillars for NEDO’s Next-Generation Thermal Power Generation Technology Development

Gas Supply Facility

Existing Supply Facility

Delivery

Gas Containing CO2

Pipeline

CO2 Separation and Capture Facilities

Separation andCapture

CO2 Injection Facilities

Injection

Injection Well

Storage

Shielding Layer

Reservoir

Shielding LayerReservoir

Takinoue Formation T1 LayerDepth beneath the sea floor: 2,400-3,000 meters

Moebetsu Formation Sandstone LayerDepth beneath the sea floor: 1,100-1,200 meters

It requires a geological structure with a reservoir and shielding layer above it.

Shielding Layer(e.g. Mudstone)Layer with mudstone which blocks CO2

Reservoir(e.g. Sandstone)Layer with porous rock such as sandstone which can store CO2 in those small gaps.

100 thousandtons/year or more※Variable depending on the operating condition of the gas supply facility

CO2 Separation & Capture Concept (Chemical Absorption Method)

Carbon dioxideNitrogenOxygen and others

Exhaust gas

Separation equipmentSeparate CO2 from exhaust gas

To atmosphere

Low-temperatureabsorbent

Absorbent with CO2

Heat exchangerTransfer heat

between low-andhigh-temperature

absorbent

Capture equipmentCapture CO2 from absorbent

High-purity CO2To transportation process

Heat

High-temperatureabsorbent afterremoving CO2


CO2 separation and capture cost

High

Low

Demonstration Tests for CO2 Storage Have Been Conducted in Japan TooJapan CCS Co., Ltd. has been conducting demonstration tests to store separated and captured CO2 at the Tomakomai CCS Demonstration Project Center (part of the METI “Carbon Dioxide Reduction Technology Demonstration Project”). More than 100 thousand tons of CO2 annually is injected into a reservoir under the sea floor within the port area of Tomakomai Port.

Absorbing and Separating CO2

Chemically or Physically Reducing CO2 emissions is a major issue for thermal power. To solve this problem, the technology to separate and recover CO2

emissions has been developed. “Basically we seek to reduce CO2 emissions by improving the overall efficiency, but if we have to reduce CO2 emissions even further we can store it after being recovered, which is a solution called ‘CO2 Capture and Storage (CCS)’. NEDO is aiming to resolve the issues involved with the separation and capture technology first. Improving efficiency and CO2 separation and capture will work together simultaneously,” says Dr. Koichi Takenobu, Chief Officer of NEDO Environment Department. Among CO2 separation and capture technologies, there are two methods for CO2 absorption: the chemical absorption method and the physical absorption method. “In the chemical absorption method, CO2 is absorbed using a chemical solution that reacts to capture CO2 when heated. Alternatively, the physical absorption method uses adjustments in pressure and temperature conditions to selectively absorb CO2.”

The interim report of the “Council for Promoting the Early Realization of Next-Generation Thermal Power Generation” co-hosted by METI and NEDO, set a process cost in the range of 2,000 to 3,000 yen per ton CO2 as a development goal for CO2

separation and capture. To accomplish this, NEDO has focused attention on the physical absorption method which is relatively lower in cost for CO2 separation and capture. Therefore, the “CO2 separation and capture” system in the second phase of the “Integrated Coal Gasification Fuel Cell Combined Cycle” Osaki CoolGen project is a demonstration using the physical absorption method.

CO2 from Separation and Capture Will Be a Valuable Resource “As part of a METI project, an experiment to store CO2 in an aquifer under the sea floor has been conducted (see P.11). Our future goal is to connect the CO2 separation and capture technology NEDO has been working on with these technologies, and establish a new system to separate, capture, and store CO2,” says Dr. Takenobu. In addition, if we establish technology to extract carbon (C) from captured with a high-purity level of 99%, and then convert it to energy such as methane (CH4), it is possible to transform “bad” into a valuable resource. NEDO is also conducting research into such potential uses of . In addition, if we establish technology to extract carbon (C) from captured CO2 with a high-purity level of 99%, and then convert it to energy such as methane (CH4), it is possible to transform “bad” CO2 into a valuable resource. NEDO is also conducting research into such potential uses of CO2. “In the context of thermal power generation and CO2 emissions, the main issue is to improve the efficiency of power generation to reduce CO2 emissions, but I believe it is important to have the

capability to also separate and capture CO2. By disseminating these next-generation thermal power generation technologies, I think the image of coal will also be changed.”

Technology Development for Next-generation Thermal Power GenerationEfforts towards FY 2030 (coal, LNG)

Efforts towards beyond FY 2030 (CCUS, hydrogen power generation)

CO2 chemical absorption method (Credit: provided by Japan CCS Co., Ltd.)

Demonstration test to store CO2 underground conducted in Tomakomai.(Credit: provided by Japan CCS Co., Ltd.)

Prospects of Next-Generation CO2 Capture-Related Technology Development

Chemical Absorption MethodSeparation and Capture Cost: 4,200yen/ton-CO2

Closed IGCCMaintain high power generation efficiency after capturing CO2

Solid Absorbent Method

Membrane Separation MethodPhysical Absorption MethodSeparation & Capture Cost: 2,000yen level/ton-CO2 goal

※The costs reviewed in the chart above are estimates based on various assumptions. (Created based on METI’s “Technology Roadmap for the Next-Generation Thermal Power Generation Technology Reference”)


Highly Efficient and Eco-Friendly Next-Generation Thermal Power Generation

Q.3A.3

How do we address the issues of global warming?

We promote CO2 separation and capture technology development!

Present Around 2020 Around 2030

I have answered your question!

Chief Officer, NEDO Environment DepartmentKoichi Takenobu

1. Integrated Coal Gasification Fuel Cell Combined Cycle Demonstration

2. High Efficiency Gas Turbine Technology Demonstration

3. Advanced Ultra-Supercritical (A-USC) Thermal Power Technology Development

4. Next-Generation Thermal Power Generation Fundamental Technology Development

5. CO2 Capture Closed IGCC Technology Development

◎Establishment of oxygen injection IGCC technology◎Demonstration of triple combined power generation

technology

◎Practical application of 1,700°C-class gas turbines◎Practical application of advanced humid air turbines

(AHAT)

◎Development of high-capacity boiler-turbine systems

◎Development of next-generation gasification system technology◎Research on component technologies for cleaning up

coal gas for use in fuel cells◎Development of gas turbine fuel cell combined cycle

technology◎Research on the applicability of fuel cell coal gas◎Development of CO2 separating chemical combustion

coal utilization technology


Care Plaza

SuperMarket

Good

morning!

This isone thousand

yen

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morning!

This isone thousand

yen

福祉用具実用化開発支援事業採択テーマの機能別分類（掲載テーマ総数：219件）移動機器　67パーソナルケア関連用具　61コミュニケーション機器　42義肢、装具　22スポーツ・レク用具　9リハビリテーション機器　7建築・住宅設備　6その他　5

219

Mobility Equipment 67Personal Care-Related Products 61Communication Devices 42

Total Listed Themes

Prosthetic Limbs & Braces 22

Others 5

Construction & Housing Equipment 6

Rehabilitation Equipment 7

Sport & Recreation Products 9


People-Friendly Assistive Technology Development 2nd　 Featured Article

Improving Quality of Life through Technology to Support Longevity & Welfare in Society Expectations for assistive technology development to realize a friendlier society for the elderly and people with disabilities have increased because of the rapid aging of Japanese society. However, assistive products need to be personalized and generally marketing and development risks are high, so it is very difficult for a company to try to put a technology in to practical use all on their own. Therefore, to support the promotion of practical applications for assistive products, in addition to sponsoring grants to help cover development costs for assistive technologies, NEDO matches companies working on product development of assistive technologies with organizations or individuals who can provide user evaluations

such as welfare institutions or nursing homes in order to support the development and practical application of people-friendly assistive technologies. Also, NEDO conducts studies of user needs for assistive products to gather the information and identify issues for future development of assistive devices, and the results are shared with the public. We will exhibit and present a wide range of assistive products created through NEDO’s assistive technology practical application and development support projects at the International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition in October. Besides home care support, there is now a need to address higher level needs of the elderly and people with disabilities in everyday life, such as supporting meaningful and self-fulfilling lives. Here are some examples of assistive devices developed by leveraging NEDO’s support programs.

Since FY 1993, We Have Supported 207 Outstanding Technology Projects. Since FY 1993, NEDO has supported the development of outstanding assistive technologies as well as creative and practical assistive products. The number of projects completed by the end of FY 2015 is 207.Development Support Project for Practical Application of Problem-Solving Welfare Equipment Business Summary

1) Development Period: Within 3 years2) Funding Ratio: Up to 2/3 of amount (for grants involving large corporations

exceeding a certain ratio, up to 1/2)3) Annual Funding Amount: Up to 20 million yen per project (10 million yen

and under until FY 2014)4) How to Apply: Submit a proposal during the open application period

CASE 1

Retinal Scanning Laser Eye WearQD Laser, Inc.

▶︎P14

CASE 2

Personal Mobility(WHILL)

▶︎P15

Development Support Project for Practical Application of Problem-Solving Welfare EquipmentAdopted themes by functional category (total listed themes = 219)

Communication DevicePersonal Care

Travel Equipment

Care Worker Support

Prosthetic Limb & Brace

NEDO has supported many businesses working on the development of assistive technologies. The total number of the technologies developed so far has been 207 over 23 years. Here we’ll present some of the assistive technologies now being utilized in daily life, which are useful for the elderly and people with disabilities while also being developed to reduce the burden placed on care givers.

Communication Robot

This robot has features allowing it to carry on a conversation with people, control home electronics, inform users of the times for meals and baths, provide users with computational problems, and entertain people. It helps daily life by supporting users to be independent.

Ray Tron Inc.

Wallet-Style Portable Bill Recognition System

Wallet with the capability to recognize the type of bills contained and inform the user by voice, buzzer, or vibration. Carried by visually impaired people, especially by completely blind people, to help avoid problems with giving and receiving bills. It also informs the user of electronic account balances.

System IO Co., Ltd.

Wheelchair Accessible Electric Tricycle

A motorized tricycle with a similar feeling to operating a scooter which can be mounted from or dismounted to a wheelchair through the operation of a simple lever.

YDS

Suit to Reduce Care Workload

A suit to reduce the load on the back caused by care work. By using stretchy materials, this suit gently assists the movement of the care giver.

Smart Support Technologies, Inc.

Lightweight & Low-cost Electric Hand

This is a new type of lightweight and low-cost prosthetic hand designed to be easily wearable and operable and can be created using a 3D printer.

Daiya Industry Co., Ltd.

Good

morning!

This isone thousand

yen

Good

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This isone thousand

yen Goo

dmorn

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This isone thousand

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Development Started with a Phone Call

Our company primarily developed laser technologies, but we have always wanted to create a new original market. When we created the prototype of our eyewear, there was a phone call from a college professor who had been studying education for the visually impaired who showed a strong interest in trying the devices. When the students tried them on, they were very happy and said they could see well. We felt we had discovered a real need for our eyewear and we decided to try to develop a vision aid eyewear product.

Secured Funds as a Start-up

The biggest challenge for development was raising funds. Although we had a precise technology development roadmap, we couldn’t raise funds even through creative efforts because of the long period of time required for the commercialization of the product. That was when we learned about NEDO’s “ Development Support Project for Practical Application of Problem-Solving Welfare Equipment” and submitted our proposal, which was selected as one of the supported projects. Now we have secured funding so we can start the development of basic technologies. We were very thankful because this support program can be leveraged

Started from a Comment by a Wheelchair User

“I gave up going to a convenience store 100 meters away.” This comment by a wheelchair user triggered the development of “WHILL Model A”. From a conversation with this wheelchair user, I learned they felt that “the road is too bumpy to travel on” even if it is a very short distance, and occasionally they feel like they “don’t want to be seen in the wheelchair”. To solve these problems, I thought I would create a very smart and functional mobility device. To develop this mobility device and bring it to the market, I decided to leave the company I was working for and started WHILL with my friends.

Advanced with NEDO’s Support

We wanted to commercialize it right away, but we didn’t have enough funds for development. We checked various national support systems and applied to them, but none of them selected our project. Actually, not very many support systems are geared towards commercialization as opposed to academic support purposes. NEDO selected us as their "Innovation Commercialization Venture Support Project" before they selected us as a part of their “Development Support Project for

NEDO’s Support2013 Started to develop Smart Glasses2014 Focused on vision assistance2015 Selected as part of NEDO’s “ Development

Support Project for Practical Application of Problem-Solving Welfare Equipment”

2016 Finished creating the prototype of the “Laser Eyewear”

NEDO’s Support2012 Started to develop a personal mobility device2013 Se lec ted as NEDO’s " Innovat ion

Commercialization Venture Support Project"2014 Developed the personal mobility device

“WHILL Model A”2015 Selected as NEDO’s “Development Support

Project for Practical Application of Problem-Solving Welfare Equipment”

Retinal Scanning Laser Eye WearRetinal projection vision aid eye wear being developed by QD Laser, Inc. Laser light beamed from a small projector mounted in the frame is decomposed and projected into the eye as scanning lines to project images on the retina. Even with visual impairments or very weak eye sight, as long as the retina is functioning the user can gain sight. WHILL Model A

Personal mobility device developed by WHILL Inc. The customized front wheels consist of 24 laterally facing small wheels, and the body can spin in place centered on the back wheels. A powerful four-wheel drive enables it to go over steps as high as 7.5cm.

CASE 1 CASE 2

for technology development aimed at practical application.

Finding Applications for Optometrists and Expanding the Market

Currently we are trying to obtain medical device approvals in Japan, the US, and Europe. We have a plan to conduct clinical trials at the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany. We have also been negotiating with the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) regarding clinical trials in Japan. To be honest with you, I didn’t know very much about people with visual impairments until we developed this product. Now I attend academic conferences and have learned a lot about them. We expect to complete the mass production line in February 2017 and launch the product as a medical device in the second half of the next year, but first we have to establish the infrastructure. We hope it will become normal to choose either regular glasses or laser glasses after visiting the optometrist or optician for an eye sight check. Then, people without visual impairments can start to use them and they will become tools suitable for the IoT era. That is my hope.

Asked Mitsuru Sugawara, president of QD Laser, Inc. Asked Muneaki Fukuoka, co-founder and CTO of WHILL Inc. Practical Application of Problem-Solving Welfare Equipment”. Their system fit the sense of speed we were seeking perfectly and the policy to focus on commercialization coincided with our direction too. This is how we made a big step forward in research and development and accomplished commercialization in 2014. We are working on further development to solve new issues.

Helped to Improve Publicity and Creditworthiness

We’ve also found our publicity and creditworthiness have been improved by receiving support from NEDO. Our products have been presented at some exhibitions NEDO was involved in, which has given the impression of a “trustworthy company” to many people. At the G7 Ise-Shima Summit in May, “WHILL Model A” was exhibited at the nursing-care robot zone of the government publicity exhibition set up in the International Media Center and we received a great response from the participants. In addition, there are many safety rules and regulations for assistive products mandated by the government, and it is beneficial for us to receive support from national organizations like NEDO so we can ensure we have access to the necessary regulatory information. I believe their support affected us positively beyond just advancing the development of our product.

Mr. Sugawara, President of QD Laser, Inc. (left) and Chief Officer Ikeda of NEDO

Mr. Fukuoka, Co-founder and CTO of WHILL Inc. (left) and Chief Officer Takeuchi of NEDO

RGB Laser

MEMS Mirror

Retinal Projection

Reflector

Eyeball

Crystalline Lens

※Official homepage of the G7 Ise-Shima Summithttps://g7.i-imageworks.jp/iw/summitphoto/Login.do?page=custom

2nd　 Featured Article

People-friendly Assistive Technology Development

Laser Light Helps Partially Blind to See Mobility Everyone Wants to UseThe “Laser Eye Wear” system directly beams a very fine laser onto the retina. Using a small camera attached

to the frame of the device, images are captured and projected directly onto the retina to convey to the user, providing focus-free functionality regardless of the user’s vision or focal distance. To develop this revolutionary vision assistance device, a wide range of the cutting-edge technologies were used.

Unlike the traditional power-operated wheelchair, “WHILL Model A” is a personal mobility device capable of spinning in place or going over a big step by using special front wheels and a powerful four-wheel drive. With its stylish design, “WHILL Model A” has drawn attention from various quarters.

NEDO’s VoiceComment from the Person in Charge

Tomohiro IkedaChief Officer, NEDO Innovation Promotion Department Platform Group

This eyewear is a groundbreaking assistive device. When we introduced this product at the NEDO exhibition, I felt happy to see the visitors try them and become astonished after hearing my explanation. I hope they become widespread globally and people all around the world use them.

NEDO’s VoiceComment from the Person in Charge

Sachie TakeuchiChief Officer, NEDO Innovation Promotion Department Platform Group

WHILL Inc. has leveraged NEDO’s support project program very effectively. Our “Development Support Project for Practical Application of Problem-Solving Welfare Equipment” is publicly offered, and once you are selected you’ll have various opportunities besides practical application and development. We encourage many people to apply for this opportunity.

Demonstration at the G7 Ise-Shima Summit※


Easy to understand!News Release

Here are the key points!

News Release


NEDO has been promoting the development of robots which meet various needs, and we recently developed an inspection robot that can be operated in the presence of flammable gases. When there is a concern that a disaster site such as the inside of a tunnel is filled with flammable gases, it is difficult to decide whether to permit electrical machinery at the disaster site because of the risk of a secondary incident caused by another explosion from an electric spark or heat created by the machinery itself. The newly developed “dual system of inner pressure and pressure-resistant explosion proofing” has an inner pressure explosion proof structure blocking gases from outside which could cause explosion from flowing inside, while the pressure-resistant explosion proof structure prevents any effects to the outside environment even if an explosion occurs inside. All electric machinery used at sites where explosions or fires could occur needs to obtain the explosion-proof certification.Reference: “Electric Machinery and Equipment Explosion Proof Structure Standard”

◆ Commentary

Importance of Explosion-Proof Capabilities

◆ Outlook for the Future

Further Improvements with a Vision for Overseas Deployment This newly developed robot is expected to contribute to disaster rescue and the prevention of prolonged disaster damage because it assists prompt and precise decision-making at sites even when the presence of flammable substance is unknown and because it has obtained the explosion-proof certification. The certificate obtained by this robot is valid in Japan, but each country and region has different standards for explosion-proof equipment. With a vision in mind of global

deployments in regions including Europe, we aim at acquiring ATEX certification, a set of two EU directives mandating requirements for equipment operating in an explosive atmosphere that applies in the European Union (EU). In addition, we are pursuing improvements so the robot has better mobility performance in various conditions such as dark places, inside buildings, and sandy areas, as well as obtaining additional environmental information.

Newly developed inspection robot that can be operated in the presence of flammable gases

A special feature that aims to make news releases full of jargon, technical terms and difficult technologies easier to understand by focusing in on the key points.This conveys NEDO’s state-of-the-art technological achievements and activities with an easy-to-understand explanation.

Glossary

Explosion-proofUnlike blast-proofing, this involves making equipment that w i l l no t cause an explosion.

Empty weightThe weight of a ship, vehicle, or s t ruc ture i tse l f, not including cargo or contents.

CrawlerA machine that has ring-like parts put around several front and back drive wheels and rotates them to move.

News Release12th of July 2016Explosion-Proof Inspection Robot Developed.

Explosion-Proof Inspection Robot Developed- Domestic Certification Obtained in Expectation of Application at Disaster Sites -

<Summary> The large number of public infrastructure items such as tunnels and industrial infrastructure items such as petroleum refining plants which are 50 years old or older will increase at an accelerated pace in the future and in addressing this aging problem, reserving enough funds and the lack of people in the workforce with high-level maintenance expertise have become huge social issues. Regarding these social issues, NEDO has promoted research and development into robots which can move in areas of structures that are too difficult for people to enter and collect information necessary for the maintenance of the infrastructure under the “Robot and Senser System Development Project for Infrastructure Maintenance and Disaster Survey” since FY 2014. Recently, as part of a NEDO project, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., in collaboration with the Chiba Institute of Technology, has developed an explosion-proof inspection robot that can operate in the presence of flammable gases. In addition, this robot has passed the anti-explosive model inspection of the Technology Institution of Industrial Safety (TIIS) in Japan. This is the first time for a mobile robot with wired or wireless remote-control operation to acquired this certification in Japan. This newly-developed robot is an inspection robot designed to collect information on flammable gases and assess the collapsed structures such as tunnels by remote-control instead of having people entering the site. It has an empty weight of 60 kilograms, a velocity of 1.2 kilometers per hour, and by using two main crawlers and four sub crawlers it can stably go up and down a 45-degree staircase. Its continuous working duration is two and half hours. It possible to operate by remote-control operation up to 100 meters away with wireless operation or up to 1,000 meters away with wired operation using an automatic explosion-proof fiber optic cable reel. This cable is usable even in closed spaces such as tunnels where it is difficult for radio waves to penetrate. In addition, it carries a camera and gas sensor which enable operators to obtain high-definition images of the site and efficiently assess and analyze the status of poisonous gases. Also, it has implemented dual inner pressure and pressure-resistant explosion proofing systems which has passed the anti-explosion model inspection of the Technology Institution of Industrial Safety. Until now it has been difficult to decide whether or not to permit electrical machinery at disaster sites where there are concerns of flammable gases since there is a risk of secondary incidents, but with the acquisition of this explosion-proof certification the practical application of inspection robots at actual disaster sites is expected.

July 12 News Releasehttp://www.nedo.go.jp/english/news/AA5en_100098.html

C ommentary

Featured Technology

A Disaster Response RobotAble to Work in Difficult Areas that Humans Can’t EnterThe expectations for disaster response robots are not only maintaining aging infrastructure such as bridges and tunnels but also assessing the status of and collecting data needed at dangerous disaster sites.

First time in Japan for a remote-controllable mobile robot to acquire the explosion-proof certificationIt has implemented dual inner pressure and explosion resistance explosion proofing systems.

Remote-control operation is available even if it is hard to reach radio wavesIt can be remotely controlled up to 100 meters away via wireless operation and 1,000 meters via wired operation using an automatic explosion-proof fiber optic cable reel!

Carries a camera and gas sensor to assess and analyze the status of the site

Can stably go up and down the 45-degree staircase


Activ

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dens

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r/mL)

Time/h

Fe/Tio2 Dark Place

Fe/Tio2 Optical Irradiation

Cu/Tio2 Dark Place

Cu/Tio2 Optical IrradiationMeasured by Oβ phageWhite Fluorescent + Ultraviolet ProtectionFilter 800Lux

Photocatalysis

Damage to Proteins on the Surface

Inactivation of Infectability

Further Protein Decomposition

Decomposition of RNA and DNA

Complete Decomposition


A copper-modified titanium oxide photocatalyst that has been verified to have strong antiviral effects.

NEDOPROJECTSUCCESS STORIESVol 2. Project to Create Photocatalyst Industry for a Recycling-Oriented Society

Development of Visible-Light-Sensitive Photocatalysts for Indoor UseProvision of Sanitary and Comfortable Living Space

The results of NEDO projects are utilized in manufacturing processes used by companies and final products available for consumers. In this series we look at untold stories of how technology development projects scaled the high, difficult wall to successful commercialization and what came after, summarizing past articles in “NEDO Project Success Stories”.

For the “Project to Create Photocatalyst Industry for a Recycling-Oriented Society”, companies and research institutes participated in activities ranging from upstream materials development to downstream product development. Among those organizations, Showa Denko Ceramics Co., Ltd., who tried to develop materials for photocalatysts and mass produce them, as well as TOTO LTD. and Panasonic Corporation, who tried to use those materials to create products, have applied the project results to a number of familiar products and developed a new photocatalyst market.

Aiming at Expanding the Market, the Challenge is Enabling Indoor Use as Well as Outdoor Use A “photocatalyst” is a material that uses light energy from sources like sunlight to decompose dirt from organic substances or render bacteria inactive. It has been used for self-cleaning exterior paints and tents because it is highly oxidative when exposed to ultraviolet light and develops superhydrophilic characteristics with alterations to the surface chemical structure. If the useful characteristics of photocatalysts can be used indoor as well, the market can be expanded. To develop a “visible-light-sensitive photocatalyst” which shows similar functions to catalysts exposed to ultraviolet light even with exposed to fluorescent lights or LEDs, which radiate less energy compared to the ultraviolet found in sunlight, NEDO’s “Project to Create Photocatalyst Industry for a Recycling-Oriented Society” was launched in the FY 2007. One of the companies involved in the project, Showa Denko Ceramics Co., Ltd. Toyama Plant (then Showa

Titanium Co., Ltd.), had the technology and a proven record of producing fine titanium oxides used for traditional photocatalysts, and the company took an important role in developing and producing new photocatalyst materials for this project. First, as something different from before, they produced a “copper-modified tungsten oxide photocatalyst” in the beginning of the project. Although it had the highest sensitivity to visible light, they found some weaknesses, for example the color of the material is yellowish and is reflected in the color of the product, and it is weak against alkali compounds so there are some limitations regarding the location and conditions of use. They also faced a rapid rise in the cost of tungsten raw materials, which was another negative factor, and people started to think it is difficult to commercialize this product.

After a Period of Trial and Error, Success in Developing Three Types of Visible-Light-Sensitive Photocatalyst Materials with Different Characteristics Then, Professor Kazuhito Hashimoto of the Tokyo University Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (current President of the National Institute for Materials Science), who was the project leader at that time, suggested to develop a material based on titanium oxide, and Showa Denko Ceramics promptly prepared to develop the photocatalyst materials and mass produce them. “Generally it takes several years for the material manufacturer to mass-produce the academic results and provide them to product manufacturers. However, in this case, the manufacturer had a proven record with tungsten oxide photocatalyst so this process went very smoothly,”

say the stakeholders including the photocatalyst development group leader Yasushi Kuroda. Eventually they developed three types of unique visible-light-sensitive photocatalysts. They also found out the “copper-modified tungsten oxide photocatalyst” has extremely high decomposition activities against VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which are said to cause air pollution and sick house syndrome. Additionally, they found the “iron-modified titanium oxide photocatalyst” has high decomposition activities against for organic substances such as acetaldehyde and isopropyl alcohol. Furthermore, they found out the “copper-modified titanium oxide photocatalyst” has a high capacity for to rendering bacteria and viruses inactive (see Figure 1). Dr. Kuroda and his colleagues successfully produced a “copper-modified titanium oxide photocatalyst” by continuously developing the antivirus capabilities of the substance under visible light by repeating a process of trial and error to find out the best combination of copper and titanium oxide in the photocatalyst (see Figure 2).

Developing a Photocatalyst with Antibacterial/Antiviral Effects under Fluorescent Light that Has Achieved over 90% Deactivation Capability One of the companies that tried to commercialize products by using the newly developed visible-light-sensitive photocatalysts was TOTO LTD. They manufactured paint using the “copper-modified titanium oxide photocatalyst”, which has the highest antibacterial/antiviral capabilities among the visible-light-sensitive photocatalysts. Using this paint and tiles, they conducted demonstration tests on the walls and restrooms at Yokohama City University Hospital. As a result, they found out that they could reduce the number of bacteria by 96% on the walls around the bathroom sinks, and by 80% on the floor in front of the urinals. Besides that, the amount of ammonia was also reduced because the bacteria decomposed the urine. “Usually it is difficult to reveal the impacts of the photocatalyst products because you can’t see them. However, the demonstration tests we had presented impacts that could be recognized just by smelling – the visible-light-sensitive photocatalyst paint reduced

ammonia odor from the decomposition of urine and suppressed the increase of bacteria and,” recalls Dr. Mitsuhide Shimohigoshi, who was the General Manager of Research & Innovative Technology Department, Green Building Materials Division of TOTO at that time. As for Panasonic Corporation, who was also aiming at the commercialization of photocatalyst products, they developed a clear coating agent (e.g. applicable to film sheet) which can be easily used anywhere. Mr. Shinichiro Miki of Panasonic’s Core Technologies Development said he asked Dr. Kuroda of Showa Denko Ceramics to refine the photocatalyst powders to work for the development of this product. “The issue was to find out the right formulation of photocatalyst to create adequate antibacterial/antiviral effects. We were inventive with the resin to bond the materials so the coating keeps its strength even with a lot of photocatalyst to capture light efficiently,” says Mr. Miki. To examine the antibacterial/antiviral effects of the film in the real world, they attached clear films made with the visible-light-sensitive photocatalyst materials on places a lot of people visit and touch, such as reception counters at the hospital and cart handles at the waiting lobby of the airport (see the picture below). As a result, it demonstrated a 70-80% efficacy in terms of antibacterial effect at both hospitals and airports.

Beyond Individual Corporate FrameworksMaking Great Efforts to Develop and Distribute Visible-Light-Sensitive Photocatalysts The first Japan Industrial Standard (JIS) for photocatalysts was established in 2004, and the JIS regarding the air-purification capabilities of photocatalyst materials was amended on July 20, 2016. While the reliability of products is increasingly becoming a subject to severe scrutiny, Sekisui Jushi Corporation, who was a part of this project along with Showa Denko Ceramics, has commercialized a new photocatalyst coating agent. New technologies developed as part of the NEDO project and the results established by reliable demonstrations are expanding in the market in in earnest.

Figure 1System to render viruses inactive via photocatalyst

Light resistance test of a sample with a photocatalyst coating

What was the “Project to Create a Photocatalyst Industry for a Recycling-oriented Society”? As a countermeasure against the issues threatening our living environment such as harmful chemical substances which destroy the indoor and outdoor environment, antibacterial/antivirus issues including in-hospital infections, and soil contamination, NEDO conducted a six-year project to more effectively utilize photocatalyst technology starting in FY 2007. Not limited to research and development alone, NEDO has promoted the development of new photocatalysts through activities including efforts to expand the impact of photocatalyst products globally through international efforts for ISO standard setting and product certification.

After Project

Follow Up!

Playback

History

This article is part of the “NEDO Project Success Stories” series, covering previous projects and that are re-introduced in a summarized form along with some updated information. The original story has a lot more episodes that emerged from technology development, so please visit the website.

Antibacterial/antiviral film attached on the handle of a cart.

NEDO Project Success Stories SearchFigure 2Virus inactivation capability of copper-modified titanium oxide photocatalyst


MUZA Kawasaki Central Tower, 1310 Omiya-cho, Saiwai-kuKawasaki City, Kanagawa 212-8554 JapanTel: +81-44-520-5100 Fax: +81-44-520-5103URL: http://www.nedo.go.jp/english/index.html January 2017 (1st Edition)

● Head OfficeMUZA Kawasaki Central Tower, 16F-20F1310 Omiya-cho, Saiwai-kuKawasaki City, Kanagawa 212-8554 JapanTel: +81-44-520-5100Fax: +81-44-520-5103

● Kansai Branch OfficeUmeda Dai Building, 6F, 3-3-10Umeda, Kita-kuOsaka 530-0001 JapanTel: +81-6-6341-5403Fax: +81-6-6341-5405

● Washington, D.C.1901 L Street, N.W., Suite 720Washington, D.C. 20036 U.S.A.Tel: +1-202-822-9298Fax: +1-202-822-9259

● Silicon Valley3945 Freedom Circle, Suite 790Santa Clara, CA 95054 U.S.A.Tel: +1-408-567-8033Fax: +1-408-567-9831

Domestic Offices

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● Europe10, rue de la Paix 75002Paris, FranceTel: +33-1-4450-1828Fax: +33-1-4450-1829

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● Bangkok8th Floor, Sindhorn Building Tower 2130-132 Wittayu Road, LumphiniPathumwanBangkok 10330, ThailandTel: +66-2-256-6725Fax: +66-2-256-6727

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