2005
October 25, 2005
Participation in Fuel Cell Verification Tests subsidized by Mie Prefecture and Yokkaichi City
Verification tests of a 5kW-class stationary fuel cell system using a hydrogen-permeable membrane.
Kurita Water Industries Ltd. (HQ: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, President: Hiroshi Fujino) launched verification tests of a 5kW-class stationary fuel cell system using a hydrogen-permeable membrane as of October 4, in collaboration with Mie University, the Mie Prefectural Science and Technology Promotion Center, Sinanen Co., Ltd. and Mie Shinagawa Sangyo Co., Ltd. Subsidies for this project came from "fiscal year 2004 grants for fuel cell verification tests" provided by Mie Prefecture and the city of Yokkaichi.
Since 1994, Kurita has been engaged in hydrogen energy-related business, including the development of water treatment systems for household fuel cells and hydrogen stations for fuel cell vehicles. In addition, Kurita aims to promote the stationary fuel cell system for business facilities such as convenience stores and family restaurants, making full use of the data obtained from the tests to develop commercial units.
Outline of the verification tests and respective roles of the organizations are described below.
< Outline of the verification tests >
During the tests an LPG-fueled 5kW-class stationary fuel cell unit, using the hydrogen-permeable membrane, was installed at the Ceramics Laboratory of Industrial Research Division, Mie Prefectural Science and Technology Promotion Center. A series of tests will be conducted based on each of the following three themes:
- Verification of the stationary fuel cell using a hydrogen-permeable membrane-type reformer.
- Development of a new compact fuel-feeding system for stationary fuel cells.
- Study of the system's suitability for fuel cell system use during times of disaster.
Electricity generated by the fuel cell during the verification tests will be used to power electric lights and exhaust heat recovered from the cogeneration system will be used to supply hot water at the Ceramics Laboratory.
The hydrogen-permeable membrane, the key to the system, selectively penetrates hydrogen. Applying the membrane to a reformer purifies hydrogen generated from LPG, produces high-purity hydrogen, and increases the efficiency and durability of fuel cell systems.
The duration of this operation is from October 4, 2005 through March 2006.
< Respective roles of participants >
Kurita will orchestrate all the verification tests while taking charge of the installation and operation of the fuel cell system. Meanwhile, Mie University will handle the development of a new fuel-feeding system and the Mie Prefectural Science and Technology Promotion Center will deal with both operational data analysis and the environmental assessment of the fuel cell unit. The development and operational data analysis of the fuel-feeding system will be handled by Sinanen, and Mie Shinagawa Sangyo will take care of the fuel cell system's installation, maintenance, and fuel supply.
<Main specifications>
- (1)Fuel cell type: proton-exchange membrane type
- (2)Output of power generation: 4.6 kW (Maximum)
- (3)Output voltage: AC200V, 60Hz
- (4)Size
Fuel cell unit: W 760×D 1,170×H 1,750 mm
Hot water storage tank unit: W 700×D 850×H 1,820 mm - (5)Hot water storage tank capacity: 370 L