New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
Tokyo Institute of Technology
Ryukoku University
Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd.

Mitsubishi Electric, Tokyo Tech, Ryukoku Univ., Microwave Chemical
Develop Microwave Heating System With GaN-amplifier-module Heaters
Will contribute to high-level energy saving in chemical industry
TOKYO, January 25, 2016 – Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Ryukoku
University and Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd. announced today their joint development of a microwave
heating system that uses 500W-output gallium nitride (GaN) amplifier modules as heat sources. The modules
consume 70 percent less energy than conventional external heating systems that use fossil fuel and improvechemical-reaction productivity by three times compared to dispersed heating systems. Practical uses will
now be developed for high-level energy saving in the chemical industry.

Whereas external heating systems consume high amounts of energy because they need to heat both theequipment and the chemicals inside, the new internal heating system saves energy consumption by heating
the chemicals only. In addition, the system adopts a new method that controls the microwave phases
generated by the modules and thereby manages temperature distribution, leading to greater productivity inchemical-reaction.

GaN devices offer more power density and power efficiency than silicon (Si) or gallium arsenide (GaAs)
devices. GaN amplifier modules are expected to help reduce the size of communication equipment, radars
and other equipment for general industry.

GaN amplifier
modules

Temperature
distribution
managementby microwave
phase control
Internal heating

Microwave heating equipment employing GaN amplifier modules
as heat sources

1/4Performance Comparisons

NewSystem
CurrentSystemHeatingSystem

Heat Source

Heating Type

EnergyConsumption*

Productivity*

InternalGaN amplifiermodule

Distributed

0.33Internal

Magnetron

Dispersed

0.31

External

Fossil fuelDispersed1－* Current system = 1

Respective Responsibilities
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation- Production of GaN devices- Development of microwave GaN amplifier modules
Tokyo Institute of Technology- Selection of sample chemicals- Verification of chemical-reaction productivity and fundamental evaluation for improvements- Standardization
Ryukoku University- Design of microwave GaN amplifier modules- Fundamental research to improve microwave heating system efficiency
Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd.
- Increasing size of testing reactor containing microwave heating system employing GaN amplifier
modules as heat sources- Evaluation of energy saving outcomes

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Development was conducted under a public project, named Clean Device Promotion Project / Highefficiency High Power Microwave GaN Amplifiers Realizing Energy-Saving Society, which is aimed atfacilitating novel applications of innovative electronic devices through demonstration and standardization.
The project was commissioned by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization(NEDO), an independent administrative agency of Japan.

Media Inquiries
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
Public Relations Division
Tel: +81-3-3218-2332
prd.gnews@nk.MitsubishiElectric.co.jp
http://www.MitsubishiElectric.com/news/
Tokyo Institute of Technology
Center for Public Affairs and Communications
Tel: ＋81-3-5734-2975
media@jim.titech.ac.jp
http://www.titech.ac.jp/english/index.html
Ryukoku University
Tel: +81-75-645-7882
http://www.ryukoku.ac.jp/english2
Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd.
Tel: +81-6-6170-7595
info@mwcc.jp
http://mwcc.jp/en/
New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization
Electronics, Materials Technology and Nanotechnology Dept.
TEL:+81-44-520-5221 FAX:+81-44-520-5221
Project Coordinator
Hiroaki Kurihara###3/4

About Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
With over 90 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality products, Mitsubishi Electric
Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) is a recognized world leader in the manufacture, marketing and sales ofelectrical and electronic equipment used in information processing and communications, space development
and satellite communications, consumer electronics, industrial technology, energy, transportation andbuilding equipment. Embracing the spirit of its corporate statement, Changes for the Better, and its
environmental statement, Eco Changes, Mitsubishi Electric endeavors to be a global, leading green company,
enriching society with technology. The company recorded consolidated group sales of 4,323.0 billion yen(US$ 36.0 billion*) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015. For more information visit:
http://www.MitsubishiElectric.com*At an exchange rate of 120 yen to the US dollar, the rate given by the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market on
March 31, 2015
About Tokyo Institute of Technology
As one of Japan’s top universities, Tokyo Institute of Technology seeks to contribute to civilization, peace
and prosperity in the world, and aims at developing global human capabilities par excellence throughpioneering research and education in science and technology, including industrial and social management.
Tokyo Tech has an eye on educating highly moral students to acquire not only scientific expertise but also
expertise in the liberal arts, and a balanced knowledge of the social sciences and humanities, all while
researching deeply from basics to practice with academic mastery. Through these activities, we wish tocontribute to global sustainability of the natural world and the support of human life.
http://www.titech.ac.jp/english/
About Ryukoku University
Ryukoku University was established as a Buddhist seminary called “Gakuryo” (Boarding School) in theprecincts of Nishi-Hongwanji Temple by its 13th abbot, Ryonyo, for the promotion of research and Shin
Buddhism education. Being older than Shoheiko, the official Edo Shogunate school, Ryukoku is one of theoldest institutions of higher education in Japan.
http://www.ryukoku.ac.jp/english2
About Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd.
Microwave Chemical was established as a venture company originated from National University
Corporation Osaka University. Making use of microwave technology, Microwave Chemical aims to bringabout revolutions in manufacturing processes of chemical products and promote energy conservation infactories worldwide. Setting “Change the way we produce fuel and chemicals.” as its basic concept,
Microwave Chemicals starts up and runs many joint projects with companies, laboratories, government
institutions, and other organizations engaged in manufacturing, and promotes practical use and industrial
application of innovative fruits of these projects.
http://mwcc.jp/en/
About New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization
NEDO, (abbreviation of New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization)was originallyestablished as a semi-governmental organization on October 1, 1980 and reorganized as an Incorporated
Administrative Agency on October 1, 2003. NEDO conducts various activities focusing on research anddevelopment related to oil alternative energy technology, technology for the efficient use of energy, andindustrial technology. Its programs and projects include the promotion of private sector participation innational technology development projects, support for the private sector’s own research and development
efforts and dissemination of newly developed technology. All of these activities are carried out in aconcerted and internationally coordinated manner. NEDO endeavors to ensure a stable and efficient supplyof energy under fluctuating domestic and international socio-economic conditions and to assist in thedevelopment of Japan’s economy and industrial sector. At the same time, NEDO strives to contribute to thefulfillment of Japan’s Kyoto Protocol commitment without overly restricting energy use and industrial
activities in Japan through, for example, obtaining emission credits via the Kyoto Mechanisms.

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