I．Summary

1.

Objective of Research and Development
International Clean Energy Network Using Hydrogen Conversion (WE-NET project) aims

at contribution to solving global environmental problems by means of large-scale andeffective utilization of clean and renewable energies such as hydraulic, solar, and wind which
are available widely on the earth. Its purpose is also to establish technologies capable ofintroducing an international energy network utilized in the wide fields such as hydrogenproduction from these energies, conversion of hydrogen as necessary, transportation, storage,generation of power, fuel for transportation, and town gas, in order to satisfy energy demands,
and to develop core elementary technology as well as preparation conceptual design of thetotal system.
Phase I of WE-NET project scheduled for six years from FY 1993 aims at establishment of
the basic research and development on fundamental technologies necessary for optimizationof the energy network system. This work included a variety of hydrogen production,
storage/transportation and utilization technologies such as:・Assessment of hydrogen energy systems
・Water electrolysis using solid polymer electrolytes
・Hydrogen liquefaction technology
・Storage/transportation technology for liquid hydrogen・Hydrogen storage technology in metal hydrides
・Hydrogen combustion turbine technology
Phase Ⅱ of WE-NET scheduled for ｆｉｖｅ years from FY 1999 is now underway and focusedon integrating and advancing the results of the research and development work from Phase
Ⅰ. Included in this effort is the utilization of hydrogen not only from clean renewable energy
but the fossil fuel to aim at short-term or mid-term realization of introducing hydrogenenergy into the society. Specific project include:・Hydrogen vehicle system component technology related to metal hydride tank systems・Hydrogen refueling station
・Hydrogen storage materials for vehicle and stationary tank・Hydrogen-fueled solid polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell・Hydrogen-fueled diesel engine

2.

Items and targets of Research and Development
Research and development for Phase Ⅱ has been carried out in the following 12 tasks.
Figure 1 and Table 1 show the schematic illustration and the schedule of Phase Ⅱ in WE-NET project.

I2.1 Task 1 Study of System Evaluation
The aim of surveys and studies is to study an optimal scenario for introduction of hydrogenenergy and formulate a strategy for its introduction. Also a research coordination council will
be organized and held to coordinate research activities under the WE-NET Project.
2.2 Task 2 Study of Safety Measures
We will conduct experiments on discharge, diffusion, ignition and explosion phenomena ofhydrogen. The experiment results will be used to analyｚe the safety preliminarily on thelatent accidents in hydrogen usage. We will establish the procedure of safety assessment andwill research on safety design standards.
2.3 Task 3 Review and Investigation for International Cooperation
We will carry out activities to develop international understanding of the WE-NET andpromote exchange of technical information in order to develop the WE-NET project.
2.4 Task 4 Development of Power Generation Technology
We will develop of a single-cylinder hydrogen combustion diesel engine rated 100kW for cogeneration system. This engine having about 40% efficiency at terminal and more than 85%
total efficiency(higher heating value basis) shall be free of any emission of environmental
pollution. Implementation of the performance evaluation testing of this diesel engine toidentify R & D themes for the practical application of such a diesel engine.
2.5 Task 5 Development of Hydrogen Fuel Tank System
We will develop an elementary technology for fuel system of hydrogen fuel cell vehicle bytaking account of hydrogen supply from hydrogen refueling station, and further, carry out theplan ahead of schedule in order to conduct technical verification of the hydrogen vehicle
driving system combined with the hydrogen refueling station in the second half of the fiscal
year of 2001.
2.6 Task 6 Development of PEFC Utilizing Pure Hydrogen
We will develop of element technology for the fuel cell power generation system whichmeets the utilization of pure hydrogen and achieves about 45% electrical efficiency at the ACsending terminal (higher heating value basis), shall be established and a stationary type
30kW class generation system shall be demonstrated.
2.7 Task 7 Development of Hydrogen Refueling StationIIWe will develop and demonstrate a small scale of test system with hydrogen supply
capacity of 30Nm3/h, equivalent to about one tenth of actual scale, in order to establish theelement technology and system technology for stand alone type of hydrogen refueling station
for the purpose of fuel supply to hydrogen vehicles.
2.7AB

Task 7AB Development of Hydrogen Refueling Station

For accelerating the introduction of hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in wide ranges, it is also
necessary to develop a hydrogen refueling station using hydrogen obtained from the byproduct gas in the chemical engineering process, of which a considerable amount of supply is
expectable already at the moment. The object of this research and development project is todevelop a hydrogen refueling station, into which hydrogen is transported from the outside thestation (off-site system).
2.8 Task 8 Development of Hydrogen Production Technology
We will develop large-scale cell lamination (electrode area 2,500 cm2) by using twohydrogen production methods (electroless plating method and hot press method). The targetof current density is over 1A/cm2 and the target of energy efficiency is over 90%. And we willdevelop the cells (electrode area 1,000 cm2) for hydrogen stations. Moreover, we will develop
solid high polymer electrolytes resistant to high temperatures.
2.9 Task 9 Development of Hydrogen Transportation and Storage Technology
We are going to conduct elemental tests of insulation structure and to establish the database of thermal insulation performance. And we will develop element technologies of liquidhydrogen pump. Moreover, we will collect basic data of aerodynamic design and seal designfor hydrogen compressor.
2.10 Task 10 Development of Cryogenic Materials Technology
The goals are to test material properties under liquid hydrogen environments and todevelop elemental technology related to optimized welding material and welding method.
Moreover, the material characteristic database will be enhanced.
2.11 Task 11 Development of Hydrogen Storage Materials
The target is to develop hydrogen absorbing alloys having the following performance.
- Effective hydrogen storage capacity: more than 3mass%- Temperature for hydrogen desorption: less than 100℃- Durability : hydrogen storage capacity more than 90% of the initial capacity
after 5,000-cycle useIIIwe investigated hydrogen storage capacity in several carbon materials, including carbon
nanotubes.
2.12 Task 12

Investigation and Study of Innovation and Leading Technology

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.

IVTable 1 Schedule of R&D for WE-NET, Phase Ⅱ
R&D Item

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

1. Task 1 Study of System Evaluation
2. Task 2 Study of Safety Measures
3. Task 3 Review and investigation forInternational Cooperation
4. Task 4 Development of Power GenerationTechnology
5. Task 5 Development of Hydrogen Fuel
Tank Systems

Interim Evaluation

Pure Hydrogen
7. Task 7 Development of Hydrogen
Refueling Stations
7AB. Task 7 Development of Hydrogen
Refueling Stations
8. Task 8 Development of Hydrogen
Production Technology
9. Task 9 Development of Hydrogen
Transportation and Storage technology
10. Task10 Development of Cryogenic
Materials Technology11. Task 11 Development of Hydrogen Storage
Materials.
12. Task 12 Investigation and Study ofInnovation & Leading TechnologyⅤFinal Evaluation

6. Task 6 Development of PEFC utilizing

International Clean Energy Network Using Hydrogen Conversion(WE-NET) Phase Ⅱ Program①②②⑪⑨②①②③②③④⑤⑫④③⑥⑭⑦⑤④⑥⑤⑦⑥⑧⑦⑧⑦④⑧⑦⑩③⑥⑧⑤⑬⑨Fig１ Conceptual Diagram of WE-NET①Hydrogen Aircraft ②Hydrogen Rocket ③Hydrogen Storage Tank ④Energy Consumption Site ⑤Hydrogen Bus ⑥Hydrogen-Combustion Power Generation⑦Hydrogen Tanker ⑧Hydrogen Vehicle ⑨Hydrogen Production Plant ⑩Hydropower Station ⑪Windmill Power Station⑫Geothermal Power Station ⑬Photovoltaic Power Station ⑭A Country Rich in Renewable Energy①Hydrogen Aircraft ②Hydrogen Rocket ③Hydrogen Storage Tank ④Energy Consumption Site ⑤Hydrogen Bus ⑥Hydrogen-Combustion Power Generation⑦Hydrogen Tanker ⑧Hydrogen Vehicle ⑨Hydrogen Production Plant ⑩Hydropower Station ⑪Windmill Power Station⑫Geothermal Power Station ⑬Photovoltaic Power Station ⑭A Country Rich in Renewable Energy