12.

Task １２ Investigation and Study of Innovation and Leading Technology

12.1.
12.1. Research and Development Goals
The WE-NET is a project worked out from a long-range point of view.

In the process ofpromoting this project, it is conceivable that the innovative and leading technologies which arepromising 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 whichconstitute 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 theresearch and development through feasibility study, as well as further research if necessary, ofsuch innovative, leading and conventional technologies.
12.2. Results of FY2001 Research and Development
12.2.1 Search for and Assessment of Innovative and Leading Technologies
In FY2001, we received three new technology proposals. The last meeting of the committee in
FY2000 reported on assessment results indicating that, of the feasibility studies carried out during
the year, it is desirable to continue studies on three topics. In FY2001, therefore, feasibility
studies were conducted on six topics in all.
Table 12.2.1
12.2.12.1-1 Names of Proposed Feasibility Studies in FY2001
Names of Proposed Feasibility Studies
A study on the storage of hydrogen using an iron oxide as a
medium
A study on a hydrogen production system by partial oxidation of
biomass and waste used as raw materials
Search for new hydrogen-storing inorganic and organic composite
materials
A study on gas turbine systems coupled with non-equilibrated
methane reforming process
A technical study on a hydrogen storage system using new
decalin/naphthalene hydrogenation and dehydrogenation
processes based on a superheated liquid membrane method
A study on the method of producing hydrogen without generating
carbon dioxide, using natural gas as raw materials, and anassessment of by-products

Contractors
Tokyo Institute ofTechnology
Ebara Corporation
Yamanashi University
Toshiba Corporation
Nisseki Technologies Co.,Ltd.
Osaka Gas Co., Ltd.

12.2.212.2.2 Study on Innovative and Leading Technologies(1) Assessment of FY2001 Feasibility Study Results① A study on the storage of hydrogen using an iron oxide as a medium
A study was conducted on a hydrogen storage and transport method using theoxidation-reduction of an iron oxide as described in the following formula:-115-

Step 1: Fe3O4 + 4H2 → 3Fe + 4H2O
Step 2: 3Fe + 4H2O → Fe3O4 + 4H2
This method first produces metallic iron by reduction of an iron oxide (Step 1 - hydrogen storage)
and then produces hydrogen by contacting the metallic iron with steam (Step 2 - hydrogenrecovery). In the FY2001 study, we added a very small quantity (3〜5 mole percent) of various
metallic ions to the metallic iron to accelerate the decomposition of water at a low temperature notexceeding 400℃ (Step 2) and examined the effects of the ion addition. A proposed an Iron Oxide
system for Fuel Cell Vehicle is shown in Fig. 12.2.2-1
From alternately repeated reduction and oxidation of the iron oxide with different metallic ions
added to it, we found that when Al, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Ga, Zr or Mo ion was added to the iron oxide, it
was more quickly reduced by hydrogen in Step 1 reaction and more efficiently produced hydrogenin Step 2 reaction than when no metallic ion was added to it. We also found that the iron oxidewith these metallic ions added to it declined only slowly in activity for hydrogen production even if
it was used repeatedly.
Of all research activities on various hydrogen storage technologies, the topic of this study is thesole example of hydrogen storage system using the chemical reaction characteristics of inorganic
solid substance. When we consider the performance of the proposed system as installed in a fuelcell vehicle, however, it has a theoretical hydrogen storage capacity of only 4.8wt% and, if water
weight and added alloys are taken into account, its storage capacity would further decrease. Thisimplies that the system can hardly be applied to fuel cell vehicles at the present stage. We
decided to watch the progress of the study and temporarily discontinue the examination of thisstudy within the framework of the Task 12 in the next fiscal year (FY2002) partly because of aplan to conduct a part of this study in the next fiscal year under other development project than
WE-NET for industrial technology commercialization sponsored by the New Energy andIndustrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

Fig. 12.2.2
12.2.22.2-1 Conceptual Diagram of a Fuel Cell Vehicle System Using an Iron Oxide Cassette-116-

② A study on a hydrogen production system by partial oxidation of biomass and waste used as
raw materials
Envisaging the use of hydrogen produced by partial oxidation of biomass and waste as fuel for
motor vehicles powered by fuel cells, we carried out a survey on the hydrogen production andsupply potential of biomass and waste in Japan. As a case study, we also conducted a feasibility
study on a hydrogen production system with the gasification of wood chips used as a raw material.
It is estimated that the hydrogen supply potential of biomass in Japan will reach approximately
7.4 billion Nm3/y in FY2010. From a feasibility study on a hydrogen production system with aninternal circulation fluidized bed gasifier (ICFG) applied to forest biomass (wood chips), we foundthat as a development target for the proposed system, its energy recovery efficiency could be set as
high as some 50%.
Since the production of hydrogen from biomass is important from the viewpoint of effectively
utilizing new energy sources, we believe that a study should be continued on the proposed
technology in the next fiscal year to make it economically viable. The feasibility study in fiscal
year 2001 found that the technology could hardly be made economically viable unless it is used
under very special conditions. To solve this problem, steps were taken to make a more accurate
economic assessment of this technology and coordinate the matters involved so that a study on thetechnology could be continued in the next fiscal year, with the achievement of its economic viability
set as a primary goal.
Synthesis Gas

Raw Material(Fuel or Waste)

Gasification
Chamber

Combustion Gas

Char-Combustion
Chamber
Fluidizing medium
descending zone

Heat Recovery
ChamberHeat Transfer
Tubes

Fluidizing medium andPyrolysis Residue (Char, Tar)

Steam

Air

Fig. 12.2.2
12.2.22.2-2 Conceptual Diagram of an Internal Circulation Fluidized Bed Gasifier (ICFG)-117-

Hydrogen （HHV） 9726 47.9%

Biomass (HHV)
20324 100.0%

Exhaust Gas

1600

Cooling Water

3124 15.4%

Condenser Loss4528 22.3%

Other Loss
1038
CO Shifter Steam 1184
Preheated Air
282
Fluidizing Steam 629
Plant Power
1707

Unit : kW

7.9%

5.1%
5.8%
1.4%
3.1%
8.4%

※ Estimating conditions: Wood biomass (HHV: 17.6 MJ/kg-W.B.) x 100 t/d→65,700 m3/d (NTP) of high-pressure hydrogen (20 MPa)

Fig. 12.2.2-3 Heat Balance Chart of the Proposed Hydrogen Production System③ Search for new hydrogen-storing inorganic and organic composite materials
This study was carried out in a bid to develop new hydrogen-storing materials with far larger
storage capacity than conventional materials, based on the concept of nanopore materials design.
The findings indicate it is possible that new materials having a greater hydrogen adsorption
capacity than activated charcoal at the room temperature will appear from such lightweightmaterials as silica modified with an organic substance and partially carbonized ion-exchange resin.
These materials are quite different from any of the conventional substance categories which havebeen considered to serve as hydrogen absorption materials. It is expected that the new materials
will bring forth new developments of the situation in this field.
It is a topic on which a study should be continued in the next fiscal year in the hope of achieving
a technical breakthrough.

The topic covers many types of materials and also a method of

increasing their hydrogen storage capacities through the application of higher pressure.
Apparently the sintering temperature and many other parameters will have to be examined but
we desire to grasp the trend of hydrogen storage data on the proposed method by experiments
under typical conditions.

Action was taken to coordinate the matters involved toward thecontinuance of a study on this topic in the next fiscal year.

-118-Adsorption capacity (wt %)Pressure (torr)○：Adsorption measured at 100℃ in vacuum after one-hour pretreatment●：Desorption measured at 100℃ in vacuum after one-hour pretreatment□：Adsorption measured at 25℃ in vacuum after one-hour pretreatment■：Desorption measured at 25℃ in vacuum after one-hour pretreatment
Fig.12.
Adsorption
tion Capacity of a partially carbonized ionFig.12.2.2
12.2.22.2-4 Changes in Hydrogen Adsorp
ion-exchange
resin at Room Temperature in Response to Variations in Pretreatment Conditions④ A study on gas turbine systems coupled with non-equilibrated methane reforming process
Methane, the main component of natural gas, reforms catalytically into a hydrogen-rich gas in
the presence of steam. This process is an endothermic reaction and accordingly if a methanesteam reforming process is coupled with gas turbine, the efficiency of power generation can be
improved by chemical recovery of exhaust heat from gas turbines.
Based on the results of a study in the preceding year, an attempt was made in FY2001 to assess
the viability of the proposed gas turbine system by studying the specifications of the membranereactor-type reformer and preparing its detail design. A conceptual design of the reformer was
drawn up based on calculations of a non-equilibrated methane reforming gas turbine system using
a 4-MW simple cycle turbine available on the current market. The findings indicate that thesystem can hardly be realized because the reformer offers only a negligible effect of
non-equilibrium when the hydrogen separation membrane has a permeability of 10-7 mol/s/m2/Pa.
An equilibrated methane reforming gas turbine system has sufficient advantages to reach thestage where it can be commercialized by further efforts of equipment manufacturers. Meanwhile,the non-equilibrated methane reforming system has no significant advantage unless sometechnical innovations are made for the membrane.

-119-

The module designed during the study had little effect in total because, although higher
efficiency could be attained by its non-equilibrated methane reforming configuration, the backpressure of the gas turbine rises in a corresponding degree.

This does not mean that themembrane reactor itself is defective. In the next fiscal year, we will watch the technical trend ofhydrogen separation membranes instead of continuing a study on the proposed system.
Fuel
Fuel
13A

HydrogenHydrogen-rich gases(H2, CO, CH4 steam)

Fuel
Comp.

Mixed gas of hydrogenand steamCombustor
Comp.

Reforming
tube
TurbineHydrogenTransmission
tube

Sweep
steam
Evaporator

Water

Pump

Fig. 12.2.2
12.2.22.2-5 gas turbine systems coupled with nonnon-equilibrated methane reforming process⑤ A technical study on a hydrogen storage system using new decalin/naphthalene hydrogenationand dehydrogenation processes based on a superheated liquid membrane method
Aromatic hydrocarbons such as naphthalene have been considered to be promising hydrogen
carriers for installation of hydrogen fuel tank in fuel cell vehicles because they can be handled as
easily as gasoline due to its hydrogen content and liquid form.
The catalytic reaction couple of decalin dehydrogenation and naphthalene hydrogenation has
hydrogen storage density as high as 7.3 wt %.

＋ ５Ｈ２
Decalin

Naphthalene

A study in FY2000 led to the discovery of a “superheated liquid membrane method” as a new
non-equilibrated process in decalin dehydrogenation, indicating the possibility of morequantitatively assessing the characteristics of the proposed reaction method, depending on future
progress of study on this topic. In FY2001, we made an experiment with a superheated liquid-120-

membrane dehydrogenator aiming at further improvement of the conversion ratio. In parallelwith the experiment, a series of surveys and studies was conducted to successfully deal with more
realistic tasks necessary to design a total system for fuel cell vehicles using a decalin/naphthalenehydrogen storage and transport system.
As a typical result, a hydrogen evolution of around 7.3 wt % (100% of theoretical value) was
attained under an external heating condition of 280℃ during a test on the production of hydrogenfrom decalin by a Pt-Re composite catalyst.
In the next fiscal year, we are planning to step up the study from feasibility study level to a basic
study level and install and operate a bench-scale testing apparatus (with a reactor capacity of 5L)
on continuous dehydrogenation with a superheated liquid membrane to find scale up effects andmake reaction engineering and chemical engineering analyses. The cost of the proposed systemshould be assessed under two conditions, one for hydrogen fueling stations and the other for fuelcell vehicles. Considering the recent climate for fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), we made arrangements
for coordinating the matters involved to continue a study on the system in the next fiscal year withpriority on engineering examinations (e.g., a system design and performance evaluation), holding

Decalin inversion rate (%)

Hydrogen production (mmol)

in view the application of the system to hydrogen tanks to be installed in FCVs.

Reaction time (hr)Reaction time (hr)Catalyst: Pt/C (5 wt-metal %)、Ratio of catalyst quantity to substrate quantity: 300 mg/1.0 ml
Reaction conditions: Boiling reflux (cooling at 5℃ and external heating at
210℃ (○), 240℃ (●), 260℃ (△), 280℃ (□))
Fig. 12.2.2
12.2.22.2-6 Heating Temperature Dependence of Hydrogen Evolution
from Decalin by CarbonCarbon-Supported Platinum Catalyst-121-Liquid-phase injector for
substrate supply
Thermocouple for measuring
reactor temperatures
Thermocouples for measuring
heat-holder temperatures

Ribbonheater’s
heating
unit

RefluxcoolerRibbon heater’sheating unit

Mantle heater’sheating unitGas
buretteCatalyst+
Stainlesssteel plate
Hot bath

Mat heater’sheating unit

Condensed
liquidburetteFig. 12.2.2
12.2.22.2-7 Continuous Decalin Dehydrogenation Test Apparatus⑥

A study on the method of producing hydrogen without generating carbon dioxide, using
natural gas as raw materials, and an assessment of by-products

A study was conducted in FY2000 on the method of producing hydrogen from methane by aplasma process.

It was found that the plasma hydrogen reformer technology developed byKvaerner, a Norwegian corporation, is a notable technology already at the commercialization stage.
In the practical application of the technology, however, it appears that no significant progress has
been achieved in using produced carbon for high-value-added products as it is used mainly as araw material for tires and some other rubber products. In FY2001, we carried out a study
including a verification test on the feasibility of a technology for high-value-added uses of carbon
materials obtained during the production of hydrogen from methane by a plasma process. The
study also aimed at systematic formulation of a natural gas-based hydrogen production processthat involves low CO2 emissions. Major results of the study are summarized below:･ An attempt was made to determine the quantity of hydrogen produced by injecting methane
into plasma whose working gas were Ar or N2 or a mixed gas of Ar and N2. It was found that
this process could achieve a methane conversion ratio of 96% or more.
･ Carbon produced by plasma reaction showed a hydrophobic property in the case of Ar plasma,
while in the case of N2 plasma or Ar-N2 plasma, it had a hydrophilic property. This indicatesthe possibility of utilizing it as carbon for ink.
･ The electric energy required by the proposed process to produce 1 Nm3 of hydrogen using
natural gas ranged from 16 kWh to 70 kWh, which is far larger than 1.3 kWh required byKvaerner’s technology.

-122-

It is a good idea to store a by-product of the process as carbon instead of generating carbon
dioxide but, if the by-product is used as a raw material as in this study, it would be finally disposedin an incineration system resulting in an emission of CO2. It is unlikely, therefore, that thisprocess will lead to any reduction of CO2 emissions.
The output of carbon as a by-product involves a significant consumption of energy. If the cost of
producing hydrogen from methane is found to be lower than the cost of separating carbon dioxidefrom the combustion gas of methane and sequestering it in the sea by a comparison between them,a further study should be conducted on the proposed process.

We decided to temporarily

discontinue the study in the current fiscal year and reassess the cost of the process later if andwhen the introduction of a carbon tax, for instance, leads to the realization of CO2 separation andstorage technologies.
DC Power Unit 100V/50A
DC Power Unit 150V/100A

Sampling nozzle
Cooling water
Plasma reactor
Carbon trap

Rotarypump

Integrating
flowmeter

Exhaust gas
treatment unit

Fig. 12.2.2
12.2.22.2-8 A Flowchart of the Plasma Reactor Used for the Experiment(2) Assessment of Basic Study Results Obtained in Fiscal 2001
① A Basic study on hydrogen liquefaction technology with a magnetic refrigeration method
We started a basic study on this topic in FY2000. In the current fiscal year, we examined therealizability of hydrogen liquefaction based on a magnetic refrigeration method by carrying out asurvey on elemental technologies that would serve as the key point of hydrogen liquefaction in amagnetic refrigeration type hydrogen liquefaction system with a throughput of 10 kg/day.
The study comprised a system analysis relating to preliminary drawings of series-andparallel-type AMRL (Active Magnetic Regenerative Liquefier) for a prototype hydrogenliquefaction system based on the magnetic refrigeration method with a throughput of 10 kg/day,the design and manufacture of an active magnetic regenerative refrigerator (AMRR) for Stage 1 of
AMRL, the measurement of its pressure drop and thermal conductivity characteristics, and thedesign, manufacture and testing of a flow subsystem of heating fluid that connects AMR with heatsinks and thermal loads.
In taking specific measures for this purpose, we first selected Stage 1 for AMR experimental-123-

measurement. The temperature at Stage 1 is supposed to range from 200 K to 300 K. Then we
decided on the parts, size and assembling method of the AMR. From heat transfer calculations,
we adopted fine particle with a diameter of 250 μm for the magnetic material and experimentally
manufactured a monolithic AMR for stage 1 by an epoxy coating process.

Three kinds ofmagnetic materials gadolinium and three Gd１−ＸDyＸ alloys were used for the 1st stage AMR.
Evaluating the performance of the 1st stage AMR in terms of Reynolds Number derived from
nitrogen flow and a pressure drop through AMR, we verified the AMR had the specified
performance.
During the FY2001 study, the design of the AMRL was changed from a rotary type to astationary type for the following reasons: The aim of this basic study was to experimentally build
a prototype hydrogen liquefaction system based on the magnetic refrigeration method with athroughput of 10 kg/day and verify the realizability of the proposed system from operational dataon the experimental system. So far, no solution has been found to problems involved in sealing
helium gas resulting from the use of an AMRL system. Accordingly we decided to evade tacklingthese problems by changing the AMRL from a rotary type to a stationary type. The alteration of
the system does not cause any essential assessment problem to the “basic study on hydrogenliquefaction technology with a magnetic refrigeration method.” A study will be continued onnecessary improvements and countermeasures to successfully cope with the helium-sealing
problems and the results will be reflected in a large-capacity hydrogen liquefaction system thatwill be built in the years ahead.
The magnetic refrigeration type hydrogen liquefaction system is capable of significantly
reducing liquid hydrogen production costs because of its advantage in such aspects as efficiency,
initial investment and installation space. It is of great significance that a prototype testing unit
will be built in FY2002 to assess the realizability of the magnetic refrigeration type hydrogenliquefaction system. Steps were taken to coordinate the matters involved so that a study will be
continued on the proposed system in the next fiscal year.

Fig. 12.2.2
12.2.22.2-9

Fig. 12.2.2
12.2.22.2-10-124-

Experimentally Made AMR for Stage 1

Measurement of Pressure Drop Data5045p=0.55MPa

Pressure Drop [kPa]4035p=0.45MPap=0.65MPa3025p=0.25MPa

20
15
10
5
0
0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Reynolds Number [ - ]Fig. 12.2.2
12.2.22.2-11 Pressure Drop Data on the 1st stage AMR(as Adjusted by Reynolds Number)Compressed Hydrogen
Cold Box Boundary

Liquid Hydrogen
HE X 1

H2
SupplyHE X 2

HEX 9

HEX 3

HE X 4

HEX 10

HEX 5

HEX 11

HEX 6

HEX 12LH2Storage

Helium Pump
Helium Pump

Rotary Valves

HEX 7
Cold Box Boundary

Water
Chiller

HEX 8

M
1

M2

M5

Regenerators
for Stage One

Magnet for S tage S ix
Magnet for Stage One-125-

Regenerators
for Stage Six

Fig. 12.2.2
12.2.22.2-12 Flow System of Prototype Magnetic Liquefier
Liquefier② A study on materials for magnetic liquefier of hydrogen
This study is based on a committee comment of FY2000, “Material data have to be verified inJapan as part of a basic study on hydrogen liquefaction technology with a magnetic refrigeration
method.”The concept which serves as an essential element of performance in magnetic refrigeration
relates to a calorific effect (a magnetic calorific effect) induced by variations in the magnetic
entropy of a magnetic substance in response to an external magnetic field. However, entropy has
to be converted on the basis of measured or calculated values of other physical properties because
it is not a directly observable physical quantity. In this study, basic data on the refrigeration cycle
were obtained by determining the temperature and magnetic field dependence curves of entropy
from the measurement of magnetization and specific heat. The grades of magnetic materials
were assessed by examining their magnetic structure and magnetic transition temperature.
Concerning the thermal properties of magnetic materials, the study included the measurement of
their thermal conductivity and thermal expansion coefficients and an assessment of their
thermophysical properties.
･ Er-Dy-Al materials: Measured values concerning these materials are approximately equal to
the relevant data in literature and they have desirable properties.
･

Gd (SiGe) materials:

These materials have a composite structure consisting of complex

primary and secondary transitions.

It is difficult to make entropy conversion frommagnetization.
･ Dy-Gd materials: The materials are subject to competitive magnetism between Dy and Gd in
the vicinity of 200 K but probably no serious problem will occur in a high magnetic field above
1T and at >200 K, where the materials are expected to be used.
･ Thermal conductivity: Presumably these materials are equal to SUS.
･ Samples in general: Intermetallic Compounds of rare-earth are generally brittle and liable tooxidation. This tendency can be found from their cut surfaces.
･ Thermal expansion coefficient: The thermal expansion coefficients of the materials, which will
be measured later on, are predicted to vary at the magnetic transition temperature.
Depending on the degree of such variation, it is necessary to consider the possibility of cracks
resulting from a magnetization in cycle.
The assessment of magnetic materials is an important factor in building a prototype hydrogenliquefaction testing unit. In FY2001, some of the planned surveys on magnetic materials could
not be carried out due to financing and time-frame limitations, and it is desirable to continue a
study on these materials in the next fiscal year.

-126-

Accordingly we have decided to properlycoordinate the matters involved so that the study will be continued in the next fiscal year.
ErAl2

Gd0.36Dy0.64

0.14
1.4
Thermal Conductivity (W/cm K)

B=0(T)
B=2(T)
B=6(T)

0.12

C(J/gK)

0.1
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.02
0

0

5

10

15

20

25

1.2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0

30

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

Temperature (K)T(K)

Fig. 12.2.2
12.2.22.2-13 Results of Measuring

Fig. 12.2.2
12.2.22.2-14 Results of Measuring

Specific Heat in ErAl2

Thermal Conductivity of GdxDy1-x (X = 0.36)

2.3 A Search for New Areas and Items of Research and Development
The aim of the search is to examine promising technologies to be reflected in the WE-NET
Project and to propose new areas and items of research and development. Since the study in
FY2001 found that it is important to develop substitute catalyst materials for platinum groupmetals, Task 12 calls for conducting a study on this topic in FY2002.
(1) Necessity of Developing Substitute Catalyst Materials for Platinum Group Metals
It is pointed out that the market for platinum group metals (platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd),rhodium (Rh), ruthenium (Ru), iridium (Ir) and osmium (Os)) may be seriously affected by thevarying amounts of consumption because of such factors as the rarity of available resources,
uneven distribution of production areas (with South Africa and Russia supplying more than 90% of
platinum, palladium and rhodium) and oligopoly (80% of the market held by four major
companies).
Table 12.2.3
12.2.32.3-1 World Annual Supply of Major Platinum Group Metals (t/y)
Platinum group metals
Pt
Pd
Rh
Ru
Ir

1999
151.5
250.7
15.6
12.8
2.89

-127-

2000
164.6
242.6
23.8
13.7
3.86

2001
173.5
234.2
17.6
N/A
N/A

Table 12.2.3
Platinum
num Group Metals by Region (t/y)
12.2.32.3-2 Annual Supply of Major Plati

Pt
Pd
Ph

South Africa

Russia

121.3
58.2
12.8

16.8
167.9
2

North
America
8.4
19.6
0.6

Others

Total

5
5
0.2

151.5
250.7
15.6

(2) A Survey on Trends in the Research and Development of Substitute Catalysts for Platinum
As a preliminary examination, we conducted a survey on trends in the research anddevelopment of substitute catalysts for platinum.
The low-temperature fuel cells now under development use precious metals, particularly
platinum, and their alloys as electrode catalysts. The survey found that research efforts areneeded to research and develop a new, high-activity, oxygen-reduction catalyst.
12.3.
12.3. Future Plan
In order to attain the goal of making suggestions and proposals useful for the future of the
WE-NET Project, we will, during this study, push forward with research activities on alltechnologies which are not covered by ongoing research and development under the WE-NET
Project.
In the area of hydrogen liquefaction, we set about a “basic study on hydrogen liquefaction
technology with a magnetic refrigeration method” in FY2000 and are planning to experimentallybuild the world first prototype hydrogen liquefaction unit based on the magnetic refrigeration
method in the next fiscal year.
Concerning hydrogen storage technology, we carried out a study on a “new dehydrogenation
process for a naphthene-base hydrogen storage system” in FY2000 and found some promisingseeds. In FY2001, the phase of the study shifted to a “technical study on a hydrogen storage andtransport system using new decalin/naphthalene hydrogenation and dehydrogenation processes
based on a superheated liquid membrane method. At the laboratory level, the study verified thesuperiority of the proposed system in producing hydrogen in a superheated liquid membranereactor.

In the next fiscal year, we will increase the size of the experimental system andexperimentally build a continuous dehydrogenation system using the superheated liquid
membrane method on a scale of 1/ 20 of a supposed commercial plant.
Some of the technologies which we consider it unnecessary to study under the WE-NET Projectat present may prove promising later on, depending on the future progress of research anddevelopment activities. In a bid to maintain the effectiveness of the WE-NET Project in the years
ahead, we think we will have to keep watch over the trend of related technologies.

-128-