Sensors, Energy

## Environmental Sciences

# Quick Hydrogen Sensor: Seeds-Innovation-Type Technology Transfer

Keyword: Fundamental Research on Metal and Hydrogen, Patenting by Technology Experts with Marketing Strategies, Technology Transfer through Networking with Local Companies

Organizations Involved

O Shuji Harada, Ph.D., Professor Faculty of Engineering, Niigata University

O Yoji Yuki, President & CEO, Niigata TLO Inc.

O Takeharu Tsurumaki, President, Techno Link Co., Ltd.

S.Harada

T.Tsurumaki

## 【Abstract】

The Faculty of Engineering at Niigata University has succeeded in the development of the Quick Hydrogen Sensor, which detects hydrogen gas in the air within 0.1 second by using an electromotive force for the first time in the world. This sensor was invented during the fundamental research on metal and hydrogen by studying the behavior of hydrogen in metal. Having formed a task force of technology experts for the development of the sensor, Niigata TLO Inc. has also contributed to the commercialization of the Quick Hydrogen Sensor for fuel cell vehicle (FCV) by licensing the technology to a local company.

## [Summary of the technology transfer]

Technological Impact

• Introduced the sensing method due to the electromotive force (EMF), given by the difference in chemical potential of hydrogen on the both electrodes. The sensor detects hydrogen gas leakage in the air selectively within a second.

• Sensor with durability. Operative temperature: $ 150^{\circ} $ C ( $ 302^{\circ} $ F) / Humidity: 95%RH

• Development of the hydrogen sensor with the minimum detectable concentration of 0.05 %

• Downsized the sensor by making into a microchip of 5 grams or less in weight (about one-100th of the conventional sensors)

• Development and commercialization of the reliable detection system and fail-safe system

• Added a communication function to the sensor

## Market Impact

The collaboration team has succeeded in the development of the microchip sensor with high response speed and high sensitivity. Although it will still be years before the prevalence of FCV, there is a possibility of the commercialization of the fuel cell co-generation system for households and businesses in several years. Hydrogen gas is also used in such facilities as petrochemical plants or refineries and the promotion of the sensor has covered those fields.

OEstimated Market Size for the Hydrogen Gas Sensor

Year 2010: Approx. 700 million JPY - 2 billion JPY

Year 2020: Approx. 5 billion JPY - 10 billion JPY

Year 2010: Approx. 14 billion JPY - 50 billion JPY

Year 2020: Approx. 100 billion JPY - 300 billion JPY

(Source: Statistics issued by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, Mar. 12, 2004)

## Project Background

Techno Link was seeking the possibility of a new business development when Niigata TLO first introduced the technology of the sensor. Techno Link fully understood the potential of the sensor and decided to commercialize it through the technology transfer.

## Funding History

NEDO: Grant for Practical Application of University R&D Results

JST: Creation and Support Program for Start-Ups from Universities

University: Selected as the focal research project of Niigata University

## I ntellectual property protection

Patent Pending: Japan - 3 / Overseas - 3

Hydrogen Gas Sensor

WO 2005 / 080957 A1

Hydrogen Amount Sensor and Hydrogen Storage Device

WO 2007 / 020732 A1

## Quick Hydrogen Sensor

Control Part

Detects hydrogen gas leakage within 0.1 second. / Capable of being made as a microchip of 5g or less / Shows much better performance in microchip form, response speed, durability, and production cost compared with the conventional hydrogen sensors

(Enlarged Sensing Part)

• Sensing Element (Upper) 1.2mm

• Control Part (Lower) 5.3mm

## Turning point in the Project

A team of technology experts who can fully understand the potential of new inventions and society's needs

O Daily efforts to obtain trust and information from the local community

Providing companies with thorough explanation of the potential of the new inventions and the credibility of the patents