The superheated steam indicates the high-temperature steam which becomes over 373K by the further heating of saturated vapor. The conventional superheated steam was a comparatively low temperature from 473K to 673K, and it was used for sterilization and cook process of the food. It was confirmed that the high-temperature superheated steam was very effective for decomposition of dibxin and PCB. These are also suitable for manufacturing of the fuel gases containing H2 by reforming the biogas. However, conventional superheated steam generation system could not raise the temperature up to 700 degrees. It is due to be corroded in the superheated steam in order to use metal and carbon for the heater. By using the ceramics which are excellent in heat-resistance and corrosion-resistance for the heater, it would be possible to generate the high-temperature superheated steam. As a result of heating the pellets consisted of electro-conductive ceramics by high frequency induction heating, the steam reaches the high temperature of over 1273K.

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The new post-processing system for diesel particulate matter (PM), which utilizes the transportation effects of oxygen ion in a solid electrolyte under the impressed voltage, has been proposed. In this system PM is deposited on the anode side of the solid electrolyte and PM is oxidized by the oxygen ion from cathode, open to atmosphere. The experiments were conducted to clarify if the system was valid for PM reduction system by using yttrium-stabilized zirconia as the solid electrolyte. The result suggests that the proposed system has the possibility as the next generation post-processing system for diesel particulate matter.

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In the Kanto area, the regulation of diesel engine exhaust gas control was began from October, 2004. Because ceramic honeycomb catalysts in generally used had the filter structure, a lot of problems were caused by the particulate matter(PM) accumulation. Applying the Micro-fin to the diesel vehicles exhaust gas cleanup system, amount of PM removed in 61.5% from results of the 13 mode running test. By impregnation Pt nano-particles on the Micro-fin^<TM>, a remarkable effects was also appeared in the PM combustion in low temperature range, in addition to CO and total HC conversion.

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Three-dimensional numerical simulation was conducted to examine the swirl and buoyancy effects on the mixing performance of baffle-plate-type confined multi-jet flows. From the authors' previous works, it has been proved that the baffle-plate-type confined multi-jet produces a high performance in the fluid mixing. Adding the swirl motion to the multi-jet flows, however, appeared to incur deterioration of the mixing performance. This tendency was more noticeable for larger swirl number cases. Buoyancy effect was negligible when its working direction was parallel to the central jet axis. In the case that the gravity force direction was tilted and possessed a certain angle with the central jet axis, on the other hand, an asymmetric pattern of flow and mixture fraction was obtained, and a very poor mixing performance was achieved. On the contrary, the buoyancy effect was more significant when the swirl was accompanied and a considerable influence was found even when the operating direction was parallel to the central jet axis.

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For rapid iron and steel demand in China in the up-date, the cost of the coal coke soars suddenly, and the management of iron and steel manufacturer in our country is remarkably oppressed. In this study, the pretreatment is conducted to woody biomass, it was enabled that the briquette size wood fuel of the high intense (wood biocoke) was produced. The examination was tried on the ole for the casting process by the cupola used as coal coke alternative fuel in order to confirm the property of this wood biocke. The wood biocoke is produced, while it is cylindrically correspondent to actual coal coke size for the casting. From this consideration, it is proven that to substitute whole 10〜20% from the coal coke is sufficiently possible.

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Wide application of fullerene is expected in the various fields such as new materials and medical applications. Especially combustion synthesis process of fullerene is expected as one of mass production methods of fullerenes. However, the fullerene formation mechanism from PAHs in a flame has not been clarified yet. In the present study, PAH and fullerene concentration were investigated by gas and liquid chromatography in total amount of soot that was made from toluene flame burned at various temperature and pressure. Effects of pressure and equivalence ratio to the formation of the PAHs and fullerenes and branching mechanism between fullerene and soot were discussed.

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The purpose of this research is to remove amorphous carbon from diamond film. We have utilized three methods, i.e., the heat treatment, the detection of optimal equivalence ratio, and the addition of hydrogen into synthesizing gas for making the high quality diamond film. These methods can remove and decrease the amorphous carbon effectively.

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Heat transfer enhancement is one of key issues of saving energies and compact designs for mechanical and chemical devices and plants. We discover a high convective heat transfer performance compared to the well-known heat transfer correlations caused by nano- and micro-scale structure formed on the heat transfer surface: the maximum increase of heat transfer coefficient was around 80%. Moreover, we have done some experiments using a co-current flow heat exchanger. We also obtained high performance compared to the usual correlation. In order to form nano- and micro-scale structure on surfaces, we have developed three treatment methods of Nano-particle Porous Layer method (NPL method), Fine Precipitates method (FP method) and Nano- and Micro-scale Porous Layered Structure method (NMPLS method). We guess by the molecular dynamics simulations that the mechanism of heat transfer enhancement by nano- and micro-scale structure on surface might be an artificial property change in the vicinity of the interface by complex structures of particles and porous from nanometer to sub micrometer scales.

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High-pressure oxygen combustion is important to realize low emission and high load combustion in general combustors such as jet engine in aircraft. We designed a combustor which make it possible to perform high-pressure experiment. We mix nitrogen into oxidizer of oxygen combustion and measure flow field with LDV to investigate the effect of nitrogen in oxidizer on flow field of high-pressure oxygen combustion. We confirmed the various differences between oxygen combustion and oxygen combustion with nitrogen.

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We have been developing a hybrid LNG vaporization and power generation system which generates approximately -100℃ air and natural gas fuel of a steady heating value since March 2004. In this study, two kinds of process using cold air for the Gas Turbine Combined Cycle ranging from several MW to several hundred MW are reviewed. In this paper, we describe an outline of the test equipment, configurations of the hybrid vaporization and power generation system for the gas turbine and discuss the possibilities based on exergy analysis for the above two cases.

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When the gas engine is integrated with gas turbine, ETCS (the engine-turbo compound system) is composed. This paper shows the effect of engine exhaust temperature on the cycle performance. Engine exhaust of 900℃ increases the system power generation efficiency from 46% LHV (conventional combined cycle) to 50% LHV (ETCS) at TIT of 1150℃, and also 54 to 57% LHV at 1350℃.

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Hydrogen is expected to play an important role in the transportation sector for fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). The infrastructure of hydrogen refueling stations from convenient and low-cost sources is necessary to the successful transition toward hydrogen-based society. Osaka Gas has developed the on-site hydrogen refueling station based on steam methane reforming (SMR) under National Project. We have been developing a new compact hydrogen production system (HYSERVE series) for hydrogen infrastructure as well as industrial use. Our development effort realized to reduce 50% installation area, 50% capital cost and 30% operating cost compared with our conventional system. The 30Nm^3/h and 100Nm^3/h capacity units have just been brought to the market.

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Research on combustion of Bio・Ethanol on boilers is begun for reduction of CO_2. Ethanol is dangerous because it has very low ignition-point, therefore the ignition-point of Ethanol is brought down by mixing with water. But combustion of mixture of Ethanol and water is difficult, then it's combustibility is tried to enrich by mixing with heavy oil. Ethanol/water mixture and heavy oil is tend to separate at once. Ethanol/water mixture evaporate, then it's vapor become Ethanol-rich and to easy combustion.

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In view of growing global warming crisis, utilization of wind energy, as sustainable natural energy, has been promoted worldwide especially in Germany, Spain, USA, Denmark, etc. Recently in Japan, wind energy development has been strongly promoted in view of (1)high appraisal value of clean wind energy, (2)favorable economical prospect by increased generator capacity and (3)positive financial status by governmental subsidiary or support. Our company has supplied and installed more than 50 units of wind turbine of 1500kw in Japan for the last years. Our wind energy development and promotion activity are presented herein.

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SEI delivered a vanadium redox-flow battery (VRB) for the project of The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) in March 2001, and it has been tested for ability of stabilizing output fluctuations of wind turbines (275kW) at Hokkaido Electric Power Company. The VRB's rated output power is 170kW, and it can be operated up to a maximum power of 275kW. The VRB was found to demonstrate good performance as we had expected.

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Recently, the world production of the photovoltaic modules which convert directly solar energy to electricity, is tremendously increasing in the world, and high performance photovoltaic modules are required. An extremely high conversion efficiency of 21.5% has been achieved in the HIT (Hetero-junction with Intrinsic Thin-layer) solar cell with a practical cell size of 10cm×10cm. This was achieved by improving the characteristics of a-Si/c-Si hetero-junction, reduction of light reflection-loss, and so on. Some of these technologies have been introduced to mass production and, as a result, 200W HIT solar cell modules have been commercialized with the highest existing cell conversion efficiency of 19.5%.

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Recently, a lot of media says that the bright hydrogen systems as a future energy resources for our society. However, in fact, there are many of difficulties and bleak problems lay on the system from view point of energy saving and environmental protection. At the first part of this paper discusses various methods of hydrogen production and supply system for fuel cells of the vehicle driving. The next are about a design works which propose a method of combined power system of membrane type fuel cell and internal combustion engine for vehicle using methanol and di-methylether as a fuel respectively. Then paper shows a design example of small size of fuel cell system for a domestic co-generation using natural gas. At the final part is problems to be solved in the future and conclusion.

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Biorefinery technology has received much attention as an environmentally friendly novel technological concept. The term biorefinery was coined in the U.S. to imply the production of chemicals and energy from renewable biomass. The U.S. has identified this as a national scientific strategy aimed at replacing the oil-based refinery. The expected technical innovation of bioprocesses is envisioned as the industrial revolution of the 21^<st> century. The key to the realization of biorefinery is advancement in post-genomic biotechnologies. With post genome technology, genomic information is used to "drastically improve", at the gene level, bioprocess microbial cells, in order to design a bioprocess with ultimate efficiency.

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In an organization, output is determined by the combination of "ability of the individual" and "strengths of the organization". The essential qualities for research and development management literacy are therefore the ability to "nurture people with excellent individual qualities" and "create a strong organization". In this paper, the author discusses the fundamental problems related to "organizational literacy", which is indispensable, especially for management level executives.

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This article will introduce the renovation of R&D management for HVAC section in Daikin Industries, Ltd. During the renovation process, we split the R&D laboratories from the main body, and made a declaration of technological innovation for the air-conditioning section in Daikin. The purpose to split the R&D laboratories from the main body is to motivate the competitive spirits, and also reform the R&D laboratories from technological oriented organizations to business oriented ones. In the declaration of technological innovation for the air-conditioning section, we concentrated in three points, in particular. First, we reformed the R&D organization to a very simple, flat and matrix structure to achieve a swift decision making procedure. Second, we go throw all our R&D projects, and set up new strategy R&D projects, mean while, terminated the projects without a clear business plan, from the point of selection and concentration of the R&D resource. Finally, we also took strong measures to motivate and elevate our engineers, to change their mind in daily actions

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WBT is adopted as in-house lectures since 2003 and the educational effect is raised into the Mitsubishi Electric group. Here, it introduces about the outline and mechanical engineering lectures.

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This paper describes a dynamic analysis of the rotor bearing system on rotary crushers and shredder which dispose of large sized discarded articles such as refrigerators, washing machines, bicycles and kitchen utensils. In the analytical model, the rotary share type shredder with knifes, the vertical type crusher with breakers and the horizontal type crusher with swing hammers are simplified to mass and spring system on the rotational vibration and on the bending vibration. In order to clear the relation between bearing vibration and rotor speed drop, simulation is carried out by using Runge-Kutta-Gill method. Calculation of results indicate that bearing vibration is related well to the rotor dynamic behavior similar to the rotor speed drop.

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[in Japanese]

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Recently, particular emphasis has been given to the education and the training of unskilled operators aiming at transmitting the skills and expertise of the experienced operators. In the paper, the problems of the education and training of the skills and expertise are discussed from the viewpoint of the university staff for the education of the manufacturing laboratory.

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This paper describes internet collaboration of 3D-CAD design and manufacturing for product development. Experiences in product development and design education in the past are firstly explained. Secondly, the internet design collaboration between an industry and the university using a limited server is introduced. Following the MOT cooperation project of industries-universities product development in 2003, two product development projects had been carried out in 2004. The projects are (1) small-sized electric tricycle gently to elderly drivers and (2) aircraft for disaster information system. Multi-stations, multi-media, and internet remote collaboration design is the target of our project. This paper reports the examples of the product development using such techniques.

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Developing inner motivated power As we step into a new informational society, technology is now in a position to provide the necessary hardware and software. The more virtual information overflows, the importance of originality and creativity must be recognized more than ever. All machines are essentially intended to convert one form of energy into another. Through our programmed learning (Image training and Design training) for recruits we develop their inner motivated power to design.

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In the engineering process from the product project to development and production, It is made to see by every single person's experience and knowhow's using QFD, FMEA, and the parameter design. As a result, the problem is persisting extracted beforehand. Shortening at the development period and a vertical start-up of the production line were achieved.

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This paper describes the development of an e-Learning solution in 3D CAD operation training. The e-Learning contents have following features. In operation, the contents indicate the instruction window and 3D CAD (Pro/ENGINEER[○!R]) window in same display simultaneously. The motif of the exercise models is familiar to class and enhances the motives for the exercise. The contents of the e-Learning are based on SCORM (Shareable Content Object Reference Model) standard and able to supervise the progress of the class individually. The effectiveness of the contents is confirmed by achievement check in design class exercises.

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Problem-based learning program for mechanical design provides to improve engineering sense of students. In this program, a wide range of theoretical and practical problems related to manufacturing are prepared for the students. Several approaches and solutions to the problems are proposed by the students, or suggested by their supervisors. A lot of discussions and considerations are repeated in this procedure as just-in-time education. The procedure requires a huge amount of time and effort to the supervisors, but it will give good opportunity and experience to the students for improving their engineering sense.

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Heat pumps using CO_2 as a natural refrigerant have been developed, and are expected to contribute to energy saving in hot water supply. In residential applications, CO_2 heat pumps are used in combination with hot water storage tanks. The objective of this paper is to analyze the overall performance of a hot water supply system composed of a CO_2 heat pump and a hot water storage tank by numerical simulation. A simulation model is created based on thermodynamic equations for all the components of the system. The performance an improved system with hot water extracted from top and middle positions of the tank is analyzed. It is shown that the performance of the improved system is superior to that ofa conventional one.

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The optimal control of energy supply systems needs to grasp their dynamic characteristics. In this paper, an approach based on the dynamic simulation is proposed for this purpose. An existing heat supply system for air conditioning is adopted as an example. A simulation model is created based on the equations of mass balance, motion, energy balance and state as well as connecting and boundary conditions. The dynamic characteristics of the system are acquired by solving these equations under initial, operational and control conditions. The simulation model is validated by confirming the calculated values are in good agreement with measured ones.

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To reduce the operational cost and energy consumption of energy supply systems, the operational planning and control are important subjects, and these should be considered simultaneously. In this paper, as one of the ways for coadunation of these subjects, they are combined with each other hierarchically. This approach is applied to the operational planning and control of a heat supply system for air conditioning. At the upper level, the revolutions of pumps and the electric power consumption of the heat pump chiller are determined to minimize the electric power consumption of the system using a static model. At the lower level, the model predictive control is adopted to manipulate the revolutions of pumps and the electric power consumption of the heat pump chiller using a dynamic model with their desired values determined at the upper level. At the first phase of the research, the dynamic response of the system obtained by a numerical simulation is used in place of that obtained by the measurement. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is investigated through a case study.

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The possibility of the thermosyphon power generation was examined by using the waste heat of the factory as a heat source. As a result, it has been understood for the turbine to rotate and to obtain the output of power generation. Moreover, the resistance of heat transfer becomes small if the amount of heat transfer increaces, and the output of power generation has grown.

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In planning energy supply systems, it is important to synthesize their structures rationally from economical, energy saving, and environmental viewpoints. In this paper, a multiobjective optimization approach is proposed for this purpose. Types, numbers and capacities of equipment can be determined to minimize the annual total cost, primary energy consumption and CO_2 emission. Assuming a system for a hospital, the economically optimal system is the hybrid system of electric and gas equipment. As the result of a trade-off analysis, it is clarified that a 3% increase of the annual total cost can achieve a 18% reduction of the annual primary energy and a 14% reduction of the annual CO_2 emission by installing electric equipment with high efficiencies preferentially.

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The average life years of energy systems for supplying electricity, space heating and cooling, etc to buildings are estimated about 15 to 25 years. Therefore, it is necessary to renew or reconstruct these systems several times in the life of buildings of about 60 years. Moreover, the recent performance of equipment is upgrading distinctly because of the advance of technology. Therefore, proper renewal planning is becoming a very important task nowadays. In this paper, an optimal renewal planning method is proposed, by which the optimal renewal year and equipment selection can be determined to minimize the annual total cost of an energy supply system. By using this optimization method, a numerical study is conducted on the renewal planning for an office building with a total floor area of 15,000m^2. Consequently, it is clarified that the optimal renewal year can reduce the annual total cost by 8.2%.

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A combustion process in an S.I. engine has been simulated using the Fractal Dimension Growth Model. The computed pressure and the rate of heat release agree well with measured ones for three different excess air ratios at the same engine speed. However, the model needs improvements for the cases of different engine speeds.

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Gasoline homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engines can operate with high thermal efficiency and can reduce NOx emission by burning very lean homogeneous mixture at high compression ratio. Therefore, the engines are expected to become practicable as one of next-generation engines. In this study, a reduced elementary reaction scheme for gasoline was proposed, and the ignition and combustion processes and the combustion products in a gasoline HCCI engine were simulated by three-dimensional numerical analysis using the authors' GTT code which was linked to the CHEMKIN subroutines with the proposed chemical kinetic scheme. As a result, the ignition timing, heat release rate, cylinder gas pressure and NO emission at various air-fuel ratios and engine speeds were predicted very well.

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For finding the optimal design and operating condition in the hydrogen combustion system, it is necessary to consider the spontaneous-ignition characteristics. In this study, detailed chemical kinetics were applied to calculate the ignition processes of the stoichiometric hydrogen mixture, Explosion limits were well predicted under consideration of the adequate heat-loss. Based on the results, the ignition mechanism and the effect of heating rate on the ignition temperature were discussed.

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The flow of high-speed unsteady jets are analyzed by using computational fluid dynamics for incompressible flow with k-ε turbulence model. The pseudo-nozzle concept is applied to the inlet condition with large pressure gradient. The results show that the time history of jet development is successfully agreed with experimental data for methane and hydrogen fuels. The effects of inlet condition of turbulence intensity and scale on flow are investigated. Also, to calculate this type of jet minimum requirement of grid resolution is revealed

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