Liquid ice optimization system for long-term freshness preservation of food

We have developed a device that calculates the minimum required amount of food-grade liquid ice (slurry ice (salt water ice) or salt-free water ice) using a simple heat capacity calculation, and that also calculates the salt concentration, water/ice mixing ratio, and shelf life to determine the slurry ice temperature based on the overall heat transfer coefficient (container heat radiation parameter) of the storage container.

Toward optimal design of wireless environments

We have conducted research in various fields where radio waves are applied, including the evaluation of complex and special propagation environments in airplanes and passenger railroad cars, internal exposure of the human body to radio waves, electromagnetic interference evaluation and mechanism estimation regarding body medical devices implanted in the body, and evaluation of electromagnetic field leakage in wireless power supply devices for electric vehicles.

Preparation of sulfide solid electrolyte from the liquid phase

We have successfully deposited sulfide solid electrolyte through a simple process of dissolving sulfide glass, which exhibits high lithium ion conductivity in an organic solvent, and drying the glass. We have also found that this method is applicable to coating of electrode-active materials.

Thermo-acoustic vibrations often occur in combustion devices and combustion gas exhaust systems, causing noise and reducing the life of the combustion devices. This is caused by acoustic pressure fluctuations coupled with heat generation fluctuations in combustion and exhaust systems. With this study, we analyze this physical process and investigate the suppression technology.

Use of nanoparticles for fuel nitrogen pre-removal and high-temperature gas purification

To establish principles for advanced utilization of carbon resources in harmony with the global environment is one of the most important research themes for the next generation. With this study, we aim to develop a catalytic process that can efficiently convert carbon resources into clean energy using nanoscale metal and metal oxide particles.

Development of high luminescence scintillators for radiation detectors

Scintillators are materials that emit light by radiation and are used in medical diagnostic equipment, and for oil exploration and other purposes. Gd2Si2O7 (GPS) scintillators have excellent features such as high luminescence, high energy resolution and non-tidal dissolution, and can be made into single crystals, ceramic plates and powders.

Elucidation of micro-nano freezing phenomena in fuel cells

We are visualizing the freezing phenomenon near the reaction layer in fuel cells, which cannot normally be observed, using an ultracold electron microscope. By combining electrochemical measurements, we are also elucidating the freezing phenomenon of produced water, which becomes a problem in cold climate applications, and are developing fuel cells with excellent sub-zero activation performance.

Iron-based composites with high thermal conductivity

By appropriately arranging high thermal conductive materials in iron-based structural materials, the thermal conductivity of the entire structural materials can be dramatically improved. This will lead to the improvement of the efficiency of energy production and the reduction of radioactive waste, as well as the development of iron-based structural materials for fusion reactors and high energy reactor divertors, for which there has been no solution so far.

From electrochromism to multiple responses (fluorescence, circularity)

Based on cationic organic dyes, which allow easy control of color tone, we offer a group of materials that can respond in multiple ways, including fluorescence and optical rotation (circular dichroism). This technology is designed to suppress the decomposition process of reduced species, and the bi-stability of oxidized and reduced species is such that exchange does not occur, even when they are mixed.

Combustion phenomena are accompanied by a local temperature rise, which always results in natural convection in the surrounding air . This complicates the phenomenon and makes it difficult to fundamentally understand it. In this study, we will try to understand the combustion phenomena from a fundamental standpoint by utilizing the microgravity environment to remove the natural convection.

The use of lithium-ion batteries has been expanding rapidly due to their high energy density. On the other hand, since organic solvents are used in lithium-ion batteries, it is important to ensure their fire safety. With this study, we focus on the combustion phenomenon of organic solvents and study combustion inhibition technology.

Monitoring and risk assessment of geothermal resources through geophysical observations

Evaluation of the subsurface structure necessary for geothermal resource development by gravity survey and precise determination of the seismic source. Monitoring of geothermal reservoir resources by precise gravity measurements and crustal deformation observations. Risk assessment of induced earthquakes associated with geothermal well development and research on seismic activity prediction.

New-type solar cell consisting of a multi-striped semiconductor with orthogonal photon-photocarriers that was coupled to a waveguide.

Temperature rise and device degradation are suppressed by simultaneous optimization of light absorption and photocarrier collection, as well as photoelectric conversion over the entire solar spectrum by multiple semiconductor stripes. This leads to the realization of a highly efficient 2-dimensional PhotoReceptoConversion Scheme (2DPRCS).

Core (alloy latent heat storage material) ? shell (Al2O3) type latent heat storage microcapsules capable of high-density heat storage in the high temperature range of over 500?C

The latent heat storage method, which utilizes latent heat generated during the solid-liquid phase change, is attractive for its high-density heat storage capacity. Microencapsulation of latent heat storage material enables not only heat storage but also heat transport and heat control applications, and we have developed latent heat storage microcapsules that can be used in the high temperature range of over 500°C.

Development of materials and devices that manipulate mid- to far-infrared radiation

It is expected that it will be possible to make devices to control corresponding electromagnetic waves by creating heaters and diffraction gratings with patterns smaller than the mid- to far-infrared wavelengths. We are developing methods to fabricate thin films, stacks, and microstructures of metal carbides and oxides, and are studying their elemental characteristics.

Use of time to digital converter for A/D converter and its low power consumption

Single-Slope A/D converters, which involve the simplest configuration, are used in various forms (image sensors, etc.). However, one drawback is their slow conversion speed. With this technique high speed and low power consumption can be achieved simultaneously.

Nitride and oxynitride synthesis without using ammonia gas cylinder

This is a method used to convert oxides and other materials into nitrides and oxynitrides at low temperatures (300°C or less) by using a sodium amide melt to trigger a reaction with a highly concentrated and active nitrogen source. Nitrides and oxynitrides can be synthesized without having to prepare toxic ammonia gas cylinders.

We have developed a matrix that can ionize sialylated glycans and glycoconjugates without modifying the carboxylic acid moiety of the sialic acids, and can analyze them with high sensitivity and resolution (reflector mode) without desorption of the sialic acid residue.

Real-time monitoring of fluctuations in solar and wind power output and control of such fluctuations

We have developed a method for extracting load power (A) and renewable energy output (B) from power flow information in which (A) and (B) coexist. Although (B) fluctuates greatly depending on the weather conditions, we have developed a control method to suppress fluctuations using storage batteries and a method to evaluate storage battery capacity.

Multi-beam science and engineering applications

At the High-Voltage Electron Microscope (HVEM) Laboratory of Hokkaido University, the world’s first multi -quantum beam HVEM has been developed. It enables in-situ observation of microstructural changes on an atomic scale using multi-quantum beam irradiation.