Thermoelectric Power Generation Based on Waste Heat
Conversion of heat energy into electricity is based on electric potential difference which is caused by temperature differences at both sides of thermoelectric elements. Around 70% of total energy provided in Japan is wasted through its emission into the atmosphere, making thermoelectric power generation a viable method for utilization of this vast untapped energy coming form different sources, including incinerators, automobiles, ships and industrial equipment, while at the same time it will contribute in reduction of CO2 emission. Up to now, development of thermoelectric power generation has been done on the low temperature range between 100 to 300 degrees Celsius involving hot springs and diesel engines. Based on this, Showa Denko (SDK) and Plantec have made an announcement on full scale demonstration of thermoelectric power generation based on waste heat using SDK thermoelectric conversion modules in a waste incinerator built by Plantec. Read more
Development of World’s Smoothest Silicon Carbide Epitaxial Wafer Surface by SDK
Showa Denko made an announcement on development of highly smooth (0.4nm in roughness) surface for its largest size four-inch silicon carbide (SiC) epitaxial wafers. The wafers are made by forming a thin layer of single-crystal SiC on the surface of SiC bulk wafers. This new development is a significant improvement in surface roughness in comparison to the SiC epitaxial wafers that come with the roughness of 1 to 2.5 nm, world’s highest level at 0.4 nm. The target application for SiC epitaxial wafers would be in power devices such as inverters responsible for controlling rotation of motors in automobiles, train and industrial/home electric appliances, where the SiC epitaxial wafers will outperform the currently used silicon based semiconductor. Read more
Introduction of Allyl Ester Resin for Spectacle Lenses by SDK
Basically the spectacle lenses are classified by their level of refraction factors into three categories of high, medium and low. The higher the refraction factor, the thinner and lighter the lens becomes. The current market demand in Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America is shifting from glass type lenses to resin type one, and from low refraction ones to medium refraction types. Even in Japan where up to now the higher refraction type lenses have been the main stream demand for medium refraction type lenses is growing thanks to fine balance between the cost and quality of product resulting in an increase in demand for medium refraction lenses at a rate of 20% per year. Read more
Development of Next Generation Liquid Electrolytes for Lithium Ion Batteries by SDK
Show Denko KK made an announcement that it will develop a new liquid electrolytes (LIBs) for lithium ion batteries targeted to be used for automobile application. The newly developed LIB utilizes a new and stable electrolyte salt (Li2B12FxH12-x), can replace the conventional electrolyte salts. The new slat has been developed by Air Products and chemicals of the Untied States where SDK has obtained the license. SDK will use the new salt plus its own propriety liquid electrolyte technology in developing the new electrolyte. The use of new slat in the next generation electrolytes is expected to be advantageous due to its inherent characteristics which minimizes reaction with water, it does not generate cathode-corroding acids with the laps of time and has a capability of operating at higher temperatures characteristics that are desirable for automotive applications. Read more
Development of world’s highest light output for Organic EL devices by SDK
Showa Denko KK. (SDK) made an announcement on development of a new structure for company’s coated phosphorescent polymer based Organic Electroluminescent devices capable of achieving around 40% in light output. The new device with the 30 lm/W emissive efficiency is the highest level that has been recorded among coated type organic EL devices in the world. The company is hoping for commercialization of this new structure to be used for general lighting application in the future. Under the production process organic EL devices are classified into two types, deposition type and coated type. Unlike the deposition type which has a multilayer structure and requires vacuum for its production at a high cost, the coated type consists of few layers which is formed by coating polymer without the use of vacuum, providing a substantial cost reduction in its production. Read more
Development of new technology in production of Carbon separators for PEFCs by SDK
Showa Denko K.K has developed a Bipolar-type Carbon separator for PEFC capable of increasing ouput density of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). Lowe cost and lighter weight of the newly developed separator has been achieved through substantial changes in the process and raw materials by SDK. This has resulted in 30% increase in output density compared to PEFCs previously developed by SDK. Read more
Development of New Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Catalysts by SDK
Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC) catalysts are used both for anode as well as cathode to encourage chemical reactions of hydrogen and oxygen. Although platinum is currently being used as catalyst, platinum high cost plus its low level of reserves around the world restricting the spread of PEFCs. In addition to these, platinum-based catalyst faces possible melting problem when it is used at a point close to cathode. In view of this shortcoming, Showa Denko K.K. (SDK) has developed an alternative substance to platinum as a PEFC catalyst. The new catalyst is comprised of niobium-oxide-based catalyst and a titanium-oxide-based catalyst, each containing carbon and nitrogen atoms resulting in a highest achieved efficiency in terms of open circuit voltage and durability in comparison to other alternative platinum substitute catalysts in the world according to the company. Read more
