Energy & Materials
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) This page is a page of the former research institute. We stopped updating on March 31.2001.
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The Big Sun and Abundant Hydrogen Are Two Sources of Energy That May Move the Future

In order to solve the problems of energy shortage and the endangered Earth environment at the same time, as well as to improve or add on new features to existing metals, ceramics and inorganic materials, we are engrossed in research of the control and evaluation of material features.

Passive Solar Devices
-New Energy Control Device-

Passive solar devices (solar energy control devices) are capable of decreasing heating load, cooling load and lighting load of buildings and vehicles by the optimum control of energy flow. NIRIN has started the basic research on the following passive solar devices:
1. Chromogenic materials Transmittance can be changed for the efficient control of energy inflow-outflow of buildings.
2. Transparent insulating materials Optically transparent like glass but a thermally competent insulator which can reduce heating load.
3. Spectral selective radiating materials --Cooling themselves spontaneously by emitting thermal radiation in the wavelength range where air is transparent.

R&D of Refractory Metal-based Materials for Hydrogen Fueled Combustion Turbine

Hydrogen, based on mass production in a global cooperation system for utilization of renewable energy on a global scale, will be developed as a clean energy resource under the WE-NET national project. For the effective usage of hydrogen to generate electricity, it is necessary to develop a hydrogen fueled combustion turbine with high efficiency. In this institute, new refractory metal-based materials, which have high strength and stable structure against hydrogen attack and steam erosion, have been evaluated and developed for the turbine systems in addition to the research on surface coating against the oxidation.

R&D Project on Application of Ceramics for Gas Turbine Engines

High performance ceramics is a promising structural material due to its high strength at elevated temperatures and high corrosion resistance. R&D project on application of ceramics for gas turbine engines are undertaken to make the systems more energy-efficient, compact, and adaptable to a variety of fuels. For the reliable use of ceramics in structural applications, the understanding of its mechanical properties and establishment of a technique for lifetime assessment of components are required. Under this project NIRIN is playing a major part in establishing evaluation methods for ceramic materials and components.

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Last Modified: 1997/6/20