Iwatani Advanced Hydrogen Technology Center
Technical Development
We are pursuing the development of proprietary technologies with a focus on hydrogen energy and decarbonization technologies. In the area of hydrogen energy technologies, we are developing cutting-edge technologies associated with liquid hydrogen and ultra-high-pressure hydrogen to help establish a hydrogen supply chain. In the area of decarbonization technologies, we are developing proprietary technologies for manufacturing green hydrogen with the aim of establishing CO2-free hydrogen supply chains, in addition to developing technologies for manufacturing green LPG and for capturing CO2.
Hydrogen Energy Technologies
At the Iwatani Advanced Hydrogen Technology Center, we are conducting research and development of elemental technologies required for hydrogen-refueling stations. We carry out studies aimed at reducing construction costs of hydrogen-refueling stations, enhancing their safety, and promoting revisions to related regulations through evaluating hydrogen compatibility with metal materials and equipment durability using our facilities for liquid hydrogen testing and ultra-high-pressure hydrogen gas testing, rated as top-level facilities in Japan. We are also focusing our efforts into the development of equipment and new technologies for the coming era of mass hydrogen supply.
Evaluation of Hydrogen-Compatible Materials and Hydrogen Equipment Durability
The Iwatani Advanced Hydrogen Technology Center is engaged in research aimed at reducing the cost of metal materials used in hydrogen-refueling stations and other hydrogen-related facilities and in research aimed at reducing construction costs and enhancing the safety of hydrogen-refueling stations, such as evaluation tests of hydrogen-related equipment using liquid hydrogen.
| Test | Summary of the Test | Schematic Illustration of the Test |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrogen embrittlement test | The results of slow strain rate tests in a high-pressure low-temperature hydrogen atmosphere are compared to those for tests performed in helium atmosphere to evaluate brittleness when exposed to hydrogen. |  |
| Liquid hydrogen circulation test | The behavior and performance of devices such as valves and flexible hoses are confirmed by circulating liquid hydrogen through them. |  |
Decarbonization Technologies
To achieve a decarbonized society, Iwatani is aiming to establish hydrogen manufacturing technologies based on waste plastics and woody and various other biomass, including green hydrogen manufacturing technologies based on renewable energy. In addition to hydrogen energy, we are developing manufacturing technologies for a wide range of clean energy sources, including the manufacturing of green hydrogen and LPG from livestock waste from our pig breeding business.
Weights and Measures Inspection and Quality Analysis
Development of Inspection Technologies for Hydrogen Gas Measurement
At hydrogen-refueling stations, inspections are required to confirm that the weight of hydrogen gas sold through a dispenser is measured correctly. Iwatani has established a simple, low-cost inspection method (the master meter method) using a standard flowmeter.
The weighing inspection equipment used for the master meter method is equipped with a flowmeter (master meter) traceable to the national standards. Compared to the conventional gravimetric method, the master meter method has the advantages of minimizing the effect of wind and vibration on the inspection system and realizing compact and simple-to-use inspection equipment.
Establishment of Technologies for Hydrogen Gas Quality Analysis
At hydrogen-refueling stations that supply hydrogen to fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), routine inspections must be made to check for impurities in the hydrogen gas.
At the Iwatani Advanced Hydrogen Technology Center, hydrogen gas sampling systems and simplified hydrogen gas purity analyzers have been developed intended for use at hydrogen-refueling stations. The center also has facilities and technologies that enable quality analysis to be performed in compliance with international standards. Together they allow us to carry out the entire process from gas sampling at various locations throughout Japan to analysis.
Raising Awareness of Hydrogen
Hydrogen Energy Class
To raise awareness of hydrogen energy as the source of clean energy for the next generation, the Iwatani Advanced Hydrogen Technology Center has been holding Hydrogen Energy Classes. Here, children can experience the appeals of hydrogen energy using handmade experiment kits for water electrolysis experiment, model cars powered by fuel-cells, and rocket launch experiment.