Research
Highly Efficient Heat Utilization Technologies
with Adsorption and Chemical Reaction
Chemical Heat Storage & Heat Pump
Heat storage systems, which are classified as sensible, latent, and chemical heat storage systems, are promising technologies to bridge the time lag between heat supply and demand. Among them, chemical heat storage & heat pump systems can store heat with a high storage density without heat loss. Moreover, it is possible to upgrade the stored heat at an arbitrary temperature.
I have been studying
Chemical heat storage with redox reaction for medium-high temperature heat above 773 K
Chemical heat storage & heat pump with LiOH/LiOH･H2O reaction for low-temperature heat below 373 K
Research themes
◆ Redox reaction system
・Development of chemical heat storage material for medium-high temperature heat
◆ LiOH/LiOH･H2O reaction system
・Promising reaction systems for low-temperature heat storage
・Enhancement of hydration rate of LiOH by combining with mesoporous carbon
・Heat output performance of LiOH/LiOH･H2O reversible reaction
LiOH/LiOH･H2O chemical heat storage system
Desiccant Humidity Control System
Humidity control (humidification and dehumidification) is necessary in various processes, such as air conditioning in the residential sector, product productions in the industrial sectors etc. Desiccant humidity control systems have been gaining an attention as an environment-friendly air conditioning method because they can be driven by low-grade thermal energy below 373 K, such as waste heat and unused heat. Moreover, they can control latent heat loads easily, independent of sensible heat loads, and can reduce power consumption of air conditioning.
I have been studying new adsorbent, the adsorber, and the regeneration method for desiccant humidity control system.
Research themes
・Preparation of thermosensitive polymer gel for desiccant humidity control system
・Desiccant humidity control system with heat exchanger type adsorber coated with adsorbent
Outline (Japanese) Poster (Japanese) Poster (English)
・Measurement of overall mass transfer coefficient for adsorbent/water vapor system
・Desiccant humidity control system with microwave and hot-air heating
Desiccant humidity control system with heat exchanger type adsorber
Ammonia Storage & Fixation
Ammonia has been given more attention as a promising hydrogen carrier, because it has the ability to store hydrogen not only with a high storage density of 17.8 wt%, but also with great ease by pressurizing and liquefying. However, ammonia is very harmful to human health even in low concentration. A safe method of storing NH3 and fast fixation or decomposition of the leaked NH3 are urgently required to promote utilization of NH3 with high safety.
I have been focusing on the absorption and desorption reactions of ammonia with metal chlorides, due to its high sorption rate and capacity under the atmospheric pressure.
Research themes
・Ammonia storage by ammonia absorption with metal chlorides
・Ammonia fixation by ammonia absorption with metal chlorides
Packed bed absorber for ammonia absorption with metal chloride
Preparation and Utilization of Activated Carbon
Activated carbon (AC) is a well-known nanoporous material, and is widely used in various fields, such as separation and concentration of useful/harmful components from mixed liquids/gases,
catalyst support, methane and hydrogen storages, and electrodes for electric double layer capacitors, due to its developed
pore structure and surface chemistry.
I have been preparing activated carbons from various carbonasceous materials with chemical activation for applications to adsorption heat pump and removal of harmful gases.
Research themes
・Preparation of activated carbon with microwave heating
・Preparation of hydrophilic activated carbon for adsorption heat pump
・Preparation of activated carbon for adsorption removal of harmful gases
Microwave heating system for preparation of activated carbon
Adsorption Heat Pump
Latent Heat Storage
Others Related to Energy Utilization
Waste Treatment, Recycling, and Enviromental Protection
I have been studying waste treatment, recycling, and environmental protection technologies for establishment of a sustainable recycling-based society.
Research themes
・Gas treatment
Decomposition of VOCs and Halogen gases
・Liquid treatment
Decomposition and mineralization of refractory pharmaceutical products and of herbicides
Separation and recovery of metals from plating wastewater
・Solid treatment
Recycling of molten slag
Separation of recovery of metals from molten fly ash, incineration ash
Ceramics