Mitsubishi Corporation, one of Japan's major trading companies, announced on April 13, 2004, that it has succeeded in developing a high-pressure hydrogen energy generator, or HHEG, which can generate highly compressed hydrogen gas by electrolyzing water and without using a compressor. The HHEG is capable of generating hydrogen gas at a pressure of 35 megapascals (MPa*), the level normally used in supplying energy for fuel-cell vehicles. If commercialized, the generator could be installed at hydrogen refueling stations for fuel cell vehicles and/or used for industrial purposes.

There are several ways to produce hydrogen for fuel cells, but this technology makes it possible to produce high-purity hydrogen and oxygen using only electricity and water. Therefore, should the electricity used come from natural energy sources such as wind, solar and water, or from nuclear energy, the HHEG will be able to provide perfectly clean hydrogen without emitting carbon dioxide or other chemical substances.

The generator also can use the existing electric power grid, precluding the need to install hydrogen pipelines or other additional infrastructure.

To boost the development and widespread use of fuel cells, Mitsubishi Corp. has been promoting the supply of products such as fuel-cell vehicles, as well as the development and commercialization of fuel cell-related technologies. The company has invented and developed this generator with original technology, and has already applied for multiple patents in Japan and in more than 40 other countries around the world.

* The megapascal (MPa) is a unit of pressure, with one megapascal equivalent to the pressure at a depth of 100 meters in the ocean.


Posted: 2004/07/05 11:59:59 AM
Japanese version

TAG Eco-product/Business , Energy , Food/Water , Non-manufacturing industry , Technology , Transportation