Test and research on the production of useful matter with carbon-dioxide-fixed microorganisms. Production of biodegradation plastics with photosynthesized microorganisms. Tansan gas kotei biseibutsu wo mochiita yuyo busshitsu seisan shiken kenkyu. Kogosei biseibutsu ni yoru seibunkaisei plastic seisan

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Miyasaka, H. (The Kansai Electric Power Co. Inc., Osaka (Japan))

1994-07-10

The present report introduces the basic research on the production of PHB (one of the biodegradation plastics) by utilizing the photosynthesized microorganisms. The indigo algae are conveniently used for the genetic operation, because they are genetically inferior and have plasmid (extranuclear ringed DNA). Therefore, a certain type of oceanic indigo algae was used for the present research. As a vector to introduce the PHB-producing gene into the indigo alga cell, hybrid plasmid was prepared by combining the indigo alga plasmid pAQ1 with colon bacillus plasmid vectors pUC19. The thus prepared vectors had an introduction efficiency into about 1000 cells per one vector. A RuBisCO gene of indigo alga cell was selected as a promoter to heighten the activity of PHB-producing gene in that cell. The gene is being further studied in promotion efficiency by combining it with the above vector and PHB-producing gene. 4 figs.

Mimic sensor to monitor condition of human health; Mimic sensor wo riyoshita taicho monitoring

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nagata, Y. [Mechanical Engineering Lab., Tokyo (Japan)

2000-04-01

In the aging society where the birth rate decreases and the number of nuclear families increases, it is very important to inquire after the aged or physically handicapped people, to monitor their physical conditions, and to take steps to keep them healthy. As for the in-home physical measurement for the aged or physically handicapped people and the work of health management for them based on such measurement, it is feared that under the present conditions the invalid themselves or their family members or nurses will inevitably have to bear the burden and that nobody can deny the difficulty of continuing such nursing care. If daily physical condition measurement and related data collection are automatically carried out, however, interested people' burden will lessen and in-home heath management will become actually feasible. In this paper, a mimic sensor for realizing such a situation is described, which will measure physical conditions without interfering with the daily life of interested people. Serving as the mimic sensor is a blood flow sensor embedded in a telephone receiver, and changes in the blood flow during telephone conversation and changes in the gaps between peeks will be monitored. The feasibility is shown of continual collection of information necessary for the measurement of physical conditions of the aged or physically handicapped persons. (NEDO)

Microbiological indicators for evaluating treatability on water purification process. Josui shori ni okeru shorisei hyoka kara mita biseibutsu shihyo

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ichikawa, H [Kanagawa Prefectural Government Public Enterprise Egency Water Works Bureau, Kanagawa (Japan). Tanigahara Purification Plant

1990-08-10

This report describes the historical procedure of a bacterial test for a certain respective bacteria, and also describes the removal of micro-organisms by a water treatment and treatment with disinfectants. The disinfection is made mainly on basis of foreign literature. This is because there exist few literature published in Japan. In a good sense, this is because of the Japanese habit of drinking raw water which has contributed to high level of facilities and the maintenance. If seen from a different viewpoint, the prsent concern is concentrated to a contamination of the underground water by organic solvent and the counter measure against such minute quantity of organic chemicals as trihalomethane and the agricultural chemicals in the golf courses. From the consumers {prime} standpoint, these are of the level of problems that only one affected person increases per year for 100,000 inhabitants even if they continue to drink such drinking waters continuously through their life years. The reality is that it is remote from the realities in life. 37 refs., 9 tabs.

Application of genetically engineered microorganisms to bioremediation and wastewater treatment. Idenshi sosa biseibutsu no kankyo joka mizushori eno tekiyo

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fujita, M; Ike, M [Osaka University, Osaka (Japan). Faculty of Engineering

1993-11-10

This paper summarizes the following techniques: a gene engineering method for bioremediation and wastewater treatment, microorganism breeding using the former method, and a monitoring technique for genetical and ecological stability of genetically engineered microorganisms. Recombination bacteria reinforced with PH genes showed higher phenol removing rate than wild strains, but presented accumulation of catechol in such a large quantity as cannot be seen in wild strains, with the complete degradation rate rather decreased. Gene recombined bacteria structured by introducing the recombined plasmid, pBH500, had high genetic stability when P.putida BH-1 is used as a host. E.coli C600 having recombined plasmid and P.putida BH were added and cultivated in activated sludge. As a result, both recombined bacteria showed rapid logarithmic decrease just after the addition, then, maintained the relatively stable population groups, and remained in the activated sludge for an extended period of time. In monitoring techniques, the colony hybridization process detected clearly the gene recombined bacteria. 9 refs., 7 figs., 1 tab.

FY 1998 annual summary report on development of techniques for keeping water environments in good conditions by utilizing phenomena involving immobilization of microorganisms on soft structures of carbon fibers (abbreviated to carbon/water environment project); 1998 nendo tanso sen'i nansoshiki eno biseibutsu kochaku gensho wo riyoshita mizukankyo seibi gijutsu no kaihatsu seika hokokusho. Ryakusho tanso mizukankyo project

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1999-03-01

This project is aimed at creation of the new industry of keeping water environments in good conditions in wide amphitrichous areas by establishing the technical systems for applying the phenomena in which microorganisms are massively immobilized on a carbon fiber bundle suspended in water to, e.g., purification of sewage systems, rivers and ponds, and providing sites for algae to grow, and by commercializing these systems. The following 3 themes have been established. The first theme is to develop the techniques for braiding/weaving carbon fibers. The second theme is to analyze characteristics of the immobilized microorganism groups. The third theme is to establish the principles of utilization. The FY 1997 R&D efforts were directed to production of a total of 57 types of braided/woven carbon fibers, development of sizing agents, and analysis of microorganism groups. In FY 1998, the carbon fibers treated with new sizing agents have been developed, and the braided/woven carbon fibers are being tested in water purification systems and algae sites. It is found that the microorganism groups exhibit synergistic effects between the pumping function and carbon/gel materials. The simulation models are being developed for system designs. The systems which apparently show the effects of this method have been classified by analyzing the field test results. (NEDO)

CO2 recovery system using solar energy; Taiyo energy wo riyoshita CO2 bunri kaishu system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hosho, F; Naito, H; Yugami, H; Arashi, H [Tohoku University, Sendai (Japan)

1997-11-25

As a part of studies on chemical absorption process with MEA (monoethanolamine) for CO2 recovery from boiler waste gas in thermal power plants, use of solar heat as MEA regenerating energy was studied. An integrated stationary evacuated concentrator (ISEC) effective as collector in a medium temperature range was used to realize a regenerating temperature range of 100-120degC. ISEC is featured by vacuum insulation, use of selective absorbing membranes for an absorber, a CPC (compound parabolic concentrator)-shaped reflection mirror, and high-efficiency. An MEA regenerator is composed of an ISEC and PG(propylene glycol)-MEA heat exchanger, and circulates PG as heat medium. Heat collection experiment was also made using water instead of MEA. Both batch and continuous systems could supply a heat quantity necessary for MEA regeneration. CO2 concentration in the top of the regenerator rapidly decreased with PG circulation regenerating MEA. As mol ratios of CO2/MEA were compared between before and after regeneration, a recovery rate was estimated to be 59.4% for the batch system. 8 figs., 4 tabs.

Predicting geometry of slip surfaces beneath landslides by fuzzy theory. Fuzzy riron wo riyoshita suberimen yosoku

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ono, K [Mie Univ., Mie (Japan). Faculty of Biological and Resources

1991-12-01

In case a landslide occurs on a slope, grasping the area of influence (location and shape of the slip surface) is required to take a countermeasure against landslides. This paper describes a method developed by the author for predicting a slip surface by utilizing fuzzy theory. The method predicts a slip surface from observations on ground surface displacement vectors, and the validity of the method has been verified through slip experiments conducted on slopes with a centrifugal model experiment device. The developed method for predicting the location of a slip surface well matches the experiment results, indicating the validity of the method. It has been found that the difference between the predicted and observed locations of a slip surface mainly is due to the error of the prediction in the starting and ending locations of the slip surface. It is also pointed out that, in order to improve the prediction of the shape of a slip surface, the observation density must be increased at the location where the shape of the slip surface strongly varies, since the direction of the slip surface is determined by the direction of the ground surface displacement vectors. 4 refs., 7 figs.

Fiscal 1999 achievement report on regional consortium research and development project. Regional consortium research and development in its 3rd year (Development of technology for treating aquatic environments using microorganisms fixed carbon fibers--Abbreviation: Carbon/aquatic environment project); 1999 nendo tanso sen'i nansoshiki eno biseibutsu kochaku gensho wo riyoshita mizukankyo seibi gijutsu no kaihatsu (ryakusho: tanso mizukankyo project) seika hokokusho. 3

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2000-03-01

A carbon fiber has been developed, which is easy to fabricate and allows microorganisms to anchor on. For its application to purify water, the fiber should be formed into an umbrella-type fringe and used in water featuring BOD (biological oxygen demand): 5-600ppm and chlorophyll-a: 80{mu}g/L or less and flowing at an appropriate speed. Communities of microbes speedily anchor themselves in large quantities on the carbon fiber fringe, and they are difficult to remove and highly active. Inside the anchored groups, there exist, in addition to aerobic microbial phases, anaerobic microbial phases occupying 40%. In an appropriate flow the microbial communities on the fringe perform a kind of pumping motion and exhibits a great mass transfer velocity. Carboniphilic bacteria exert a great influence during the initial stage of the anchoring process. Various woven carbon fiber products are used as artificial waterweeds and provide spawning grounds which are favored by fishes. The carbon fiber products may have some attractive trait which invites them. The characteristics of the anchored microbial communities are determined by synergism between the physical/chemical peculiarities of the carbon fiber and the nature of carbon favorable toward living organisms. Principles to follow in the use of carbon fiber products are mentioned. (NEDO)

Elucidation of functions of micro-organisms and animals in forest biosystem. Shinrin seitaikei ni okeru biseibutsu oyobi dobutsu no kino no kaimei

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

1991-10-25

This paper describes a report on elucidating functions of micro-organisms and animals in a forest biosystem. Classification of forest micro-organisms and elucidation of their physiology, ecology, and roles in the biosystem: Characteristics of tree root putterfaction bacteria, which cause withering of windbreaks in the Ishigaki Island, Japan were elucidated, and identifying the culture hyphae has become possible. Chemicals effective for their control were discovered, which enable their extermination. Investigations on soil molds using artificial acid rains clarified that the exterminating agents display their effects when sprinkled repeatedly over an extended period even in low concentrations. Classification of forest animals and elucidation of their physiology, ecology, and interactions among animals: A method was developed to photograph three-dimensionally the shapes of perforations made by earthworms using a soft X-ray and analyze them using a computer, which is being used for investigation. The perforation pattern is complex, and the hole diameters are in proportion with sizes of earthworms. Taxonomic studies on the Japanese lesser grain borers are close to completion. Damping-off of certain kinds of plantr exhibited parasitism of a kind of grain borerr and mycobionts without exceptions. An artificial burrow was devised for ecological investigation on field mice. 1 tab.

Effect of activated carbon on biodegradation of organic micropollutants in water; Suichu biryo yuki busshitsu no biseibutsu bunkai ni oyobosu kasseitan no koka

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fukuhara, T.; Nakano, S. [Osaka Municipal Technical Research Institute, Osaka (Japan)

1997-01-10

The effect of activated carbon (AC) on biodegradation of organic micropollutants in water was investigated, using fenitrothion, phenol and aniline as the model compounds, activated sludges cultured in a mixed solution of glucose, peptone and aniline, and Rhodotorula glutinis isolated as the phenol-degradation bacterium. The following conclusions are obtained by analyzing the corrected degradation curves derived from the adsorption equilibrium relationships, oxygen consumption characteristics and observed degradation curves. Biodegradation of each compound is accelerated in the presence of AC. Non-biological degradation of fenitrothion is also accelerated in the presence of AC, its effect being more noted in biodegradation and increasing as AC quantity increases. Phenol is biodegraded by different mechanisms, depending on its initial concentration. The maximum oxygen consumption rate during the biodegradation of phenol increases in the presence of AC, conceivably resulting from enhanced bacterial activities. 5 refs., 6 figs., 4 tabs.

Study on water desalination system by solar energy distillation; Taiyo energy wo riyoshita joryugata kaisui tansuika system no kenkyu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nagai, M; Ameku, K; Yonamine, K [Univ. of the Ryukyus, Okinawa (Japan)

1997-11-25

Discussions have been given on developing a seawater desalination system by solar energy distillation. The system is composed of evaporators installed on the seawater level, condensers placed on high and cool locations, and steam transport pipes to connect these two pieces of equipment. Steam is generated from seawater heated by solar heat in evaporators, and the steam is transported driven by low power consuming fans to higher locations through the steam transport pipes, where it is condensed by cool air in the condensers, and recovered as plain water. The concept is such that electric power required to operate the fans is supplied from photovoltaic panels, and all other energy is obtained from the sun. First, an experiment was performed upon noticing on methods of transporting and condensing the steam. The experiment used plain water rather than seawater. The heat source and evaporators were installed on the first floor, and the steam transporting fans on the second floor of an atrium. The thermal load was set to 1.5 times greater than average outdoor insolation amount. Increase in the distilled water recovery rate and distillation efficiency was verified by using the fans. The evaporation efficiency was found to tend to increase when the steam flow rate is increased. 3 refs., 10 figs.

FY 1995 research for optical diagnosis by contrast agent; 1995 nendo hikari toresa wo riyoshita atarashii bunko shindanhono kiso kenkyu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1997-03-01

For expanding the optical diagnosis to clinical medicine, we tried to use the several optical characteristics of living tissues in addition to absorption measurements of blood. The scattering and luminescence of the tissue were examined in detail. The final goal of the research is to introduce the contrast agent active in the near-infrared region. (1) We have succeeded in obtaining the scattering and absorption coefficients separately from the time-resolved data of living tissues such as rat head and even human head. Then, based on the basic equations derived from our experiments, the quantification of the absolute absorbance was performed. (2) Using the near-infrared fluorescent dye, Rhodanine 800, we could monitor the energy state of tissues. We concluded that Rhodamine 800 is the possible candidate for energy-reporting contrast agent applicable to near-infrared spectrophatometry. (NEDO)

Experiments of cooling photovoltaic panel by desorption process; Dacchaku hanno wo riyoshita taiyoko hatsuden panel no ondo josho yokusei jikken

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Akisawa, A; Inoue, S; Kashiwagi, T [Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo (Japan)

1997-11-25

It is important to cool a photovoltaic (PV) panel, because increased panel temperature is accompanied by decreased power generation efficiency. The authors have proposed a PV power generation system combined with an adsorption chiller driven by low-temperature heat, and simulated temperature changes during the desorption cycle, where the chiller utilizes endothermic reactions of an adsorbent during the desorption cycle. Described herein are results of the tests carried out to validate possibility of controlling panel temperature increase. The system consists of the PV panel with which a bed packed with an adsorbent is monolithically combined, condenser and evaporator. It generates power during the daytime by sunbeams, and provides low-temperature heat during the nighttime by the evaporator. In particular, ice can be produced when methanol and activated coal are used as the adsorbate and adsorbent. It has an advantage of effective utilization of energy as the heat source, which has been merely dissipated by the conventional system in the air. Such a system is expected to be useful for promoting effective utilization of solar energy and for peak power shaving in summer. The initial targets are achieved by the tests. 4 refs., 10 figs.

Comprehensive assessments of measures mitigating heat island phenomena in urban areas; Heat shinku wo riyoshita daikibo reibo system no kaihatsu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mizuno, T; Yamamoto, S; Yoshikado, H; Kondo, H; Kaneho, N; Saegusa, N; Inaba, A [National Institute for Resources and Environment, Tsukuba (Japan); Inoue, M [New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization, Tokyo, (Japan)

1997-02-01

This paper describes the assessment method of measures mitigating heat island phenomena in urban areas. The heat island phenomena were classified into meso-scale with 100 km-scale, block-scale with several km-scale, and building-scale with 100 m-scale. Urban thermal environment simulation model was developed in response to each scale. For the development, regional data using aircraft and artificial satellite observations, surface observation and thermal environment observation at Shinjuku new central city of Tokyo, and artificial waste heat actual survey data in the southern Kanto district were utilized. Results of the urban thermal environment simulation were introduced as an application of this model. Temperature distributions of the heat island in the Kanto district were simulated with considering urban conditions near Tokyo and without considering it. Daily changes of wall surfaces of high buildings and road surface were calculated. Increase in the air temperature in the back stream of building roofs with increased temperature was determined. 4 figs.

Comprehensive assessments of measures mitigating heat island phenomena in urban areas; Heat shinku wo riyoshita daikibo reibo system no kaihatsu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ishitani, H; Yamada, K; Yamaji, K; Matsuhashi, T; Iizuka, E; Suzuki, T; Genchi, H; Komiyama, H [The University of Tokyo, Tokyo (Japan)

1997-02-01

This paper describes actual condition and measures against heat island (HI) phenomena in large urban areas with buildings. Tokyo was selected as a model. To extract typical pattern of daily change of air temperature, statistic analysis was conducted using the existing air temperature data at 100 points in and near the city of Tokyo. As a result, five patterns were obtained, i.e., central city, sea/land water affecting zone, thickly settled suburbs, garden city, and countryside. Each one point was selected in each pattern, to measure the underground temperature. It was found that the effect of HI can be easily evaluated from the underground temperature. It was suggested that the HI effect in the central city is estimated to be around 3.6 {degree}C. The measures mitigating HI were divided into the thermal balance improvement in the whole district and the temperature improvement of living space by homogenization or inhomogenization. Energy conservation was investigated for improving the thermal balance which can be practically conducted. According to the measures, it was found that the air temperature in the central city can be decreased by about 0.5 {degree}C at maximum. 3 figs., 1 tab.

Solar energy and ecosystem. ; Botanical factory which utilizes the solar energy. Taiyo energy to ecosystem. ; Taiyo energy wo riyoshita shokubutsu kojo

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Okano, T [Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, Tokyo (Japan)

1992-11-30

The present paper explains the present development status and future problem of botanical factory. As a lightening method in the factory, there are artificial light type, solar light type, and combined solar and artificial light type. Each of all the types has both advantages and disadvantages. Development history is explained of a combined solar and artificial light type botanical factory. An NFT (nutrient film technique) nutrient liquid cultivator was developed in order to stabilize the vegetable production. Further, the air conditioner was modified. Heat storage tank for the night power utilization use and simple duct type heat exchanger for the air conditioning use in the cultivating room underwent associated works for both the thermal insulation and prevention of water bakage, which resulted in heightening in efficiency of both floor area utilization and air conditioning. As for the botanical growth, spinach cultivated with a CO2 concentration which was about three times as high as that outdoors gave a 60% heavier harvest and hardly differed in nutritive quality from that cultivated in the farm. A continuous cultivation test in summer, 1990 resulted in about 224g/day and 250g/day in production rate per 1m[sup 2] of cultivation area for the spinach and lettuce, respectively, which makes the factory cultivation profitable by economizing both the construction and maintenance (expenses for light and fuel). Future problem is about how to put it to practical use. 5 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.

Survey report on energy transportation systems which use hydrogen-occluding alloys; Suiso kyuzo gokin wo riyoshita energy yuso system chosa hokokusho

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1992-03-18

Surveyed are systems which use hydrogen-occluding alloys for, e.g., storing and transporting hydrogen. This project is aimed at development of, and extraction of technical problems involved in, the concept of hydrogen energy transportation cycles for producing hydrogen in overseas countries by electrolysis using clean energy of hydraulic energy which are relatively cheap there; transporting hydrogen stored in a hydrogen-occluding alloy by sea to Japan; and converting it into electrical power to be delivered and used there. The surveyed items include current state of development/utilization of hydraulic power resources in overseas countries; pigeonholing the technical issues involved in the hydrogen transportation cycles, detailed studies thereon, and selection of the transportation cycles; current state of research, development and application of hydrogen-occluding alloys for various purposes; extraction of the elementary techniques for the techniques and systems for the hydrogen transportation systems which use hydrogen-occluding alloys; research themes of the future hydrogen-occluding alloys and the application techniques therefor, and research and development thereof; and legislative measures and safety. (NEDO)

Photocatalytic removal of nitrogen oxides from ambient air using solar energy; Taiyo energy wo riyoshita taikichu no NOx no hikari shokubai jokyo

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fukaya, M; Taoda, H; Watanabe, E; Nonami, T; Iseda, K; Kato, K [National Industrial Research Institute of Nagoya, Nagoya (Japan); Kunieda, S [NGK Insulators, Ltd., Nagoya (Japan); Kato, S

1997-11-25

Experiment was made on removal of NOx from ambient air using ceramic blocks coated with a newly developed easy-to- handle TiO2 film photocatalyst. After TiO2 sol was prepared by hydrolyzing titanium tetraisopropoxide, the photocatalytic blocks were prepared through drying and sintering after immersing the blocks in TiO2 sol. The effect of the number of coating on catalytic performance was studied using the single-coated and triple-coated blocks. Artificial solar light of 1mW/cm{sup 2} was used as light source for flowing reaction experiment of air (containing NOx) in a laboratory. NOx concentration rapidly decreased with irradiation, and 94% and 98% of NOx were removed by the single- and triple-coated blocks, respectively. NOx was completely oxidized to HNO3 through NO2 by triple-coated blocks. The demonstration test of removal of NOx from ambient air in Okazaki city showed a removal rate of nearly 90% in noonday and 40% or more in average, while not 0% but 5-20% even in the nighttime. The latter is probably derived from adsorption by the porous photocatalytic blocks. 2 figs., 4 tabs.

Light beam control by refractive index change in a modified purple membrane; Hen`i shimaku no kussetsuritsu henka wo riyoshita hikari bimu seigyo

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Takei, H.; Shimizu, N. [Hitachi Ltd., Tokyo (Japan)

1996-04-01

A purple membrane extracted from bacterial halobacterium salinarium is a membrane prepared by two-dimensionally crystallizing bacteriorhodopsin (bR) which is a photo-sensitive protein. When retinal chromophore in the bR absorbs photons, isomerization occurs, so that light cycle of bR comprising a light intermediate of different absorption spectrum occurs. Since this purple membrane has a high stability and a high repetition durability, a study of the application of the same to a rewritable holographic recording medium has been made in recent years. This paper describes an example in which the refractive index variation of a purple membrane the optical characteristics of which varies due to variation is applied to light beam control. The paper introduces a Fabry-Perot resonator as an optical element capable of carrying out light control by utilizing refractive index variation. The paper further describes the possibility of materialization of an optical logic comprising a combination of light-irradiation refractive index variation and a Fabry-Perot resonator and having nonlinear input/output characteristics such as the bistablity owing to the feedback effect in the resonator. 7 refs., 3 figs.

Field test of trash removal screen utilizing current energy in irrigation canal; Ryusui energy wo riyoshita suisha jojinki no jissho shiken ni tsuite

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Goto, M; Katayama, S [National Research Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Tsukuba (Japan)

1996-10-27

A trash removal system working by current energy has been developed for agricultural waterway. It consists of a wheel, shaft, screen and conveyor to exhaust collected trash. Current energy is converted by the wheel into rotational power, which drives the screen lake and conveyor. It is installed in an agricultural water way, 1.2m wide, 1/5000 in gradient and 1m/s in flow speed. Observed in the field test were service conditions of the system and torque limiter, water level at each portion, wheel speed, and types and quantity of trash collected. It is found to be serviceable at a low cost. The troubles, such as noise and bent lake occurring when the chain is out of place, have been solved. The test also has clarified types of trash discarded in the waterway. 3 refs., 11 figs.

Report of the results of the fiscal 1997 regional consortium R and D project. Regional consortium field / Development of technology to treat aquatic environment by using microorganisms fixed on carbon fabrics (abbreviation: carbon/aquatic environment project) (first fiscal year); 1997 nendo chiiki consortium kenkyu kaihatsu jigyo. Chiiki consortium bun`ya / tanso sen`i nansoshiki eno biseibutsu kochaku gensho wo riyoshita mizukankyo seibi gijutsu no kaihatsu (ryakusho: tanso mizu kankyo project) daiichi nendo seika hokokusho

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1998-03-01

Out of the development of technology to arrange the aquatic environment using phenomena of microorganism fixation on carbon fiber soft textures, the paper stated the fiscal 1997 result. On carbon fibers in a state of swaying in water, microorganisms in water fix in an amazingly large quantity. A catalog was compiled of 58 kinds of carbon fabrics trially woven and knitted. When carbon fiber is used as activated sludge carrier, activity of microorganism lasts more than one year. Only a little amount of surplus sludge is generated. The fixed microorganisms are more active in case of carbon fiber than in case of nylon and polyester fibers. Fiber texture models of carbon fiber fixing activated sludge groups were proposed. By pump operation, the water flow inside/outside microorganism groups is being accelerated. Several new strains of bacillus carboniphilus were isolated/identified from soil and marsh. To grasp relationships of characteristics among three elements such as the state of aquatic environment, fiber, and microorganism group, the experiment was prepared. Preliminary work is conducted to derive a simple equation for facility design, and experimental directions to obtain design conditions were proposed. 6 refs., 166 figs., 47 tabs.

Evaluation report on the development of ultra-solid lubricant with cluster diamond; Cluster diamond wo riyoshita kotai junkatsu fukugo zairyo no kaihatsu hyoka hokokusho

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2001-03-01

The fiscal 1998-2000 results of efforts to develop cluster diamond (CD)-diffused solid lubricant composite materials expected to exhibit excellent lubrication are stated. Since friction greatly affects machine life and energy efficiency, friction reduction is an important task. Very hard and microscopic CD was utilized for the achievement of a friction coefficient of 0.08. A manufacturing technology for molds 10nm or smaller was developed, which enabled the development of a gear not larger than 8mm. The success will enable the operation of micromachines in the absence of lubrication which is impossible at present. A CD-aided functional layer creation technology was also developed. It is expected that the development and practical application of micromechanisms will make rapid progress in the 21st century. Much is expected from the creation, and goods with the achievement applied thereto, of advanced technologies whereinto non-lubrication, functional layer creation, and excellent heat conductivity are incorporated. It is quite significant that, since CD is available in any field as far as light-load low-speed sliding conditions are satisfied, sliding parts will be improved and service life will be prolonged. (NEDO)

Study of complex resistivity measurement using current and potential waveform data; Denryu to den`i hakei data wo riyoshita fukusohi teiko sokutei no kento

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shima, H; Sakurai, K; Yamashita, Y [OYO Corp., Tokyo (Japan)

1997-10-22

This paper proposes a measurement method for complex resistivity using both current and potential waveforms. This method was applied to actual data. Especially, chargeability was discussed among complex resistivities. A method was proposed for determining the complex resistivity. At first, digital measurements of both current and potential waveforms were conducted. For the potential waveform, zero-order self-potential was canceled. Then, the FFT technique was applied to both current and potential waveforms, to determine both current and potential in the frequency domain. Hereafter, complex resistivity was determined through simple division. Since the inductive coupling was observed at higher frequencies, it was difficult to apply Cole-Cole model, simply. However, the inductive coupling could be removed using proper sampling frequency. Thus, a proper Cole-Cole dispersion curve could be obtained. Using this Cole-Cole dispersion curve, new chargeability could be defined. A linear relation between this chargeability and the ordinary time domain chargeability was made clear. 4 refs., 10 figs.

Fiscal 1995 research investigation on chemical process technology using supercritical fluid; 1995 nendo chorinkai ryutai wo riyoshita kagaku process gijutsu ni kansuru chosa kenkyu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1996-03-01

With relation to the supercritical fluid utilization technology, conducted in fiscal 1995 were collection of basic data, extraction of R and D subjects and survey/analysis of application fields based on the literature survey and overseas field survey. From the research results, the following were selected as research subjects: as to the clean/recycling process technology, non-selection cascade treatment process of mixed waste plastics, hazardous waste treatment process, and radioactive waste treatment process. As to the unused resource utilization process technology, the supercritical submerged combustion power generation process, heavy hydrocarbon resource reutilization process, biomass synthetic utilization process, and carbon dioxide reutilization process. As to the next generation reaction process technology, the simple reaction process, de-organic solvent process, chemical materialization process for methane, and reaction separation combined process. As the innovative material process technology, the plastic forming process, high-functional materials, high-efficiency energy conversion materials, and heightening of function of solid wastes. 537 refs., 116 figs., 54 tabs.

Subsurface interpretation based on geophysical data set using geothermal database system `GEOBASE`; Chinetsu database system `GEOBASE` wo riyoshita Kakkonda chinetsu chiiki no chika kozo kaiseki

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Osato, K; Sato, T; Miura, Y; Yamane, K [Geothermal Energy Research and Development Co. Ltd., Tokyo (Japan); Doi, N [Japan Metals and Chemicals Co. Ltd., Tokyo (Japan); Uchida, T [New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization, Tokyo, (Japan)

1996-05-01

This paper reports application of a geothermal database system (GEOBASE) to analyzing subsurface structure in the Kakkonda geothermal area. Registered into the GEOBASE to analyze specific resistance structure in this area were depth information (well track and electric logging of existing wells), three-dimensional discretization data (two-dimensional analysis cross section using the MT method and distribution of micro-earthquake epicenters), and two-dimensional discretization data (altitude, and depth to top of the Kakkonda granite). The GEOBASE is capable of three-dimensional interpolation and three-dimensional indication respectively on the three-dimensional discretization data and the depth information table. The paper presents a depth compiling plan drawing for 2000 m below sea level and an SE-NE cross section compiling cross sectional drawing. The paper also indicates that the three-dimensional interpolation function of the GEOBASE renders comparison of spatial data capable of being done freely and quickly, thereby exhibiting power in the comprehensive analysis of this kind. 3 refs., 8 figs., 2 tabs.

Fiscal 1996 investigational research on the chemical process technology using supercritical fluids; 1996 nendo chorinkai ryutai wo riyoshita kagaku process gijutsu ni kansuru chosa kenkyu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1997-03-01

Importance was studied of making a research on the chemical process technology using the supercritical fluid. As for its effect on global warming, the amount of CO2 emission was compared during the operation between the conventional process and the process using the supercritical fluid, the CO2 reduction rate and amount were trially calculated, and a CO2 reduction of a several ten thousand ton scale in carbon conversion was predicted. As to hazardous materials and the reaction of waste retrieval, it was made clear that the process using the supercritical fluid was valid also for objects for which the chemical process used to be impossible, which indicates a possibility of the widening field of application. Concerning its effect on the energy conservation, energy reduction of several ten thousand tons in heavy oil conversion was predicted by replacing all the existing processes with supercritical fluids. Relating to the recycling, with the use of supercritical fluids, the process is possible which produces higher quality and yield and fewer unnecessary products such as char than the conventional process. 197 refs., 102 figs., 71 tabs.

Seismic tomography analysis using finite differential calculation of the eikonal equation and reciplocal principle; Eikonal equation no sabunkaiho to sohan genri wo riyoshita danseiha tomography kaiseki

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fujimoto, M; Ashida, Y; Watanabe, T; Sassa, K [Kyoto University, Kyoto (Japan)

1996-10-01

This paper describes the seismic tomography analysis of underground structures using finite differential calculation (FDC) and a reciprocal principle which points out that a propagation path is constant even if a source and receiver are exchanged with each other. Tomography analysis generally determines a ray length across each underground cell structure by ray tracing method to modify each cell slowness (inverse of velocity). Travel time field was determined by FDC of eikonal equation among ray tracing methods, and a wave propagation path was determined by reciprocity of elastic wave to carry out inversion. In conventional methods, since a wave length is assumed to be infinitesimal by ray theory, false modified slowness structures frequently appears depending on the density of a ray. Wave propagates in a certain width, and is affected by environment. The slowness was thus modified on the basis of the wave propagation path with a certain width by using not ray-tracing but reciprocity. By this modification, false structures were hardly found under a fine grid, and several propagation paths could be considered. 6 refs., 9 figs.

Development of electronic document and drawing data interchange system IN{sup 2}AVICS; Internet wo riyoshita tosho zumen joho kokan system IN{sup 2}AVICS no kaihatsu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kato, H.; Murata, M.; Yamagishi, E.; Nakamura, M. [Ebara Corp., Tokyo (Japan); Nagaki, K.; Obikane, Y.; Omura, S.; Urata, I.; Tadaumi, H. [Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp., Tokyo (Japan)

1998-04-20

A basic concept of IN{sup 2}AVICS centers on its function for initiating a CALS-like business with an arbitrary client within an extremely short time. A portable document format was adopted as a basic document and drawing interchange format for IN{sup 2}AVICS. This format was selected as text and graphics can be displayed on the Internet having a quality identical to the original, regardless of the software used to create such media. IN{sup 2}AVICS also features a search engine with a thesaurus function by which stored text and graphic data can be made available. Users can make full use of various business-based functions featured in IN{sup 2}AVICS as soon as system setup is completed, including search, view, upload and download of text and graphics through an Internet browser. IN{sup 2}AVICS is capable of running various business systems, such as an electronic catalogue system, knowledge database system, and facility management system. It is expected that the present system developed jointly by Ebara Corporation and NTT can be widely accepted in the manufacturing industry. 2 refs., 4 figs.

Subsurface interpretation based on geophysical data set using geothermal database system `GEOBASE`. 2; Chinetsu database system `GEOBASE` wo riyoshita Kakkonda chinetsu chiiki no chika kozo kaiseki. 2

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Osato, K; Sato, T; Miura, Y; Yamane, K [GERD Geothermal Energy Research and Development Co. Ltd., Tokyo (Japan); Doi, N [Japan Metals and Chemicals Co. Ltd., Tokyo (Japan); Uchida, T [New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization, Tokyo, (Japan)

1997-05-27

Five cross sections were applied as a result of MT method investigations in addition to the results of conventional analyses at the Kakkonda geothermal area; three-dimensional resistivity distribution was made into a database by using the Kriging method which makes a matching with anisotropy of seismic center distribution in micro-earthquakes; and the database was compared with the data derived from surveys on the pilot survey well WD-1a and the side-truck well WD-1b thereof. As a result, it was found that the well WD 1b which encountered a water loss zone had the water loss zone exist in a region with relatively lower resistivity than in the well WD-1a which did not encounter a water loss zone. The region in which the water loss zone was encountered existed in a very steep slope region going from the high resistivity region in the west side toward the low resistivity region in the east side. This fact suggests a possibility that fractures have developed in this region with sharp slope in the resistivity in this area. Adding three-dimensional complementary function to the GEOBASE database by using a simple Kriging allowed the direction of anisotropy in spatial data to be freely and quickly decided. It was learned that this capability exhibits strong power in a mapping work in structures where such anisotropy as a geothermal zone is highly dominant. 5 refs., 8 figs., 2 tabs.

Clearness index in cloudy days estimated with meteorological information by multiple regression analysis; Kisho joho wo riyoshita kaiki bunseki ni yoru dontenbi no seiten shisu no suitei

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nakagawa, S [Maizuru National College of Technology, Kyoto (Japan); Kenmoku, Y; Sakakibara, T [Toyohashi University of Technology, Aichi (Japan); Kawamoto, T [Shizuoka University, Shizuoka (Japan). Faculty of Engineering

1996-10-27

Study is under way for a more accurate solar radiation quantity prediction for the enhancement of solar energy utilization efficiency. Utilizing the technique of roughly estimating the day`s clearness index from forecast weather, the forecast weather (constituted of weather conditions such as `clear,` `cloudy,` etc., and adverbs or adjectives such as `afterward,` `temporary,` and `intermittent`) has been quantified relative to the clearness index. This index is named the `weather index` for the purpose of this article. The error high in rate in the weather index relates to cloudy days, which means a weather index falling in 0.2-0.5. It has also been found that there is a high correlation between the clearness index and the north-south wind direction component. A multiple regression analysis has been carried out, under the circumstances, for the estimation of clearness index from the maximum temperature and the north-south wind direction component. As compared with estimation of the clearness index on the basis only of the weather index, estimation using the weather index and maximum temperature achieves a 3% improvement throughout the year. It has also been learned that estimation by use of the weather index and north-south wind direction component enables a 2% improvement for summer and a 5% or higher improvement for winter. 2 refs., 6 figs., 4 tabs.

Construction of analysis system on personal computer for slope disaster information using remote sensing technology. Remote sensing wo riyoshita pasokongata no shamen bosai joho kaiseki system no kochiku

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Setojima, M [Kokusai Kogyo Co. Ltd., Tokyo (Japan); Goto, K [Nagasaki Universtiy, Nagasaki (Japan). FAculty of Engineering

1991-08-25

An analytical system with superposition of images which uses picture elements as a unit was developed to treat information obtained by remote sensing and other geographical information by superposing the images in order to extract the second information which expresses qualitatively and quantitatively the degree of slope disaster in the future, based on the first information about the damage caused by disaster and landform and geology. As necessary function for analytical system of the second information, precise correction of geometrical strain, superposition of images, visual reading treatment, and output of analytical result in map are listed and described respectively. Next, the detailed explanation of hardware and software of pilot system which used personal computer was given. The analytical procedure and result of land conditions around the landslide occurred at Nagano city in 1985 was shown. 3 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.

Report on achievements in fiscal 1998. Development of a high-level storage and management system for industrially useful microorganisms; 1998 nendo sangyo yuyo biseibutsu no kodo hozon kanri system no kaihatsu seika hokokusho

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2000-03-01

It is intended to develop a system to guarantee quality of microorganism gene resources and store them for extended periods of time, and develop a system to manage the bioinfomatex thereof. The present research works on improving and developing a long-term storage method. This paper reports the present research in Section 2 on developing a method to avoid living organism resources weak against freezing from frost damage as far as possible. Section 3 describes development of a system to put into order about 100,000 ampoules containing ten thousand kinds of microorganism samples. Section 4 states the result showing usefulness of classification by using gene orientation data for gyrB to control quality of microorganism strains. The Institute for Fermentation preserves about 16,000 strains of living organism resources. A database was structured to control biological information on them by using a computer. Section 5 describes the description thereof. Section 6 reports cases of executing the collection, quality control, and storage operations in the living organism resource storage project performed with Kasetsart University and BIOTEC in Thailand. The section also gives a report on inspecting living organism resource storage organizations in the United States. (NEDO)

Report on a survey in fiscal 1999. Survey on industrial utilization of microorganism reaction mechanisms under anaerobic condition; 1999 nendo kenki jokenka ni okeru biseibutsu hanno kiko no kogyoteki riyo ni kansuru chosa hokokusho

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2000-03-01

Industrial utilization of reaction mechanisms of microorganisms under anaerobic condition permits structuring energy saving type production processes. The present survey has investigated features of new microorganisms under anaerobic condition and the status of researches thereon inside and outside the country, and discussed their future applications. Chapter 1 compares anaerobic microorganisms and functions of microorganism under anaerobic condition with those aerobic to describe their general features, and describes the purpose of this survey and the summary of the investigations. Chapter 2 surveys the current status of technologies to utilize microorganisms under anaerobic condition. Chapter 3 outlines metabolic characteristics of the anaerobic microorganisms, and extracts functions effective for material production by different anaerobic microorganisms to describe their applicability. Chapter 4 evaluates the system classification for the anaerobic microorganisms utilizing the basic arrangement of 16S rRNA genes, and extracts technical problems therein. Chapter 5 proposes structuring a total methane fermentation system including a raw material collecting process, and enhancing alcohol productivity of Zymomonas bacteria. (NEDO)

Optimization of the half-acceptance angle for a non-imaging refractive concentrator using an insolation model; Nissha model wo riyoshita kussetsugata hikessho shukoki no kyoyo nyusha kakudo no saitekika

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yoshioka, K; Suzuki, A; Saito, T [Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo (Japan)

1997-11-25

The application of concentrating optical systems to PV modules is under investigation because of anxious supply of materials for crystalline PV cells and cost limitation. However, since the height of the conventional CPC (compound parabolic concentrator) is considerably larger than the width of a concentration part, its application to PV cells is unsuitable. A non-imaging refractive lens was thus devised. Since the portion from a refractive surface to a concentration part of this lens is made of transparent resin with the same refractive index, the lens can reduce interface transmission, reflection loss and the height of concentrators. The half-acceptance angle for maximizing yearly optical concentration was selected using an insolation model for titled concentrators. In the case of a tilt angle equal to the latitude (35deg) of Tokyo, a maximum yearly optical concentration ratio of 1.71 was obtained at a half- acceptance angle of 23deg in calculation. The optimum half-acceptance angle increased linearly with the tilt angle in a range of 20-35deg. 4 refs., 6 figs.

Shape estimation of the buried body from the ground surface potential distributions generated by current injection; Tsuryu ni yoru chihyomen den`i bunpu wo riyoshita maizobutsu keijo no suitei

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Takahashi, Y; Okamoto, Y [Chiba Institute of Technology, Chiba (Japan); Noguchi, K [Waseda University, Tokyo (Japan); Teramachi, Y [University of Industrial Technology, Kanagawa (Japan); Akabane, H; Agu, M [Ibaraki University, Ibaraki (Japan)

1996-10-01

Ground surface potential distribution generated by current injection was studied to estimate the shape of buried bodies. Since the uniform ground system including a homogeneous buried body is perfectly determined with the surface shape of a buried body and resistivities in/around a buried body, inversion is easy if the surface shape is described with some parameters. N electrodes are arranged in 2-D grid manner on the ground, and two electrodes among them are used for current injection, while the others for measurement of potentials. M times of measurements are repeated while changing combination of electrodes for current injection. The potential distribution measured by the mth electrode pair is represented by N-2 dimensional vectors. The square error between this distribution and calculated one is the function of k parameters on the surface shape and resistivities on a buried body. Both shape and resistivities can be estimated by solving an optimum value problem using the square error as evaluation function. Analysis is easy for a spherical body with 6 unknown parameters, however, it is difficult for more complex bodies than elliptical one or more than two bodies. 5 refs., 9 figs.

Report on achievements in fiscal 1998. Development of useful substance production technology utilizing gene combination technology; 1998 nendo idenshi kumikae gijutsu wo riyoshita yuyo busshitsu seisan gijutsu kaihatsu seika hokokusho

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2000-03-01

In developing a useful substance producing technology utilizing gene combination technology, plants are taken as a kind of useful substance producing arena, wherein useful protein genes of animals are introduced and manifested in the plants. Thereupon, technological development was carried out for the following items with regard to mass production of useful substances that can be utilized industrially, such as cytokine, by means of plant and cell cultivation: 1. Development of a useful substance producing technology utilizing gene combination technology, and 2. Comprehensive surveys and researches. For the technology to obtain and design useful substance producing genes originated from animals, development of a technology to search and acquire useful genes originated from animals, and a design and modification technology for useful genes. For the technology to introduce genes into gene combined plants, creation of plants combined with useful substance producing genes, and development of an introduction technology using plant virus vector. For the technology to produce high-function chemical substances in the gene combined plants, establishment of technologies for mass breeding and activity analysis of gene combined plants and cultivated cells, and for extraction and refinement of useful substances from the gene combined plants. In the comprehensive surveys and researches, technologies were surveyed and items of information were collected inside and outside the country. (NEDO)

Measurement method of moving vehicle in the magnetic levitation and propulsion system using high-Tc superconducting bulks; Koon chodendo barukutai wo riyoshita fujo suishin shisutemu no suishin tokusei keisoku shuho

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fuwa, Y.; Mizuma, T.

1999-06-07

The transportation system using simple magnetic levitation system got in the combination of high-temperature superconductivity bulk body and permanent magnet, which caught a quantum magnetic flux, is devised in great numbers, and the model equipment has also been manufactured. In the meantime, a grasp of levitation and guide characteristics is necessary for the case in which this levitation system is applied to the simple individual transportation system, and the measurement of the levitation characteristics is indispensable for the reason. In the conventional research, the measurement of the levitation characteristics has not been very much made. There was due to be no technique which measured kinetic characteristics of noncontacting surfacing and running travel body. In this study, measuring method for measuring these levitation characteristics was devised, and it was applied to actual measurement by the production of the model test equipment. Through this measurement, the purpose of this study is to show with that it is applicable for the real test equipment as this measuring method judges possibility of application to simple transportation system. (NEDO)

Study of reaction and heat release from solid combustion in strong magnetic field; Kyojiba wo riyoshita hikinshitsu kotai nensho shori no hanno to netsu no seigy ni kansuru kiso kenkyu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ito, K; Fujita, O; Iiya, M; Kudo, K [Hokkaido University, Sapporo (Japan)

1997-02-01

To establish the inhomogeneous solid combustion control technology, effects of the strong magnetic field on the solid combustion were examined. When applying the sufficiently strong magnetic field, it is possible to control the air flow in combustion field by utilizing the force applying to constituent oxygen with large susceptibility. Based on this possibility, combustion experiments of expanded polystyrene plates were conducted between the magnetic poles of electro-magnet having the maximum flux density of 1 T and the maximum magnetic field gradient of 0.5 T/cm. To observe the effects of magnetic field without the effects of natural convection, combustion experiments of acrylic sheets were conducted between the magnetic poles of electro-magnet having the maximum flux density of 0.6 T and the magnetic field gradient of about 0.1 T/cm under the microgravity conditions between 10{sup -4} and 10{sup -5}g using a microgravity test facility. Consequently, prospective combustion results could be obtained, in which the force of flame received from the magnetic field is almost equivalent to the buoyancy of flame. It was demonstrated that combustion can be controlled by the magnetic field. 1 ref., 3 figs., 1 tab.

Fiscal 1998 research report. R and D on advanced combustion technology under microgravity environment; 1998 nendo seika hokokusho. Bisho juryoku kankyo wo riyoshita kodo nensho gijutsu soshutsu ni kansuru kenkyu kaihatsu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1999-03-01

Research was made on explication of a combustion phenomenon by using a microgravity facility, and a combustor possible to realize advanced combustion technology. In the basic research composed of 5 themes by the international joint research with NASA, 52 drop experiments using JAMIC's facility and 100 drop experiments using NASA's 2.2s drop tower were carried out. The themes are composed of an interaction in droplet arrays combustion, combustion of binary fuel sprays, combustion characteristics of solid fuel, flame dynamics around a lean flammability limit, and mass transfer around a combustion field. In the experiment using the microgravity experiment facility and analysis evaluation of the experimental data, studies were made on combustion and evaporation of fuel droplets, combustion characteristics of dense fuel, flammability limit, formation mechanism of NO{sub x} and an advanced combustor. For applying a pre-evaporating/pre- mixing combustion system to a combustor for aircraft engines, studies were made on some issues such as improvement of a combustion stability, NO{sub x} discharge characteristics, and optimum fuel atomizing. (NEDO)

ECOLO-HOUSE in the heavy snow-fall region. Ground-water and wasted-wood become resources by utilizing storage-tank; Yukiguni ECOLO-HOUSE. Chikunetsuso wo riyoshita chikasui oyobi mokushitsu gomi no shigenka

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Umemiya, H; Fukumuro, S [Yamagata University, Yamagata (Japan)

1997-11-25

This paper reports living comfort in summer by operating a groundwater utilization system using a hot water storage tank and a floor air conditioning system. The groundwater utilization system is a system for room cooling by using groundwater and for supplying water for living use. The system operates as follows: groundwater is passed through a coil-type heat exchanger having pipes each 100 m long laid in parallel for a total length of 200 m, the heat exchanger being installed in a hot water storage tank; the water is used to cool water in the storage tank in summer; and the water is warmed up in the storage tank in winter, further heated by an oil boiler to be used as hot water for cooking and bathing. In the floor air conditioning system, cold water in the water storage tank (warm water in winter) is pumped up by a circulation pump, and passed through the floor air conditioning circuit having a pipe with a total length of 400 m at a flow rate of 14 liters per minute. The system is of a closed circuit in which the water is re-heated by a wood burning boiler in winter and returned to the hot water storage tank. The amount of supplied cold heat from groundwater to the hot water tank obtained on a daily average is 90W. About 20% of the monthly cumulative cold heat amount dissipated from the floor circuit is the monthly cumulative cold heat amount supplied from the groundwater circuit to the hot water storage tank. 1 ref., 10 figs., 1 tab.

Fiscal 1998 research report. R and D on advanced combustion technology under microgravity environment; 1998 nendo seika hokokusho. Bisho juryoku kankyo wo riyoshita kodo nensho gijutsu soshutsu ni kansuru kenkyu kaihatsu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1999-03-01

Research was made on explication of a combustion phenomenon by using a microgravity facility, and a combustor possible to realize advanced combustion technology. In the basic research composed of 5 themes by the international joint research with NASA, 52 drop experiments using JAMIC's facility and 100 drop experiments using NASA's 2.2s drop tower were carried out. The themes are composed of an interaction in droplet arrays combustion, combustion of binary fuel sprays, combustion characteristics of solid fuel, flame dynamics around a lean flammability limit, and mass transfer around a combustion field. In the experiment using the microgravity experiment facility and analysis evaluation of the experimental data, studies were made on combustion and evaporation of fuel droplets, combustion characteristics of dense fuel, flammability limit, formation mechanism of NO{sub x} and an advanced combustor. For applying a pre-evaporating/pre- mixing combustion system to a combustor for aircraft engines, studies were made on some issues such as improvement of a combustion stability, NO{sub x} discharge characteristics, and optimum fuel atomizing. (NEDO)

Survey report of FY 1997 on the feasibility of microbial biotechnology for reuse of environmental pollutants; 1997 nendo chosa hokokusho (kankyo osen busshitsu no shigenka no tame no biseibutsu bio technology no riyo kanosei chi kansuru chosa)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1998-03-01

An investigation was conducted with the aim of elucidating the foundations for effective utilization of environmental pollutants or unused resources which are likely to be causal substances of environmental pollutants, as resources, using biotechnology. Composting of agricultural waste, production of microbial mycelium proteins and microbial fermentation materials were suggested as main examples of effective utilization of unused resources by microorganisms. Selection of active microorganisms in the livestock waste, clarification of the mechanism of action and the establishment of treatment conditions are essential to new developments in this field. In the field of marine products industry, it was pointed out that the recycling of waste using microorganisms and enzyme treatment is the most promising approach to the effective utilization of resources. In the field of food industry, applications as the culture media for mushrooms, for enzyme production and for the production of physiologically active materials as well as fuel were clarified. Was also pointed out the significance of studies on the microorganisms and enzymes in resources containing cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, and the waste from these resources, lignocellulose. Were also proposed the composting of household waste, methane fermentation, and fermentative production of organic acid and hydrogen from waste. Possibility and significance of fermentative production of organic acid from sewage sludge were suggested. 314 refs., 46 figs., 33 tabs.

FY 2000 report on research and development of combustion technology utilizing microgravity conditions for fuel diversification; 2000 nendo bisho juryoku kankyo wo riyoshita nenryo tayoka nensho gijutsu no kenkyu kaihatsu seika hokokusho

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2001-03-01

This project is aimed at development of optimum combustion technology with diversified fuels, e.g., naphtha and LCO, for gas turbines and others as power sources for topographical energy supply. The combustion under the microgravity is also investigated using the underground facilities at Japan Microgravity Center. Described herein are the FY 2000 results. For construction of combustion model and simulation, the combustion reactions for various liquid fuels are simplified to calculate ignition delay, adiabatic flame temperature and laminar burning velocity with an error less than about 3%. The microgravity combustion experiments are conducted for spray dispersed into a cylinder, to find flame propagation velocities changing with the vaporization characteristics of liquid fuels, and also to construct the combustion models. The premixed turbulent combustion simulation program is developed using a probability density function and analyzed. Development of new combustion technologies includes the study themes of flame propagation and combustion of the air mixture of the multi-component fuel in which the spray exists, combustion characteristics of the droplets of diversified fuels, and combustion of gas turbines with diversified fuels. A propane/air mixture shows different flame propagation characteristics whether it contains kerosene or LCO droplets. The effects of electrical field intensity in the combustion zone on combustion of fuel droplets are elucidated. (NEDO)

Investigation of data acquisition parameters for Minami Noshiro 3D experiment using 3D seismic modeling; Sanjigen hado denpa modeling wo riyoshita Minami Noshiro sanjigen jishin tansa data shutoku parameter no kento

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tanaka, H; Nakagami, K; Minegishi, M [Japan National Oil Corp., Tokyo (Japan). Technology Research Center; Kano, R [Teikoku Oil Co. Ltd., Tokyo (Japan)

1996-10-01

This paper describes how to grasp the characteristics of reflected waves which means how the reflected wave can be received in its magnitude depending on the complicated subsurface structure. Data acquisition parameters were also investigated, as to offset distance distribution and mute setting during the HMO correction. A velocity structure model was prepared for an area of 9km{times}8km including the given 3D seismic exploration area at Minami Noshiro, Akita Prefecture. For the geological sequence used for the velocity structure model, three formations, i.e., Katsurane Formation, Funakawa Formation, and Onagawa Formation, were inputted in an order from the shallower depth on the basis of the depth structure profile obtained from the previous data. Ray tracing was calculated by means of the two-dot dashed line tracing method. For this method, amplitude as well as travel time of waves can be calculated at the same time. This was effective for grasping the magnitude of reflected wave on simulating the traced data. For the velocity structure model used in this study, existing data inputted were old, which limited the quantity of information. However, this model would sufficiently contribute to the verification of survey design and the determination of optimal layout. 1 ref., 3 figs.

Investigations on a global environment improving technology utilizing biological functions. 2. Structuring a ligno-bioprocess; Seibutsu kino wo riyoshita chikyu kankyo kaizen gijutsu ni kansuru chosa. 2. Riguno bio process no kochiku

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1996-03-01

Discussions were given to reserve global environments on reducing dependence on fossil resources and more effectively utilizing wood resources. Economically utilizable amount of wastes from lumbering factories reaches about five million tons annually. Discussions were made on a ligno-bioprocess that uses these wastes. The current quantitative production efficiency of cellulase by means of bacterial breeding is very high. A problem is production of ligninolytic enzymes, to which application of the recombinant DNA method is indispensable. Combination of steam explosion with biological decomposition or the organosolv process is an effective method for lignin decomposition. Decomposition of cellulose by using the ultra critical water method is worth noticing. With respect to hemicellulose utilization, production of cellulose derivatives, biodegradable polymers and oligosaccharides would be conceivable by means of esterification and etherification. Vanillinic acid, adhesives, resins and lignin-based polymer materials could be manufactured from lignin. Material cost for these products accounts for about 35% of the product price, thus making the lignochemicals promising commercial products. 301 refs., 71 figs., 39 tabs.

Fiscal 2000 achievement report on the development of polymeric material from renewable resource using biocatalyst; 2000 nendo seitai shokubai wo riyoshita saisei kano shigen kara no kobunshi sozai no kaihatsu seika hokokusho

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2001-03-01

The project aims to develop a biocatalyst-assisted synthesizing method for efficiently manufacturing sugar containing polymers and polylactic acids which generate less environmental impact. The ALP-901 derived from actinomycetes operates best with 5% water content, and remains free of hydrolytic effect even when the rate rises to 20%, and catalyzes transesterification only. The esterification activity of bioprase rose remarkably upon addition of water. A polymer with a molecular weight of scores of thousands was obtained in the polymerization of sugar ester monomers. A sugar undecylenate with a double bond at an end was successfully polymerized. The sugar containing polymer exhibited excellent biodegradability. In a reaction of butanediol and lactide, several types of lactic oligomers different in molecular weight were synthesized. The oligomers were caused to react with divinylcarboxylic acid in the presence of an enzyme, and a polymerizable lactic oligomer was obtained. Furthermore, in a reaction between glucose and lactide, several lactic oligomer derivatives were synthesized, different in molecular weight. In a reaction of the derivatives and divinylcarboxylic acid with an enzyme added thereto, a polymerizable lactic oligomer derivative was obtained, which was brought into polymerization in the presence of a radical polymerization initiator for the production of a high molecular weight gel. (NEDO)

Surface temperature measurement using infrared radiometer. 2nd Report. Applicability of pseudo gray body approximation. Sekitaisen eizo sochi wo riyoshita jitsuyoteki ondo keisoku ni kansuru kenkyu. 2. Giji Haiiro kinji no tekiyosei

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Inagaki, T; Sekiya, M; Ishibashi, H; Okamoto, Y [Ibaraki University, Ibaraki (Japan). Faculty of Engineering; Kurokawa, K [NEC Corp., Tokyo (Japan)

1994-06-25

Establishment of a simple and reasonable technique and its application to the metallic surface in addition to the nonmetallic surface in the room-temperature measurement using infrared picture equipment have been studied. It was found, as published in the previous paper, in the investigation of radiation temperature, radiosity coefficient, their wave-length dependence and the dispersiveness of these parameters about the surfaces of various kinds of material that the assumption of gray body approximation does not hold in the surfaces of metal and part of nonmetal. In the present work, applicability of pseudo-gray body approximation to the metal surface in a system surrounded by black body surfaces was studied in consideration of directivity of emissivity and reflectance while, in actual, a measuring angle of 15 degrees giving a small directivity effect was used based on experimental results. As in the previous paper, three kinds of sensors different in the detectable wave-length range were used to evaluate the radiation temperature, emissivity, radiosity coefficient, and their dispersiveness. The experimental results proved the applicability of pseudo-gray body approximation. 3 refs., 18 figs., 2 tabs.

Convenient method for estimating underground s-wave velocity structure utilizing horizontal and vertical components microtremor spectral ratio; Bido no suiheido/jogedo supekutoru hi wo riyoshita kan`i chika s ha sokudo kozo suiteiho

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yamamoto, H; Yoshioka, M; Saito, T [Iwate University, Iwate (Japan). Faculty of Engineering

1996-05-01

Studies were conducted about the method of estimating the underground S-wave velocity structure by inversion making use of the horizontal/vertical motion spectral ratio of microtremors. For this purpose, a dynamo-electric velocity type seismograph was used, capable of processing the east-west, north-south, and vertical components integratedly. For the purpose of sampling the Rayleigh wave spectral ratio, one out of all the azimuths was chosen, whose horizontal motion had a high Fourier frequency component coherency with the vertical motions. For the estimation of the underground S-wave velocity structure, parameters (P-wave velocity, S-wave velocity, density, and layer thickness) were determined from the minimum residual sum of squares involving the observed microtremor spectral ratio and the theoretical value calculated by use of a model structure. The known boring data was utilized for the study of the S-wave velocity in the top layer, and it was determined using an S-wave velocity estimation formula for the Morioka area constructed using the N-value, depth, and geological classification. It was found that the optimum S-wave velocity structure even below the top layer well reflects the S-wave velocity obtained by the estimation formula. 5 refs., 6 figs.

Surface temperature measurement using infrared radiometer. 1st Report. ; Radiosity coefficient and radiation temperature. Sekigaisen eizo sochi wo riyoshita jitsuyoteki ondo keisoku ni kansuru kenkyu. 1. ; Shado keisu to hosha ondo no kankei

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Okamoto, Y; Inagaki, T; Sekiya, M [Ibaraki University, Ibaraki (Japan). Faculty of Engineering

1993-12-25

As a part of the studies on practical surface temperature measurement by infrared radiometer, some basic characteristics of an infrared radiometer were studied by using three kinds of sensors with different detectable wave lengths. Specimens allowable for gray body approximation such as mortar, graphite and carbon fiber composite material were tested at a practical ambient temperature of 293 K. As a result, the difference between a radiation temperature in consideration of reflection and that derived from an emissivity increased with a decrease in emissivity, and the deviation of an emissivity derived from a radiosity coefficient increased at 20 K or less in difference between a specimen surface temperature and ambient one. Each radiosity coefficient measured by each sensor also fairly agreed with each other. The deviation of a radiosity coefficient was relatively small indicating a good agreement between theoretical and experimental data, while the difference between emissivity and radiosity coefficient deviations decreased with an increase in specimen surface temperature. 3 refs., 10 figs., 1 tab.

Engineering characteristics of the improved soil by deep mixing method using coal ash; Sekitanbai wo riyoshita FGC shinso kongo shori koho ni yoru kairyodo no kogakuteki seishitsu to kongo no tenbo ni tsuite

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Watanabe, T [Center for Coal Utilization, Japan, Tokyo (Japan); Azuma, K; Watanabe, M [Electric Power Development Co. Ltd., Tokyo (Japan)

1996-09-01

Japan currently produces about six million tons of coal ash annually, whose effective bulk utilization to earth engineering materials is an important issue of technological development. A slurry may be made by mixing the following three kinds of materials: fly ash discharged from power plants exclusively burning dust coal (F), gypsum generated as a by-product in a stack gas desulfurizing process (G), and commercially available cement (C). The slurry would be called an FGC slurry taking the first letters of the materials. This paper presents the results of laboratory tests, in-situ execution tests and centrifuge model testing on engineering characteristics of soils improved by the FGC slurry when the slurry is applied to implementing the deep mixing method. As a result, a large number of findings were obtained including the following matters: the FGC deep mixing method makes it possible to improve ground beds having small deformation coefficient with the same accuracy as in the cement-based deep mixing (CDM) method at strengths lower than 5 kg/cm {sup 2} which is difficult with the CDM method, not to speak of strengths equivalent to that is possible with the normal CDM method; and development of a ground bed with improved strength is possible without being governed by quality and kinds of the fly ash. 1 ref., 23 figs., 5 tabs.

Report on the basic design of a hydrogen transportation system utilizing metal hydrides and the evaluation thereon; Kinzoku suisokabutsu wo riyoshita suiso yuso system no kihon sekkei to sono hyoka ni kansuru hokokusho

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1981-03-26

This paper describes a hydrogen transportation system utilizing metal hydrides. For a storage method for moving, metal hydrides having high hydrogen containing performance like Mg-based hydrides would have high portability, less weight disadvantage, and high economic performance. In the fixed location storage, metal hydrides are superior in safety and maintenance cost to the conventional high-pressure gas holder and liquefied hydrogen storage. Because of their high dependence on equilibrium pressure and temperature, the significance of development thereof is large as the source of high-pressure hydrogen generation and motive force. More effective utilization of low-level heat, and separation and refining of hydrogen may also be expected. With regard to fuel supply for hydrogen fueled automobiles, metal hydrides are better in safety and total energy cost than liquefied hydrogen, but have a number of disadvantageous points in weight demerit. Eliminating the weight demerit would be the central issue of the development. Accompanying the development of hydrogen fueled automobiles, there are a number of technological elements to be developed on fuel supply system, such as storage, moving and transportation in hydrogen manufacturing sites, and filling and storage at using sites. Arranging the related infrastructures would be the issue. (NEDO)

Rectangular section shield driving method applying percussion action. Construction of passage to disabled person elevator in Ichigaya Station; Pakasshon sayo wo riyoshita kukei danmen shirudo seko. Ichigaya Eki shinshoshayo erebeta renraku tsuro secchiko

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Takahashi, T. [Teito Rapid Transit Authority, Tokyo (Japan); Endo, M. [Obayashi Corp., Osaka (Japan)

1996-02-25

Section forms of the shield driving method are mostly circular. This paper reports the work of a rectangular section shield driving method applying percussion action. Percussion type shield machines are outlined first showing figures and a specification table. Then the outline and method of the work now done is described. The work report is stated under the following 5 headings: Driving time by means of percussion, Assembling time of rectangular segments, Effect of movable head slide jacks, Propelling while driving, and Condition of surfaces driven. From the result now worked, the initial intention of driving a free section short passage at a low cost is considered achieved. Lastly, 6 items are discussed for further improvements. The advantages of the method are stated to be a simple mechanism, an availability to various soil conditions, a low production cost, and etc. 14 figs., 2 tabs.

Fiscal 1998 research report. Study on the feasibility of microorganism biotechnology for effective use of environmental pollutants. Pt. 2; 1998 nendochosa hokokusho. Kankyo osen busshitsu no shigenka no tame no biseibutsu bio technology riyo kanosei ni kansuru chosa. 2

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1996-03-01

Study was made on the feasibility of microorganism biotechnology for effective use of environmental pollutants and unused resources. Microorganisms and microorganism enzymes for decomposing lignocellulose were viewed, and uses of hydrolysis products were summarized. Production of microorganisms applicable to fodder, composting, and production of energy sources (methane, hydrogen, ethanol) were studied. Use of vegetable fiber residues such as beer lees as fungus cultivation medium and conversion to valuable substances were also studied. Microorganisms treatment (MT) of wastes in fats and oils industry was summarized. Effective use of MT of protein waste from marine products was studied. MT of manures with the greatest impact on environment as livestock waste was summarized. The necessity of separate collection of domestic wastes, and composting and methane fermentation of kitchen garbage were reported. The feasibility of MT of plastic wastes, and decomposition of halogenated methane with high toxicity were also studied. (NEDO)

Fiscal 1997 report on the survey of biological CO2 fixation using arid land and oligotrophic waters; 1997 nendo chosa hokokusho (kansochi, hin`eiyo kaiiki wo riyoshita seibutsuteki CO2 kotei ni kansuru chosa)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1998-03-01

This survey is aimed to investigate various measures to be taken for biological CO2 fixation, to synthetically study feasibilities of the measures from various aspects of CO2 fixation mechanism, scale, speed, and environmental effects and technical problems in case of introducing those, and to assess the measures quantitatively. In this fiscal year, a study was proceeded with of possibilities of carbon fixation by afforestation and that by fertilization into ocean. The paper defined significance of afforestation in arid land, and especially advantages in conducting researches in West Australia. Relationships were examined among afforestation, precipitation and topography. The result of the survey was described of water- and salt-transfer simulation methods. Studies of arid land were made in terms of photosynthetic speed, transpiration speed, soil characteristics, measuring methods for precipitation and vaporization amount, and the examples. Seven places of Leonora where water source and water quality were examined were selected, and the measuring results were described. The paper summed up the state of utilization of biomass energy obtained from forest and commented on a scenario on tree-planting. Finally, a possibility was stated of the carbon fixation by fermentation into ocean. 178 refs., 121 figs., 53 tabs.

FY1995 comprehensive assessments of measures mitigating heat island phenomena in urban areas; 1995 nendo heat shinku wo riyoshita daikibo reibo system no kaihatsu (daitoshi ni okeru kaki koonka taisaku gijutsu no hyoka shuho)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1997-03-01

The urban heat-island phenomenon is one of the man-made changes of local climate. The objectives of this research are to develop a heat-island model to cover the building scale to mesoscale and to assess the countermeasures to heat- island effects. The analysis of Tokyo by remote-sensing, field observation and estimates of anthropogenically exhausted heat using energy consumption data were conducted. And, techniques to assess the most effective countermeasure against the urban warming were developed. (NEDO)

Survey report of FY 1997 on the trends of novel CO2 fixation technology using bacteria and microalgae; 1997 nendo chosa hokokusho (saikin sorui wo riyoshita atarashii nisanka tanso kotei gijutsu no doko chosa)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1998-03-01

For this survey, the latest technology trends relating to microbial functions are summarized to recover and effectively utilize CO2, typical greenhouse effect gas, using microbial functions. Systematic survey and analysis are conducted concerning the microorganisms useful for fixing CO2, CO2 uptake mechanism during the microbial reactions, utilization methods of solar light and useful energy sources except solar light, highly efficient production of useful materials, and usage of produced useful materials. Research has concentrated on use of biological activities for this purpose through design of bioreactors using microorganisms (bacteria and microalgae) for efficient CO2 fixation. For the process to have net CO2 fixation as assessed by its life cycle and to make the process economically feasible, it is essential not only to fix CO2 merely in the form of biomass but in addition to convert it to useful materials by the catalytic activities of the organisms. Three categories were set for the survey, i.e., microorganisms with CO2 fixation ability, available energy for CO2 fixation, and target CO2 fixation products. 169 refs., 49 figs., 14 tabs.

Feasibility study for international collaboration on photovoltaic power generation and long-distance energy transmission technologies utilizing desert areas environment; Sabaku chiiki wo riyoshita taiyoko hatsuden chokyori yuso gijutsu ni kakawaru kokusai kyoryoku kanosei chosa

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1997-03-01

A workshop was held at Tokyo in March, 1997 on the research and development and feasibility study for international collaboration on photovoltaic (PV) power generation and long-distance energy transmission technologies utilizing desert areas environment. Two speakers from the USA, one from Italy, and two from China were invited, and four speakers in Japan presented papers. A total of 48 persons participated. In the technical sessions, `World energy demand and PV system potential` by Prof. Kurokawa, `Long distance transmission of PV power` by Mr. A. Invenizzi, `Case studies of large scale PV systems distributed throughout desert areas of the world` by Mr. Hirasawa, `Linking renewable energy resources around the world` by Mr. P. Meisen, `Properties of large scale PV plant in the USA` by Mr. J. Benner, `Future prospect of PV electrification in China` by Mr. Kong Li, `Application of large-scale PV systems in deserts in China` by Mr. Isomura, and `Effects of large-scale PV power plant in a climatic desert areas` by Prof. Ihara were presented. 38 refs., 62 figs., 29 tabs.

FY 1995 result report. Research/development on the creation of high-grade combustion technology using a microgravity environment; 1995 nendo seika hokokusho. Bisho juryoku kankyo wo riyoshita kodo nensho gijutsu soshutsu ni kansuru kenkyu kaihatsu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1996-03-01

This report summarized the results of the research survey carried out by Japan Space Utilization Promotion Center (JSUP) under the contract with NEDO's industrial technology research and development department. This research survey is aimed at creating high-grade combustion technology which can respond to the decrease in environmental pollutant in combustion exhaust gas from viewpoints of energy diversification and global environmental preservation in consideration of the stabilized energy supply. Established inside JSUP is a research/development committee on high-grade combustion technology which is organized by men of learning and experience from universities, national institutes, private companies, etc. Following FY 1994, the following were continuously conducted: (1) joint research with NASA as an international research cooperation; (2) test using microgravity test facilities and analysis/evaluation of the test data. The experiment was conducted using facilities, etc. of the underground gravity-free test center established as a part of the national research base arrangement project. A lot of experimental data were obtained and stored which are useful for elucidation of the combustion mechanism and the development of ground combustor. (NEDO)

Report on the FY 1999 international research cooperation project. Development of polymer materials from renewable resources using biocatalyst; 1999 nendo seitai shokubai wo riyoshita saisei kano shigen kara no kobunshi sozai no kaihatsu seika hokokusho

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2000-03-01

The R and D were conducted of saccharide polymer using biocatalyst and polylactic acid using biocatalyst. In the R and D of technology to synthesize polymerizing saccharide ester, the use of ALP901 led to success in acquiring hydrophobic polymerizing saccharide ester and saccharide ester with phenol residue. A study was also made of technology to synthesize polymerizing divinyl ester. In the study of the optimization of enzyme reaction conditions, the optimum temperature of ester exchange was 50 degrees C, and also under much higher temperature, 100 degrees C, the enzyme reaction was found to proceed with. In the study of the synthesis of polylactic acid, it was impossible to obtain polymer in the case of using ester lactate. However, in the case of using lactic acid, polymer was acquired at the numerical average molecular weight of approximately 1,200. In the study of the optimization of enzyme reaction conditions, polymer with high molecular weight was acquired at the enzyme amount of 5-10%. It was found out that the conversion rate exceeds 98% in the case of doing the reaction for more than 3 days at the enzyme amount of 5-10%. (NEDO)

FY 1996 result report. Research/development on the creation of high-grade combustion technology using a microgravity environment; 1996 nendo seika hokokusho. Bisho juryoku kankyo wo riyoshita kodo nensho gijutsu soshutsu ni kansuru kenkyu kaihatsu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1997-03-01

With the aim of creating high-grade combustion technology which can respond to the decrease in environmental pollutant in combustion exhaust gas, the high-grade combustion technology research development committee was established inside JSUP (Japan Space Utilization Promotion Center), using the underground gravity-free test center. Following FY 1995, the following were conducted: (1) international joint research with NASA, and (2) tests using microgravity test facilities, etc. and analysis/evaluation of the test data. As to the international joint research, a lot of new information was obtained through the adjustment conference with NASA. Further, there were a lot of results obtained from joint tests and researches. Moreover, the leading experimental device and measuring device which are usable in the microgravity field were developed/prepared. Conducted were combustion/evaporation evaluation experiments on fuel droplet and groups of droplet, combustion characteristics elucidation evaluation experiments on high-density fuels, evaluation experiment on flammability limits, and elucidation evaluation experiments on emission mechanism of NOx, etc. Through those, abundant experimental data were able to be accumulated, and a lot of precious knowledge/information were obtained. Besides, the fabrication of high-class combustor test equipment for ground demonstration was started. (NEDO)

Fiscal 1993-1998 integrated research report. R and D on advanced combustion technology under microgravity environment; 1993 - 1998 nendo sogo seika hokokusho. Bisho juryoku kankyo wo riyoshita kodo nensho gijutsu soshutsu ni kansuru kenkyu kaihatsu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1999-03-01

For developing advanced combustion technology by using JAMIC's facility, the advanced combustion technology research committee supported by researchers of universities, national institutes and industries was prepared in JSUP, and R and D using a microgravity experiment facility and the international joint research with NASA were carried out. By using the advanced experimental equipment and measuring instrument developed for microgravity experiments, studies were made on combustion and evaporation of fuel droplets, combustion characteristics of dense fuel, flammability limit and NO{sub x} generation mechanism, and such precious results were obtained as storage of abundant experimental data, explication of a combustion mechanism, preparation of a database and find of new phenomena. In the ground verification experiment using the newly fabricated advanced combustor test equipment, various data effective for developing high-efficiency low-pollution combustors were obtained. Through the joint research with NASA including 5 themes, various results and the real relationship between the researchers were also obtained. (NEDO)

ECOLO-HOUSE in the snowy town. Study of the ventilating function what the heat collecting system of the air duct utilizing attic has; Yukiguni ECOLO-HOUSE. Kison kaoku no yaneura wo riyoshita duct shunetsu system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Umemiya, H; Hirosawa, K [Yamagata University, Yamagata (Japan)

1996-10-27

Described in this paper is an air duct heat collecting system, forming a link in the chain of natural energy utilization, in an attic of a house actually in presence. When a sirocco fan (blowing air from an indoor induction duct into the room) at the base of the highblocked floor is turned, air is sucked through an air intake under the eaves into a heat collecting duct (constructed utilizing the tilt roof and rafter). Heat from the roof warmed by sunshine is absorbed by air in the heat collecting duct and is fed to the highblocked floor structure through a heat collecting room and the induction duct. This system functions quite effectively as a ventilating device. Dew condensation on the walls and floor and musty smell have been eliminated. This system is good enough as a heater even on chilly days in early spring when there is sunshine. In the time zone with the sun shining, the system collects 4{times}10{sup 4}kJ per day, exhibiting a heat collecting efficiency of 4%. The heat collecting duct was analyzed for thermal environment, and the heat flux of the collected heat was determined as Qk(W/m{sup 2}=0.1{times}I-1.3{Theta}d-{Theta}a). In this equation, I is the quantity of insolation (W/m{sup 2}), {Theta}d is the temperature in the heat collecting duct, and {Theta}a is the free air temperature. 2 refs., 8 figs.

Survey report for fiscal 1998. Survey of trends of new CO{sub 2} fixation technology using bacteria and algae (II); 1998 nendo chosa hokokusho. Saikin sorui wo riyoshita atarashii nisanka tanso kotei gijutsu no doko chosa

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1999-03-01

The trend of technology is surveyed from a standpoint that, in the process of CO2 fixation using microbes for the production of useful substances, it is essential, in view of income/outgo balance and economy, to utilize their catalytic function. The survey centers about the feasibility of the utilization of organic wastes, cellulose wastes in particular, as an energy source. Special attention is paid to the energy of artificial light and laser beams. From a point of view that it is important to suppress cell multiplication and to effectively utilize only catalytic activity for the production of useful substances, the cell division mechanism of the Corynebacterium is analyzed, and the findings are compiled to facilitate the study as to whether the division may be controlled. A report is also prepared on the metabolic mechanism of a photosynthesizing bacterium that is judged to be the most promising species. Reference is made to aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Shown are the organic compounds that are formed by CO2 gas fixation thanks to microbial or enzymatic reactions. To emphasize their importance as an energy source and to explain the conversion of biomass into useful substances, the technology and economy of conversion into fuel compounds are surveyed. The production of ethanol out of organic wastes is evaluated in the way of LCA (life cycle assessment). (NEDO)

Fiscal 1999 international cooperation project report. R and D on convection control technology of glass melts by microgravity experiment; 1999 nendo bisho juryoku kankyo wo riyoshita glass yuekinai tairyu seigyo gijutsu no kenkyu kaihatsu seika hokokusho

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2000-03-01

This R and D aims at development of convection simulation technology of glass melts based on measurement of accurate glass melt properties, and development of convection control technology of glass melts through the model experiment and small tank furnace experiment. Experiment was made on measurement of surface tension while levitating glass melts under the microgravity condition obtained by the drop tower of Japan Microgravity Center in Hokkaido. The shape of glass melt changes into a real sphere under the microgravity condition, and surface tension can be obtained by measuring its frequency, however, such frequency of glass could not be measured in this experiment. Levitation, fusion and oscillation experiment of glass was carried out by using an aero-acoustic levitator of CRT at Chicago. The experiment result is now in analysis. This study also aims the analysis in consideration of a surface tension flow effect. The calculation result showed generation of surface tension flow due to temperature gradient on a liquid surface. Various information were obtained through the model experiment using silicon oil, and glass convention observation by using a small tank furnace. (NEDO)

Report on a survey in fiscal 1999. Survey on trends in new carbon dioxide fixation technologies utilizing bacteria and algae. (3); 1999 nendo saikin sorui wo riyoshita atarashii nisanka tanso kotei gijutsu no doko chosa. 3

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2000-03-01

In order to achieve collection and effective utilization of CO2 as the representative greenhouse effect gas, through use of microorganism functions, a survey was performed on problems when the CO2 fixation system is applied to factories, based on the results of surveys in fiscals 1997 and 1998 and the supplementary surveys therein. Discussions were given on feasibility and effect of introducing the in situ CO2 fixation systems. With regard to the current status and problems in technologies to fix and utilize effectively CO2 by use of photosynthetic bacteria and micro algae by means of solar beam, the paper summarizes the 'searches and breeding of bacteria and algae' and the 'research and development of a high-density and large-quantity cultivation system such as for CO2 fixation and useful substance production'. The paper also describes problems in the CO2 fixation technologies utilizing bacteria and algae. With regard to the CO2 fixation technologies utilizing bacteria and algae, the paper summarized the contents of the survey on CO2 fixation by using photosynthetic bacteria, clostridium bacteria, and coryne bacteria. Surveys were performed inside and outside the country on kinds and existence quantities of unutilized organic wastes in which microorganisms that fix CO2 can be utilized. The CO2 fixation systems can be considered of their possibilities of being introduced into foodstuff factories where organic waste water with high concentration can be obtained. (NEDO)

Research and development achievement report for fiscal 1994 concerning the creation of advanced combustion technologies utilizing the microgravity environment; 1994 nendo bisho juryoku kankyo wo riyoshita kodo nensho gijutsu soshutsu ni kansuru kenkyu kaihatsu seika hokokusho

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1995-03-01

The development committee concluded an agreement about on-site researches with NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) for an international joint study, and the joint study was started at the underground microgravity center. Experiments were conducted at microgravity experimenting facilities and the data obtained were subjected to analysis and evaluation, which eventually contributed to the accumulation of useful data. In this fiscal year, microgravity experimenting facilities were utilized for experiments and tests for (1) the evaluation of the combustion and vaporization of fuel droplets and fuel droplet arrays, (2) analysis and evaluation of high-density fuel combustion characteristics, (3) evaluation of flammability limits, and (4) elucidation of the mechanism of the generation of NOx and the like. A total of 112 drop tests were conducted, and the acquired data were subjected to analysis and evaluation for the elucidation of the combustion mechanism, and findings were collected as mentioned below. Learned were the combustion behavior of fuel droplets such as ignition and flame propagation under item (1), combustion behavior such as ignition and combustion of high-density fuel under item (2), combustion behavior and combustion limits of premixed fuel under (3), and measurement of distribution of combustion products such as OH in the droplet fuel flaming zone under item (4). (NEDO)

Report on a survey in fiscal 1999. Survey on trends in new carbon dioxide fixation technologies utilizing bacteria and algae. (3); 1999 nendo saikin sorui wo riyoshita atarashii nisanka tanso kotei gijutsu no doko chosa. 3

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2000-03-01

In order to achieve collection and effective utilization of CO2 as the representative greenhouse effect gas, through use of microorganism functions, a survey was performed on problems when the CO2 fixation system is applied to factories, based on the results of surveys in fiscals 1997 and 1998 and the supplementary surveys therein. Discussions were given on feasibility and effect of introducing the in situ CO2 fixation systems. With regard to the current status and problems in technologies to fix and utilize effectively CO2 by use of photosynthetic bacteria and micro algae by means of solar beam, the paper summarizes the 'searches and breeding of bacteria and algae' and the 'research and development of a high-density and large-quantity cultivation system such as for CO2 fixation and useful substance production'. The paper also describes problems in the CO2 fixation technologies utilizing bacteria and algae. With regard to the CO2 fixation technologies utilizing bacteria and algae, the paper summarized the contents of the survey on CO2 fixation by using photosynthetic bacteria, clostridium bacteria, and coryne bacteria. Surveys were performed inside and outside the country on kinds and existence quantities of unutilized organic wastes in which microorganisms that fix CO2 can be utilized. The CO2 fixation systems can be considered of their possibilities of being introduced into foodstuff factories where organic waste water with high concentration can be obtained. (NEDO)

Discrimination of press fit candidate microorganism (Enterobacter cloacae, Bacillus licheniformis) by restriction fragment length polymorphic analysis of the 16SrRNA gene; 16S rRNA idenshi no sengen danpen kchotakei kaiseki niyoru atsunyukoho biseibutsu (Enterobacter cloacae, Bacillus licheni-formis) no shikibetsu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fujiwara, Kazuhiro; Tanaka, Shinji; Otsuka, Makiko; Ichimura, Naoya; Yonebayashi, Eiji; Enomoto, Heiji

1999-09-01

In MeOH viewed as one of the improvement method for recovery of the petroleum with hope, the development of discrimination technique of press fit candidate microorganism and oil reservoir resident microorganism which exists in the test object oil reservoir was tried in order to monitor the survival situation of the microorganism which inserted in the oil reservoir under pressure. 16S rRNA amplified by the PCR using the universal primer The microorganism that it cut off the gene at restriction enzyme HhaI,MspI, AluI and inhabits oil reservoir water and oil reservoir rock in the object oil reservoir by ( necessarily TaqI ) and restriction fragment length polymorphic analysis was classified. As the result, the effectiveness of the this PCR-RFLP method was indicated the microorganism which showed RFLP pattern which is identical with the press fit candidate microorganism in the oil reservoir resident microorganism for the discrimination of the press fit candidate microorganism without existing. And, it was indicated that the this PCR-RFLP method was effective for the investigation of oil reservoir resident microbial community which can positively utilize source of nutrition inserted to oil reservoir with the press fit candidate microorganism under pressure, and it was possible to grasp oil reservoir resident microorganism to be especially considered in MEOR. (translated by NEDO)

Achievement report for fiscal 1999. Research and development of high-performance magnetic materials creation technology making use of microgravitational environment; 1999 nendo bisho juryoku kankyo wo riyoshita koseino jisei zairyo sosei gijutsu no kenkyu kaihatsu seika hokokusho

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2000-03-01

Efforts are made to develop the above-named technology so as to improve on performance of magnetic materials for magnets extensively used in electric motors to consequently influence their energy conversion efficiency. For this purpose, probes are conducted into novel alloy phases, intermetallic compounds, and microstructure in a containerless coagulation process in which a molten body of a magnetic metal material in free-fall is allowed to cool rapidly, and a system is developed to enable a series of processes of heating and melting in preparation for containerless coagulation, specimen formation, and then coagulation in a microgravitational environment. The system is used for the study of novel materials for magnetic alloys and process technology. For the utilization of containerless coagulation in a microgravitational environment, it is necessary to make full use of the JAMIC (Japan Microgravity Center) facilities, and an experimenting apparatuses are fabricated for a containerless coagulation process and unidirectional coagulation process applicable to a free-fall test. In this fiscal year, some significance involving for example structural uniformity are found among the specimens created using containerless coagulation in a microgravitational environment, and it is inferred that the data as an index of higher performance will lead to studies in the next fiscal year and afterward. (NEDO)

Report on a survey in fiscal 1999. Part 3. Survey on biological CO2 fixation utilizing arid regions and oligotrophic sea areas; 1999 nendo kansochi, hin'eiyokaiiki wo riyoshita seibutsuteki CO{sub 2} kotei ni kansuru chosa. 3

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2000-03-01

With objectives to elucidate whether CO2 fixation quantity can be increased by utilizing the features of ecological systems, and know what degree the increasing possibility is at, surveys were performed on (1) the 'possibility of carbon fixation by means of afforestation in arid regions', and (2) the possibility of carbon fixation by applying fertilizers into oceans'. With respect to the (1) afforestation in arid regions, surveys were performed mainly in the West Australian Province to elucidate the current status of carbon fixation quantity, its possibility for increase, water balance, importance of soil structures, and effects of salts (including nutritious salt) on vegetation. Regarding the (2) fertilizer application into oceans, elucidation was made on circulation of organic matters in oceans, effects of applying ferrous fertilizers on the carbon fixation, and the importance of supplying inorganic nitrogen during the fertilizer application. The material cost for scattering irons at this time was calculated as two dollars per ton of carbon fixation quantity. Surveys were also carried out on processes of decomposition of particulate organic matters, and the change in the C/N ratio during the processes. Proposals were presented on preparing the platform that can calculate the carbon fixation quantity when water, soil, nutritious salt, afforestation, and climate are changed, and on preparing the scenario that can increase the carbon fixation quantity in the order of 1Gt-C/y. (NEDO)

Actual situation investigation utilizing a crude oil tanker for the air pollution in the Persion Gulf due to Kuwaiti oil field fire. Gen'yu tanker wo riyoshita Kuwait yusei kasai ni yoru Perushawan no taiki osen no jittai chosa

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tanaka, S. (Keio University, Tokyo (Japan). Faculty of Science and Technology)

1992-01-10

Very serious air pollution was brought about by the fire in oil fields at the end of February, 1991 after the Middle East Gulf War had come to an end. The present report explained the investigation result of actual air pollution situation obtained through measurement by implements mounted on board of the Japan Violet, crude oil tanker which made navigation in the Persian Gulf from 17 to 29 August, 1991. Non-marine salinity sulfate and nitrate in the dust particulates which are representative substances for the air pollution were 10.5 and 3.7[mu]g/m[sup 3], respectively in mean atmospheric content. Such a content level was nearly equal to that in the air-polluted land area and very high for the offshore air. It is judged to be resultant from the particulate formation of non-marine salinity salt from SO2 and NOx which were abundantly emitted, dispersed in the Persian Gulf and oxidized. However as a result of the neutralization by Ca contained in high content sanddust in the atmosphere of the Persian Golf, the acidity of sanddust was not so high. 7 refs., 8 figs., 1 tab.

ECOLO-HOUSE in the heavy snow-fall region. Study of the ventilating function that the heat collecting system of the air duct utilizing attic has; Yukiguni ECOLO-HOUSE. Kison kaoku no yaneura wo riyoshita duct shunetsu system kanki kino hyoka

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Umemiya, H; Hirosawa, K [Yamagata University, Yamagata (Japan)

1997-11-25

This paper reports a duct heat collecting system installed in the ECOLO-HOUSE for snow countries. This system is an air heat collecting system of the outside air introducing type utilizing as a solar heat collector the single pitch roof often seen in snow countries. Outside air is introduced from below eaves into a heat collecting duct made by nailing plywoods onto rafters from the attic side to collect heat on the roof. Operating a sirocco fan connected to the induction duct located on the high-floor foundation sucks outside air from an air intake opening under the eaves into the heat collecting duct. Air which has absorbed heat on the roof and been warmed in the heat collecting duct by insolation goes into a heat collecting chamber. The air is sent into the high-floor foundation through the induction duct laid from the heat collecting chamber. Air is exchanged 8.7 times by the fan when it is operated all day continuously. Condensation in the fuel chamber floor and walls during the rainy season has disappeared, and so has odor at the same time. As a result of the humidity measurement, a location into which warm air is sent has difference in humidity as great as 15% from a location where no warm air is sent. 2 refs., 6 figs., 2 tabs.

Fiscal 1997 report on the results of the R and D on the invention of high-level combustion technology using the microgravity environment; 1997 nendo seika hokokusho (bisho juryoku kankyo wo riyoshita kodo nensho gijutsu soshutsu ni kansuru kenkyu kaihatsu) seika hokokusho

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1998-03-01

For the purpose of achieving both the diversification of energy resources and the reduction in environmental pollutants in fuel exhaust gases, the paper conducted elucidation of combustion phenomena using microgravity facilities and research on combustors which make high-level combustion possible. In the experimental study using microgravity experimental facilities, conducted were evaluation experiments on combustion/evaporation of fuel droplets and droplet groups, elucidation/evaluation experiments of combustion characteristics of high-density fuels, evaluation experiments of flammability limit, and elucidation/evaluation experiments of emission mechanisms of NOx, etc. Analysis/evaluation of the data obtained and elucidation of the combustion mechanism were conducted. Further, by applying the results of the microgravity experiment, the high-level combustor experimental facilities were fabricated, and validation tests were started. In the international joint research with US`s NASA, the following were conducted using JAMIC`s facilities and NASA`s 2.2 second drop tower: study of mutual interference of droplet series combustion, study of binary system fuel droplet series combustion, study of combustion characteristics of solid fuels, study of behavior of flames around the lean flammable limit, etc. 151 refs., 253 figs., 7 tabs.

Achievement report for fiscal 1998. Research and development of new technologies for storing farm products utilizing low-temperature energy (2nd fiscal year); 1998 nendo seika hokokusho. Teion energy wo riyoshita nosanbutsu no shinki chozo gijutsu no kenkyu kaihatsu (dai 2 nendo)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1999-03-01

The aim of the work was to create new industrial technologies utilizing low-temperature energy satisfying local needs through developing new technologies, including air conditioning technologies high in reliability and excellent in energy efficiency. The objectives of the effort were to elucidate the behavior of moisture in the atmosphere below the freezing point and to develop farm product preserving technologies, to develop highly efficient energy conversion technologies for use in the low-temperature zone, latent heat storing cold heat technologies, and system evaluation. Constructed in connection with the last-said system evaluation were three technologies, which were a below-zero high-humidity air conditioning technology based on the outcome of agricultural verification of farm product storage, energy-efficient low-temperature storage of farm products which was a combination of a low-temperature oriented energy-efficient energy conversion technology and a clathrate hydrate-aided cold heat storing technology, and a technology applicable to business in the low-temperature processing field accessorial to the said technologies. They were compared with the conventional technologies, and then it was found that the most energy-efficient system, as endorsed by a 40-50% reduction it caused in electricity rate, was a combination of a low-temperature storage, frozen food storage, hydrate cold heat storage tank, recovery facility for farm waste incineration-produced waste heat, and a pulse tube freezer. (NEDO)

Study of special spacer with damping device for suppressing wake galloping in tandem cables of cable-stayed bridges and its application to full scale bridge; Nendanseitai wo riyoshita heiretsu cable yo gensui kinotsuki spacer to sono jikkyo cable eno tekiyo ni kansuru kenkyu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yoneda, M.; Setouchi, H.; Yoshioka, A. [Kawada Industries Inc., Tokyo (Japan); Shimoda, I.; Kawahara, S. [Oiles Corp., Tokyo (Japan)

1996-12-20

Cable vibration called wake galloping occurs in a cable-stayed bridge, in which cables are arranged tandem, and suppression of the vibration is an extremely important discussion item. This paper describes a complex eigen value analysis performed on tandem cables having lengths of 200 m and 100 m. The analysis revealed that damping characteristics added by a spacer system with a damping device (a type to install a visco-elastic body at about middle of the tandem cables via a jig) depend largely on torsional rigidity of the cables; and the characteristics may vary with difference in intervals between cable centers and that in cable diameters. A visco-elastic damping material of an asphalt system and a spacer with a damping device used as a spring material were fabricated and applied to a full scale bridge to identify quantitatively the damping addition characteristics of this system. Furthermore, the results of tests on the full scale bridge were compared with the result of the complex eigen value analysis, from which findings useful for actual works were obtained. 18 refs., 17 figs., 6 tabs.

Fiscal 2000 report of investigation. Research study on reduction of carbon dioxide discharge by increase in octane number in gasoline through use of biomass; 2000 nendo biomass wo riyoshita gasoline no octane ka kojo ni yoru nisanka tanso haishutsu sakugen ni kansuru chosa kenkyu hokokusho

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2001-03-01

An investigative research was conducted on the means of reducing fuel consumption of motor vehicles and reducing greenhouse effect gases, by making octane boosters for gasoline through the use of alcohol derived from biomass feedstock. As a result of the investigation, the following proposals were made. In present gasoline-fueled motor vehicles, an increase in the octane number by 5 will allow a higher compression by 1, thereby reducing fuel consumption by 2.5% during running. The suitable octane boosters are MTBE (methyl tertiary butylether) and ETBE (ethyl tertiary butylether) both of which can be produced from either methanol or ethanol derived from biomass feedstock. Blending regular gasoline with an octane number of 90 and either MTBE or ETBE by 18% may make gasoline having an octane number of 95, leading to a reduction of carbon dioxide emission by 4.8% and 6.8% respectively. The amount of alcohol needed for these octane boosters is 2.2 megatons of methanol per year for MTBE production and 2.7 megatons of ethanol per year for ETBE; this requires 12 plants nationwide for producing the octane boosters at 0.5 megatons per year; and, in view of the cost of transportation, alcohol producing plants are desirably located near the octane booster producing plants. (NEDO)

Report on the survey in fiscal 1998. 2. Investigation in fiscal 1998 on biological fixation process of CO{sub 2} utilizing arid areas and oligotrophic sea areas; 1998 nendo kansochi, hin'eiyo kaiiki wo riyoshita seibutsuteki CO{sub 2} kotei ni kansuru chosa. 2

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1999-03-01

An investigation was carried out subsequent to fiscal 1997 on biological CO2 fixation process. Western Australia was investigated for afforestation in an arid area. Eighty-eight percent of the total amount of ground surface biomass is found on trees having a height of 4 m or higher. Plants in Sturt Meadows were classified into 16 kinds, and biomass amount in each kind was estimated. Water management was discussed as a possibility of applying the element technologies in arid area afforestation. Different technical proposals on desert planting were also discussed. With regard to oceans, problems and effects are described on fertilization by sprinkling wide area of ocean with nutrient salts for CO2 fixation by means of the ecosystem. Nutrient salt addition is effective in increasing production of organic matters, but what is important is the understanding about food network balance and elementary process of the ecosystem. Composition of organic matters migrating into greater depths is one of the important parameters. A proposal was made on a system evaluation project including fertilizer application by means of closed system experiments for promotion of CO2 fixation and utilization of the produced organic matters in multiple aspects. The project includes balancing experiments on marine ecosystems including coral reefs. Modeling is also important (NEDO)

Research report for fiscal 1998. Research of feasibility of international cooperation over technologies of photovoltaic power generation in deserts and long-range transportation of generated power; 1998 nendo chosa hokokusho. Sabaku chiiki wo riyoshita taiyoko hatsuden chokyori yuso gijutsu ni kakawaru kokusai kyoryoku kanosei chosa

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1999-03-01

Studies were conducted about the construction of systems for the above. A working group on international cooperation feasibility was established inviting several scientists and specialists, and a VLS-PV (very large-scale photovoltaic) system feasibility study plan was drafted which was to construct a framework in which international cooperation would be carried out. At preliminary meetings etc., participated in by members of the Task VI workshop and of several IEA (International Energy Agency) member states, opinions were heard on the Japanese plan, which was also improved there. An agreement was reached between CTI and IEA/PVPS that a preliminary feasibility study be conducted for one year under IEA/PVPS Task VI, and, in compliance with this agreement, a 2nd specialists' meeting was held at Milan, Italy, and then a 3rd at Kyoto, Japan. The fruit was 'A Preliminary Analysis for the VLS-PV Survey' completed through the cooperation of the participating countries. (NEDO)

Report on the survey in fiscal 1998. 2. Investigation in fiscal 1998 on biological fixation process of CO{sub 2} utilizing arid areas and oligotrophic sea areas; 1998 nendo kansochi, hin'eiyo kaiiki wo riyoshita seibutsuteki CO{sub 2} kotei ni kansuru chosa. 2

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1999-03-01

An investigation was carried out subsequent to fiscal 1997 on biological CO2 fixation process. Western Australia was investigated for afforestation in an arid area. Eighty-eight percent of the total amount of ground surface biomass is found on trees having a height of 4 m or higher. Plants in Sturt Meadows were classified into 16 kinds, and biomass amount in each kind was estimated. Water management was discussed as a possibility of applying the element technologies in arid area afforestation. Different technical proposals on desert planting were also discussed. With regard to oceans, problems and effects are described on fertilization by sprinkling wide area of ocean with nutrient salts for CO2 fixation by means of the ecosystem. Nutrient salt addition is effective in increasing production of organic matters, but what is important is the understanding about food network balance and elementary process of the ecosystem. Composition of organic matters migrating into greater depths is one of the important parameters. A proposal was made on a system evaluation project including fertilizer application by means of closed system experiments for promotion of CO2 fixation and utilization of the produced organic matters in multiple aspects. The project includes balancing experiments on marine ecosystems including coral reefs. Modeling is also important (NEDO)

Quantitative evaluation of ground improvement by chemical grouting using electrical resistivity. Part 3. Applicability of evaluation of improved region by resistivity tomography; Denki hiteiko ni yoru yakueki chunyu kairyo koka no teiryoteki hyoka hoho. 3. Hiteiko tomography wo riyoshita jiban kairyo han`i hyoka hoho no tekiyosei

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Komine, H. [Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, Tokyo (Japan)

1996-02-01

This paper describes a method for evaluating grouting that is a means for improving the ground for excavation for building underground structures in urban areas. This is an effort for improving reliability, and evaluates the rate of filling of the water glass base chemical liquid injected for improving the ground utilizing the fact that this liquid is higher in conductivity than the soil or ground water. An experiment was conducted using a model ground so as to define the limit of applicability of this resistivity tomography by studying electrode arrangements and difference in resistivity between the grouted liquid and ground water. It was then found that the liquid-injected region is evaluated more accurately when the measuring electrodes are installed nearer to the region, that evaluation is satisfactorily accomplished when the region spans not less than 75% of the distance between the electrodes, that higher accuracy is expected when the difference in resistivity is greater between the grouted liquid and ground water, that evaluation is satisfactorily accomplished when the resistivity of the grouted liquid is not more than 10% of that of ground water, and that any grouting liquid usable for ground improvement in civil engineering in urban areas can be applied to any other grounds except where there is influence of seawater. 31 refs., 55 figs., 8 tabs.

Current status of and problems in ice heat storage systems contributing to improving load rate. Air conditioning system utilizing ice heat storage and building frame storage (Takenaka Corporation); Fukaritsu kaizen ni kokensuru kori chikunetsu system no genjo to kadai. Kori chikunetsu to kutai chikunetsu wo riyoshita kucho system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Inoue, Y.; Yoshitake, Y. [Takenaka Corp., Osaka (Japan)

1998-02-01

Development was made on a new air conditioning system, `building frame heat storage air conditioning system`, which combines an ice heat storage system with a building frame heat storage. With the building frame heat storage system, a damper is installed on an indoor device to blow cold air from the air conditioner onto slabs on the upper floor during nighttime power generating period. Heat is stored in beams, pillars and walls, and the shell absorbs and dissipates heat during daytime. Since general office buildings consume primary energy at 22.8% for heat source and 26.9% for transportation, which is greater, a natural coolant circulation type air conditioning system was developed as an air conditioning system for the secondary side. This made the building frame heat regeneration possible for the first time. With regard to heat storage quantity and heat dissipation quantity, the quantity of heat which can be stored during nighttime (10 hours) and dissipated during air conditioning using period in daytime (10 hours) is 80% of the stored heat quantity. This system was installed in a building in Kobe City. As a result of the measurement, it was found that indoor heat load reduction rate as a result of using the building frame heat storage was 24% or more in summer and 80% or more in winter. 7 figs., 2 tabs.

Technological development for super-high efficiency solar cells. Technological development for crystalline compound solar cells (research and development of composite materials on solar cells under microgravity environment); Chokokoritsu taiyo denchi no gijutsu kaihatsu. Kessho kagobutsu taiyo denchi no gijutsu kaihatsu (bisho juryoku kankyo wo riyoshita taiyo denchiyo zairyo kaihatsu)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tatsuta, M [New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization, Tokyo (Japan)

1994-12-01

This paper reports the study results on development of composite materials for solar cells under microgravity environment in fiscal 1994. (1) On a thin film capillary method, 26 experiments of GaSb thin film crystal growth were conducted using the especially prepared high-accuracy electric furnace under microgravity. The wettability of thin film crystals was improved by refining equipment. Rhombus crystal planes and large crystal grains were observed in GaSb thin film crystals prepared under microgravity. (2) On a liquid phase method, the effect of the gravity on crystal structure and grain morphology was studied for synthesis of CdS fine grains. (3) On technological development of composite materials, the solidification experiment of Cu-In-Se melt was conducted under short time microgravity of 10{sup -4}g for 10 sec. As a result, more uniform texture and more high crystallinity were obtained under microgravity, and In in melt was concentrated by surface tension effect. It was suggested that high-quality CIS thin films will be obtained by Se doping into Cu-In composite films under microgravity environment.

Fiscal 1999 achievement report on regional consortium research and development project. Regional consortium on energy research in its 3rd year (Research and development of novel agricultural product storing technology utilizing low temperature energy); 1999 nendo teion energy wo riyoshita nosanbutsu no shinki chozo gijutsu no kenkyu kaihatsu seika hokokusho. 3

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2000-03-01

In an effort to develop the above-named technology to meet with Hokkaido's local needs, an experiment is conducted in which 2.6t of potato is preserved for 8 months in the open air at a below freezing temperature. It is then found that a system under which humidity is supplied by a 2-liquid nozzle and temperature is controlled by natural convection is better than the conventional, humidified underground pit. The reason is that the potato looses less weight when stored by the new method. In the case of a 20KW-class Stirling engine installed for power generation in a refuse incinerator flue gas duct, heat recovery efficiency on the high temperature side is increased when the engine heater is improved. Thermoelectric converters may be arranged in a cascade on the low temperature side of the Stirling engine. A pulse tube refrigerator using air as the medium is found to be equivalent to a system working on a CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) alternative. In the study of refrigerant aided cold thermal storage, a propane gas hydrate (which may be slurried) storage is found to exhibit a higher overall heat transfer coefficient than an ice thermal storage. A long-term storage system for agricultural products is constructed and then evaluated for cost performance, the system being a combination of a below-freezing high-humidity refrigerator, preliminary refrigerator, frozen finished goods storage, hydrate cold thermal storage, Stirling engine, and a pulse tube refrigerator. (NEDO)

FY 1999 achievement report on the supporting project to form energy/environmental technology verification project - International joint verification research project. Research on the waste-fueled power system using gases emitted from the sanitary landfill in Samarkand city; 1999 nendo Samarkand shi ni okeru umetate gas wo riyoshita gomi hatsuden system no kenkyu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2000-03-01

In Samarkand city, Uzbekistan, solid waste materials are treated in the sanitary landfill. However, requests were made from the Minister of Communal Services for the construction of power system as a part of the effective waste utilization and the study of the integrated waste collection system enabling the construction of a power system. There is only one waste dumping site in Samarkand city. That started to be used in the beginning of the 1970s. That was planned to be closed in 2000, but is now planned to used till 2005. Therefore, it is urgent to reduce the volume of waste. The incineration of waste is the most suitable for it. In the study of a power system by using waste effectively, it is important to efficiently recover the methane gas emitted from the waste dumping site, to study the adoption of the repowering system using the combustion gas of methane gas for increasing the generated output of waste-fueled power generation facilities, and to heighten the low power generation efficiency. This study includes the survey of the waste discharge amount/composition/heating value, collection of the data on waste collection, and sampling/analysis of gases emitted from the dumping site. The paper reported on the proposals. (NEDO)

Report on achievements in fiscal 1999 of energy and environment technology verification project formation assisting project and international joint verification and research project. Verification of discrete power generation system utilizing mini-power generation that utilizes micro gas turbine; 1999 nendo micro gas turbine riyo mini hatsuden wo riyoshita bunsangata hatsuden system no kensho seika hokokusho

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2000-03-01

This paper describes the verification test on power generation by using natural gas driven micro gas turbines (rated at 28 kW) in Thailand. The turbine presented excellent result of providing a maximum power generation output of 25 kW, having no efficiency deterioration even at the 50% output point (about 22%). Its exhaust gas emitted under the normal operation is clean. The waste heat is as low as 290 degrees C, which can be used for hot water supply, but may be difficult for steam generation. Under the severe condition for building large power plants in remote areas due to environmental issues and power transmission loss, proliferation of the discrete power generation system in the suburbs of the city of Bangkok draws expectation. This system can be more advantageous than the existing facilities if the end user gas price is 6.7 Bht/m{sup 3} or less. Discussions were given on a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) bus driven by electric power generated from the gas turbine mounted on the bus. The bus is overwhelmingly superior in the environmental aspect to diesel fueled buses. The HEV bus emits no black smoke at all, and NOx emission is as low as about 1/70. Fuel consumption is less than half (when regenerative braking is used). However, the vehicle body cost is higher by 40%. Smooth operation of the buses requires indispensably deployment of compressed natural gas service stations (to be located at 40-km interval ideally). Assistance is required also on the fund for gas line installations, and civil engineering construction technologies. (NEDO)

Fiscal 1999 achievement report on research and development project on intellectual infrastructure creation and utilization technologies. Development of efficient protein expression system (Development of efficient protein expression system utilizing protein folding mechanism of hyperthermophilic bacteria); 1999 nendo kokoritsu tanpakushitsu hatsugen system no kaihatsu seika hokokusho. Chokonetsukin no tanpakushitsu oritatami kiko wo riyoshita kokoritsu tanpakushitsu hatsugen system no kaihatsu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2000-03-01

Efforts were exerted to achieve efficient expression of proteins of hyperthermophilic bacteria, hyperthermophilic archaeabacteria in particular, using a heterogene expression system in which Escherichia coli was the host. In an effort to search for genes related to protein folding and to elucidate the mechanism of folding, chaperonin and prefoldin subunit genes, out of various factors participating in protein folding in hyperthermophilic archaeabacteria, were cloned, and expressed in Escherichia coli. As a system for analyzing protein folding reaction, an experimental system was established on a substrate comprising isopropyl malate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, glucose dehydrogenase, and a green fluorescent protein. Studies were further conducted to elucidate the mechanism of expression of enzyme genes in Escherichia coli for the establishment of a mass production method for useful enzymes. Also carried out was the research and development of an element technology evaluation system involving protein expression. (NEDO)

Report on achievements in fiscal 1998. Project of research and development of regional consortium (Development of energy saving type manufacturing process of smart material having electromagnetic wave absorbing function utilizing microwave-hydrothermal process); 1999 nendo micro ha - suinetsuho wo riyoshita denjiyha kyushu kino wo yusuru smart zairyo no sho energy gata seizo process no kaihatsu seika hokokusho. 1

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2000-03-01

The present research is aimed at developing an energy saving manufacturing process of a smart material having electromagnetic wave absorbing function in conventionally undeveloped bands as high as 30 MHz to 60 GHz. The process is composed of design, synthesis and forming of hybrid electromagnetic wave absorbing materials in which such magnetically permeable substance and conductive substance as ferrite is covered on fabrics having large dielectric loss through controlling the particle diameters and membrane thickness by using the microwave-hydrothermal process. The following researches have been performed: (1) development of smart material design and hybrid process technology, (2) evaluation on the electromagnetic wave absorbing function, (3) development of a manufacturing process for a smart forming material, and (4) development of a process for processing fabric material surface utilizing ocean resources. In Item (1), electromagnetic wave shielding function of 30 dB or higher was found provided in 200 MHz to 2 GHz bands. Calcium silicate and ferrite were manufactured by using the microwave-hydrothermal process, and calcium silicate was formed with energy being saved by using the hydrothermal curing process. In Item (2), TR17301A made by the Advanced Corporation was used to structure a system to evaluate the field in the vicinity of electric field and magnetic field. In Item (3), a ferrite forming material manufacturing process was developed. In Item (4), an attempt was carried out on forming ferrite by using reactions of nickel salt and iron salt. (NEDO)

Fiscal 1998 R and D project on global environmental industrial technology. Research result report on DNA analysis and information processing technology for photosynthesis microorganisms (Development of CO{sub 2} fixation and effective use technology by using bacteria and algae); 1998 nendo chikyu kankyo sangyo gijutsu kenkyu kaihatsu jigyo. Kogosei biseibutsu nado DNA kaiseki joho shori gijutsu no kenkyu (saikin sorui nado riyo nisanka tanso koteika yuko riyo gijutsu kaihatsu) seika hokokusho

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1999-03-01

This report summarizes the fiscal 1998 research result on DNA analysis and information processing technology for photosynthesis microorganisms. On the study on DNA analysis technology by triple-strand formation method, as the comparison study result of a READ method, stable triple- strand formation method and hairpin method, a READ method showed the highest triple-strand formation efficiency for target DNA. On the study on accurate separation technology of specific genes, establishment of protocols was promoted for solid-phase probe technology, subtract technology and leveling technology. On the study on DNA microarray analysis technology by high-efficiency hybridization method, the analysis technology of genes by hybridization method using DNA chips is under investigation. In addition, the high- efficiency analysis technology of specific DNA segments by using an affinity sensor, and the high-accuracy cloning technology for DNA with altered primary structure were also studied. (NEDO)

Achievement report for fiscal 2000 on project to develop technology related to new recycled products. Research and development of cover soil replacement process utilizing waste magazine papers for final disposal facility and soil flow-out prevention process; 2000 nendo zasshi koshi wo riyoshita saishu shobunjo muke fukudo daitai koho oyobi dojo ryushutsu boshi koho no kenkyu kaihatsu seika hokokusho (kokaiyo)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2001-03-01

Research and development has been made on a cover soil replacement process utilizing waste papers for final disposal facility and a soil flow-out prevention process. This paper summarizes the achievements in fiscal 2000. In evaluating waste paper fibers and waste paper binder films, the safety level was assumed sufficiently high if the fibers are used for the cover soil replacement process for final disposal facility. However, films may have a possibility of destruction if force is applied by such as heavy machines running on the films, hence it must be avoided. According to the on-site scattering test using unattended mixed slurry spraying machine capable of being remotely controlled, the coverage was found good, and scattering of incineration residues can be prevented completely. With regard to monitoring of hydrogen sulfide gas, a system having a hydrogen sulfide sensor and GPS mounted on a slurry spraying machine capable of remote control operation was completed, and its usefulness was verified. By using a wastes disposal facility simulating device, investigations were performed on effects on seepage water and wastes when the cover soil replacing material utilizing waste papers is used, and on changes in the properties of the cover soil replacing material. (NEDO)

Achievement report for fiscal 1998 on area consortium research and development business. Area consortium for venture business development by building base for small business (abuse double protected next generation card system based on steganography); 1998 nendo venture kigyo ikuseigata chiiki consortium kenkyu kaihatsu (chusho kigyo sozo kibangata). Steganography gijutsu wo riyoshita jisedaigata fusei shiyo taju boshi guard system no kenkyu kaihatsu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1999-03-01

A card system is developed using BPCS (Business Planning and Control System) steganography, with electronic data imbedded in the card. Under the system, the visual recognition of the user and the mechanical verification of the card are carried out simultaneously, with the card rejecting any abuse. In fiscal 1998, a system was built by way of trial, constituted of technologies of encoding, decoding, and packaging data into an IC (integrated circuit) card. A photograph of the user's face is attached to the card, the card carries an 8KB IC memory device, and the device stores data of the photograph of the user's face etc. A password has to be inputted before any data may be taken out. A customized key is required to display the imbedded personal data and, for the restoration of the key data, the personal key known only to the owner and the company key that is kept by the card managing company need to be collated with each other. Multiple checking is available for the prevention of abuse, which include the collation of face photographs, collation with display by inputting the password, and request for the customized key to confirm the presence of authority to read the imbedded personal data. (NEDO)

Report of the results of the fiscal 1997 regional consortium R and D project. Regional consortium energy field/R and D of new technology using low temperature energy for storage of agricultural products (first fiscal year); 1997 nendo chiiki consortium kenkyu kaihatsu jigyo. Chiiki consortium energy bun`ya / teion energy wo riyoshita nosanbutsu no shinki chozo gijutsu no kenkyu kaihatsu (daiichi nendo) seika hokokusho

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1998-03-01

The development was conducted of a new technology using low temperature energy in Hokkaido for storage of agricultural products. In this fiscal year, the R and D were conducted of 1) elucidation of behavior of water droplets in the air at below-freezing temperatures and technology to preserve agricultural products, 2) low temperature region high efficiency energy conversion application technology, and 3) latent heat cold storage technology. In 1), it was clarified that the electrostatic capacity system is appropriate as non-contact simple measuring device of moisture distribution in cold air. Freezing temperatures were measured of potatoes, onions and carrots produced in Hokkaido. Equipment to generate moist air at below-freezing temperatures was trially manufactured which is composed of humidifier and freezer. A relation was studied between the humidifying method and the size of particulate water droplet. In 2), an experimental device was trially fabricated of BiTe thermoelectric conversion device. An experimental device for Stirling engine power generation was assembled which was incorporated into the waste incinerator. A basic experimental device of pulse pipe refrigerator was trially fabricated. Single crystals of BiSb semiconductors were made. In 3), it was clarified that gas hydrates of CO2 and C3H8 are promising as refrigerant. 60 refs., 120 figs., 19 tabs.

FY 2000 report on the results of the regional consortium R and D project - Regional consortium energy field. Second year report. Development of the energy saving manufacturing process of smart materials having electromagnetic wave absorbing function using the microwave-hydrothermal method; 2000 nendo chiiki consortium kenkyu kaihatsu jigyo - chiiki contortium energy bun'ya. Micro ha - suinetsuho wo riyoshita denjiha kyushu kino wo yusuru smart zairyo no sho energy gata seizo process no kaihatsu (dai 2 nendo) seika hokokusho

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2001-03-01

The development was proceeded with of electromagnetic wave absorbing materials (board) which dispersed carbon fiber as conducting material and ferrite as magnetic material to matrices such as resin and cement. With the multi-layer structure as a basis, the material has wave absorbing ability in the area of 300MHz-60GHz band. The material is presumed to be applied to wall construction use materials and bodies of electronic equipment since it prevents the radio wave reflection caused by structures such as bridges. Ferrite was synthesized by microwave-hydrothermal method (500kPa, 2.54GHz). Further, carbon fiber was covered with ferrite for improvement of absorption characteristics. Studies were made in the following 5 fields: 1) design of smart materials and development of hybrid process technology; 2) study on the evaluation of wave absorbing function; 3) R and D of the manufacturing process of smart forming materials; 4) development of the fiber surface processing process using ocean resource; 5) comprehensive investigational study. In 1), study was conducted on relations among electromagnetic shielding characteristics of the ferrite-covering carbon fiber, fiber length and fiber content. (NEDO)