HOME > Activities > Project Subjects > Optimal Energy Utilization Technology
For an environmentally friendly and affluent way of life, CRIEPI is pursuing research into energy efficiency technologies while also investigating new research issues.
We are working to develop a new, high-efficiency, compact CO2 heat-pump system that supplies hot water efficiently even in very cold regions. We are also developing computer applications to support the efficient use of energy indoors.
In addition, we are working to develop technologies for producing larger capacity SiC semiconductors and high-performance lithium secondary batteries, which are both expected to, for example, yield significant energy conservation benefits in the field of power transmission.
CO2 heat-pump water heater for residential use
With the Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc., and Denso Corporation, we developed a new type of water heater called the Eco Cute. It uses CO2 as a refrigerant with heat from the atmosphere to make hot water efficiently using electricity.
Awards for the Eco Cute
Energy savings and environmental friendliness are highly acclaimed both in Japan and overseas, and the Eco Cute has won many awards such as the Global 100 Eco-Tech Award.
The original Eco Cute, launched in May 2001
Left: Heat-pump unit (Water heating capacity: 4.5 kW, size: 81x32x67 cm) Right: Hot water storage tank (Capacity: 300 l, size: 109x45x152 cm)
Practcal design tools for household thermal environments
We have developed software for assessing the comfort level in air-conditioned rooms along with the energy consumption of the air conditioning equipment as an aid for deciding the appropriate specifications and placement of air conditioners.
Diagram of diffusion within a room
The area within the dotted line is the object of research.
Development of a numerical simulation code for projecting flow and heat transfer above a cooker
In order to improve the design of induction heating (IH) kitchen systems to achieve more comfortable indoor environments, we are working to develop highly precise numerical simulation methods that can be used to study the complex transport mechanisms of heat and air above cookers. (Right: Experimental flow visualization using smoke)
Prototype lithium secondary batteries using ionic liquid: Coin-type cell (top) and laminatetype cell (bottom)
We are carrying out research and development of safe, high-performance energy storage batteries using novel materials such as ionic liquids, and solid polymer electrolytes.
SiC epitaxial growth reactor
Using our original reactor for epitaxial growth of monocrystalline SiC films, we have developed a technology for substantially reducing crystal defects during their manufacture. In addition to pursuing further improvements in quality, we are conducting research and development of high-performance SiC semiconductor devices.
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HOME > Activities > Project Subjects > Optimal Energy Utilization Technology
