KYUSHU UNIV GUIDE BOOK 2014_15_02 page 16/44

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KYUSHU UNIV GUIDE BOOK 2014_15_02

Next-Generation Fuel Cell Research Center (NEXT-FC)Selected for 2011 METI Innovation Center Establishment Assistance ProgramThe center’s goal is the full practical viability of next-generationfuel cells, including solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). SOFCs areclean, highly efficient power generators, and they havegarnered attention as a basic solution to current energyproblems and global warming. The research center is workingclosely with development companies in the private sector toovercome a variety of issues, including durability and reliabilityas well as further improving the performance of next-generationfuel cells.■ Next-Generation Fuel Cell Researchfor a Low-Carbon Society and Ultimately a Solution to Global WarmingCrown Prince of Japan, Naruhito, in dispensing hydrogen to fuel cell vehicle.Fuel cell vehicles are clean-energy vehicles that do not emit CO2 or environmental pollutants.Power system experiment using Wind Lens turbines mounted on a floating platform in Hakata Bay■ Ultra-efficient, Next-Generation CompactWind Power System in the Shape of the Wind LensResearch Institute of Applied MechanicsThe Wind Engineering Section, Division of Renewable Energy Dynamics has developedthe Wind Lens turbine as part of research into the effective use of wind energy with the aimof increasing the proportion of renewable energy in the power mix and contributing to theformation of a society run on clean energy. This wind power system offers dramatically highergeneration efficiency as well as boasting quieter operations, safety and an aesthetically pleasingappearance that fits in with the landscape. Wind Lens has therefore drawn attention as the nextgeneration of compact wind turbines.16 ｜ KYUSHU UNIVERSITY : DISCOVERY