Tokuyama Corporation
Toyota Motor Corporation

Shunan City, Yamaguchi/Toyota City, Aichi, Japan, June 15, 2020―Tokuyama Corporation (Tokuyama) and Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announce that they have commenced verification tests, using by-product hydrogen, of a stationary fuel cell generator (FC generator) that makes use of the fuel cell system (FC system) installed in the Mirai Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV). The FC generator has been set up within the Tokuyama Factory grounds in Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The tests are scheduled to continue until the end of March 2022.

By using components from the Mirai FC system, such as the FC stack, power control unit (PCU), and secondary battery, Toyota seeks to produce a high-performance generator at a reasonable price. Development on the FC generator was carried out jointly by Toyota and Toyota Energy Solutions, Inc.

The newly introduced FC generator is based on the FC generator with a rated output of 100 kilowatts that has undergone verification tests since September 2019 at Toyota's Honsha Plant grounds in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. The rated output has been changed to 50 kilowatts, and other enhancements have been made, such as adjusting the component layout to improve maintenance.

Exterior of FC Generator

Exterior of FC Generator

Basic Specifications of FC Generator

  • Width x Depth x Height
    2.9 x 1.5 x 2.7 m
  • Weight
    Approximately 3.5 tons
  • Main FC systems taken from the Mirai
    FC stack, PCU, secondary battery, air compressor
  • Rated output
    50 kW
  • Power generation efficiency (transmission end)
    Goal of 50 percent or more
  • Rated voltage / number of phases / frequency
    AC 210 V / three-phase three-wire / 50/60 Hz
  • Fuel cell type
    Solid polymer electrolyte
  • Hydrogen purity
    Pure hydrogen (99.97 percent)
  • Start-up time
    40 seconds (time to reach rated output)

A feature of the new tests is the use of hydrogen generated as a by-product in the manufacture of sodium hydroxide by Tokuyama, using the chloralkali process as fuel for the FC generator.

Tokuyama will be responsible for the steady supply of by-product hydrogen, and the electricity produced by the FC generator will be supplied to the Tokuyama Factory at a rated output of 50 kilowatts.

Toyota will verify and evaluate aspects including the energy efficiency―the amount of electricity generated per unit of hydrogen―the stability of the generated output, durability, ease of maintenance of the generator, and the impact of salt-air damage from the sea breezes. In addition, the tests will be used to estimate the impact on power generation from the use of by-product hydrogen, and the economics of this in comparison with purchasing from an external source.

Moving forward, Tokuyama will consider a business model, which contributes to the local community, as one of the leading Japanese comprehensive chemicals manufacturers with the capacity to supply highly pure by-product hydrogen. In order to expand use of the FC generator, Toyota will consider research and development, and business models for improving the generator's product appeal, through the expansion of the FC generator output lineup, and by enhancing its energy efficiency and durability, making it more compact, and reducing costs.

Through these tests, Tokuyama and Toyota will further advance efforts aimed at the realization of a hydrogen society.

System Structure of FC Generator

System Structure of FC Generator
System Structure of FC Generator
Beyond Zero

"Achieving zero, and adding new value beyond it"

As part of efforts to pass our beautiful "Home Planet" to the next generation, Toyota has identified and is helping to solve issues faced by individuals and overall society, which Toyota calls "Achieving Zero," hoping to help reduce the negative impacts caused by these issues to people and the environment to zero. Additionally, Toyota is also looking "Beyond Zero" to create and provide greater value by continuing to diligently seek ways to improve lives and society for the future.

About Beyond Zero
https://global.toyota/en/mobility/beyond-zero/

DOWNLOADS (IMAGES)

  • Exterior of FC Generator
    Exterior of FC Generator
  • System Structure of FC Generator
    System Structure of FC Generator
  • System Structure of FC Generator
    System Structure of FC Generator

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