Activities New Energy Award 1999 Chairman of New Energy Foundation Prize

New Energy Award 1999

Application Category

Waste Methanol-Based Fuel Cell System
Winner
Seiko Epson Corp.

Features of Equipment, Systems and Facilities

Methanol and isopropyl alcohol discharged from the manufacturing process of precision machining industries are used as fuel for 2 units of 200kW fuel cell system.
Power generated is used for plant operation, and thermal energy is used for heating purified water in the manufacturing process and for air conditioning of the plant.
In this way, the overall efficiency is as high as 80%.

Specifications
Fuel (methanol consumption: 1,500 tons per year)
Waste methanol
Waste isopropyl alcohol (to be available soon)
Methanol (to supplement shortage)

Capacity

Electric power :	480 V - 400 kW (Energy ratio : 40 %)
Thermal power :	Steam	155 °C - 4.5 kg / cm²
		146 Mcal /h (17.0 %)
	High temperature water 85 °C
		103 Mcal / h (11.5 %)
	Medium temperature water 50 °C
		103 Mcal / h (11.5 %)

Efficiency

Electrical efficiency 40 %

Thermal efficiency 40 %

Overall energy efficiency 80 %
In comparison to the conventional power supply, the system reduces energy consumption by 337kL/year petroleum equivalent, CO₂ emission by 14.5% (- 100 tons/year), NOx emission to 1/15 and SOx emission to nearly 0.
Noise emission as low as 65 dB, requiring no measures for reducing vibration and acoustic noises.
Daily maintenance is simplified by constant monitoring.
Overhaul is required once in five years.
The effective utilization of waste methanol discharged by manufacturers of semiconductors, liquid crystal displays and precision metal components throughout Japan brings forth great ripple effects in view of environment conservation and resource utilization

New Energy Award 1999

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