Hydrogen Storage Alloys - Hydrogen Storage and Release Properties

Hydrogen Storage Alloys - Hydrogen Storage and Release Properties

Hydrogen storage alloys are an important material used for energy storage and fuel cells due to their properties to absorb and release hydrogen. In recent years, they have attracted attention in the clean energy field and are widely used in automobiles, industrial equipment, and energy supply systems, among others. Below are some examples of its use in specific companies and products.

1. Toyota Motor Corporation
Toyota Motor Corporation manufactures the MIRAI fuel cell vehicle, which uses a hydrogen storage alloy, at its Motomachi Plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. The vehicle is powered by hydrogen using fuel cell technology and can travel up to 650 km on a single fill. 2020 will see cumulative sales of vehicles using this technology exceed 11,000 units, demonstrating Toyota's leadership in the realization of a hydrogen energy society.

2. Panasonic Corporation
Panasonic manufactures ENE-FARM, a household fuel cell system that uses a hydrogen storage alloy, at its plant in Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture. ENE-FARM is a system that uses hydrogen to produce electricity and heat at the same time, and has been installed in approximately 3 million households by 2021. With an annual production capacity of 500,000 units, Panasonic holds a large share of the household energy supply sector.

3. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is developing industrial fuel cells using hydrogen storage alloys at its Kobe Shipyard in Kobe, Japan. 2022 will see the installation of a large-scale industrial fuel cell system in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, which will switch the plant's energy supply to a hydrogen-based system, reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 3,500 tons annually. This technology contributes to energy efficiency and reduction of environmental impact in the heavy industry sector.

4. Honda Motor Co.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. manufactures the Honda Clarity, a fuel cell motorcycle equipped with a hydrogen storage alloy, at its Sayama Plant in Sayama, Saitama Prefecture. The bike is powered by a fuel cell and can travel approximately 200 km on a single fill. 2023 will see cumulative sales of new bikes featuring this technology reach 15,000 units, and Honda is stepping up its efforts in the field of clean mobility.

These companies are contributing to the promotion of sustainable energy use through products that utilize hydrogen storage alloys, and further technological developments are expected in the future.