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Attachment 1

Strategic International Collaborative Research Program (SICORP)
EIG CONCERT-Japan

"Efficient Energy Storage and Distribution"
Projects Selected for Funding (2017)

Title Researcher
Name・Affiliation・Position
Research Project
1 Low-cost and efficient sodium-ion battery based on abundant elements (LIBRA) Shinichi Komaba, Tokyo University of Science, Professor (Japan)

Realization of large-scale electricity storage systems needs efficient and inexpensive rechargeable batteries. Though Li-ion batteries shows superior performance, the global distribution of relevant elements such as Li and Co for Li-ion batteries is so unequal with Europe and Japan being in an inferior situation. This joint project therefore aims at exploring highly efficient and low-cost sodium-ion batteries based on abundant metal elements like Na, Fe, and Mn, and ethers as electrolyte solvents instead of conventional carbonate esters for stationary energy storage. The project includes the organization of several joint workshops and lab visits, which will significantly strengthen the links between the different groups and international partners.

Philipp Adelhelm, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Professor (Germany)
Teofilo Rojo, CIC Energigune, Scientific Director and University of the Basque Country, Professor (Spain)
2 Module-Aware Modelling and Assessment of Performance of Interconnected AC/MTDC Power Grids (MODULATOR) Yoshihiko Susuki, Osaka Prefecture University, Associate Professor (Japan)

This project plans to conduct an international collaboration between Osaka Prefecture University and two internationally-recognized institutes; SINTEF Energy Research and Fraunhofer IWES, with a long history of research on Multi-Terminal Direct Current (MTDC) transmission systems. In this project, we aim to provide industry and research community with state-of-the-art and highly scalable software tools for load flow analysis (originally invented by Germany), small and large signal stability (Norway and Japan) and optimization, stabilization (Germany) of interconnected AC/MTDC grids that will reduce risk and costs for the operators. To integrate these technologies in a scalable manner, in this project we develop a module-based modeling framework of interconnected AC/MTDC grids. Effectiveness of the modeling framework is evaluated through simulations based on a practical European power grid. The project targets innovation in the field of AC- and MTDC-power grids, efficient energy transmission and integration of offshore wind energy resources by combining experiences and scientific know-how from the three countries with power systems of varying structures, topologies and structural properties.

Salvatore D’Arco, SINTEF Energy Research, Research Scientist (Norway)
Sebastian Stock, Fraunhofer IWES, Research Scientist (Germany)
3 Novel carbon-free cathode materials for metal-air rechargeable batteries (CarFree) Kiyoharu Tadanaga, Hokkaido University, Professor (Japan)

Rechargeable Metal–air batteries have been suggested for large-scale storage of electric power. However, carbon-based air-electrodes are believed to be decomposed during charge-discharge reactions, producing poor cyclability and coulombic efficiency. The main objective of the project is to explore the feasibility of different synthesis routes to develop novel carbon-free cathode electrode materials for these batteries. These new air-electrodes are based on transition metals (oxides, carbides, nitrides, and combination of them). A key step in this project is the understanding of the basic oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction mechanisms with these new materials using kinetic Monte Carlo simulations, Density Functional Theory and Continuum modeling. Based on the understanding of materials and theoretical aspects by Japanese and European research teams, novel carbon-free electrode materials for metal-air batteries based on non-expensive materials will be developed.

Mario Aparicio, Glass and Instituto de Cerámica y Vidrio (CSIC), Scientific Researcher (Spain)
Tugrul Cetinkaya, Sakarya University, Assistant Professor (Turkey)
Alejandro A. Franco, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Professor (France)
4 Modular Megawatt-range Wireless EV Charging Infrastructure Providing Smart Grid Services (MoMeWEC) Hiroshi Fujimoto, The University of Tokyo, Associate Professor (Japan)

In spite of the increasing number of battery electric vehicles (EV) available on the market, widespread adoption has been so far hampered by the high cost and limited capacity of the battery itself. However, battery technology is rapidly improving and EVs with remarkable range are starting to appear at affordable price. Unfortunately, high capacity batteries need powerful chargers to be replenished in short time, already imposing new and emerging challenges to low voltage distribution grids. The problem is expected to become even more pronounced in urban parking areas, where many high-power batteries must be charged simultaneously, resulting in complex, bulky and expensive electrical installations. Likewise, equipping all parking slots of a large residential building with powerful charging facilities may prove impractical or even impossible due to space constraints or limitations of the local grid.
This project aims at developing innovative solutions for high-power charging stations with minimum footprint and maximum flexibility, by combining the recent advances in modular converter technology, wireless inductive charging and advanced grid connection techniques for providing smart vehicle-to-grid (V2G) or vehicle-to-home (V2H) services.

Giuseppe Guidi, SINTEF Energy Research, Research Scientist (Norway)
Antonello Monti, RWTH Aachen University, Professor (Germany)
5 Development of Advanced and Innovative metal supported Cells using proton conducting ceramics to foster Hydrogen society Implementation (DAICHI) Hiroshige Matsumoto, Kyushu University, Professor (Japan)

Rechargeable Metal–air batteries have been suggested for large-scale storage of electric power. However, carbon-based air-electrodes are believed to be decomposed during charge-discharge reactions, producing poor cyclability and coulombic efficiency. The main objective of the project is to explore the feasibility of different synthesis routes to develop novel carbon-free cathode electrode materials for these batteries. These new air-electrodes are based on transition metals (oxides, carbides, nitrides, and combination of them). A key step in this project is the understanding of the basic oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction mechanisms with these new materials using kinetic Monte Carlo simulations, Density Functional Theory and Continuum modeling. Based on the understanding of materials and theoretical aspects by Japanese and European research teams, novel carbon-free electrode materials for metal-air batteries based on non-expensive materials will be developed.

Rémi Costa, German Aerospace Center, Senior Research Scientist (Germany)
Truls Norby, Oslo University, Professor (Norway)

The underlined researcher is the Project Leader


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