Environmental Management Environmental Sustainability Report 2004

Contribution to Environmental Protection through Products, Technologies and Services (4)

Recyclable Energy and Development of Clean Energy Wind Power Generation system     Shinko Electric Co., Ltd. http://www.shinko-elec.co.jp/index_j.htm     Shinko Electric has developed a small wind power generation system making the best of aircraft technologies as well as cutting-edge technologies in clutches, AC generators, and controllers. In place of conventional propellers, this new wind power generator adopts a unique vertical shaft windmill made of aluminum sheet from Kobe Steel. The windmill can generate electricity in a slight breeze of 2-meters per second wind velocity irrespective of wind direction., With high generation efficiency and nearly free of wind noise, the system can be installed in residential areas., The windmill is popularly used in general households and small offices, as well as for auxiliary power supply for communication in time of disaster. The unit has found use in street lamps, ships and farms.It is also used to power isolated islands. The system is expected to actively promote the use of natural energy. Small wind power generation system Soyokaze-kun "Mr. Breeze” Ultra-High Pressure Compressor for Hydrogen Stations         Kobe Steel has developed the world’s first 1,000 bar (100 MPa) ultra-high pressure compressor for for hydrogen refueling stations that supply hydrogen gas to fuel cell vehicles. Fuel cell vehicles are driven by electric motors. The electricity is generated by the reaction of the hydrogen gas fuel and oxygen in the atmosphere. Recently in Japan, stations that supply hydrogen gas at 400 bars have begun to be constructed, and research and development is now being carried out for 1000 bar-class stations. This would enable fuel cell vehicles to be equipped with hydrogen tanks of higher pressure to increase mileage. After confirming the operation of prototype models, operational verification will continue under close-to-actual conditions. The Company intends to contribute to the fuel supply of eco-friendly advanced fuel cell vehicles. Compressor for hydrogen refueling stations