Environmental Contributions in the Fields of Materials, Machinery and Engineering

Utilizing production technology, engineering technology and know-how accumulated to date from a broad range of fields, including materials, such as steel and aluminum, machinery, and engineering, the Kobe Steel Group contributes to environmental protection through environmentally friendly technologies, products and services.

Ocean Trials of Binary Cycle Power Generation System for Ships Completed, with Sales to Begin in Fiscal 2019

World's Largest Scale Power Generation from Ship's Exhaust Heat

Binary cycle power generation system before mounting

Binary cycle power generation system before
mounting

Kobe Steel, Asahi Shipping Co., Ltd. and Miura Co., Ltd. jointly developed a binary cycle power generation for ships. Ocean trials were successfully completed in December 2016, and the system acquired certification from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK). Sales are scheduled to begin in fiscal 2019.

Previously, the exhaust heat emitted by the turbochargers on marine engines was not used, but simply disposed. Our binary generation system is the first in the world to utilize this heat as a source of electricity, which can then be used as an auxiliary power source for the ship and increase the effective utilization of energy.

During ocean trials we were able to achieve our target generation of 125 kW with an engine output of 7,500 kW. This is equivalent to approximately 20-25 percent of the fuel consumed by a ship's power generators (subject to vary, depending on conditions) and is the world's largest scale of power generation from exhaust heat on a ship.

Through this system, Kobe Steel, Asahi Shipping and Miura will promote effective application of unused energy.

Unique Advantages of the Binary Cycle Power Generation System for Ships

Sales Begin for Compact, All-in-One HyAC mini-A Package for US Hydrogen Fueling Stations

The HyAC mini-A

The HyAC mini-A

In April 2017, Kobe Steel commenced sales of the HyAC mini-A, an all-in-one package for stationary hydrogen fueling stations in the U.S. The package combines a high-pressure hydrogen compressor, refrigerator, high-pressure storage tank unit and dispenser. Compared with the HyAC mini, which Kobe Steel launched for hydrogen fueling stations in Japan in 2014, the HyAC mini-A has an installation space that is 10 percent smaller and comes with a dispenser, making the package more attractive than ever.

Kobe Steel is the first Japanese manufacturer to begin sales of hydrogen compressors and related equipment for overseas hydrogen fueling stations. We are promoting sales of the package in cooperation with Kobelco Compressors America, Inc., our compressor subsidiary located in California.

Eco-View Steel Plate for Bridges Receives NETIS VR Certification as an Effective Real-World Technology

A bridge constructed with Eco-View steel plate

A bridge constructed with Eco-View steel plate

On December 6, 2016, one of Kobe Steel's steel plates for use in bridges, called Eco-View, was recognized as a VR technology under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)'s “New Technology Information System” (NETIS)—the first steel plate for bridges to be recognized as such. Eco-View requires less frequent repainting while also offering increased durability. It is already in use in approximately 40 bridges. VR status certifies that Eco-View has been used in several construction projects under direct control of the MLIT and that the MLIT has confirmed the exceptional anti-corrosion qualities of the technology firsthand.

VR certification will allow customers to more readily adopt Eco-View during their planning and construction phases. We will use this opportunity to further expand the use and promote sales of Eco-View, through proactive application technology proposals.

Operations Commence at Wood Biomass Power Plant

Ono Power Plant (a wood biomass plant)

Ono Power Plant (a wood biomass plant)

In April 2016, Fukui Green Power Co., Ltd., with an equity stake from Eco-Solutions Co., Ltd., began operation of the Ono Power Plant (a wood biomass plant) in Ono, Fukui Prefecture. Operation has continued since April without significant issue.

The plant generates electricity from 70,000 to 80,000 tons of general timber, from sources such as unutilized timber and off-cuts that are generated primarily within Fukui Prefecture, and sells this power under a Feed-in Tariff Scheme for Renewable Energy (FIT scheme). The Ono Plant has a capacity of 7,000 kW, which is equivalent to the electricity used by about 15,000 general households.

Through this project, Kobelco Eco-Solutions Co., Ltd. and Fukui Green Power Co., Ltd. are contributing to the creation of sustainable forests, stimulation of the forestry industry in Fukui Prefecture, and the promotion of a recycling-based society through effective utilization of underutilized energy sources.

Business scheme

Business scheme

Flow of Timber Supply to Power Generation

Flow of Timber Supply to Power Generation

Sales of New Models Equipped with Innovative Technology for the Metal Recycling Industry

SK260DLC-10 25-ton class magnet-equipped machine

SK260DLC-10 25-ton class magnet-equipped
machine

In September 2016, Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. began sales of 25-ton class magnet-equipped machines for the metal recycling industry. The machines are equipped with state-of-the-art eMag magnet systems, which utilize technology found in Kobelco's proprietary generator motor for the new SK200H-10 hybrid hydraulic excavator. The technlology greatly increases the magnet's adsorptive power for better work efficiency. The structure is also simpler than previous systems, which significantly improves maintenance as well.

Equipped with the eMag system, the newly released SK260DLC-10 magnet-equipped machine can perform the same amount of work with 17 percent less fuel consumption than previous machines. Sales of 30-ton class machines commenced in April 2017, and we plan to release 20-ton class machines as well in the future.

In order to create a recycling-based society that is friendly to both people and the environment, Kobelco Construction Machinery will continue to provide revolutionary solutions through innovative knowledge and technologies.

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