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A
zero-emission Mitsubishi FCV (fuel cell vehicle) shadowed
the leading competitors as the official race promotion
car of the 2004 Osaka International Ladies Marathon,
while other Mitsubishi cars assisted organizers in
the running of the January 25 event.
As it accompanied the leaders throughout
the race, the Mitsubishi FCV demonstrated the practical
applicability of fuel-cell technology while making
a much lower impact on competitors, spectators and
the local environment than a conventionally powered
car.
The Mitsubishi FCV, developed in an alliance
with DaimlerChrysler, received vehicle type approval
on October 31, 2003, and began an extensive on-road
test program in early January. Mitsubishi Motors will
shortly launch a new Vehicle Home Page corner on its
website that will provide real-time details of the
Mitsubishi FCV's location and operational status
throughout the on-road test program based on real-world,
in-use conditions. Fundamental data regarding performance,
environmental characteristics and safety will be collected
through fleet tests to build up Mitsubishi Motors'
FCV technology base and take the first step towards
commercialization.
A detailed description of the Mitsubishi
FCV can be found at:
www.mitsubishi-motors.com/corporate/about_us/technology/environment/e/fcv.html |
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Mitsubishi
Materials has developed a simple way to both remove
phosphate from wastewater and recycle this essential
plant nutrient as fertilizer.
A major side effect of modern
life is the reduction of fresh-water quality by excessive
phosphate concentrations. Phosphorous, a component
of fertilizers and detergents, has been identified
as a contributor to excessive algae growth, which
can damage fisheries in closed water systems, such
as lakes, enclosed bays and inland seas. To combat
this problem, Mitsubishi Materials and a partner have
developed a superior system for phosphorous removal
in water treatment plants. The advanced sewage and
wastewater dephosphorization system combines a unique
seed crystal technology developed by Mitsubishi Materials
with plant engineering technology developed by Hanshin
Engineering Co., Ltd.
The new system offers three important
advantages. First, no sludge is produced through the
removal of phosphorous. Second, the phosphorous removed
through the process can be recycled in phosphate fertilizers.
Third, it is about one-fifth the size of existing
dephosphorization systems.
The two companies have conducted successful
verification trials using a pilot system and now plan
to find partners for verification trials that will
involve secondary treatment of sewage leading to commercialization. |
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What could be better than a building
exterior that is not only attractive and functional,
but also generates its own electricity? So thought
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Sankyo Aluminium Industry
Co., Ltd., a leading integrated manufacturer of building
materials, who have jointly launched a new range of
amorphous solar cells that are built into panels and
privacy louvers used on the walls and roofs of low-
and medium-rise buildings and condominiums. Mitsubishi
Heavy Industries supplies the solar cells, and Sankyo
Aluminium Industry assembles the panels and privacy
louvers. The two companies will collaborate on marketing.
In addition to their power generation
capability, the new products feature a simple aluminum
frame design that makes them perfect for use on buildings.
The dark brown color of amorphous solar cells gives
exteriors a dignified, understated appearance that
cannot be achieved with blue crystalline solar panels.
Moreover, amorphous solar cells perform better in
high-temperature environments. Over one year, output
can be 10% higher than crystalline panels with the
same output rating. |
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Since
1999, Kirin Brewery has been planting trees around
the lakes and reservoirs from which it obtains water.
The aim of Kirin's program is to preserve these
important resources for future generations and ensure
reliable access to high-quality water.
On April 10, 2004, Kirin planted 500 saplings
over an area of about 1.2 hectares at the eastern
end of Lake Biwa, which supplies water to the Shiga
Plant. Participants included Kirin's President,
Koichiro Aramaki, Kirin Group employees and their
families and local residents.
Kirin is undertaking one project a year
at water resources near its 11 plants in Japan. Kirin
plans to accelerate the program, now in its sixth
year, and extend it to other companies in its group. |
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