DENSO Corporation announced it plans to launch a pilot program in July at its Hirose Plant that uses an SOEC (Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell), a DENSO-developed device that produces green hydrogen through electrolysis of high-temperature steam, to help power and increase the sustainability of its manufacturing operations. The trial will incorporate a verification test using the produced green hydrogen in a prototype power card line.
DENSO for years has pursued initiatives in the three areas of "Monozukuri (manufacturing)," "mobility products" and "energy use" to achieve carbon neutrality.
Hydrogen supply chain
DENSO engages in technology products related to producing, storing, transporting
The utilization of hydrogen energy is essential for realizing carbon neutrality as it does not emit CO2 when burned and can generate significant energy. To establish a hydrogen supply chain, DENSO engages in technology development related to producing, storing, transporting, and using hydrogen.
As part of these efforts, the Hirose Plant, positioned as a green hydrogen utilization model factory in the semiconductor manufacturing field, will conduct a verification of green hydrogen production using SOEC technology and its application in manufacturing.
Thermal management techniques
In terms of hydrogen production, DENSO will manufacture hydrogen within the factory using its SOEC.
DENSO’s SOEC is a device that efficiently produces green hydrogen through electrolysis by maintaining a consistently high temperature of around 700°C and incorporates various technologies derived from automotive components, such as thermal management techniques for controlling internal temperatures, ceramic technology for efficient electrolysis at high temperatures, and ejector technology that recycles unreacted steam within the device.
Furthermore, in terms of hydrogen use, green hydrogen produced by the SOEC will be used in the prototype production line for power cards. Specifically, in the soldering process of assembling the components of the power cards, hydrogen traditionally used as a reducing agent to remove solder oxide and improve the joinability will be replaced with green hydrogen produced by SOEC.
Power generation facilities
Initially, the SOEC will utilize externally purchased green electricity as its power source
In addition to the existing line that uses externally purchased hydrogen, a new line utilizing green hydrogen produced by the SOEC will be established. Both lines will be used simultaneously to verify the stability of production and examine the impact of green hydrogen produced by the SOEC on the quality of power cards.
Initially, the SOEC will utilize externally purchased green electricity as its power source. However, starting in 2025, DENSO plans to replace this with green electricity generated by solar power generation facilities installed within the Hirose Plant.
Development of automotive products
DENSO also aims to address the cost challenges associated with transporting hydrogen by establishing a model of local production and consumption. This involves producing green hydrogen using SOEC within the factory and consuming it internally.
Additionally, DENSO aims to integrate the expertise and technology accumulated in semiconductor manufacturing at the Hirose Plant with the knowledge gained from this verification, eventually applying it to mass production in the future. Based on the insights and achievements gained from the development of automotive products, DENSO aims to continue exploring the potential of green hydrogen in the manufacturing field and contribute to the creation of a carbon-neutral society.
