Energy Process Engineering
Academic Staff
Katsuaki TANABE
Professor (Graduate School of Engineering)
Research Topics
- Renewable energy production
- High-efficiency energy conversion/utilization
Contacts
Room 225, Bldg. A4, Katsura Campus
TEL: +81-75-383-2685
E-mail: tanabe
cheme.kyoto-u.ac.jp
Souta Miyamoto
Assistant Professor (Graduate School of Engineering)
Research Topics
- Polymer rheology
- Multi-scale simulations
Contacts
Room 221, Bldg. A4, Katsura Campus
TEL: +81-75-383-2700
E-mail: s.miyamotocheme.kyoto-u.ac.jp
Introduction to Research
The research in this group is focused on the development of the technology for renewable energy production and high-efficiency energy conversion/utilization.
1. High-efficiency, low-cost solar cells
We explore novel photovoltaic materials systems, low-cost mass production schemes, higher-efficiency device operation principles and structures for the realization of wide use of solar cells.
2. High-performance hydrogen storage systems
We introduce novel engineering techniques to improve the existing hydrogen-storage systems via a series of hydrogen dynamics modelling.
3. In-space manufacturing of high-quality semiconductor materials and devices
Focusing on the fact that outer space is a natural ultra-clean room and the various benefits brought by the microgravity environment, we conduct basic research on methods for fabricating high-quality semiconductor materials and high-performance electronic and optical devices with a view toward the future space era.
4. Nanomaterials engineering for nuclear-fusion electric generation
We study nuclear fusion reactor materials, particle and thermal cycles with particular interest in nanomaterials, surfaces and interfaces towards practical electric generation.
5. Fundamentals and Applications of Information Thermodynamics
We conduct research on a new form of thermodynamics based on the equivalence and convertibility of energy and information, while also exploring applications in fields such as chemical reactions, processes, and neuroscience.
6. Multi-scale modeling and analysis of complex fluid flows
We develop a novel numerical method to predict complex fluid flows and track their multi-scale temporal and spatial structures.
Conceptual drawing of a nanostructure-enhanced solar cell