Research Groups & Labs

Engine Combustion and Emission Control Group

We are conducting research that contributes to the development of zero-emission mobility technologies for vehicles in order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Specifically, we are engaged in basic and pioneering research on fuel, spray, combustion, and emission purification technologies for the development of highly efficient engine systems, as well as the development of vehicle simulation models and energy management research includes power source electrification.

Keywords : Internal combustion engine, e-fuel, Spray, Combustion, Catalyst, Vehicle simulation model, Energy management

Fluid Flow Control Group

In order to improve the aerodynamic characteristics and efficiency of fluid machinery, it is necessary to develop advanced flow control devices such as sensors/actuators and to build control systems integrated them. This research group is engaged in the following research topics with the aim of realizing green innovation with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strengthening industrial competitiveness.

1. Improvement of vehicle aerodynamic characteristics and fuel efficiency by using flow control devices
2. R&D of novel aircraft and flight control technology to improve flight performance and flight efficiency
3. Improvement of aerodynamic performance by secondary flow control of compressor and turbine rotors in turbomachinery

Keywords : Automotive aerodynamics, Drone, Gas turbine, Active flow control, Plasma actuator (PA), Plasma simulation, Sparse sensing, Flight control

Thermofluid System Group

Our main mission is to construct a technical foundation for the approaching of the “sustainable society”. Our research topics include microfabrication, numerical simulation, and visualization technologies related to electronic device cooling, heat-pumps, and power generation cycles. In addition, our research covers the electrochemical energy conversion devices such as fuel cells, water electrolyzers, and co-electrolyzers.

Keywords : Water electrolysis, Solid oxide cell, Boiling cooling, Heat exchangers, Heat pipe (Vapor chamber), Heat and flow visualization, CFD (Computational fluid dynamics)

Materials Physics Group

As a sustainable low-carbon society, it is strongly desired to develop technologies for efficient use of energy and for reducing carbon dioxide emissions. In order to respond the need of society, Materials Physics Group investigates physicochemical phenomena of thermoelectric materials, developing new materials, and development and evaluation of thermoelectric modules.
Furthermore, our group develops the post lithium-ion batteries with high capacity and power, which is considered a promising next-generation storage system.

Keywords : Thermoelectric materials, Thermoelectric power generation, Thermoelectric modules, Perovskite solar cells, Electrode materials, Lithium-S battery

Energy Electronics Group

For effective utilization of energy resources and efficient use of energy, we are engaged in the research and development of following subjects.

1. R&D of basic technologies related to superconducting coated conductors for the promotion of electrification of mobility such as aircraft and automobiles
2. R&D of new materials and evaluation of new structures of chalcogenide and oxide semiconductor for solar cell applications and opto-electronic applications

Keywords : superconductivity, wire, aircraft electrification, solar cells, chalcogenides, transparent conductive oxide, photoelectron spectroscopy

Energy Conversion Technology Group

Research and development of highly efficient energy conversion technology is indispensable in meeting the increasing demands for electrification of energy. Our group is focusing on research and development of energy conversion devices operated at high temperatures – solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) for converting with high efficiencies diverse types of fuels such as fossil and biomass fuels into electric power, and solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC) for converting surplus power from renewable energies into highly efficient and high-value added fuels. In particular, we play an important role as a public research institute in the ongoing efforts for the enhancement of SOFC durability/reliability through collaboration with companies and universities. As a future endeavor, even more highly efficient energy conversion devices based on solid state ionics phenomena are envisaged by carrying out comprehensive research and development including the development of evaluation technology, and thus further contribute to the realization of a low carbon society.

Keywords : energy conversion devices, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC), solid state ionics

Energy Storage Group

Our group aims to develop highly efficient energy storage technologies that contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases and the effective use of energy resources. Specifically, we are engaged in research on various elemental technologies (material and cell development, evaluation of stability and performance, and development of reaction system) that make up energy storage systems, including in addition of redox flow batteries (RFBs), lithium ion batteries (LiBs), and all-solid-state batteries, the development of new storage technologies using hydrogen and CO₂ or N₂ based on chemical/electrochemical reactions.

Keywords : Redox Flow Batteries, Lithium-ion Batteries, All-Solid-State Batteries,
CO₂ electroreduction, NH₃ electrosynthesis

Advanced Energy Materials Group

Lithium secondary battery is expected as devices for future low carbon society by widely use and development for large power supplies of automobiles, stationary, IoT etc. Therefore, it is important to be safety, long life, higher capacity, and low cost.
In our group, advanced oxide based materials, such as new electrode materials and solid electrolyte materials, have been developed for next generation liquid type lithium secondary battery and all solid lithium secondary battery. In addition, advanced material design has been promoted by development of new synthesis processes, and application of techniques such as crystal structure analysis and physical properties evaluation.

Keywords : Inorganic material synthesis, Single crystal growth, Crystal structure analysis, Lithium secondary battery, All-solid lithium secondary battery

Collaborative Engine Research Laboratory for Next Generation Vehicle

In regard to the interdisciplinary research subjects related to the automotive engines, our collaborative research team contributes to reinforce the competitiveness of the automotive industry in Japan by consolidating the potentials of AIST researchers from diverse research fields under the flag of ‘All-AIST Cooperation’. The research subjects of our team are not confined to the engine combustion and after-treatment technologies, but include more diverse research subjects such as automotive control, system analysis and evaluation and automotive materials. Our upcoming mission is to accelerate the development of clean and efficient next-generation engines by intimate collaboration with Japanese automotive manufacturers.

Keywords : Internal combustion engine, Automotive fuel, Fuel spray, Engine combustion, Emission catalyst, standardization, System, Control

Task Map of Automotive Engine Research