- Q: What is your current research topic?
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We are developing devices such as generators and motors to utilize marine energy, as well as conducting applied research on the superconducting materials used in these devices and developing related technologies.
- Q: What motivated you to start your research?
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- When I was a student, I was researching in the field of condensed matter physics, but after obtaining my doctorate and working as a postdoctoral researcher, I began to think that it would not be interesting unless I could contribute to society and make concrete applications, not just academically. I am involved in research related to materials, and from the knowledge I have gained from that, I believe that if we can utilize the properties of materials, we can overturn conventional social concepts. To give a specific example, generators and motors, which are widely used in modern society, are technologically mature and, in principle, it is difficult to improve their performance any further. However, by changing the magnetic material used inside them to a superconducting material, it is possible to significantly improve the performance of the equipment. Motors and generators are indispensable devices in society, so improving their performance has a great impact on society. I came to this understanding through my research, and the clear goal of contributing to society through the results of my research has led me to my current position.
- Q: What is interesting, rewarding, and important about your research?
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I think all researchers feel the same way, but I feel a great sense of significance in "being the first in the world to accomplish something." Our research group has been promoting the technological development of motors and generators using superconducting materials, the first at a university in Japan. The device I developed to turn high-temperature superconducting materials into powerful magnets uses a unique technology that other research groups have not yet achieved. With conventional technology, it takes time and effort for superconducting materials to emit a strong magnetic field, and expensive superconducting magnets are required, but thanks to this, we can achieve a magnetic field several times stronger than permanent magnets and normal conducting electromagnets. If you use the new method that I have created from my research results, you can magnetize a magnetic field as strong as that of permanent magnets and normal conducting electromagnets in just two seconds, without using expensive superconducting electromagnets. Since it has not been possible to put into practical use a magnetic field stronger than permanent magnets or normal conducting electromagnets to date, there are no devices such as motors and generators that use such a strong magnetic field yet. However, as future research progresses, whether we improve the performance of conventional technology or develop a new concept device, I believe that in either case, the contribution to society will be immeasurable.
- Q: What kind of social impact can you expect from your research?
Please tell me about short-term (1-2 years from now) and long-term (up to 10 years from now) plans.
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In the short term, there is great potential for application to offshore wind power generation. In Japan, the government is currently leading the way in putting offshore wind power generation into practical use. By using superconducting technology to reduce the weight of the heavy motors and gears at the top of offshore wind turbines, the stability of offshore wind turbines, which tend to be unstable due to the weight of the top of the turbine tower, can be improved. This effect is particularly effective in floating offshore wind turbines. We also believe that the benefits of this technology can be demonstrated in areas that require greater output, such as ship propulsion devices.
Meanwhile, tidal power generation is being developed as a long-term prospect that looks beyond the practical application of offshore wind power generation. The advantage of tidal power generation is that the amount of power generated can be predicted. Power generation that relies on solar and wind power varies depending on the weather and climate, making accurate prediction difficult. However, tidal currents are generated based on the gravity between the sun, the earth, and the moon, so the amount of power generated can be predicted from their relative positions. The characteristic of tidal power generation not being affected by weather or climate, including the fact that power generation is hardly affected even by typhoons, is a major advantage compared to other renewable energy sources, and there are high hopes for its practical application in the future. - Q: To which SDGs can your research contribute?
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- These are "Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy for all" and "Goal 14: Protect, sustain and use the oceans." From the perspective of utilizing the oceans as a resource, it is important to develop technology to efficiently utilize marine energy. Through these efforts, we hope to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.
- Q: The significance of conducting research at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
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- The benefits of superconducting technology become greater in situations involving large amounts of energy, making it highly compatible with the marine field. The density of seawater is 840 times that of air, making it possible for the ocean to generate large amounts of energy. We believe that tidal power generation, which utilizes this, is a suitable and feasible theme, especially for Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology.
- Q: What are your priorities and policies when conducting research?
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- What I value in my research is the attitude of "never give up even if you fall down". In many cases, research does not go as expected. Our research is conducted using public and private funds, and it is especially expensive to use equipment in research. In addition, a lot of time and effort is required for practical work. In order not to waste these, even if we fail, we think about what we can gain from that situation and move on to the next step. Just as important is whether we are fully aware that research is not a hobby. Our responsibility is to ultimately contribute to society. I believe it is important to be aware that we are conducting research for the benefit of humanity and to take our research seriously as a member of society.
- Professor Tetsuya Ida's OA paper is here
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Paper title: Pulse Field Magnetization of GdBCO without Rapid Decrease in Magnetic Flux Density
Authors and co-authors: Tetsuya Ida, Hayato Imamichi, Mizuki Tsuchiya, Nagisa Kawasumi, Kazushi Yanagi and Mitsuru Izumi
Publication date: May 2024
DOI: 10.1109/TASC.2024.3369572
