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anisotropic conductive film for fine-pitch electrodes, etc. We
are also engaged in the development of compact electronic
circuit boards for mobile equipment, module components, and
heat dissipation materials by fully utilizing our unique adhesive
material and fine circuit pattern formation technologies.
Concerning our initiatives to save resources and
contribute to preservation of the environment, we continue
to develop manufacturing technology for high-strength/high
corrosion-resistant magnesium alloy wrought materials with
the aim of realizing more lightweight products.
Electric Wire & Cable, Energy
In fiscal 2012, R&D expenses in this field totaled ¥9.6 billion.
In the superconductivity field, we have significantly
enhanced the characteristics and mass-producibility of
bismuth-based high-temperature superconducting (HTS)
wire, and we are stepping up commercial sales including
the deployment of wiring in cable projects around the
world, as well as in motors and magnet development. In the
field of superconducting cables, we have been working on
preparations to carry out Japan’s first system interconnection
test, starting from autumn 2012.
In the field of next-generation power transmission
networks, since June 2011 verification tests of a micro smartgrid
demonstration system has been underway at Sumitomo
Electric’s Osaka Works, in which several natural energy
power generation devices, including an in-house developed
concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) device, and a small redox
flow battery (storage battery) are interconnected by DC power
cables. In addition, in late July 2012 we began verification
testing of a large-scale energy storage and generation system
at our Yokohama Works, which has megawatt-class output
and capacity.
In the storage battery field, we have developed a new
type of secondary battery that makes a compact assembled
battery a real possibility - a molten salt electrolyte battery
comprising nonflammable material, and we continue to conduct
tests using power systems at our Osaka Works. In addition,
we have developed the porous aluminum material
Aluminum-Celmet, and we are currently focusing on
developing mass production technology with a view to its use in
lithium-ion batteries and storage devices such as capacitors.
Industrial Materials & Others
In fiscal 2012, R&D expenses in this field totaled ¥6.3 billion.
In the diamond business, we have developed a high-hardness
nano-polycrystalline diamond made from ultra-fine grains of several
tens of nanometers, using a new ultra-high voltage technology and a
proprietary new process, and this has been commercialized for use in
tools for high-performance precision processing.
With regard to sintered parts, we are committed to developing
products that employ soft magnetic powder materials, which have
excellent magnetic characteristics in the high-frequency range, as well
as high-performance soft magnetic powder materials to support EV
and HEV applications.
Furthermore, the Sumitomo Electric Group has successfully
developed technology for the recycling of used hard metal tools and
the tungsten employed in these tools, through collaboration between
industry, the government and academia, which will enable us to recycle
a volume of metal tools equivalent to our domestic sales volume.
With regard to new business fields, we are focusing on
developing ballast water management systems and pre-treatment
equipment for seawater desalination. In addition, we have developed
the compositional imaging system Compovision, an inspection
system that generates real-time images of previously undetectable
compositional differences and of the concentration distribution
of material, through the application of our semiconductor and
communication device technologies. We are commercializing this system
for use in areas such as medical care and quality testing in factories.
Ballast Water Management System
R&D Expenses
and as a Percentage
of Net Sales
R&D Expenses
R&D Expenses / Net Sales
Megawatt-Class Power
Generation/Storage System
(Billions of yen) (%)
90
5.0
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
72
2.8
73
3.4
72
3.9
3.9
79 87
4.2
4.0
3.0
0
2.0
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Annual Report 2012
SUMITOMO ELECTRIC
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