OMRON to Release New MEMS Mass Flow Sensor for Fuel Cells

Business Wire, Feb 20, 2008

~ Labor-Saving Innovation Coupled with Outstanding Accuracy Help Improve Fuel Cell Efficiency and Reduce Costs ~

KYOTO, Japan -- OMRON Corporation (TOKYO:6645, US: OMRNY) will release a new MEMS flow sensor designed to optimize efficiency in fuel cell systems(*1) from April 2008. The D6F MEMS mass flow sensor (quick-connect type) is the latest addition to Omron's D6F series of flow sensors. It will be on display at the 4th International Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Expo, which runs from February 27 - 29 at Tokyo Big Site.

As concern grows over global warming and the Earth's depleting resources, fuel cells have been heralded as a next-generation power source with the potential to drastically reduce CO2 emissions. Development of these systems is forging ahead and in-market testing is already underway.

Flow sensors are an essential component in fuel cell systems. They enable precise measurement and control of the fuel gas and air flow to maintain the optimal balance of hydrogen and oxygen that is critical to efficient electrical conversion. Omron's new mass flow sensor uses highly sensitive micromachined MEMS elements to measure minute gas flows with precision. Designed specifically for incorporation into fuel cell systems, the new sensor reduces the time necessary for calibration and cuts total system costs as a result.

Development Background

Omron has been providing sensors for measuring fuel gas since the earliest stages of fuel cell technology development.

However, a significant reduction in the cost of fuel cell systems is still necessary to encourage their widespread adoption. Achieving this reduction depends on the availability of inexpensive components and on solutions, such as simplification of the assembly process, that contribute to lowering total costs. Omron's newest mass flow sensor aims to meet these pressing market demands.

(*1) What are Fuel Cell Systems?

A fuel cell is an electrochemical device, which converts chemical energy to electrical energy without combustion. Home fuel cell systems, for example, extract hydrogen from natural gas or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) and convert this into electricity by means of a chemical reaction that emits no CO2. Major applications of fuel cells include power sources for homes, vehicles and mobile equipment. Tests of stationary fuel cells for powering homes are already underway, while car makers are working towards implementing fuel cell systems in future models.

Key Product Features

1. High Accuracy

Measuring 1.55mm (H) x 1.55mm (W) x 0.4mm (D), Omron's new sensor incorporates the world's smallest class of MEMS element to enable precise measurement of even very low flow rates.

2. Quick-Connect Type

The new sensor features a quick-connect structure instead of the traditional screw-type connection. This simplifies the assembly process and allows standardization of piping for reduced costs and improved system reliability.

3. Outstanding Output Linearity

Omron's unique flow path technology exhibits excellent linearity of output, which eliminates the need for linearity compensation and simplifies calibration. This also improves flow measurement accuracy to ensure optimal operation.

4. Resin Construction

By using resin instead of metal, Omron has reduced mass production unit costs. In addition, this resin-based sensor offers a lighter alternative than metal counterparts.

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Other Applications

Measuring devices, medical devices, semiconductor equipment.

Price

Open price

Sales Target

Total MEMS device range: Approx. JPY 10 billion by FY 2010.

Manufacturing Factory

OMRON KURAYOSHI Co., Ltd.

Product diagrams are available from: http://www.omron.com/news/n_200208.html

About OMRON

Headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, OMRON Corporation is a global leader in the field of automation. Established in 1933 and headed by President and CEO Hisao Sakuta, Omron has more than 33,000 employees in over 32 countries working to provide products and services to customers in a variety of fields including industrial automation, electronic components, social systems (ticket gate machines, ticket vending machines and traffic control) and healthcare. For more information, visit Omron's website at www.omron.com