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Written evidence - Osamu Ide
My article on the site of Energy and Climate Change Committee of House of Commons, Parliament UK, April 2016.
What is it about?
The Degoichi project, named after a famous Japanese steam engine, has built a prototype generator that uses electromagnetic resonance to make energy production and transfer more efficient. The Degoichi generator doesn't have moving parts, like spinning blades or turbines. It doesn't need energy from an outside source to work. It doesn't produce waste gas. The Degoichi generator primarily consists of a transformer, battery, capacitor, oscillator, and amplifier. There are no costly components in the system, resulting in an affordable production cost.
The Degoichi generator can be customized to generate different amounts of power – from small generators for motorcycles, to larger ones for powering entire factories. The prototype generates between between 10 to 100 watts – enough to power small devices like light bulbs, or to charge a mobile phone.
Why is it important?
As we look towards the future, finding a reliable clean energy source remains a challenge. Many so-called “clean fuels” are not as clean as they seem. Hydrogen, for example, is often cited as a clean fuel, because when it is used (for example, in fuel cells for cars) it only emits water vapour. However, the process of producing hydrogen may involve emissions of carbon dioxide, for example, when converting methane gas. Meanwhile, solar power plants require significant space, often leading to deforestation and the disruption of ecosystems. Wind turbines are not reliable sources of power, particularly in countries such as Japan where typhoons are common – wind turbines often have to be shut down during high winds, to avoid damage. The rotating blades of wind turbines also pose risks to bird populations and alter landscapes. In summary, while we strive for clean energy solutions, it's crucial to recognize the limitations and environmental impacts associated with each option.
One of the ways we can make energy cleaner is to maximize the amount of energy we generate from source materials. The Degoichi generator enables this, while also avoiding the need for large power plants in suburban areas, or unsightly power cables that disrupt natural landscapes. Instead of one big plant, the Degoichi generator enables us to install smaller generators for individual buildings and houses. These generators can also be adapted for various transportation purposes – from electric cars to space stations.
Perspectives
I’ve been researching this concept for over 45 years and have recently achieved success with scaling up the input and output power. I’ve been inspired by my father, used to be a Professor at Matsuyama University who emphasized critical thinking, as well as by the work of colleagues.
