[AIST Solutions: Technical Knowledge Course] "Circular Thermal Economy" series (June/December)

Circular Thermal Economy: Heat Management in the Carbon-Neutral Era

To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, the energy sector is undergoing a major transformation, with initiatives including decarbonization of power sources, energy conservation, electrification, and carbon capture and storage (CCS). Amidst this, the handling of "heat" is gaining renewed attention. Much of Japan's final energy consumption is utilized as heat, yet much of the generated waste heat has not been sufficiently leveraged.

Driven by rising fuel prices, stricter decarbonization constraints, and the expansion of renewable energy, there is a demand to view heat as a "resource" rather than a "byproduct." This series organizes this structural shift through the concept of a "Circular Thermal Economy." We examine heat within a cycle of "creating, storing, using, recovering, and regenerating," and explain the system from materials and devices to social implementation.

Course 1: Magnetic Refrigeration as a Heat Pump

Unlike conventional refrigeration methods that compress and expand refrigerants, magnetic refrigeration uses the material's properties to convert heat. It features non-CFC, high efficiency, and low vibration/noise, making it a promising next-generation refrigeration technology. This course explains magnetic refrigeration within the context of a Circular Thermal Economy from three perspectives: principles/materials, system design, and implementation/social application.

Course 2: Material and Structural Design Technology for Insulation and Heat Dissipation

With the advancement of energy conservation, balancing "releasing" and "blocking" heat is crucial. This course covers everything from heat-dissipating fillers and high-thermal-conductivity ceramic substrates to porous ceramic insulation materials, organizing an integrated design approach.

Overview

Schedule: - 1st Term: June 8, 2026 (Mon) – June 26, 2026 (Fri) - 2nd Term: Dec 7, 2026 (Mon) – Dec 25, 2026 (Fri)

Tuition: 33,000 JPY per course (tax included) Application Deadline: - 1st Term: June 19, 2026 (Fri) 17:00 - 2nd Term: Dec 18, 2026 (Fri) 17:00

[Inquiries] AIST Solutions Co., Ltd., Technical Knowledge Course Secretariat [email protected]