The system is installed by Kawasaki City and Toshiba at the Kawasaki Marien public facility and Higashi-Ogishima-Naka Park in the Kawasaki Port area.
It combines photovoltaic installations, storage batteries, hydrogen-producing water electrolysis equipment, hydrogen and water tanks, and fuel cells.
During the demonstration phase, the company will validate the effectiveness of a hydrogen-based emergency electric power and hot-water supply system and a hydrogen energy management system in normal operating circumstances at both the Kawasaki sites.
Electricity generated from the photovoltaic installations is used to electrolyze water and produce hydrogen. The system will then store the hydrogen in tanks for use in fuel cells that produce electricity and hot water.
The H2One system features energy management system that contributes during peak shift, reducing demand for mains power.
Capable of being transported to disaster-hit areas on trailers, the H2One can store enough hydrogen to provide an estimated 300 evacuees with electricity and hot water for about one week.
Currently, the company is working to enhance its hydrogen storage capabilities to realize a self-contained solution of local energy production for local consumption.
Image: Toshiba begins demonstration of H2One independent energy supply system in Japan. Photo: courtesy of Toshiba Corporation.
