Demonstrating a series of transportation, installation, and power generation at the roadside station “Itano” in Tokushima, Japan

NTN Corporation (hereafter, NTN) has held a demonstaration test on the assumption of actual disasters for Transportable Independent Power Supply “N3 N-CUBE” at the roadside station “Itano” in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan on September 28.

“N3 N-CUBE” is a transportable independent power supply that stores small wind turbines, solar panels, and storage batteries in a container. It features high mobility and can be transported by truck. It can generate and supply electricity immediately after arriving at an area where electricity is needed. Container interior can be customized and combining with a variety of machinery and equipment enables it to be utlized during normal hours, including eco toilet*1, bus waiting area*2, and rest facility*3.

While natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons frequently occur in Japan, interest in disaster prevention and mitigation is increasing. In April this year, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism established a guideline to revitalize regions in normal times by using high value-added containers at roadside stations and to strengthen disaster prevention functions in times of disaster. Initiatives for disaster prevention and mitigation are promoted at roadside stations, which are necessary parts of traffic in each prefecture. The roadside station “Itano” is one of the 39 “disaster prevention roadside stations” selected by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as a priority support target for disaster prevention bases in Japan.

In this demonstration test, based on the guidelines established by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, with the full cooperation of the roadside station “Itano,” we have demonstrated a series of operations such as the transportation, installation, and power generation of the “N3 N-CUBE” on the assumption of the actual disasters. We have also verified and recorded the type of vehicles and tools used for installation and removal, the number and qualifications of the workers, installation procedures, working hours, and the area required for operations.

After the demonstration test, residents viewed demonstrations using electricity generated by “N3 N-CUBE” to run freshwater filtration equipment, electric wheelchairs, vending machines, and other equipment.

In addition to this demonstration test, NTN is working with local governments and disaster-prevention organizations to propose application of “N3 N-CUBE,” which is useful in the event of an actual disaster through disaster-prevention drills and other events. We are also working to raise awareness of disaster prevention among local governments and residents.

After Noto Peninsula Eearthquake in January of this year, Gojo City, Nara, Japan, a purchaser of our “N3 N-CUBE,” loaned eco toilet using “N3 N-CUBE” free of charge to Noto-cho, Ishikawa, Japan. This initiative was presented at the meeting and awarded a prize by Kinki Regional Development Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

NTN will continue to contribute to the spread of renewable energy and the realization of a safe and secure society through the provision of “N3 N-CUBE.”