Can be used phase-free in both normal and disaster situations
Realizing the concept of a “dual-purpose disaster-preparedness solar carport”
Secures disaster prevention infrastructure—such as power, water supply, and drainage—by consolidating it outdoors
The first project in the series received the 16th JTA Toilet Award on November 20
PRESS RELEASE
2024.11.27
Nikken Sekkei Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Atsushi Omatsu; hereinafter "Nikken Sekkei") has adopted the concept of a disaster-prevention hybrid solar carport equipped not only with general-purpose solar carports but also disaster prevention infrastructure (outlets and manhole toilet water supply and drainage systems). It supported the construction of the solar carport at Nomi Disaster Prevention Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: President and CEO Takeshi Okamura, capital: 13.32 billion yen; Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market; hereinafter "Nobi Disaster Protection") at the Menuma Plant of the Tsunuma Province Office. We are pleased to announce that on November 20, this disaster-prevention combined solar carport received the 16th JTA Toilet Award (Social Activities Category).
Comprehensive improvements to power, water supply, and drainage systems are essential to prepare for evacuation and life-saving efforts in the event of a large-scale disaster.
The Noto Peninsula earthquake on New Year’s Day this year highlighted the challenges of life in evacuation shelters due to prolonged power outages and delays in restoring water supply and drainage systems. Meanwhile, during the Great East Japan Earthquake, while water supply and drainage facilities posed problems for outdoor rescue operations, power generation equipment designed for outdoor events proved useful.Today, as we prepare for disasters in urban areas—such as a direct-hit earthquake in the Tokyo metropolitan area or the Nankai Trough earthquake—there is a growing need to establish “phase-free” disaster-resilient infrastructure that integrates power supply and water and sewer systems during normal times so they can be utilized during emergencies.
Against this backdrop, Nikken Sekkei is working to enhance the resilience of buildings. Drawing on its experience with regional disaster prevention and lifesaving hubs such as the Ishinomaki Red Cross Hospital, the firm is developing designs that aim to maintain functionality during emergencies through innovations implemented during normal times.As one example of this, the firm proposed a concept for a dual-purpose solar carport equipped with power outlets and water supply and drainage systems for manhole toilets. The first project of this kind, serving as a disaster prevention hub for the Kumagaya area, was completed by Nomi Bosai on October 2, 2024.
Against this backdrop, Nikken Sekkei is working to enhance the resilience of buildings. Drawing on its experience with regional disaster prevention and lifesaving hubs such as the Ishinomaki Red Cross Hospital, the firm is developing designs that aim to maintain functionality during emergencies through innovations implemented during normal times.As one example of this, the firm proposed a concept for a dual-purpose solar carport equipped with power outlets and water supply and drainage systems for manhole toilets. The first project of this kind, serving as a disaster prevention hub for the Kumagaya area, was completed by Nomi Bosai on October 2, 2024.
A solar carport that provides power and restroom facilities that can be used without the need for a grid connection, whether in normal times or during disasters
On November 20, this dual-purpose disaster-preparedness solar carport received the 16th JTA Toilet Award (Social Activities Category). It was recognized for its potential to be widely adopted in buildings of various types across the country, regardless of location, to ensure a power supply and toilet facilities during disasters expected to occur nationwide.
Nikken Sekkei proposed the concept for this solar carport to Nomi Bosai, and it was developed and installed at the Menuma Factory of Nomi Bosai’s Menuma West Branch.Installed in an outdoor parking lot, the solar carport is equipped with a disaster-preparedness panel capable of supplying power from solar energy to electrical outlets during power outages, as well as facilities for charging electric vehicles (EVs). This allows for not only normal electricity use but also ensures a power supply day and night during disasters.In addition, water supply and drainage systems, along with drainage chambers for manhole toilets, have been installed, allowing for the setup of eight manhole toilets in the event of a disaster. This makes it possible to provide power and toilet facilities to approximately 500 people in the surrounding area.
Starting with this installation at Nomi Bosai, Nikken Sekkei plans to expand the development of disaster prevention infrastructure facilities nationwide that can be utilized seamlessly in both normal and disaster situations. Through this initiative, the company aims to contribute to regional disaster preparedness.
Nikken Sekkei proposed the concept for this solar carport to Nomi Bosai, and it was developed and installed at the Menuma Factory of Nomi Bosai’s Menuma West Branch.Installed in an outdoor parking lot, the solar carport is equipped with a disaster-preparedness panel capable of supplying power from solar energy to electrical outlets during power outages, as well as facilities for charging electric vehicles (EVs). This allows for not only normal electricity use but also ensures a power supply day and night during disasters.In addition, water supply and drainage systems, along with drainage chambers for manhole toilets, have been installed, allowing for the setup of eight manhole toilets in the event of a disaster. This makes it possible to provide power and toilet facilities to approximately 500 people in the surrounding area.
Starting with this installation at Nomi Bosai, Nikken Sekkei plans to expand the development of disaster prevention infrastructure facilities nationwide that can be utilized seamlessly in both normal and disaster situations. Through this initiative, the company aims to contribute to regional disaster preparedness.
Nomi Bosai Menuma West Branch Office, Menuma Plant: Dual-Purpose Solar Carport for Disaster Preparedness—Features
① Disaster Preparedness Panel
[Facilities]
・A disaster preparedness panel equipped with electrical outlets is permanently installed. It can supply power from solar energy even during power outages.
・Four EV chargers are installed simultaneously, allowing EVs to function as storage batteries so that power can be drawn from them via outlets at night or during disasters.
・A system is in place to purchase the generated electricity at a fixed rate for 20 years (energy service). This enables installation with minimal upfront costs.
[Operation During Disasters]
・In accordance with the Disaster Support Agreement, the facility will be opened to the surrounding community in the event of a disaster.
[Estimated Effects]
・The system can secure an average of approximately 200 kWh of power per day. This is enough to charge the smartphones of about 500 residents in the surrounding Kumagaya area (based on calculations).
・A disaster preparedness panel equipped with electrical outlets is permanently installed. It can supply power from solar energy even during power outages.
・Four EV chargers are installed simultaneously, allowing EVs to function as storage batteries so that power can be drawn from them via outlets at night or during disasters.
・A system is in place to purchase the generated electricity at a fixed rate for 20 years (energy service). This enables installation with minimal upfront costs.
[Operation During Disasters]
・In accordance with the Disaster Support Agreement, the facility will be opened to the surrounding community in the event of a disaster.
[Estimated Effects]
・The system can secure an average of approximately 200 kWh of power per day. This is enough to charge the smartphones of about 500 residents in the surrounding Kumagaya area (based on calculations).
② Install disaster-preparedness toilets and the necessary water supply and drainage infrastructure
[Facilities]
・Install water supply and drainage facilities near the ground level of the carport that can be used for manhole toilets.By installing both drainage and water intake chambers for manhole toilets, it is possible to set up up to eight manhole toilets in large tents that are accessible to wheelchair users and those changing clothes.
・Water supply headers are stored in water supply boxes; in the event of a disaster, water can be easily supplied by connecting a coupling hose.
・The manhole toilets are large, tent-style units that are wheelchair-accessible and can also be used for changing clothes and other purposes during disasters.
[Disaster Response Operations]
・By conducting training for factory staff on setting up manhole toilets during normal times, each tent can be set up in approximately 15 minutes in the event of a disaster.
[Estimated Impact]
・By installing manhole toilets equipped with 4 urinals and 6 toilets, the facility will provide restroom services for up to 200 residents of the surrounding Kumagaya area.
・Install water supply and drainage facilities near the ground level of the carport that can be used for manhole toilets.By installing both drainage and water intake chambers for manhole toilets, it is possible to set up up to eight manhole toilets in large tents that are accessible to wheelchair users and those changing clothes.
・Water supply headers are stored in water supply boxes; in the event of a disaster, water can be easily supplied by connecting a coupling hose.
・The manhole toilets are large, tent-style units that are wheelchair-accessible and can also be used for changing clothes and other purposes during disasters.
[Disaster Response Operations]
・By conducting training for factory staff on setting up manhole toilets during normal times, each tent can be set up in approximately 15 minutes in the event of a disaster.
[Estimated Impact]
・By installing manhole toilets equipped with 4 urinals and 6 toilets, the facility will provide restroom services for up to 200 residents of the surrounding Kumagaya area.
Nomi Bosai's Business Activities
Nomi Bosai Co., Ltd. is a pioneer in the disaster prevention industry with a history spanning more than 100 years since its founding in 1916, and is one of Japan’s leading comprehensive disaster prevention manufacturers, specializing in automatic fire alarm systems and fire suppression systems. Under an integrated system covering everything from research and development to design, manufacturing, sales, installation, and maintenance, the company develops a wide variety of cutting-edge disaster prevention systems.In addition to its strong domestic presence, the company is actively expanding into overseas markets, including Southeast Asia.
About Nikken Sekkei
Nikken Sekkei is a professional services firm specializing in architectural and civil engineering design and supervision, urban design, and related research, planning, and consulting services. For 120 years since its founding in 1900, Nikken Sekkei has been committed to creating value through "social environment design," which aims to solve both explicit and implicit social issues, in order to meet the demands of society and the diverse needs of its clients. To date, it has been involved in various projects in Japan, China, ASEAN, and the Middle East, and in recent years has expanded into India and Europe.
Contact information regarding this matter
株式会社日建設計 広報室 Tel. 03-5226-3030 e-mail：webmaster@nikken.jp
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