Toyota. Fuel cell electric powered mobile clinic
This summer, Toyota, in collaboration with the Japanese Red Cross Kumamoto Hospital, will begin testing the world's first mobile clinic powered by fuel cell electric vehicles. The tests will confirm the suitability of hydrogen vehicles for healthcare systems and disaster response. If emission-free mobile clinics can be developed to meet the requirements of healthcare and first responders, this will help to reduce the use of fossil fuels and reduce CO2 emissions.
In recent years, typhoons, rainstorms and other extreme weather events have become more frequent in Japan, causing not only power outages, but also an increased need for emergency medical care. Therefore, in the summer of 2020, Toyota teamed up with the Kumamoto Hospital of the Japanese Red Cross to find new solutions. The jointly developed fuel cell-powered mobile clinic will be used daily to increase the availability of medical services, and during a natural disaster, will be included in the relief campaign while serving as a source of electricity.
The mobile clinic is built on the basis of the Coaster minibus, which received a fuel cell electric drive from the first generation Toyota Mirai. The car does not emit CO2 or any vapors while driving, driving quietly and without vibrations.
The minibus is equipped with 100 V AC sockets, which are available both inside and on the body. Thanks to this, the mobile clinic can power both its own medical equipment and other devices. In addition, it has a powerful DC output (maximum power 9kW, maximum energy 90kWh). The cabin has an air conditioner with an external circuit and a HEPA filter that prevents the spread of infection.
See also: driver's license. Can I watch the exam recording?
Toyota and the Kumamoto Hospital of the Japanese Red Cross share the view that the mobile fuel cell clinic will bring new health benefits that conventional vehicles of this type with internal combustion engines cannot provide. The use of fuel cells that generate electricity on site, as well as the silent and emission-free operation of the drive, increase the comfort of doctors and paramedics and the safety of patients. The demonstration tests will show what role the new vehicle can play not only as a means of transporting the sick and injured and a place of medical care, but also as an emergency power source that will facilitate rescue work in areas affected by a natural disaster. On the other hand, hydrogen mobile clinics can be used as blood donation laboratories and doctor's offices in sparsely populated areas.
Read also: Testing Fiat 124 Spider
