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Environmental Initiatives in Product Development
-Featured initiatives
Honda has been developing and rapidly deploying various environmental and energy technologies to share the joy of mobility with people around the world. As a global company, we strive to satisfy mobility needs while also reducing environmental impact from our products to realize a sustainable motorized society.
Honda Smart Home System (HSHS)
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Striving to realize the joy and freedom of mobility and a sustainable society where people can enjoy life, Honda aims to provide high-quality lifestyles through electromotive mobility and energy-generation devices that result in reduced CO2 emissions. These efforts include the development of the Honda Smart Home System (HSHS), through which we aim to make the energy-independent home a reality by utilizing information to provide heat, electricity, and a sense of security.
The HSHS consists of a number of discrete but fully integrated units uniquely developed by Honda: a household gas-engine cogeneration unit, a photovoltaic system, a home battery unit (rechargeable battery), a hot-water supply system, and the Smart e Mix Manager(SeMM)—the core device that applies optimal control to electricity generated by the aforementioned units—as well as electromotive mobility and Internavi LINC. By efficiently managing household energy supply and demand, this comprehensive energy management system reduces household CO2 emissions and provides a backup supply of electricity so the house can be self-sufficient in the event of a power outrage or disaster.
Cutting CO2 emissions in half by 2015
Through the development of HSHS, Honda aims to introduce products that cut household and vehicle CO2 emissions by 50% by 2015(baseline: 2000). Thereafter, we plan to improve our energy-generation technologies by introducing recyclable fuel and improving the efficiency of devices comprising the HSHS in an aim to develop technologies that will completely eliminate household CO2 emissions.
Future targets in HSHS development
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Completion of test homes in Saitama City
In April 2012, Honda completed construction of two HSHS-equipped, single-family test homes in Saitama City, implemented as part of the E-KIZUNA Project run by the city of Saitama. One is being used as a showroom and demonstration test site, while the other is actually inhabited by a family, whose energy-use data are being collected for further research. We plan to build a third house in the same location, where all three houses will be linked for smart community demonstration testing.
In collaboration with Saitama City, designated by the Japan government a special zone for next-generation vehicle and smart energy development, we are also working to meet standards set by various regulations to make the HSHS even better. Through partnerships with Saitama City and universities, these demonstration tests are also verifying quality-of-life improvements.
HSHS demonstration test home in Saitama City
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Smart e Mix Manager(top), the core component of the HSHS, and (bottom, left to right) home battery unit, gas cogeneration unit, and hot-water supply system
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Hanging charger keeps your hands clean
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During an emergency, the gas cogeneration unit, solar panels, and home battery unit generate and supply electricity. After their specifications have been determined, these devices will connect seamlessly to all electrical outlets to monitor and balance supply and demand.
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Higher quality of life for existing houses
The HSHS aims to provide a higher quality of life by adjusting to the unique lifestyles of each household. For this reason, the components of the HSHS have been developed so they can also be installed in existing homes and connected to existing home appliances.
Honda does more than build homes. We deliver systems for creating new lifestyles. It was this ambition that led us to name the HSHS a “home system” instead of a “house.”
Tablet device can be used to monitor energy generation and consumption
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Honda’s “Energy Relay” concept that saves lives during emergencies
Honda aims to provide a sense of security to consumers by enabling them to secure their own energy for mobility and living, even in emergency situations. The HSHS promises a reliable source of electricity during power outages using a four-stage method depending on severity.
We also want to help HSHS users help each other through a so-called “energy relay,” using the HSHS’s own electromotive mobility. Electricity generated at home can help users live through a disaster, but it can also be used to charge their electric vehicles to carry energy elsewhere or supply energy to other vehicles, thus supporting rescue and relief efforts. This kind of energy management that harnesses the full potential of mobility is something only Honda can provide. It also reflects a futuristic ideal unique to Honda.Energy relay using electromotive mobility
H2V＝Energy transfer from home to vehicle
V2H＝Energy transfer from vehicle to home
V2V＝Energy transfer from vehicle to vehicle
