DENSO CORPORATION | ECO's Room Ecological activities


The Micro Hydraulic Power Generator

The Micro Hydraulic Power Generator at the Nishio Plant

Educating elementary school children at the Nishio Plant

The Nishio Plant in Japan manufactures car air conditioners, radiators, and diesel fuel injection equipment, have developed a Micro Hydraulic Power Generator that utilizes drops of water from the factory drainage to operate the small water wheel as part of effective energy usage from 2002. By using this power, we are able to collect new energy from waste water that is discharged by the factory.

DENSO began the environmental education program using the micro hydraulic power generator for elementary school children in 2003 where the kids can learn about "water power" and "energy of nature."

At the 2004 spring seminar, the participated children visited the facility and seemed surprised at the power of water running down the long drainage pipe and seemed genuinely interested in the mechanism of the power generator.

The school children encountered the Micro hydraulic power generator with a handmade water wheel

Children touring the Hydraulic Power Generation system

The children attempt to make a handmade water wheel

This environmental educational program that targets elementary school children is called ECO Ranger 21, a hands-on program which aims to further children’s understanding of the importance of environmental conservation in an enjoyable way in natural surroundings. At this seminar, the children were taught how to create small power generators from pet bottles and coils and had a chance to see the power of water and hydraulic generator itself.

What is a Micro Hydraulic Power Generator?

The Nishio Plant is perched on elevated ground where there is a 16m height difference with the outlet which discharges the factory’s drainage water. Using this height difference, we rotate the water wheel and use that energy to operate DENSO's self-manufactured alternator to generate electrical power. During the daytime, this 4kw(s) power is used to light up the recycling center inside the plant. And at nighttime it's used to light up the associate’s walking area and parking lots. This Micro Hydraulic Power Generator is also being used at the Kota Plant Japan.

What is ECO Ranger 21?

ECO Ranger 21 is an environmental education program launched in 2001 as a part of DENSO's social contribution activities. It mainly targets elementary school children living near the plant, using the surrounding natural resources to learn about the importance of environmental conservation. Along with the natural environment of that specific area, an original tour of the plant and DENSO’s technology is implemented into the original program. At the Aichi Expo "Love the Earth" 2005, an "Experience Nature" tour was held for 500 elementary and junior high school children from all over Japan.

Mr. Takaaki Nonaka
The Designer of the Micro Hydraulic Power Generator
Construction Dept.
DENSO CORPORATION

I made this micro hydraulic power generator when I was working on the usage of new energy forms / new technology and CO2 reduction. The children who participated in this program were able to see how the electric power is created by using a hydraulic power generator. And I was happy to see that they all seemed to have an enjoyable time. A second micro hydraulic power generator was established at the Kota Plant in September 2004.

Mr. Yasuyuki Noro
Manager of the Micro Hydraulic Power Generator
DENSO FACILITIES CORPORATION

This power generator uses DENSO’s self-developed alternator, So there is no worry about it breaking down.As a manager, I can relax even after heavy rains. During the ECO Ranger water wheel handicraft class, I could not help admire the children’s imagination when creating their own water wheels. At the 2006 seminar, I hope we can explain in more detail to the children about our work in a more simple form.