‘EcoFlow House’ aims for normal life in mountains without electricity – Travel Watch
On April 4, EcoFlow Technology Japan, which develops and sells power solutions such as portable power supplies, unveiled the “EcoFlow House” built in the mountains of Ina City, Nagano Prefecture to the media.
EcoFlow House is located on a steep mountain about 10 minutes by car from Yokoyama Village, Ina City. The land was originally developed as a ski resort, but it is said to have fallen out of use about 60 years ago due to insufficient snowfall. About 30 to 40 years ago it was used as a camping ground, but it closed due to depopulation. Today it is used as a center for activities such as paragliding, mountain biking and buggying.
According to Mr. Taku Nakai, Director of Marketing Japan, the temperature changes drastically throughout the day and the environment is harsh throughout the year. He said that he thought he could provide a new experience, which was the impetus to create EcoFlow House in this place.
Portable power supplies and solar panels are what the company is known for selling, but it also sells home power systems that combine them to create an off-grid environment, and it was also used as a demo venue.
A family of three consumes 12.2 kWh of electricity a day, and by installing solar panels on the roof and storing electricity in batteries, they can live a normal life even in the mountains. The water is housed in a polyethylene tank and pumped up by an electric motor, making it as easy to use as a regular kitchen sink.
The kitchen on the first floor is equipped with refrigerators, microwave ovens, dishwashers, etc. to make your stay comfortable. On the second floor is a bedroom with three beds.
Of course, there is no electricity or running water here, and there is no communication environment in remote mountainous areas. Therefore, EcoFlow House utilizes the low-orbit satellite communication service “Starlink” to create a Wi-Fi communication environment comparable to that of a city. I used this Wi-Fi environment for online meetings between interviews, and I was able to work comfortably without interruption.
As for the toilet, there is a simple one installed under the eaves, and this is what I use. Currently there is no bathtub, but in the future they are considering installing a Goemon bathtub, and it may be possible to use electric water heating.
Also, there’s no air conditioning installed yet, so it might be difficult to live in the summer, but the company plans to release a portable cooler as a new product soon, and you’ll be able to try these devices. expected.
Since mid-March, the company has been running a campaign to allow buyers of the portable power supply “DELTA 2” to stay overnight at the EcoFlow House, and has received a large number of applications. The preparations for acceptance will be completed in mid-April, and the winners will be invited in turn.
In this press release, Mr. Nakai emphasizes cooperation with local companies and organizations. He said this would not have been possible without the support of many local companies and organisations, such as ERUK, which operates ASOBINA, which supports transport from villages at the foot of the mountain. Against this background, the company plans to carry out various activities in Ina City from the three aspects of environment, tourism promotion, and disaster prevention, centering on EcoFlow House.
At the press conference, Mr. Tatsuro Watanabe, the owner and chef of the restaurant “Kurabe Continental Delicatessen”, provided a menu using local ingredients, French pancakes and pasta cooked with a portable power source, and served those involved. Miyajima Liquor Store, which produces sake such as “Shinshu Nishiki,” and Kamoshika Cider Brewery, which makes cider from local apples, are also collaborating in the initiative. It is said to be going.
Keiki Kuremoto, the representative director of ERUK who originally participated in paragliding on behalf of Japan, provides a variety of outdoor activity experience services in his hometown of Ina City. You can feel it from the skin, and it is the same in Japan. When the temperature difference becomes extreme and rises Air currents are more likely to occur, making it possible to fly larger,” he said, stressing the importance of protecting the natural environment.
On the other hand, he said, “paragliders are made of synthetic fibers, so once you’re off the ground, you can charge your electronics, live a normal life, and secure power for the world championships.” They Also demonstrate understanding of the use of science and technology.
Mr. Katsuhiko Yamashita, CEO of BEE DESIGN, who is in charge of the interior design of EcoFlow House, is an artist who works with airbrush art, sculptures and murals. He said that there are many opportunities for outdoor creation, and if we can generate electricity in the wild, the way we work on site will change,” he said, expressing his expectation for the EcoFlow solution.
“If you can do it in a slightly harsh place like a mountain hut, start with a small gear,” said Mr. Yasuhiro Hanatani, a representative of First Ascent commissioned by Ina City to manage the mountain hut, and a climber. It starts at the bottom of the mountain. It would be great if we could apply it to people’s daily lives. It would be great if it could be made more and more efficient so that it has less impact on the environment.”
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EcoFlow Delta 2