Ventilator for underground shelters (early prototype machine)

Kawasaki Heavy Industries is developing the first ventilator in Japan to maintain the air environment in underground civil defense shelters. The initial prototype has already been completed with the goal of market launch in 2026, and in demonstration tests that began in 2024/5, basic functions were verified using this prototype machine, and further improvements and necessary performance checks were carried out.

Ventilation devices for underground shelters are required to protect and block the inside of the shelter from various impact loads and polluted air due to disasters, defense, etc., but a new ventilation system using a gas permeable membrane developed by our company to block aerosols in the outside air “SEPERNA”^Ⓡ”^※1Each problem is solved by applying a special chemical filter to remove toxic gases.

Furthermore, we are a “working group to examine the state of performance and specifications required for underground shelters in preparation for emergencies in disaster-prone Japan)” (hereinafter referred to as the “working group”) established by the Resilience Japan Promotion Council^※2They were selected as members of the committee, and they are participating in preparing a draft plan for the desired performance and specifications of shelters in Japan.

We will proceed with the development of ventilation equipment for underground shelters by utilizing the knowledge on environmental control technology in enclosed spaces that we have cultivated over many years in submarine construction, and will contribute to the realization of richer lifestyles with safety and security for people through activities in working groups.

An image of an underground shelter