Hitachi: Smart cities of tomorrow

• High hopes on technologies and systems collectively known as “intelligent water” that incorporate IT into the water cycle
• New demand-side equipment, including electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles will be widely adopted

The urbanisation of populations is proceeding at a rapid pace in emerging markets including China, India and other Asian Belt nations and the countries of Central and South America. New cities, including eco-cities, are now planned to contain huge populations which will encourage the establishment of nearby industries that can provide employment.

Urban development is no longer treated as public works handled by government agencies. More of such projects are being undertaken as investments, particularly in emerging markets. In Malaysia, for instance, plans are afoot for the construction of a new city as an investment for the Employees Provident Fund. Another example is the Tianjin Eco-city which is taking shape in China as a joint investment by a Singaporean government-run fund and the Chinese government. Hitachi is a collaborator with Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city Investment and Development Ltd Co.

This change has led to the construction and operations of entire cities being viewed as commercial enterprises. It creates a need for the efficiency of urban development and city management to be considered from the earliest stages.

Another change is the involvement of information technology (IT) companies. Around the world, these companies are offering proposals for collecting and analysing huge volumes of data generated by urban activities to improve the efficiency and quality of urban life. Supply and demand side data is used to achieve efficient operation of energy, water and other city infrastructures. The move towards creating greater added-value in cities through information processing and improvements to the efficiency of city operations represents new opportunities in the field of urban development.

All these changes lead to the eventual creation of smart cities. These are the individual technologies and solutions required:

Managing energy

Cities of tomorrow harness wind, solar and other renewable energy to provide distributed power sources to complement conventional power plants which are centralised. Also, the need to handle the fluctuation in output that is a characteristic of these new power sources will mean that batteries will play an important role.

It is anticipated that new demand-side equipment, including electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), will become more widely adopted. Energy management systems need to be able to support the diversified energy sources and new issues that come along with it.

Managing water resources

The incorporation of more intelligence into water infrastructure and management of water sources, distribution and resource recycling is an essential requirement. Water treatment plants and sewage treatment plants are also part of the network that establishes high-quality water supply and sewage infrastructure.

Many emerging markets in particular suffer from a shortage of water. High hopes are placed on the technologies and systems collectively known as “intelligent water” that incorporate IT into the water cycle.

Mobility

The growing role of public transportation to reduce automobile reliance has made the development of energy-saving technologies essential. The development of charging stations and other EV infrastructure with the aim of creating a low-carbon city by reducing dependence on vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, are also critical. Cities of tomorrow need an approach to transportation based primarily on EVs and HEVs.

Information technology

Different information are used in urban living and daily urban activities in turn produce huge amounts of data. Data centres, servers, storage systems, digital signage and security solutions facilitate a more comfortable and secure way of life. A liveable city that provides good quality of life is one that is connected, automated and smart.  – Courtesy of Hitachi