A large-capacity fuel cell capable of handling scanning lidar (SL) observations was installed together with the SL. This installation was carried out in collaboration with Toyota Tsusho Corporation, which has an extensive track record in wind condition surveys using fuel cells, and this is the first attempt in Japan to use a fuel cell for SL observations.
When conducting observations using a vertical-illumination Doppler LIDAR or wind condition mast in areas without electricity, the fuel cell used has an output of about 100 W. However, since the power consumption of the SL (Windcube) reaches 1,600 W, an AC power source has basically been required.
It is hoped that large-capacity fuel cells like these will be put to practical use in the future, enabling stable steam locomotive observations even in areas without electricity.
