創発システム研究所 Company Profile

In December 2022, we conducted an experiment to measure motorcycle traffic at the "Saigon River Tunnel" in Ho Chi Minh City. Below, we present a Q&A format. (For background, please refer to the article from November 4, 2022.) Q: How did you obtain the measuring equipment? A: We brought it in by hand-carry from Japan. We had heard of past troubles with bringing in such equipment, so we prepared customs documents, non-applicability certificates, and approval letters from the authorities in advance. (We were able to bring it in safely, but gathering the documents was very challenging!) Q: Did the measurements go well? A: We were affected by momentary power outages several times, but we achieved our initial objectives. As for the construction, the local contractors carried it out smoothly, so there were no issues. Q: What are the future developments? A: Based on the data obtained, we will develop a detection and measurement algorithm for motorcycles to clarify the traffic conditions at the Saigon River Tunnel. After that, we will propose an optimal ventilation control system that balances energy saving and improvement of the tunnel environment. The results of this development and research are planned to be presented at a science and technology seminar organized by the Vietnam Bridge and Road Association. (Scheduled for May 2023)

In October 2022, we traveled to Vietnam as part of a project commissioned by JICA to conduct a preliminary survey. The ultimate goal of this project is to implement our inverter ventilation control system in the "Saigon River Tunnel" located in Ho Chi Minh City. During this business trip, we conducted a preliminary field survey regarding motorcycle traffic volume as a preliminary step. Why measure motorcycle traffic volume? The reason is to use it as a parameter for optimal ventilation control. In Vietnam, there are many motorcycle users, and in enclosed spaces like tunnels, appropriate ventilation is essential from the perspective of CO concentration. Additionally, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in environmental considerations in the country, and energy-saving effects through inverter control are also anticipated. When we actually visited the site, it seemed common to see multiple motorcycles running parallel in a single lane (motorcycle-only). Our measurement system does not account for such complex traffic situations, which may become a development challenge in the future. Actual measurements are scheduled for December 2022. Stay tuned for further updates!

――I heard there was a discussion panel. The theme was whether the carbon costs associated with large-scale ventilation operations outweigh the safety benefits provided by that equipment. Various opinions were expressed, but the majority felt that we should still invest in safety benefits over environmental considerations. ――What is Brighton, the venue for the event, like? It is a resort town on the southern coast of England. Beautiful coastlines stretch infinitely, and the main street is lined with many restaurants and malls. A short walk away reveals a very beautiful town with historic Western-style buildings. Across the sea, numerous offshore wind turbines stand, which was quite impressive. ――Do you have any other episodes from this trip? We were treated to dinner by a couple of professors from the University of Dundee, with whom we have a close relationship. When we requested beef, they suggested Chinese, Japanese, Turkish, Moroccan, and Greek cuisines. It was surprising that there were no British restaurants among those all crowded together on the same street. The end.