Hyundai Motor Group 2024 Big Campaign Video Hyundai Motor Group 2024 Big Campaign Video

2024.07.17 Hyundai Motor Group 분량9min

A Sanctuary for Firefighters: The Journey to Creating the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus

Hyundai Motor Group is providing the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus for firefighters who work tirelessly on the frontlines of disaster scenes. Below, each expert explained the social contribution project highlighted by Hyundai’s Big Ideas Campaign, and the features of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus in detail:

To support firefighters who bravely battle fierce flames and rescue people in danger, Hyundai Motor Group has stepped forward. Highlighting the social value and positive impact of Hyundai’s new technology, the Big Ideas Campaign focuses on firefighters. The latest Big Ideas Campaign video centers on the hard work of many firefighters, and it features Hyundai Motor Group’s provision of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus, equipped with hydrogen mobility technology, to give them a moment of respite. The video also includes appearances by Fire Captain Choi Bang-kyun and Fire Lieutenant Kim Min-hyun from Incheon Fire Department, along with firefighters from Incheon, Jeju, and Gangwon Fire Departments. Adding authenticity, the narration is provided by veteran Korean-American firefighter Peter Lee from the Englewood Fire Department in New Jersey.

Supporting Firefighters Who Ensure Public Safety

The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus

The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus, running on Jeju's clean energy, is environmentally friendly.

Hyundai Motor Group conducts CSR activities in three main areas: Free Move, Safe Move, and Sustainable Move. This Big Ideas Campaign is part of their initiatives to support public heroes performing critical missions under the ‘Safe Move’ category.

The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus donated to the Jeju Fire Department helps create a clean rest space for firefighters who are constantly exposed to dust and pollutants. The bus operates silently, and it is vibration-free while providing power. Operating in Jeju, optimized for renewable energy and green hydrogen production, the bus embodies Hyundai Motor Group’s hydrogen value chain vision.


Hydrogen Mobility Technology and Diverse Features of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus

Kyung Tae-hyun, Senior Manager at Hyundai Motor Company; Ahn Do-hyun, Senior Research Engineer; Ko Yoon-sung, Director of Future Growth Division on Jeju Island; and Fire Captain Lee Ju-hee at Health and Safety Department of the National Fire Agency, detail the meaning of the Big Ideas Campaign and the specifics of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus. The interview reveals the features of the bus and Hyundai Motor Group’s vision for realizing a hydrogen value chain.


Senior Manager Kyung Tae-hyun and Senior Research Engineer Ahn Do-hyun from Hyundai Motor Company.

Senior Manager Kyung Tae-hyun (left) and Senior Research Engineer Ahn Do-hyun (right) from Hyundai Motor Company.

Q. What was the motivation behind developing the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus, and what was the main focus during development?

 

Senior manager Kyung Tae-hyun| Hyundai Motor Group has consistently shown a keen interest in the welfare of firefighters, maintaining ongoing support programs. Since 2012, we have provided scholarships to a total of 2,166 children of fallen and injured firefighters. Notably, last year, we initiated support for firefighter safety through the ‘Together We Share Project’ by the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Recognizing the need to provide practical assistance to firefighters, Hyundai Motor Group developed the Support Bus specifically for them. Considering that there are only 10 vehicles nationwide where firefighters can rest during fire suppression and disaster relief activities, we developed the Support Bus and provided one vehicle each to eight different regions.

 

The main focus during the development of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus was usability. We carefully considered the movement flow and designed the interior space to ensure that firefighters, who are often exhausted from disaster response activities, can rest comfortably and easily access various features.

Indoor configuration of hydrogen electric bus for firefighter recovery support

Q. How is the interior of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus configured, and what features does it house?

 

Senior manager Kyung Tae-hyun| The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus is divided into three main areas: personal seating space, compact cooking area, and a U-shaped meeting space. Each area is equipped with various amenities tailored to its purpose. At the front, there are eight premium reclining seats in the personal seating space, allowing firefighters to rest comfortably in a private setting. Each seat is equipped with an entertainment display that includes phone mirroring and docent functions, a 220V outlet, USB charging ports, and personal storage compartments, ensuring a perfect relaxation experience.

In the middle of the bus, there is a compact cooking area where firefighters can quickly replenish their fluids and energy on-site. This area is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, hot and cold water dispenser, cooking station, and a sliding table, making it convenient for firefighters to prepare and consume meals. Lastly, the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus includes a meeting space designed to function as a situation room, considering the frequent rescue activities in the Jeju region. For smooth communication, U-shaped sofas and a foldable table have been installed, along with a 52-inch display and a video conferencing system at the rear to support meetings.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus Outdoor Configuration

Q. Are there any features designed specifically for firefighters working in dangerous places?

 

Senior manager Kyung Tae-hyunThe cargo area of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus is designated as a decontamination zone. To facilitate this, the interior of the cargo area is equipped with air guns and water guns, as well as sliding-type hangers for fire-resistant clothing. Firefighters returning from firefighting or rescue operations can easily remove contaminants from their fire suits, gloves, and boots using these air and water guns.

 

Additionally, Hyundai Motor Group provides an air rest tent with the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus. This tent functions as a separate rest area on-site and can be easily set up using the bus’s power supply. Various other items to create a comfortable resting space, such as roll-up tables, relaxation chairs, and portable sinks, are also provided. Moreover, the bus is equipped with electric awnings on both sides, which can be very useful at disaster sites. These awnings can be electrically deployed and offer shade with waterproof, UV treated fabric.

Power supply of hydrogen electric buses and air rest tents

The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus creates a clean environment during idling, without emissions. It also can supply power through its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature.

Q. Given that the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus may have long idle times in disasters, has this been taken into account in its design?

 

Senior research engineer Ahn Do-hyun| The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus is equipped with hydrogen fuel cells instead of an internal combustion engine, resulting in less emissions. It produces electricity through the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, emitting water. These eco-friendly characteristics are especially beneficial at disaster sites, as it can operate for extended periods without producing emissions. Furthermore, the bus features a lithium iron phosphate battery, allowing it to provide power without needing to start the engine. This battery charges automatically during driving and can also be recharged using external 220V power. The bus is also equipped with a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function, providing additional convenience by enabling the use of external electrical power.

Fire Captain Lee Ju-hee is being interviewed

Fire Captain Lee Ju-hee, Health and Safety Department, Korean National Fire Agency


Q. What would make the unique characteristics of disasters in Jeju Island, apart from other regions?

 

Fire Captain Lee Ju-hee| At fire scenes, the air contains invisible contaminants and toxic gases, and the noise levels are significant. However, Jeju faces unique challenges compared to other regions, such as maritime rescues and assistance for typhoon-affected populations. So, during the development process of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus, the Fire Agency held over ten consultations with Hyundai Motor Group to incorporate the feedback from local firefighters in Jeju to provide practical assistance.

Director Ko Yoon-sung is being interviewed

Director Ko Yoon-sung, Future Growth Division, Jeju Island

Q. Why is Jeju Island the ideal location for the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus operation?

 

Director Ko Yoon-sung| Jeju has declared itself a ‘carbon-free island’ with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035, and it has actively developed renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. However, when the supply of renewable energy exceeds the capacity to process it, output restrictions are implemented to prevent overproduction. In other words, even if the conditions are right for energy production, it can’t be fully utilized.


Jeju Green Hydrogen Production Facility and Hamdeok Green Hydrogen Charging Station

Jeju has the optimal conditions for operating hydrogen mobility with its green hydrogen production and hydrogen refueling infrastructure.

To address this, Jeju stores energy produced from renewable sources by using it to electrolyze water into hydrogen, which is referred to as ‘green hydrogen’ due to its carbon-free production process. In 2020, Jeju was selected by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to demonstrate green hydrogen production technology and has since operated the Hamdeok Green Hydrogen Refueling Station under its vision to become a ‘Global Hub for Green Hydrogen.’ This makes Jeju the ideal location for the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus to operate effectively.

Firefighter Recovery Support Hydrogen Electric Buses and Firefighters

As we have seen, Hyundai Motor Group is continuously striving to enhance the welfare and safety of firefighters. The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus is specifically designed to suit the unique environment of Jeju Island, providing significant support to the firefighters there. Additionally, Hyundai Motor Group has realized the future of the hydrogen value chain through the Green Hydrogen Production Complex and the practical application of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Support Bus.

Hyundai Motor Group remains committed to supporting the welfare and safety of firefighters. The Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-koo Foundation has been providing scholarships to the children of fallen and injured firefighters since 2012. Starting last year, Hyundai Motor Group has donated eight Support Buses to regions including Gangwon, Gyeongbuk, Incheon, Jeonbuk, Ulsan, and Chungnam. Furthermore, the Group plans to donate two additional Support Buses and support the National Fire Hospital, set to open in 2025 in Chungbuk Innovation City, with vehicles and rehabilitation equipment.

 

Through this Big Ideas Campaign, we have been able to appreciate the dedication of firefighters and the mobility technology of Hyundai Motor Group that aims to benefit humanity's future. This campaign, which showcases the process from clean energy production to its practical application, is expected to create significant societal impact, and many people are looking forward to the positive outcomes it will bring.