Saunas, a staple in Finnish and global culture, are traditionally heated using electricity or wood. However, an innovative collaboration between Harvia and Toyota has birthed a sauna that operates on hydrogen, marking a groundbreaking shift in sauna technology. As a large trailer is towed to the Jyväskylä harbour square, curiosity is piqued by the mysterious dark box mounted atop it, revolutionisingemphasises the result of Harvia and Toyota’s partnership, a hydrogen sauna. Unlike conventional saunas, this sauna eschews electricity and wood, instead utilising hydrogen combustion for heat. Remarkably, its emissions consist solely of water and warmth, eliminating the need for a chimney as the steam produced during combustion enriches the sauna’s atmosphere.
Hydrogen, being the most abundant element in the universe, offers a sustainable fuel source that never depletes. However, on Earth, extracting hydrogen from water through electrolysis consumes energy, predominantly sourced from renewables, to yield “green hydrogen.” Yet, a drawback lies in the inefficiency of this process, with approximately a third of the energy being lost as heat. Despite this, hydrogen presents a viable solution for energy storage when surplus energy is generated. Timo Harvia, Harvia’s Chief Innovation and Technology Officer, underscores the potential of hydrogen as an energy storage method, highlighting its application in diverse sectors, including automotive and sauna industries.
The hydrogen sauna, reportedly the only one of its kind globally, stands as a testament to technological innovation. While commercial plans for this unique sauna remain tentative, the prospect of integrating it into sauna boats or public sauna spaces is deemed promising by Timo Harvia. Toyota, renowned for its automotive prowess, has been engaged in hydrogen-related research for decades, culminating in the development of hydrogen combustion technology that enabled the creation of the hydrogen sauna. Mitsumasa Yamagata, President of Hydrogen Factory at Toyota, emphasizes the company’s commitment to offering eco-friendly solutions, positioning hydrogen-powered saunas as a step towards a carbon-neutral future.
Central to the sauna experience is the quality of steam generated. Harvia’s hydrogen sauna is meticulously designed to recreate the ambiance of a traditional smoke sauna, with a focus on providing gentle, enveloping heat. The hydrogen combustion system directs flames and hot air through the sauna’s stones, ensuring uniform heating from all directions. This process envelops the space in a soft warmth, producing a pleasant steam that mirrors the essence of a rustic smoke sauna, as attested by test sauna sessions aboard the trailer-mounted miniature sauna.
In essence, the collaboration between Harvia and Toyota symbolises a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable sauna technology. The hydrogen sauna not only revolutionizes the way saunas are heated but also underscores the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source across various applications. As the world transitions towards eco-conscious practices, initiatives like the hydrogen sauna serve as beacons of progress, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future where even the simplest of pleasures, like a sauna session, can be enjoyed with minimal environmental impact.
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