1. Boccaletti, C., Di Felice, P., Santini, E., 2014. Integration of renewable power systems in an Antarctic Research Station. Renewable Energy 62, 582–591. doi:10.1016/j.renene.2013.08.021
Abstract:
The paper describes design of a stand-alone in Antarctic power system, comprising a PV system, wind-turbine and diesel generators, which is able to serve energy demand of Antarctic Research Station.
Data collection:
The temperature range in the chosen location varies between -20°C and -80°C. Solar irradiance can reach up to 800 W/m2. Solar irradiance was measured directly on the site, also data were obtained from NASA website and, finally, confirmed by calculations.
The total electric load of the station accounts for 250 kW with the maximum and minimum loads of 157 kW and 22 kW, respectively.
Results and discussion:
It was decided that PV system would serve electric load of only telecommunication units and computers that, taking into account a safety factor of two, accounted for 10 kW. Hence, 67 monocrystalline PV panels of 150 W (model BP 2150S produced by BP Solar) would be enough to provide necessary power.
Calculation and comparison of economic figures revealed that the payback period for both PV system and wind turbine incorporated in Research Station instead of use of diesel generators amounted to 4.09 years.
The most important environmental benefits from exploiting of renewable energy sources in Antarctic instead of conventional energy sources are (i) preservation of Antarctic nature and (ii) keeping carbon footprint in the research area at the initial level.
2. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells