Antarctic Station Microgrid

How does a micro smart grid work?

Managed by a Programmable Logic Controller, the smart grid reaches an installed energy that is ten times superior to the energy production, making the station's micro smart grid three times more efficient than any existing network.

Who built the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica station?

Over two austral summer research seasons, from November 2007 to February 2009, the International Polar Foundation, with financial and in-kind help from its many private sector partners and the Belgian government, built the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica station under the Belgian flag.

Are Antarctica's research stations using wind to generate electricity?

Wind-energy use is becoming increasingly prevalent at Antarctica’s research stations. The present study identified more than ten research stations that have been using wind to generate electricity. The installed wind capacity, as identified by the study, is nearly 1500 kW of installed capacity.

What is the Venturi Antarctica?

Powered by the renewable energy produced at the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica station, the Venturi Antarctica further reduces the environmental footprint of doing scientific research at the world’s first zero-emission polar research station and opens the door for additional research and development possibilities for green technology.

Why does research in Antarctica leave a significant environmental footprint?

Research in Antarctica generally leaves a significant environmental footprint because of the high energy requirements. Several stations already use renewable energy, but still depend on fossil fuels to meet energy needs for research and heat production.

Are green energy sources constant in Antarctica?

Green energy sources are usually not constant, especially in Antarctica. Because the station cannot endlessly create energy to meet an uncontrolled demand, all station's inhabitants have to adapt their demand to the quantity of available energy. A central computer monitors available energy and distributes it according to a set of strict rules.