Power and Communication through the Polar Night

Remote autonomous power and communication systems for GPS instruments have been developed specifically to withstand the extreme polar environment while keeping logistical installation expenses to a minimum. Similar systems for seismic research are available from IRIS/PASSCAL. These modular power and communications systems are adaptable to serve as platforms for other instruments beyond GPS and seismic devices.

This new capability for polar research is the outcome of the NSF sponsored development project NSF-ANT 0619908. For more background, see the project proposal.

Features and Specifications

• 5 watts power and 1Mb/day data year-round
• Deployed by 2-3 people in a single light aircraft trip
• Solar and wind power for multi-year operation
• Lithium battery backup available
• Snow and rock installations
• Geodetic GPS data retrieval via Iridium satellite link
• Custom engineering solutions
• Network monitoring, data management and distribution

Polar Plateau System

Designed for extreme cold and moderate wind

The Plateau system enclosure is buried as a buffer against extreme temperature swings, and utilizes high efficiency vacuum panel insulation, Iridium communications, active heating, and wind and solar power sources for year-round autonomous operation. The above left system was installed from the Norway-US IPY Traverse above the subglacial Recovery Lakes. (Photo: T. Scambos)

Continental Margin System

Designed for extreme winds and moderate temperatures

The Continental Margin system relies on a moderately sized battery bank with charging from solar and wind, and can be deployed with a single light aircraft visit. The above left system was installed at Cordiner Peak in the Pensacola Mountains and the above right system was installed at Kohler Glacier in West Antarctica. Both are part of the POLENET project.