Power and Communication through the Polar Night

Remote autonomous power and communication systems have been developed specifically to withstand the extreme polar environment while keeping the logistical installation expenses to a minimum. This new capability for polar research is the outcome of the NSF sponsored development project NSF-ANT 0619908. Similar systems for seismic research are available from IRIS/PASSCAL.

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 right system was installed at Cordiner Peak in the Pensacola Mountains as part of the POLENET project.