A safe and reliable installation in Antarctica
Assistance on EMC, electrical protection, LV dimensioning, and testing
On 5 September 2007, his Royal Highness Prince Philip inaugurated Belgium’s new Antarctic research station at a ceremony in Tour & Taxis exhibition center in Brussels. The Princess Elisabeth Station is due to be finished by end of 2008. Laborelec provided electrical design specifications to help create a safe and reliable research center, and is also in charge of testing the electrical installations.
When the International Polar Foundation (IPF) decided to build the first ever zero emission research station in the Antarctic, they faced a number of very specific challenges. The IPF called upon Laborelec to provide recommendations for the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) concept, electrical protection and LV dimensioning, and other safety aspects for the station’s electrical installations. During the course of the project, the IPF passed more responsibility to us and eventually asked us to do the pre-site assembly testing as well as the actual site testing at Utsteinen, Antarctica. This will take place in 2008.
Minimizing interferences and avoiding electrostatic discharges
The extremely low humidity level of 0.03% combined with the cold temperatures has proved to be a major issue at other research stations in Antarctica. It creates electrostatic discharges that affect computers and delicate scientific instrumentation. Laborelec advised the use of appropriate materials for clothing and furniture and recommended the installation of antistatic tiles to discharge researchers when entering the station.
Our experts also provided advice on minimizing interference between electrical equipment. This included recommendations on cable routing, on layout of the distribution network, and on the selection of cable trays and electrical boards.
Guaranteeing a safe installation
Furthermore, Laborelec specified electrical protection and LV dimensioning, calculated short-circuit currents, and established a standard set of safety requirements. Cable resistance to extreme weather conditions was a major design consideration.
The primary energy suppliers for the zero emission Antarctic research station are wind and solar power. Our experts carefully examined protection problems related to their low short-circuit currents.
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