10.1117/2.1200809.1284 Hybrid-powered astronomical laboratory for Antarctica

An innovative engine system developed for the Plateau Observatory shows significant potential applicability for future small research facil-ities in harsh environmental conditions. We have developed an innovative hybrid-power system for the Plateau Observatory (PLATO). This Antarctic astronomical site-testing facility was successfully deployed by an expedition of the Chinese Polar Research Institute in January 2008. PLATO is located at Dome A, the coldest, highest, and one of the most re-mote sites in Antarctica. The plateau is characterized by high altitudes of up to a few kilometers above sea level, and the at-mosphere is thinner compared to the same physical altitude at nonpolar locations. Of all the highAntarctic research sites shown in Figure 1, Dome A is the only one that does not have the in-frastructure to provide power and heat for research instrumen-tation. Antarctica’s unusual day–night cycle dictates that contin-uous solar-power generation is impossible for much of the year. The local wind speed is very slow, thus preventing the effective use of wind turbines. This, combined with extremely cold tem-peratures (ranging from −30◦C in summer to as low as −80◦C inwinter), poses interesting challenges and boundary conditions for in situ power and heat sources for small remote facilities. Small power systems for remote facilities have operated suc-cessfully in Antarctica.1 The British Antarctic Survey used so-lar and wind energy and rechargeable batteries to achieve up to 2.5W of electrical power.2 Lockheed Missiles and Space Com-pany Inc. developed the Automated Geophysical Observatory with a power system operating on the basis of a thermoelectric generator fueled by liquid propane, providing up to 100W.3 The University of New South Wales (Australia) designed the Au-tomated Astrophysical Site-Testing International Observatory (AASTINO),4 which used a hybrid power system consisting of solar panels and two Stirling engines to provide up to 400W of electrical power. PLATO is designed to continuously provide at Figure 1. Map of Antarctica with contour levels in meters. The lo-cations of various research sites are indicated. (Map courtesy of th