Site selection of Antarctic Research Stations in aspect of required optimum hybrid renewable system capacity

Abstract

The population of Antarctica consists of scientific research personnel. The number of residents ranges from about 1,100 in the winter to about 4,400 in the summer and up to 1,000 additional personnel in the nearby waters. Even in summer, Antarctica's sub-zero temperature increases the energy consumption of buildings for heating purposes. At the same time, the absence of a grid system necessitates the use of off-grid fossil-based or renewable energy systems. Considering the natural environment and building conditions in the studies, the multiple evaluation of the ground process for research stations is grouped into four main criteria: scientific research, environment, logistical support and topography. In these studies, the capacity of the renewable energy system requirement was not examined. For this reason, in this study, the capacities of the optimum hybrid renewable energy systems in 16 locations selected from different regions of Antarctica were compared. In the study, typical meteorological climate data of 15 locations were obtained. The daily energy demand is obtained by calculating the daily electricity consumption of the electrical devices and heating system that can be used. Results of this study shows that according to purpose of the site, many locations that meets the requirements may exist with extremely different energy demands. In site selection, first the possile locations that supply the requirements should be determined, than energy demands and required systems should be compared.