| Summary: | Thesis (MScEng (Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. There are numerous challenges that have to be overcome in order to generate the electrical and thermal energy required to power Antarctic research stations in a technically, economically and environmentally suitable manner. Consequently the costs associated with generating energy at these latitudes are high, and ways are constantly being sought to improve energy generation methods and protect the pristine environment. These endeavours are strongly encouraged by the Antarctic Treaty. This thesis aims to investigate the technical and economic feasibility of using solar energy at South Africa’s SANAE IV (South African National Antarctic Expedition IV) station in Antarctica. The idea of using solar energy in Antarctica is not novel, and as is shown a number of stations have already capitalised on opportunities to generate savings in this manner. Similarly, at SANAE IV, there exists the opportunity to alleviate an increased summer energy load on the station and reduce diesel consumption through the proper implementation of such a system. There is also ample scope to use wind energy, which would have a marked positive impact on the base’s operation. The data used in this thesis was obtained mainly during the 2004/2005 takeover expedition to South Africa’s SANAE IV station in Antarctica. Included are measurements of total and diffuse radiation that were measured during the months of January and February 2005, and which form an important part of the investigation. Since there are currently no radiation sensors, or any historical record of measured radiation at the station, the only measured data available from SANAE IV was the data recorded during the 2004/2005 takeover expedition. By further collecting archived values of fuel consumption, electricity generation and load profiles, an energy audit of the station was also completed during the 2004/2005 takeover expedition. The expected savings that could be generated by solar ...
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