Qinling station, China’s fifth research base in Antarctica, has started the operation of its hybrid power supply system, which combines wind, solar, hydrogen and diesel sources. This is the first time such a system has been used on the Antarctic continent, marking an advance in the sustainability of scientific operations in extreme environments.
The system, installed by the 41st Chinese Antarctic Expedition team, includes 100 kW wind generation, 130 kW solar energy, 30 kW of energy to hydrogen and a 300 kWh battery bank, plus an electric control system. With over 60% of the energy from renewable sources, the station saves over 100 tons of fossil fuels annually.
The configuration allows, even without wind and sunlight, the station operates for up to 2.5 hours with a maximum load of 150 kW. In addition, the power system hydrogen can guarantee 30 kW of continuous supply for up to 14 days during polar nights. Qinling station went into operation in February 2023, joining the other four Chinese bases in Antarctica: Great Wall, Zhongshan, Kunlun and Taishan.
Source: https://www.chinahoje.net/estacao-chinesa-na-antartica-opera-com-sistema-de-energia-limpa/
