Wind turbines endure -60°C at Belgian lab in in Antarctica

The International Polar Foundation is a research project to study environmental conditions in the Antarctic. Commissioned by the Belgium Government in 2004, the project asked the IPF to design and construct a new research base in Antarctica, to become operational during the International Polar Year at the end of 2007.

Belgium has a long history of scientific research in Antarctica dating back to 1897, from which the Belgian Antarctic Expedition returned with important scientific discoveries such as: numerous botanical and zoological samples, bathymetrical and hydrological soundings, a considerable amount of oceanographical, meteorological, geomagnetic, glaciological and geological observation data.

Belgium built the Baudoin Station in 1957 which operated until 1967. This was a key event for international scientific collaboration which led to the signing of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959.

Belgium's newest research project will enable up to 20 scientists from Belgium and other nations to carry out research on climate change. Countries such as Japan, Sweden, Germany, and Norway have already made contributions to the center.

The objectives of the foundation are to use the research to educate and inform the public on polar regions, climate change, and sustainable development. New technologies in sustainable energy and construction are likely to be achieved.

The construction of the research lab will be entirely eco-friendly, ensuring that all materials and technologies used will have a low environmental impact and be completely sustainable. Companies chosen to be involved with the project will receive positive publicity for providing environmentally sound products, due of the high profile of the project.

The world's leading small wind turbine maker 'Proven Energy' is a British company that is supplying eight of its 6kW turbines for the Princess Elisabeth Antarctic research station. these turbines will create 230V electricity for the station's heating, computers, lights and scientific instruments.. There is speculation that small wind turbines will be used more often in eco-construction because they generate a considerable amount of energy and economical to erect.

Antarctic stations have previously used diesel generators for energy that caused pollution in the ecologically delicate region. Wind turbines were thought not to be sturdy enough for the harsh environment, so diesel engines were used.

Proven's turbines have broken a number of world records in terms of durability and are well suited to the conditions in Antarctica. It is crucial that they continue to work, or the research or human life might be put at risk.

"We are confident of success as our Proven 6s are the most thoroughly tested wind turbines in the world," said Gordon Proven, founder of Proven Energy. "These turbines are already operating in the most hostile climates around the world, shattering all records. With the installations in Antarctica, we expect to set yet more records."

Previous installations in of Proven windmills in Slovenia broke world records, as well as performing well in harsh sand storms in Saudi Arabia and typhoons in Japan. Proven windmills have generated electricity in wind speeds of 150mph in the Shetland Islands. Antarctica's average wind speeds are 53mph during most of the year, and up to 200mph in winter.

The International Polar Foundation Research Center will endure some of the most severe climate conditions on Earth, including temperatures down to -60°C. The windmills are a crucial lifeline for the center and will be the most output of any wind power system in the world.

More environmental science articles.