China's Qinling Station in Antarctica Leads the Way with Hybrid Power Supply System
Key Ideas
- China's Qinling Station in Antarctica has debuted a hybrid power supply system integrating wind, solar, hydrogen, and diesel power, a first in the region.
- The system includes wind, solar, and hydrogen energy components along with low-temperature energy storage batteries, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting clean energy usage.
- The hybrid system, with over 60% solar and wind energy share, has the capacity to save more than one hundred tonnes of fossil fuels annually, showcasing significant environmental benefits.
- Qinling Station's fully installed hydrogen energy setup can provide uninterrupted power for 14 days during polar nights, enhancing the station's energy resilience in extreme weather conditions.
China's Qinling Station in Antarctica has initiated the operation of a groundbreaking hybrid power supply system, combining wind, solar, hydrogen, and diesel power sources. The system, installed by China's 41st Antarctic expedition team, includes a 100 kW wind power generation system, 130 kW solar power generation system, 30 kW hydrogen energy system, and 300 kWh low-temperature energy storage battery system. This sustainable energy initiative also incorporates part of the diesel power generation system and indoor electric control system, enabling grid connection and continuous clean energy generation. The system, the largest-scale new energy power generation setup in Chinese Antarctic research stations, emphasizes the use of solar and wind energy, resulting in over 60% clean energy production and saving more than one hundred tonnes of fossil fuels annually. Noteworthy is the system's ability to provide emergency power for up to 2.5 hours without wind and sunlight, with a maximum load of 150 kW, showcasing its reliability in adverse conditions. Moreover, the hydrogen energy setup ensures uninterrupted power supply for 14 days during the polar nights, enhancing the station's energy sustainability. Qinling Station, China's fifth research base in Antarctica, commenced operations in February the previous year, following the establishment of four other research bases over nearly four decades. This innovative hybrid power supply system at Qinling Station signifies a significant step towards promoting renewable energy use, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing energy resilience in challenging Antarctic conditions.