Investigation of a Photovoltaic/Battery Hybrid System for Powering the High Arctic Data Communications System
Abstract
The High Arctic Data Communications System (HADCS) was established to provide reliable communication between CFS Alert and Ottawa. This system includes a ground link from Alert to Eureka and a satellite link from Eureka to Ottawa. The ground link is necessary because Alert is over the horizon with respect to suitable satellites in stationary orbit. HADCS includes six unmanned microwave repeaters that are located on the top of mountains between Alert and Eureka. Typical power requirements for these sites are given in Table 1. These repeater stations are powered at the present time using SAFT 608Z 2000 Ah air depolarized (zinc-air) primary cells. Each repeater has two banks of batteries; one prime and one backup with 8 to 10 battery boxes of 14 cells in each box. Cell and battery data are given in Table 2. Annual battery maintenance is required. Each summer the prime battery bank is removed, the existing back-up bank is taken into active service (i.e., becomes the prime bank) and a fresh set of batteries is installed as the back-up bank. The old set of batteries has to be removed for disposal. Because of the remoteness of the HADCS sites and the weight of the battery system (about 2 tons per site), replacement of the batteries is a major operation. It takes about 3 weeks and involves approximately 25 people as well as the use of one or two Chinooks and two twin Huey helicopters during this period.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA218353
Entities
People
- C. L. Gardner
Organizations
- Department of National Defence