Power and Heat is important
Temperature: -25.6.8 C, - 14.1F Windchill: - 38.4C, - 37.1F Wind: **12.6 knts. **Weather: clear and sunny
Tim, one of the power plant engineers and former air plane engineer first explained to me the different parts of the power plant because once we would be inside the engine room we would not be able to talk much because of the noise.
The power plant has 4 generators. 3 are identical in size: each could produce 750 KW. The 4th generator is smaller.
The daily demand of the station is about 675 KW. The power plant supplies all main building of the station with power and heat: the main station, ARO, summer-camp, the cryo-building (holding of the helium tanks), and the "Dark Sector” plus a few smaller camps, such as the Jeffery Observatory that conducts solar seismology. All supply lines are located under the snow. The plant used diesel that is brought by the LC 130. Whatever the planes do not need they leave here at the station. Glycol is used as antifreeze.
The engine room of the power plant
This power plant is located under the snow and can be reached from the outside or via the tunnel.*
Diesel Engine to provide energy
Tim is standing in front of one of the 3 larger engines.
The heat generated by the generators is efficiently collected and used for heating the station. The station has an emergency heater in case of an emergency.
Emergency Heater
Elke is standing in front of the emergency heater which is only used if the engines fail to produce enough heat. *
Though seldom the case, if too much heat is produced, radiators vent off the heat just like in any other engine.
Radiators too.
Tim is standing in front of the giant radiators that went off excess heat. They are seldom in use.*
Tim showed me the side entrance and exit. I was able to have a look at the arch cross section and see the space between the arch that protects the power plant from the ice and snow.
Power plant under the ice
This is the space between arch structure and power plant.*
Stepping out under the snow.
Once I stepped outside the small door, I noticed that I was already inside the second arch. This arch will hold the new storage facilities of the station once construction is completed. . To the left I could see the chimneys of the power plants. The power plant arch is already covered with snow. To the back of these arches are the storage fuel tanks. *
**Power plant chimneys **
We are facing now the power plant chimneys. The flags furthest back designate the fuel tank area.*
**Structures under the snow! **
These are the three arches that contain different facilities. The right arch is the garage for the heavy machinery. The middle arch will contain the storage facilities. The left arch contains the power plant. This arch is almost completely under snow.*
Eventually all these structures will be under snow the snow.
View from the power plant to the Station
To the left of the power plant chimneys is the "Beer can” stair case that leads to the power plant tunnel. The engineers of the power plant do not have to go outside if they do not have to.*
Full view of station with power plant
This is a full view of the station with the power plant to the right.*
As I went back to the station, I realized that it was Saturday and many activities would be going on around different parts of the station later on in the evening in preparation for our next day New Years Eve party. Because of logistics, New Year’s Eve parties in McMurdo, Palmer Station and the South Pole Station will be Sunday night, December 30th with the following day off. New Year’s Day will be a normal work day.
Three bands, including Tim’s and Craig’s band will be practicing tonight and tomorrow morning for the dance on Sunday night.
Power plant Engineer and guitar
Tim practicing his guitar.*
Tim and his band practicing in the Gym.
Tim and his band are practicing in the Gym. The Gym will be decorated later for the December 30th New Year’s Eve dance!*
Blue Grass Band Practice
The blue grass band is practicing their tunes. Some of these members will also be playing in the two other bands.*
Their work will be an amazing gift to the community and I can not wait to hear them play full sets. Good luck to all and thank you!