Unique Challenges and Solutions for Mechanical System Design in Antarctica

Mechanical engineering in Antarctica is rewarding and presents many unique challenges including difficult supply chain issues, extreme winds (170+ MPH, 76 m/s), extreme temperatures (-100° F, -73° C), exceptionally high fuel and electricity costs, and the remoteness of the facilities such that some stations are completely inaccessible for several months out of the year. This paper will cover some of the design solutions that are unique to Antarctica as well as lessons learned and best-practices on designing mechanical, plumbing and fuel systems in the Antarctic environment. An example of a unique Antarctic solution is a Rodriguez water well (Rodwell) that provides safe potable water for the South Pole Station (SPS), SPS is located 800 miles from liquid water. The Rodwell also provides an environmentally safe location to dispose of sanitary sewer outflow from SPSthe station. SPS also makes good use of the available plentiful free cooling at the site with a process cooling loop. A best practice example is getting outside air into buildings while avoiding snow ingestion and blockages in the intake system. This is aAccomplished utilizing lLow airflow velocity, specialized dampers and specially designed weather hoods. Exhausting humid air from kitchens, the McMurdo wastewater treatment building and laundry equipment rooms is also very challenging. The fabrication and installation of infrastructure for a hot water ice trencher is coming to fruition at SPS. A current design is to create and maintain a clear SCUBA access point through the ice near McMurdo Station. The access point must not freeze over during active diving operations, and the melting must be efficient and fast. Fuel is very expensive and environmentally contentious so conserving and reusing heat is an integral part of all designs. This paper will cover lessons learned regarding the ‘waste heat’ systems associated with the fuel fired electric generators that provide power for the stations. Both traditional jacket water heat capture as well as engine exhaust gas heat exchangers are used to maximize heat capture. Experience has shown some technology and materials have proven more reliable than others. The waste heat distribution system pipe expansion and contraction also requires a design approach that compensates for the system heating medium that experiences a possible 220° F (104° C) temperature difference.