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Australian Antarctic Division

 Mawson Station Heating

The Australian Antarctic Division employs a co-generation system to heat Antarctic Stations. Waste heat created by diesel generators is used to heat water. This water is pumped around station as part of the site services to provide heating for each building.

By analysing how much heat is lost from the water after it has been pumped around the station, the amount of heat energy being used can be calculated. This is known as the thermal load, measured in kilo Watts (kW). Buildings can also be examined on an individual basis to locate any inefficiencies.

The figures on the graphic below are updated every five minutes from Mawson Station.

Pipe
64 °C
Flow temperature
Flow Temperature
Pipe Pipe
Pump
(run)
14 l/s
Pump running at 14 litres/second
Pipe
Pipe
Electric Boilers
Electric boiler (off)
1 2
Pipe
Station
Pipe
Diesel Boilers
Diesel boiler on
1 2 3 4 5
Pipe Pipe
Pipe
Generator
Diesel generator
Return Temperature
Return temperature
58 °C
Pipe
Boilers
Diesel on: 3 5
Diesel off: 1 2 4
Electric: 1 2
Station Heat Load
351.6 kW

Page last updated Saturday, July 04, 2009 8:30:01 PM (AEST)

See also: Electrical | Water-making | Davis ASP