ABSTRACT
Northern Power Systems (NPS) has designed and manufactured eight solar hybrid power systems for installation at remote locations in central Alaska under contract to Kollsman Systems Management. The systems supply power to the remote stations required to support the US Air Force’s Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) range in Alaska. The ACMI range is used to monitor Air Force training manoeuvres and gauge pilot performance. The power system of each ACMI range consist of a 760 Wp photovoltaic array coupled to an 80 W propane-powered thermoelectric generator (TEG). This powers a load made up of the ACMI itself, a fan and two heaters, which are used to heat up the battery enclosure and preheat the TEG fuel during cold spells. The TEG powers the loads during Alaska’s dark winter months. Both power the systems charge maintenance-free battery bank directly. NPS designed a superinsulated chamber to protect the power system and communication electronics from the extreme cold of Alaska’s winter months.
