Projects
equipment had to be specified to survive being exposed to the
harsh -20°C conditions during transport.
Planning had to be meticulous as literally everything had
to be taken there (no quick going back). From the ducting to
the FCUs and everything in-between had to be included.
HVAC equipment that could not be built locally was
imported from Germany and sent to Cape Town, from where it
was shipped to Antarctica. From there it was lifted onto the ice
bank by crane and then hauled with a sleigh through the snow
and ice to the base.
But not only did the planning have to include getting all the
equipment and tools to the base, but also bringing back the old
system. Nothing could be left behind.
This was quite a tough job, as only 25 people could make
the journey to the base and between them, they had to
complete all the upgrades — electrical, HVAC, wet services,
and so on. As they could only stay for the summer, the crew
worked long days to get everything done on time.
48
RACA Journal I January 2019
INSTALLATION DETAILS
The following notable design features, energy-saving
measures, and latest sustainable technology systems
were installed:
Engines and heat recovery systems
Tier III compliant engines (CAT) were installed, thus
ensuring that engines’ NOx emission will be limited in
accordance with international standards. Water-to-water
heat exchangers on the engine block and air-to-water
heat exchangers on the exhaust pipes ensure maximum
heat recovery; heat which will normally be rejected to
atmosphere.
The heat recovery systems increased the typical engine/
system efficiency from ±35% to ±80%. The hot water thus
generated is circulated to fresh air FCUs to heat the base and
is also used to heat domestic hot water via heat exchangers.
Vertically configured, close-coupled centrifugal pumps with
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