Extreme Cold Environment Power Solution — Providing Continuous and Reliable Power Supply for China's Antarctic Research Stations

Project Background

 

Antarctica — the coldest and harshest region on Earth. With annual average temperatures dropping to -60°C and wind speeds reaching 100m/s in extreme conditions, the reliability of power supply directly determines the success of scientific missions and the safety of researchers stationed there.

China's Antarctic research stations — Zhongshan, Kunlun, Taishan, and Qinling — undertake critical polar scientific exploration tasks. In March 2025, the first large-scale new energy system at Qinling Station was officially commissioned, marking China's entry into the era of clean energy in polar research. However, under the extreme alternation of polar day and night, stable and continuous power supply remains the core challenge.

 

Customer Needs Analysis

 

 

Our Solution

 

I. Extreme Cold Environment Engineering

Designed specifically for Antarctic temperatures as low as -60°C, our generator sets incorporate multiple specialized technologies:

• ▪ Low-Temperature Start System: Equipped with high-capacity intake air preheaters and coolant heating systems, ensuring reliable start-up at -50°C
• ▪ Specialized Low-Temperature Lubricants: Full-synthetic low-temperature lubricating oils to guarantee normal operation of mechanical components under extreme cold conditions
• ▪ Cold-Resistant Material Selection: All seals, piping, and wiring harnesses utilize special cold-resistant materials to prevent embrittlement and cracking
• ▪ Intelligent Temperature Control Management: Automatic monitoring and regulation of operating temperatures to keep all systems at optimal performance levels

II. Modular Power Configuration

Our solution adopts a 10×300KW modular parallel configuration:

• ▪ Flexible Load Management: Start and stop unit groups based on actual station load demands to optimize fuel efficiency
• ▪ Redundant Backup: N+1 redundancy design — maintenance or fault on a single unit does not compromise overall power supply
• ▪ Easy Scalability: Additional power modules can be conveniently added as stations expand in the future
• ▪ Transport & Installation: Modular design facilitates logistics and on-site installation under Antarctica's unique transport conditions

 

III. Continuous Operation Guarantee System

• ▪ Large-Capacity Day Tanks: Meeting 72 hours of continuous full-load operation
• ▪ Parallel Control System: Advanced PLC-based automatic parallel control enabling automatic load sharing and synchronization
• ▪ Remote Monitoring: Satellite communication support for real-time operational data transmission, allowing remote diagnostics from domestic technical teams
• ▪ Standardized Spare Parts: All 10 units share interchangeable components, significantly reducing spare parts inventory pressure

 

  

Technical Advantage Comparison

 

 

Application Cases

 

• ▪ Zhongshan Station: Provides baseline power support for China's first inland Antarctic research station
• ▪ Kunlun Station: Supports extreme-environment research at 4,087 meters above sea level atop the Antarctic ice sheet
• ▪ Taishan Station: Meets power demands at the inland ice sheet traverse relay station
• ▪ Qinling Station: Complements new energy systems to form an integrated wind-solar-hydrogen-storage-load microgrid

 

About Outevo

 

Shanghai Outevo Machinery Co., Ltd. is a global power equipment solution provider — with high quality generator sets as the core, covering all scenarios of power supply demands. Outstanding Quality, Evolving Power. 

• ▪ diesel generator sets,
• ▪ gas generator sets,
• ▪ wind turbines,
• ▪ wind-solar hybrid power system

We maintain deep cooperative partnerships with world-class power manufacturers including Cummins, Perkins, Weichai, and Yuchai, dedicated to providing localized power solutions tailored to complex operating conditions for customers worldwide.

 

 

Choose Outevo — Choose the Core Strength of China's Industrial Capability.

 

Contact Us

 

Shanghai Outevo Machinery Co., Ltd.

For more product information and technical proposals, please feel free to contact us at any time.