Schneider Electric and the IPF partner for a high performance scientific research station 
(01/01/2008)
Schneider Electric and the International Polar Foundation (IPF) present Princess Elisabeth, the first “Zero Emission” scientific research station, before its installation in the Antarctic.
In an unprecedented initiative, the station will exclusively use renewable energy: solar – via photovoltaic panels – and wind power. This process avoids all emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases. Schneider Electric's offer of energy services, solutions and products actively help to reduce CO2 emissions. In this way, 50,000 metric tons of CO2 are economised every year in the framework of contracts managed by the Building Automation Business Unit.
“For Schneider Electric, participating in the extraordinary adventure of the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica research station is a highly significant action. Alongside the International Polar Foundation, we share the same values – environmental responsibility, concern for the planet and the absolute need to reduce CO2 emissions. Finally, this is the first time that our products will encounter such extreme conditions, with temperatures of -40°C and under remote control for four months of the year”, explains Jean-Pascal Tricoire, President and CEO of Schneider Electric.
“It is also a tremendous scientific adventure and learning process”, adds Gilles Vermot-Desroches, Schneider Electric’s Senior Vice-President Sustainable Development. “Alain Hubert, the founder of the IPF, will be working with us, alongside a team of scientists and experts, to raise awareness in all of Schneider Electric’s employees of the history of the climate and its changes, because the poles are where the world’s climate is constructed”.
Schneider Electric provides not only the electrical power supply, but also all of the building’s technical management and its remote control process.
1) The electrical power supply and distribution:
- Prisma+ cabinets and switchboards will ensure electrical distribution. They are entirely fitted with modular multi 9 switchgear. All this equipment is standard, as, right from the start, it is capable of functioning in extreme conditions.
2) Remote management:
- a SCADA system enables maintained optimum operating conditions by limiting overconsumption. Information is captured and TeSys contactors enable load shedding functions, for example, when necessary.
3) Supervision and command control:
- programmable Quantum automation units are installed in redundancy in order to ensure command control of water treatment and automatic switch-over from wind power to photovoltaic power in the event of violent wind conditions.
- the HVAC system is completely autonomous. It enables control and management of the station’s temperature, ventilation and hygrometry level.
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