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Outdoor Weatherproof Socket Outlets for Antarctica New Zealand Scott Base 2.8MW BESS

July 31, 2023

Project Snapshot

Project Name
Ross Island 2.8MW BESS Outdoor Power Distribution Infrastructure

Project Location
Scott Base, Ross Island, Antarctica

Project Year
2023 to 2028

Procuring Entity
Antarctica New Zealand

Application
Outdoor weatherproof power outlets for BESS auxiliary systems and research equipment

Core Product Supplied
KRIPAL 56SO310 Outdoor Weatherproof Switched Socket Outlet, IP66

Antarctica New Zealand Scott Base 2.8MW BESS

Project Background

Antarctica New Zealand is undertaking the largest infrastructure project in the organization’s history, a complete rebuild of Scott Base on Ross Island. Central to this rebuild is a new 2.8MW Battery Energy Storage System that will dramatically reduce diesel consumption and support the station’s transition toward renewable energy integration.

Located at 77 degrees south latitude, Scott Base experiences average winter temperatures of minus 30 degrees Celsius, wind speeds exceeding 150 kilometers per hour, and complete darkness for four months of the year.

The Weatherproofing Challenge

Outdoor socket outlets in Antarctica face multiple failure modes simultaneously. Snow accumulation covers outlets and melts into water during equipment operation. Wind-driven ice particles abrade surface seals. The extreme temperature differential creates condensation inside outlet enclosures.

Environmental Challenge	56SO310 Design Response
Continuous snow and ice exposure	IP66 dust tight and water jet protected
Extreme cold component stress	Minus 25 to plus 75 degrees Celsius operating range
Automatic sealing after plug removal	Patented self-sealing transparent cover snaps shut instantly
Abrasion from wind driven ice	Impact resistant ABS housing
Corrosion in coastal environment	Brass contacts and corrosion resistant materials

The Solution

The 56SO310 was specified for all outdoor power distribution points within the BESS installation. Its patented self-sealing transparent cover eliminates the failure mode of manual cover closure in extreme conditions. The transparent cover allows maintenance teams to visually confirm outlet status without breaking the IP66 seal.

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