Obiettivo To demonstrate the use of solar energy to improve the safety and comfort of mountain refuges. 23 refuges in the French Alps and Pyrenees are equipped with simple PV systems, consisting of 80-480 Wp arrays, 2.5 to 12.6 kWh batteries and voltage regulators to supply 12 or 24 Vdc for lights, radio transceiver and, in some cases, a refrigerator. In 5 refuges 1.5 m2 of thermal solar collectors are also be installed for snow melting, and in 3 refuges 15 m2 of solar collectors are installed for warning waste disposal appliances.The refuges take in 8000 overnight stays per year.The huge effort made for the installation of the systems has given extremely positive results. The users are vey satisfied with the comfort and safety attained by the use of solar energy. After the end of this project already 50 other refuges have been equipped with pv systems.The installation of PV system in 23 mountain refuges improves safety and comfort levels. The systems provide electricity for services which would otherwise rely on batteries, propane gas or solid fuel. Access to many of the refuges is difficult, and in some cases fuel currently has to be delivered by helicopter.The PV systems are sized to meet the needs of the individual refuges. The PV arrays consist of modules from various manufacturers, including Photowatt, Helios and Chronar. The batteries for the systems are be supplied by Oldham, Steco and Fulmen. Most systems are stand alone although in refuges with existing generators these are retained and used to charge the battery during long periods with no sun. The systems are of a simple design consisting of a PV array, battery and voltage regulator.Due to difficult access to many of the refuges, and the high costs of transporting fuel, the PV systems are generally cheaper than the present systems.Each system is equipped with an Ah meter which registers consumption. The meter is connected to a mechanical counter, which is read every day by the refuge warden. A solarimeter is installed in each of the mountain ranges containing the refuges. Programma(i) ENG-ENALT 2C - Programme (EEC) of demonstration projects relating to the exploitation of alternative energy sources and to energy saving and the substitution of hydrocarbons, 1983-1985 Argomento(i) 6.1 - PHOTOVOLTAIC Invito a presentare proposte Data not available Meccanismo di finanziamento DEM - Demonstration contracts Coordinatore CLUB ALPIN FRANCAIS Contributo UE Nessun dato Indirizzo AVENUE DE LAUMIERE 24 75019 Paris Francia Mostra sulla mappa Costo totale Nessun dato
