The Sustainable Northern Shelters (SNS) Program
Anaktuvuk Pass Prototype House Alternative Energy Project
Can solar power work in the middle of the Brooks Range? What are some of the design and operations goals that should be considered? Does snow impact the amount of available solar radiation in the spring and fall? These are some of the questions being pursued in Anaktuvuk Pass at the "Arctic House". Please view the graphs at the following links to see some of the information being collected to help answer these and other questions. In cooperation with CCHRC, the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council (YRITWC) installed six Sharp NT-175 Monocrystalline Solar Panels (175 Watt panels) for a 1,050 total Watts at full output. The following graphs show the solar radiation measured on the same plane as the solar panels. The solar panels are kept more vertical during summer months.
Can wind power be used for on-grid, non-battery systems at the home owner level in rural Alaska? The wind power system in Anaktuvuk Pass is being studied to help answer this question and other performance demonstation issues. It is important to consider location, maintenance, and planning how wind power can fit into your successful use of alternative energy sources. In cooperation with CCHRC, the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council (YRITWC)installed an Ampair 600 Watt single turbine. The turbine is installed on a 50 foot tower, making maintenance manageable for local residents. The following graphs show wind speed and direction at the back of the house, measured near the height of the turbine. Unlike solar, wind may be a viable resource throughout the year. The next group of graphs show the outside air temperature and relative humidity. This data is being collected to aid in understanding the new building systems at the "Arctic House" and help in understanding the performance of the solar and wind systems in Arctic Environments.
