Report Number
FSEC-PF-317-97
URL
http://publications.energyresearch.ucf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FSEC-PF-317-97.pdf
Keywords
Disaster Relief; Photovoltaics, Photovoltaic power; Weather stations; Solar energy; Disaster response; Remote monitoring; Hurricane Andrew
Abstract
A natural disaster, such as Hurricane Andrew, destroys thousands of homes and businesses. The destruction from this storm left thousands of people without communications, potable water, and electric power. This prompted the Florida Solar Energy Center to study the application of solar electric power for use in disasters.
During this same period, volunteers at the Tropical Prediction Center at the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and the Miami Office of the National Weather Service (NWS) were working to increase the quantity and quality of observations received from home weather stations.
Many weather data collecting stations are at remote sites, which are not readily serviced by dependable commercial power. Photovoltaic modules generate electricity and when connected to a battery can operate as a stand-alone power system.
This paper discusses the design criteria, operation, construction and deployment of a prototype solar powered weather station.
Date Published
11-17-1997
Identifiers
738
Subjects
Solar energy; Meteorological stations; Disasters; Remote sensing; Electric power production; Hurricanes
Local Subjects
Disaster Relief; Photovoltaics
Type
Text; Document
Collection
FSEC Energy Research Center® Collection
STARS Citation
Florida Solar Energy Center and Young, William, "PV Powering a Weather Station for Severe Weather" (1997). FSEC Energy Research Center®. 738.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/fsec/738