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Environmental monitoring is taking place in a variety of locations on the Nevada Test Site (NTS) located north of Las Vegas. Many places where monitoring is desired are remote from any electrical power sources but require continuous power for operation. An example of one of these systems is shown here. For these applications, photovoltaic (PV) power generation systems have been shown to be quite effective. However, these systems tend to be quite expensive.

A "second generation" system design has been developed for this by Center for Energy Research (CER) personnel and built. This design was accomplished by carefully considering various component efficiencies and sizing of components so overall efficiency is maximized. Included is the substitution of a DC motor drive for the environmental monitoring system for the original AC motor system as well as a number of other aspects. In accomplishing this, the physical size of the unit was reduced by nearly 50% with associated decreases in cost and enhanced ability to move the system. Two people can now move the system quite easily on a custom trailer without other special equipment. The first prototype, built by Direct Power and Water of Albuquerque for the Corporation for Solar Technology and Renewable Resources, is shown in Figure 1 when it was undergoing evaluation at the Department of Energy Nevada Operations Office in Las Vegas.

Figure 1. An example of an existing system used for remote monitoring of air quality at the NTS. These systems operated quite well but have a high initial cost and are costly to relocate.

Figure 2. The second generation PV power supply for use in remote environmental monitoring is shown undergoing evaluation at a DOE facility in Las Vegas. In this picture the trailer has been moved out from under the PV system.

An additional component of this work has made a similar type of PV system available to 7-12 grade schools in the area for curricular use in science, environmental, and technology classes. CER personnel designed the unit, and it was donated to the Clark County School District by the U.S. Department of Energy.