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British climber Gavin Bate and his team are attempting to summit without oxygen, via the hazardous North
Face of the
world’s highest mountain. Using solar power will mean less weight, more independence and greater
communication links
for the team.
Gavins laptop, video camera, digital camera and satellite phone are being solar charged using a 23 watt folding portable
panel. The solar equipment was supplied by the solar and wind energy specialists – Energy Development
Co-op Ltd
(www.solar-wind.co.uk).
The team are also using a solar lantern charged from a high tech, A4 sized, Uni-solar pv panel…
“I am in a tent at 21,450' writing this email by the light of a funky solar lantern !
It has been quite fantastic. You don't realise how efficient it
all is until you have to use it ! No batteries, just throw it outside in the sun !” – Gavin
Bate
The types of the technology involved in this summit attempt include a Toshiba Laptop, NERA Satellite
phone (isdn
broadband) and JVC DigiCam. One of two crucial links provided, is that between the laptop and solar
panel. The clever
little “Smartadapter” gives the laptop and Nera sat phone the steady voltage it requires to
charge.
The other neat bit of kit is the chipped “intelligent” battery charger, which charges a wide
variety of batteries for
digicams and video cameras, as well as charging AA ni-cads.
Click here to visit the Expedition’s really cool web site….
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