ACEP at Work: BlackBox Project Update

Project Description:  ACEP’s BlackBox prototype is a customized data acquisition system built from high quality, off the shelf components for efficient collection of high-resolution, high-quality data in rural Alaska. The goal of the project is to develop a fully self-contained system that can be left in the field unmonitored for extended periods of time.

Progress Update:  The BlackBox data collection system has been installed in the PSI Lab and is ready for in-lab testing. All components of the system have been configured to the settings anticipated in a power houses. Short term testing has been completed to make sure that all components communicate with each other and stay online. Once current and voltage transducers have been selected and installed, the system will be ready for long term testing.

The next steps of the project will be to conduct a long term (2-3 month), in-lab test which will assess the durability and functionality of the system. Upon completion, the BlackBox system will be packaged for power plant installation.

Project Lead: Marc Mueller-Stoffels, mmuellerstoffels@alaska.edu

Project Engineer: Nicholas Konefal

Project Funding: ShellWind/Shell Foundation, Alaska Energy Authority

 

Photo Caption:  Red light mounted on BlackBox is illuminated to indicate that testing is in progress.

Photo courtesy of M. Frey, ACEP/UAF.