ENERGY MANAGEMENT

The Energy Management subteam ensures Gentoo operates reliably in Antarctica by designing and optimizing power systems built to withstand extreme conditions. This team bridges electronics, renewable energy, thermal management, and embedded systems, applying both theoretical expertise and hands-on engineering to develop resilient, autonomous energy solutions for polar exploration.

If you are interested in extreme-environment power systems, high-reliability energy storage, or embedded power control, this subteam offers the opportunity to work on real-world challenges. The responsibilities within energy management are diverse, making it a great fit for engineers from various technical backgrounds.

Key Responsibilities

1. Solar Energy Capture

Integrating and improving photovoltaic (PV) systems that perform efficiently in low temperatures, low-angle sunlight, and heavy snow/ice conditions.
Implementing mechanical and electrical solutions to prevent system failures caused by extreme weather, ice buildup, and prolonged low-light periods.

2. Battery Performance

Developing battery systems that maintain reliability and energy storage capacity in -40°C conditions.
Designing modular and serviceable battery enclosures that balance weight, durability, and thermal efficiency.

3. Power and Thermal Management

Balancing the charging with loads using a Vehicle Control Unit-like device so that Gentoo remains operable 24/7.
Implementing active heating solutions to regulate system temperatures and ensure consistent power output.
Preventing energy losses due to extreme cold by designing heat retention strategies.

Qualifications

Electrical System Assembly & Integration – Hands-on experience with wiring, soldering, and assembling power distribution systems, including solar panels, batteries, charge controllers, and inverters.

Communication protocols – Proficiency in setting up, troubleshooting, and optimizing CAN/Ethernet networks for real-time power management and telemetry.

Embedded Systems & Power Control – Experience with microcontrollers, embedded computing, and real-time monitoring for charge regulation, energy distribution, and load balancing.

Power Distribution Algorithms – Ability to develop and implement energy management logic, ensuring optimal power allocation based on system demands and environmental conditions.

Battery System Design & Thermal Engineering – Familiarity with thermal insulation, enclosure design, and active heating to maintain battery efficiency and longevity in extreme cold. Thermal modeling is extensively used.

Mechanical Integration – Experience with mounting, securing, and weatherproofing power components to withstand mechanical stress, vibration, and environmental exposure.

Troubleshooting – Proficiency in diagnosing power system failures, using tools like multimeters, oscilloscopes, and CAN analyzers to identify and resolve issues efficiently.