FM16053 - UK SBS HMI Halley 6 Relocation

Halley VI Research Station is situated on the Brunt Ice Shelf east of the Weddel Sea. It operates throughout the year.

During winter there are usually around 16 over wintering staff (winterers). In the summer period, from late December to early March, staff numbers increase to around 70.

The current station took four years to build and delivered its first scientific data in 2012. Its iconic design houses a cutting-edge science platform and modern, comfortable accommodation.

There are 8 modules in total. The central red module contains the communal areas for dining, relaxation etc., while the blue modules provide accommodation, laboratories, offices, generators, an observation platform and many other facilities.

Remote scientific equipment, set up for long-term monitoring, is housed in a number of cabooses around the perimeter of the site, which also contains numerous aerials and arrays for studying atmospheric conditions and space weather. The Hydraulic Leg Jacking System at Halley VI is used to keep the modules level and at the same height, this is essential to prevent stresses causing damage to the link structures and services.

It is also used to raise the modules above the snow surface to prevent the station being buried by rising snow/ice levels. The hydraulic system was installed and commissioned during the 2007/08 summer season.

Human Machine Interface (HMI) units are used to remotely control the hydraulic legs during the raising/lowering procedure. It has become apparent that in order to effectively raise and lower the buildings 1 HMI unit is required per module.

Currently there are only two units on Station, one of which is faulty. It is proposed to supply 8 new HMI units which will leave at least 1 unit as an essential spare. Thse supply of the new HMI units will help to ensure that the hydraulic system can remain operational during the Halley VI relocation and well into the future.