The advancement of technology has allowed the renewable energy reach remote places where it would be difficult to connect to the traditional electricity grid. This new step towards sustainability has a name: Aurora, which is the acronym for Autonomous and Self-Deployable Mobile Unit for Clean Energy Generation.
Aurora is designed to offer Clean energy in times of catastrophe, whether natural or humanitarian, providing lighting in situations where electricity is essential for rescue, recovery and operation efforts in hard-to-reach places. With a prototype capable of generating 32 kWp, incorporating solar, wind and hydrogen energyAurora exemplifies how a modular solution can deliver assistance in inaccessible or devastated sites, providing power day and night.
Technical characteristics of the Aurora system
The Aurora system consists of a robotic arm 18-metre long boom capable of deploying its solar panels autonomously. This arm also acts as the mast for the wind turbine, allowing for efficient wind energy generation. The entire assembly process is completed in less than 5 hours., making Aurora an ideal choice for time-critical emergency situations.
The photovoltaic system of this first prototype has 96 solar panels, each with a power output of 265 Wp. In total, it generates 25,44 kWp of solar energy that is optimized by integrated converters that track the Maximum Power Point (MPPT). These converters allow for more efficient energy management at all times, even under changing solar radiation conditions.
All infrastructure is transported within a standard 40 feet container, making it easy to ship anywhere in the world via conventional means such as trucks, trains or ships. And if greater storage capacity is required, Aurora can be supplemented with an additional 20-foot container that houses a hydrogen system. This second container contains a hydrogen and oxygen cell generated via electrolyzer, which allows for a extra production of clean energy.
Aurora's competitive advantages
One of the most outstanding features of this technology is its environmental sustainabilityUnlike conventional diesel generators, Aurora does not produce polluting emissions, the only waste being water vapour. This not only reduces the carbon footprint, but also prevents noise pollution, as Aurora is completely silent in operation.
Likewise, since it does not rely on fossil fuels, Aurora reduces the logistics costs associated with transporting fuel. This type of solution is crucial in remote or disaster-affected areas where access to fuel supplies may be limited. Self-sustainability through solar, wind and hydrogen energy making it perfect for use in emergency camps, field hospitals or temporary infrastructure during crises.
Materials and ease of transport
Aurora's modular and compact design ensures its ease of transport in globally standardized containers, simplifying logistics operations. Both the 40ft master containerThe container, which houses the photovoltaic panels and the wind turbine, as well as the additional 20-foot container for the hydrogen system, are designed for transport by conventional means, whether by air, sea or land.
Aurora is optimized for deployment with a small team. Thanks to its autonomous, remote-controlled deployment system, The unit can be completely operated remotely via satellite, Wi-Fi networks or GSM/GPRS signals, minimising the need for specialised technical staff. Monitoring can also be done remotely, allowing you to supervise its operation from anywhere in the world.
Energy autonomy: the use of hydrogen
In addition to solar and wind energy, Aurora integrates an innovative hydrogen storage system which ensures a continuous energy supply 24 hours a day. During periods when solar or wind energy are insufficient, the hydrogen system comes into operation, providing the necessary energy through fuel cells.
The electrolyzer converts water into hydrogen, stored in metal hydride tanks, which are then used by a fuel cell to transform the hydrogen into electricity. This system ensures that There are no interruptions in the power supply, even in adverse weather conditions or at night.
The Aurora project: a multidisciplinary collaboration
The Aurora project is a clear example of the collaboration between academic institutions and companies. Led by the University of Huelva, the development has had the participation of prominent Spanish companies such as Sacyr, Ariema Energy y Kemtecnia. The project has been partly funded by the programme Feder Interconnects and the CDTI (Center for Industrial Technological Development).
With an initial investment of more than Two millions of eurosAurora represents a commitment to innovation and sustainability, and its commercialization is already underway, with plans to offer systems of up to 100 kWp in the near future. This modularity allows Aurora units to be easily scaled to meet the energy needs of the destination site.
Expansion and marketing potential
The field of applications for Aurora is wide. Its modularity and adaptability allow the system to adjust to various energy scenarios, from electrifying remote islands to using them in rescue and humanitarian aid operations. In particular, countries such as Indonesia, with its more than 18,000 islands, have shown high interest in Aurora as a viable solution to solve their energy challenges.
The commercialization of Aurora is expected to not only boost the transition to renewable energy in Spain, but also offer new opportunities in international markets. This mobile unit could not only electrify remote areas, but could also be integrated into civil engineering projects in temporary infrastructures where the electrical grid is not available.
Aurora is positioned as a key tool in the generation of clean and sustainable energy for the future of humanitarian projects and the electrification of inaccessible areas. Its versatility and 100% renewable generation capacity make it one of the most innovative solutions in the field of clean energy.