Annual Report 2006 - Ev-K2-CNR

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ar2006 19-09-2007 10:36 Pagina 10 The Pyramid Observatory Laboratory GENERAL INFORMATION The Pyramid International Laboratory-Observatory high altitude scientific research center, dedicated to Prof. Ardito Desio, was constructed in 1990 at 5,050 m (16,568 ft.) a.s.l., in the Khumbu Valley, Sagarmatha National Park, at the base of the Nepali side of Everest. Since then, the Pyramid, managed by the Ev-K2-CNR Committee together with the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), has become a unique resource for the international scientific community. To date, 520 scientific expeditions have been carried out there by 220 researchers of 143 scientific institutions from several nations. 8.40 m (27.56 ft.) high], is equipped with advanced technological instrumentation and facilities, including telecommunications and internet. It is totally self sufficient, using only clean energy sources and providing eco-sustainable systems for waste disposal and heating. An independent living unit on the south side of the Pyramid, built in typical Nepali lodge style, provides living conditions which meet the standards of the best alpine huts. Up to 20 researchers, technicians and logistical staff can be accommodated there. The three-story glass, aluminium and steel structure, with its stable square-based pyramid shape [13.22 m (43.37 ft.) x PYRAMID MANAGEMENT supervision the daily running of the Laboratory and all systems is carried out and scientific instrument checks are performed. Starting in March 2006, four new technicians began work at the Laboratory. The “team” is now made up of six technicians: Norbu Sherpa, Pasang Sherpa, Pema Sherpa, Tenzing Sherpa, Kaji Bista and Laxman Adhikary. The new technicians successfully participated in one training course on management of the scientific instruments, carried out by Mr. Gian Pietro Verza and Ms. Elisa Vuillermoz, and another on the general Laboratory management, carried out by Ms. Cristina Piolini. In early 2006, a new management structure was implemented at the Pyramid International Laboratory-Observatory, entailing a greater involvement of the local staff. A new management manual was drawn up in English and Italian. It includes the Committee-approved Pyramid regulations, the terms of reference for all the Italian and Nepali staff involved in management of the Pyramid, the operative protocols to be followed for correct management of all activities and systems, the forms to be used for inventories, etc. The manual also includes the operative protocols for the management of the monitoring stations (Automatic Weather Stations, GPS station, ABC station, etc.) The Ev-K2-CNR Committee selects a Manager of Nepali Staff from amongst the local personnel. Under this Manager’s Having given more responsibilities to the local staff, the Ev-K2-CNR Committee now needs to be continuously kept up to date on every activity that is carried out as well as any problems which may arise. Daily reports sent from the Pyramid to Italy and Kathmandu have thus been instated along with periodic data and information submissions. Weekly video conferences are also carried out between the Secretariat in Italy and the Pyramid. The new management plan also foresees periodic missions of Italian personnel to the Laboratory to oversee and monitor the local staff’s performance. In 2006, several visits by a “Committee Pyramid Supervisor”, identified by the Ev-K2-CNR Committee, were carried out. This role was carried out by Ms. Cristina Piolini and Mr. Agostino Da Polenza. Mr. Gian Pietro Verza, Data Acquisition Stations Manager, also carried out several missions to the Pyramid to monitor the local staff’s technical performance and ensure correct functioning of the monitoring stations. 8 | 9
ar2006 19-09-2007 10:36 Pagina 11 MAINTENANCE WORKS In 2006, two non-routine maintenance campaigns were performed at the Pyramid International Laboratory-Observatory and lodge. The first campaign was carried out between January and March. The objective was to prepare installation of the ABC Station (operational since from March 2006), being installed within the framework of UNEP sponsored international monitoring network. A new photovoltaic system specifically for the ABC station was installed and a shelter built to house the scientific instruments. During this campaign, the technicians also had to deal with unexpected additional work, specifically rebuilding the roof of the lodge which was destroyed in a wind storm. In order to make it possible to transfer the data collected at the ABC-Pyramid station to Italy in real time, a VSAT satellite system was also installed. The second campaign, held in August and September, was aimed at concluding the maintenance works needed to reduce the power consumption at the Pyramid and improve the sanitary and heating systems to ensure the well-being of the Pyramid guests. The heating system was updated and and a solar-thermal water heating system was installed which also provides an integration to the current heating system. The technicians who have been involved in the maintenance works were: Guido Salton, Ulisse Frosio, Marco Pesenti, Andrea Salton, Daniele Palazzina, Ugo Pegurri, Marco Vallesi, Giuseppe Orlandi, Alberto Previtali, Carlo Sacchi and Giovanni Spada. annual report 2006
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Annual Report 2006 - Ev-K2-CNR

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