The CAVEX expedition ended in Western Caucasus, Krubera cave. It was held from 2009 July 12 to Aug 5, and composed of 24 cavers from spain and russia. For the upcoming expeditions, they prepared the ground (rigging,camps,etc..), and worked to enlarge a bypass of Kvitochka siphon (-1980m), which is currently not possible to pass by humans, but it’s surely goes to the dry parts after Kvitochka. Because of the poor ventilation of this part of the cave, they used electric powered drills, instead of petrol ones. The recharge of the batteries was solved with the installation of an underground mini power-plant, which made 20w from the power of flowing water. Other groups climbed in an upper branch (which begin from -220m), which is now quite close to the surface (5-10m), and can be a new entrance in the future.
One Comment
I was thinking about the huge batteries at the campsite of -1960 (Rebus) we saw during our expedition for 2 weeks: was it worth took them down? after this article that is clear: if cavex could recharge them, is worth. I’m not an electrical expert: 20w is enough to charge them or not?