A system to break temperature inversion layer, cloud creation and seeding, and aviation

Abstract

A system (100) to break temperature inversion layer and cloud seeding having a cap of relatively warm air aloft, comprising a blimp (200) having a hollow elliptical envelope (106); ballonets disposed in the envelope (106), configured to adjust an orientation of the blimp (200); engines (108), disposed on the envelope (106), configured to propel the blimp (200) horizontally or vertically; a heat source (102), enclosed inside the blimp (200), configured to provide heated gases through a first end (107) to a second end (105). The blimp (200) is configured to rise to a level of the temperature inversion layer. Further, the engines (108) are configured to propel the blimp (200) horizontally and / or vertically. Furthermore, the ballonets are configured to change the orientation of the blimp (200) to a vertical position. The heat source (102) is configured to provide heated gases and create an updraft at the temperature inversion layer.

Description

[0001] A SYSTEM TO BREAK TEMPERATURE INVERSION LAYER, CLOUD CREATION AND SEEDING, AND AVIATION

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to aviation and weather technologies. Particularly, present disclosure relates to a system and method to break temperature inversion layer, cloud creation and seeding.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of it being mentioned in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.

[0006] In the troposphere, temperature typically drops by 1 degree for every 165 meters of height elevation under normal circumstances. It is referred as a normal lapse rate. On rare circumstances, though, the trends are reversed, and temperature rises or remain constant rather than falls with height. The temperature inversion is what causes this. The typical behavior of temperature in the troposphere is reversed by a phenomenon known as temperature inversion. A layer of warm air sits on top of the layer of cold air beneath this meteorological occurrence. It is brought on by static atmospheric circumstances, while it can also be brought on by air moving horizontally or vertically. Although temperature inversions often last for a short while, they are nonetheless extremely frequent.

[0007] Temperature inversion controls precipitation, cloud types, and frost formation by causing warm air to condense as it cools. Dust and smoke particles do not disperse on the surface as a result of temperature inversion. The air at higher levels stays rather warm while the valley bottom occasionally goes below freezing. As a result, the trees on the lower slopes have been affected by frost, as opposed to the trees on the upper altitudes. The temperature inversion prevents air contaminants like smoke and dust particles from dispersing in the valley bottoms. Houses and farms in intermountain valleys are often found on the upper slopes, away from the chilly and foggy valley bottoms, as a result of these circumstances.

[0008] Temperature inversion controls precipitation, cloud types, and frost formation by causing warm air to condense as it cools. Dust and smoke particles do not disperse on the surface as a result of temperature inversion. The air at higher levels stays rather warm while the valley bottom occasionally goes below freezing. As a result, the trees on the lower slopes have been affected by frost, as opposed to the trees on the upper altitudes. The temperature inversion prevents air contaminants like smoke and dust particles from dispersing in the valley bottoms. Houses and farms in intermountain valleys are often found on the upper slopes, away from the chilly and foggy valley bottoms, as a result of these circumstances.

[0009] Blimps and other similar airships offer the monitoring platform required for longterm surveillance of an area because they are by nature low-flying, sluggish, long- endurance aircraft. Because they are stable and vibration-free, they make great instrument platforms. A blimp, unlike an airplane, does not require fuel to fly; instead, it is inflated with helium gas, which is lighter than air and maintains its buoyancy while it travels through the air. The key benefit that balloons have over airplanes is their ability to hover above a location for extended periods of time while monitoring environmental changes from various altitudes, producing high-resolution photos for a reasonable price.

[0010] Currently, cloud seeding is carried out using airplanes. Cloud seeding is a technique for changing the weather is called cloud seeding, which involves carefully distributing seeding agents into the clouds. The microphysical processes taking place within the cloud are then changed by these materials, for instance by adding more condensation or ice nuclei or by changing relative humidity by adding hygroscopic particles. These methods can be applied to alter the amount of precipitation (rain or snowfall) in a certain location. You can use cloud seeding to prevent or lessen hail as well. Because they are stable and vibration-free, they make great instrument platforms. Cloud seeding through airplanes require heavy investments and its maintenance cost is very high. The manual labor involved in flying a plane with cloud seeding chemicals again and again is not very cost effective. Also, further, due to unstable nature of blimps, they cannot be used for cloud seeding efficiently as of now. Hence, there exists a need for a smarter system for technologies to break temperature inversion layer and cloud seeding using blimps. Such system and method should be far more efficient, cost effective, and adaptive to new technologies than prior art.

[0011] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An object of the invention is to provide a system to break temperature inversion layer and create clouds.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a new aviation of method.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide a system to dispense chemicals for cloud seeding.

[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a moving platform to break the temperature inversion layer.

[0016] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] According to an aspect of the present invention, a system to break temperature inversion layer and cloud creation at the temperature inversion layer having a cap of relatively warm air aloft is provided. The system comprises a blimp having an envelope in shape of a hollow elliptical tube; one or more ballonets, disposed in the envelope, configured to adjust an orientation of the blimp; one or more engines, disposed on the envelope, configured to propel the blimp in a horizontal and / or vertical direction; a heat source, enclosed inside the blimp at the hollow section, configured to provide an air flow across the sections of the elliptical tube shaped envelop. Further, the blimp is configured to rise to a level of the temperature inversion layer. Furthermore, the one or more engines are configured to propel the blimp horizontally and / or vertically and reach the temperature inversion layer. In addition, the one or more ballonets are configured to change the orientation of the blimp to a vertical position near the temperature inversion layer, in order to target the temperature inversion layer with the air flow that is arising from the blimp. Additionally, the heat source is configured to provide air flow and create an updraft of air using the stack effect from the second end towards first end of the envelope to target the temperature inversion layer. Moreover, accumulation of the heated gas is adapted to break the temperature inversion layer. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined shape of the envelope is selected from a hollow elliptical tube, a hollow cylindrical tube, a hollow cylindrical frustum, or a constricted tube.

[0018] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a predetermined shape of the envelope is a hollow elliptical cylinder having a variable or fixed diameter from the first end towards the second end.

[0019] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the diameter at opposite ends of the envelope is greater than the diameter at middle of the envelope.

[0020] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the comprises distribution modules, disposed in an enclosure of the envelop, configured to distribute material as cloud seeds along with the air flow.

[0021] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more ballonets is configured to adjust volume at the first end and the second end of the envelope. Further, for change orientation and control buoyancy, in order to change the blimp orientation control buoyancy, the volume of the one or more ballonet at the first end is decreased while the volume of the ballonet at the second is increased to allow create a change in the buoyancy of the gases inside the blimp envelop, lifting the blimp in vertical orientation. Furthermore, for the horizontal orientation, the volume of the ballonet at the front is increased while the volume of the ballonet at the back is decreased to allow the gas flow from front to back, directing the blimp in horizontal direction.

[0022] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the blimp comprises one or more fin, wherein the fins are attached to the first end of the envelope of the blimp, and configured to assist in steering or stabilizing motion while movement of the blimp.

[0023] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the blimp comprises one or more tail, wherein the tail is attached towards the back of the envelope of the blimp and configured to steer the blimp while moving.

[0024] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the system comprises a processor, connected with the memory unit, one or more engines, the one or more ballonets, the heat source and a distribution module, wherein the processer, obtaining the machine-readable instructions from the memory unit, is configured to operate the one or more engines and the one or more ballonets and adjust a movement and an orientation of the blimp using the one or more ballonets; move the blimp to the temperature inversion layer using the one or more engines and the one or more ballonets; change the orientation of the blimp to a vertical position near the temperature inversion layer, to target the temperature inversion layer with the air flow; control a flow of the heated gases through the heat source and create an updraft of air either from the second end towards first end or from the first end to the second end of the envelope at the temperature inversion layer, wherein accumulation of the heated gas is adapted to break the temperature inversion layer; and regulate the cloud seeds from the distribution of cloud seeding material into air aloft.

[0025] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the orientation is selected from a horizontal position or a vertical position of the blimp.

[0026] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the elliptical shape of the envelope is adapted to maximize the aerodynamics and minimize turbulence of the blimp.

[0027] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the system comprises a user interface in communication with the processor, wherein the user interface is configured to receive one or more inputs from a pilot to facilitate the processor to operate the blimp.

[0028] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the envelope is filed with a gas lighter than the atmospheric air, selected from a group of gases comprising hydrogen, and helium.

[0029] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the envelope is made of materials selected from a group comprising such as carbon fiber or fiber glass, or flexible material such as rubber or polyvinylchloride.

[0030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular to the description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. These and other features, benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following text figure, with like reference numbers referring to like structures across the views, wherein:

[0032] Fig. 1 illustrates a system to break temperature inversion layer and cloud creation, seeding, and a method of aviation in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of a blimp with a plurality of frames, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Fig. 3 illustrates a top view of the blimp, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0035] Fig. 4 illustrates working of the system to break temperature inversion layer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the description.

[0038] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. , meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e., meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one” and the word “plurality” means “one or more” unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.

[0039] This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, a number of materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0040] Figure 1 illustrates a system to break temperature inversion layer and cloud seeding, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 1 , the system may comprise, but not limited to, a blimp (200) having an envelope (106) one or more engines (108), and a heat source (102).

[0041] As shown in figure 1 , the blimp having an envelope (106) in shape of a hollow elliptical or cylindrical tube. A person skilled in the art may appreciate that the predetermined shape of the envelope (106) is a hollow elliptical cylinder having a variable diameter or fixed diameter from the first end (107) towards the second end (105). Further, the predetermined shape of the envelope (106) is selected from a hollow elliptical tube, a hollow cylindrical tube, a hollow cylindrical frustum, or a constricted tube. As shown in figure 1 , the diameter at opposite ends of the envelope (106) is greater than the diameter at middle of the envelope (106). The elliptical shape of the envelope (106) is adapted to maximize the aerodynamics and minimize turbulence of the blimp. The envelope (106) may be made of materials selected from a group comprising, but not limited to, polyester, carbon fiber or fiber glass, nylon fabric or flexible material such as rubber or polyvinylchloride. The envelope (106) may be filed with a gas lighter than the atmospheric air, selected from a group of gases comprising hydrogen, and helium or a combination thereof.

[0042] Further, Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the blimp with a plurality of frames (110), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 2, the envelope (106) may comprise a plurality of frames (110) configured to support the envelope (106). The plurality of frame may be made of, but not limited to, polymers, alloys, composite materials, metals such as iron, steel, titanium, brass, bronze, carbon fiber, glass, etc. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, system may have sensors (not shown) disposed on various parts of the blimp (200). The sensors may be selected from a group comprising proximity sensors, ultrasonic sensors, LIDARs, LEDARs, photodiodes photo-transistors photoelectric sensors, touch sensors, a voice detection sensor, one or more cameras or a combination thereof. The sensors may gather various parameters related to, may be, but not limited to, flight, weather, position, orientation, altitude, pressure, etc.

[0043] Furthermore, the one or more ballonets may be disposed in the envelope (106). The ballonets are air bag inside the outer envelope (106) of an airship which, when inflated, reduces the volume available for the lifting gas, making it denser. Because air is also denser than the lifting gas, inflating the ballonet reduces the overall lift, while deflating it increases lift. The one or more ballonets may be configured to adjust an orientation of the blimp. The ballonets may be connected with air regulator may be connected one or more air compressors to inflate or deflate the one or more ballonets. The air regulator and compressors may be operated with the help of electrical motors.

[0044] Further disposed on the envelope (106) are one or more engines (108). The one or more engines (108) may be selected from a group comprising, but not limited to, piston engine, turbojet engine, turboprop engine, turboshaft engine, or turbofan engine. As shown in figure 1 , the one or more engines (108) may be disposed at a first end (107) and at a second end (105) of the blimp. The one or more engines (108) may be configured to propel the blimp in a horizontal and / or vertical direction. The one or more engines (108) may have mechanical and / or electronic mechanism to rotate and turn the one or more engines (108) in 360 degree. The one or more engines (108) may be connected with individual one or more motors to turn in a 360 degree rotation. As shown in figure 1 , the heat source (102) may be placed enclosed in the envelope (106), inside the blimp (200). Figure 3 illustrates a top view of a blimp (200), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The heat source (102) may be a solid, liquid, or gas or a combination fueled burner placed in the center of the elliptical shaped envelope (106) using connectors such as ropes, rods etc. as shown in figure 3. The heat source (102) may be electronically operated using various motors, and valves. The heat source (102) may be configured to provide heated gases through a first end (107) to a second end (105) of the elliptical tube shaped envelope (106).

[0045] Further, as shown in figure 1 , the blimp (200) comprises one or more fins (104) attached to the first end (107) of the envelope (106) of the blimp (200). The one or more fins (104) configured to assist in steering or stabilizing motion while movement of the blimp (200). Furthermore, the blimp (200) may comprises one or more tail (not shown), attached towards the back of the envelope (106) of the blimp (200) and configured to steer the blimp (200) while moving.

[0046] In accordance with an additional or alternative embodiment of the present invention, as shown in figure 1 , the system (100) may comprise distribution modules (not shown), disposed in an enclosure (109) of the envelope (106). Further, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the distribution module may be a sprayer The distribution modules may be selected from a group comprising, but not limited to, hydraulic sprayer, gaseous sprayer, centrifugal sprayer, kinetic sprayer, or a combination thereof. The distribution modules may be configured to perform distribution of cloud seeding material. The chemical for cloud seeding may be selected from, but not limited to, silver iodide, potassium iodide, and dry ice or a combination thereof. However, preferably, silver iodide may be used for cloud seeding.

[0047] Further as shown in figure 1 , the system (100) may comprise a processor (1024), connected with a memory unit (1022), one or more engines (108), the one or more ballonets, the heat source (102) and the distribution module. The processer, may obtain the machine-readable instructions from the memory unit (1022). The processor (1024) is envisaged to include computing capabilities such as a memory unit (1022) configured to store machine readable instructions. The machine-readable instructions may be loaded into the memory unit (1022) from a non-transitory machine-readable medium, such as, but not limited to, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs and Flash Drives. Alternately, the machine- readable instructions may be loaded in a form of a computer software program into the memory unit (1022). The memory unit (1022) in that manner may be selected from a group comprising EPROM, EEPROM and Flash memory.

[0048] In various embodiments, the processor (1024) may be a microprocessor selected from one of, but not limited to a ARM based or Intel based processor in the form of field- programmable gate array (FPGA), a general-purpose processor and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Additionally, the processor (1024) may further include a configurable processing unit, an operating system (100), an Application Processing Unit (APU), Hardware (HW) threads, Software (SW) threads, SSD storage, EMCC, SD etc.

[0049] Moreover, the processor (1024) may implement artificial intelligence and deep learning-based technologies for, but not limited to, data analysis, collating data & presentation of data in real-time.

[0050] Further, as shown in figure 1 , the system (100) may also be include the user interface (not shown). The user interface may include a display which may be, but not limited to Light-emitting diode display (LED), electroluminescent display (ELD), liquid crystal display (LCD), Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) & AMOLED display. Furthermore, the user interface may include accessories like keyboard, mouse etc. envisaged to provide input capability to enable a user to enter details. In another embodiment, the user interface may be a touch input based display, that integrates the input-output functionalities. The user interface is configured to receive one or more inputs from a pilot to facilitate the processor (1024) to operate the blimp (200). The user interface may include a display envisaged to show the data received from the processor (1024).

[0051] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in figure 1 , a communication module (1026) may also be used in the system (100) for connecting the components within the system (100) or connecting the processor (1024) with the sensors, and the user interface. The communication module (1026) can be a short-range communication network and / or a long-range communication network, wire or wireless communication network. The communication module (1026) includes, but not limited to, a serial communication interface, a parallel communication interface or a combination thereof. The communication network may be implemented using a number of protocols, such as but not limited to, TCP / IP, 3GPP, 3GPP2, LTE, IEEE 802.x etc. The communication module (1026) may be wireless communication network selected from one of, but not limited to, Bluetooth, radio frequency, internet or satellite communication network providing maximum coverage. The communication module (1026) may use cellular data, satellite communication or nearby communication systems such as BLUETOOTH, Wi-Fi, ZIGBEE etc.

[0052] Additionally, system (100) may include one or more user devices (not shown) associated with respective users connected with the processor (1024) via a wired or wireless connection. Herein, the user devices may be selected from computing devices such as desktop PC, laptop, PDA or hand-held computing device such as smartphones and tablets. The one or more user devices are associated with one or more users. In another embodiment, instead of a processor (1024) and user interface being a standalone device, the user devices may house the processor (1024) and user interface along with their functionalities. The user devices already include microprocessor (1024) for processing and communication capabilities via wired or wireless connections.

[0053] In yet another embodiment, the system (100) could be implemented as a distributed system (100) where the user interface and the processor (1024) may be at disposed at a different location from each other and / or the functions of the processor (1024) could be implemented in a server side computing device or cloud computing environment. It will be appreciated by a skilled addressee that there are multiple arrangements in which the present invention can be implemented, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The system (100) is also envisaged to implement Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and deep learning for data collation and processing.

[0054] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention the system (100) may also include a data repository. The data repository may be a local storage (such as SSD, eMMC, Flash, SD card, etc.) or a cloud-based storage. In any manner, the data repository is envisaged to be capable of providing the data to the processor (1024), when the data is queried appropriately using applicable security and other data transfer protocols. The data repository may store, but not limited to, previous and / or live images, verbatim files, processing files, videos, audios, 3D immersive content, solutions. It is also envisaged to store various charts, tables, learning contents such as practical videos, manipulatable 3D content, prepared for users.

[0055] The invention works in following manner: Figure 4 illustrates working of the system to break temperature inversion layer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 illustrates the system (100) to break temperature inversion layer (402) and cloud creation, and method of aviation, the temperature inversion layer (402) of relatively warm air aloft. First, the blimp (200) may be stationed on the ground. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more engines (108) may be configured to propel the blimp (200) horizontally and / or vertically and reach the temperature inversion layer (402). In an embodiment, the one or more engines (108) may be turned using the one or more motors. The one or more motors may turn the one or more engines (108) in order to move the blimp (200) in a lateral motion as well. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the processor (1024) in communication with the more engines (108) and the one or more ballonets may be configured to operate the one or more engines (108) and the one or more ballonets and adjust a movement and an orientation of the blimp (200) using the one or more ballonets. On instructions received by a piolet using the user interface, the processor (1024) may position the one or more engines (108) to move the blimp (200). The system (100) may be operated remotely using wireless controllers (or user interface) to control the processor (1024). Further, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the system (100) may be operated using a cabin disposed in the blimp (200) with all the processor and the user interface to operate the system (200).

[0056] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, to lift the front end of the blimp (200) from the ground, the volume of the one or more ballonet at the first end (107) is decreased while the volume of the ballonet at the second is increased to allow the gas flow from the second end (105) to first end (107). Once the first end (107) is airborne, the one or more engines (108) along with the one or more ballonet may move / fly the blimp (200) upwards. The fins (104) are attached to the first end (107) of the envelope (106) of the blimp (200) and configured to assist in steering or stabilizing motion while movement of the blimp (200). Further, the tail is attached towards the back of the envelope (106) of the blimp (200) and configured to steer the blimp (200) while moving. For example, an ideal atmospheric conditions may be of a relatively lower wind speed for example less than 20 knots, along with less sheer wind

[0057] In accordance with an additional or alternative embodiment, the processor (1024) in communication with the more engines (108) and the one or more ballonets may move the blimp (200) to the temperature inversion layer (402) using the one or more engines (108) and the one or more ballonets. The processor (1024) may adjust the volume of the one or more ballonet by regulating the air regulator and compressors to raise the first end (107) of the blimp (200). The pilot may provide input as inclination, height, speed, distance, location using the user interface, based in this input, the processor may adjust air in the one or more ballonets and speed and angle of rotation of the one or more engines (108) to lift and move the blimp (200) to the input parameters.

[0058] This way, the blimp (200) is configured to rise to a level of the temperature inversion layer (402). The one or more engines (108) are configured to propel the blimp (200) horizontally and / or vertically. Further, the blimp (200) may reach the temperature inversion layer (402) with the propulsion. The blimp (200) is configured to rise to a level of the temperature inversion layer (402). The fins (104) and the tails may be helpful in perfectly placing the blimp (200) at the temperature inversion layer (402).

[0059] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, on reaching the temperature inversion layer (402), the one or more ballonets are configured to change the orientation of the blimp (200) to a vertical position near the temperature inversion layer (402), and may touch the cap. The one or more ballonets are configured to adjust volume at the first end (107) and the second end (105) of the envelope (106). For the vertical orientation, the volume of the one or more ballonet at the first end (107) is decreased while the volume of the ballonet at the second end (105) is increased to allow a change in the buoyancy of the gases inside the blimp envelop, lifting the blimp (200) in vertical orientation as shown in figure 4. As shown in figure 4, an arrow shows the change in orientation of the blimp (200) from a horizontal position to a vertical position.

[0060] In accordance with an additional or alternative embodiment the processor (1024) may, on input from the pilot, be configured to change the orientation of the blimp (200) to a vertical position either near the temperature inversion layer (402), and or reach temperature inversion. The elliptical shape of the envelope (106) may help the blimp (200) to form an airfoil to reduce air drag on the surface of the envelope (106) in high winds. The elliptical shape of the envelope (106) may further stabilize the vertical orientation of the blimp (200) in the air. The existence of the temperature inversion may be at any height between average sea level of 0 to 7000 meters. In a preferred embodiment, the system (100) may perform much better when the targeted inversion has higher CAPE aloft(convective available potential energy) and the magnitude of CIN (Convective inhibition) is lower.

[0061] On reaching the temperature inversion, the blimp (200) is in the vertical orientation, as shown in figure 4, the heat source (102) may be configured to provide airflow creating an updraft of air from the second end (105) towards first end (107) of the envelope (106) at the temperature inversion layer (402). The flow of the heated gas or flow of the gas is shown in figure 4 with the arrows inside the blimp (200). The accumulation of the heated gas is adapted to break the temperature inversion layer (402). In accordance with an alternative or additional embodiment, the processor (1024) may control a flow of the heated gases through the heat source (102) and create an updraft of air from the second end (105) towards first end (107) of the envelope (106) at the temperature inversion layer (402).

[0062] Further, once the temperature inversion is broken, the one or more distribution module, disposed in an enclosure (109) of the envelope (106), is configured to distribute cloud seeding material along with the air flow. The cloud seeds in the updraft, as shown in figure 4, may be adapted to improve a cloud's ability to produce rain or snow by introducing tiny ice nuclei into certain types of subfreezing clouds. The cloud seeds may modify a cloud's structure to increase the chance of precipitation.

[0063] After cloud seeding, further, for the horizontal orientation, the volume of the ballonet at the first end (107) (i.e. , the front of the blimp) is increased while the volume of the ballonet at the second end (105) (i.e., the back of the blimp) is decreased to allow the gas flow from front to back, directing the blimp (200) in horizontal direction. For the horizontal orientation, the volume of the ballonet at the first end (107) is increased while the volume of the ballonet at the second end (105) is decreased to create a change in the buoyancy of the gases inside the blimp envelop at the second end (105), directing the blimp (200) in horizontal direction. Once the blimp (200) is in horizontal orientation, the one or more engines (108) are configured to propel the blimp (200) to another location with the temperature inversion layer (402) and the process of breaking the temperature inversion layer (402) and / or cloud seeding may be repeated.

[0064] The invention has various advantages. In comparison to other flying ships, blimps have a major environmental advantage. Compared to other air vehicles, they need less energy to maintain flight. Airships are an environmentally benign means of transportation since they can reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption by up to 90%. Additionally, they use a lot less fuel than planes. As a result, they are using significantly less gas than a plane because they are only working half as hard. A blimp (200), unlike an plane, does not require fuel to fly; instead, it is inflated with helium gas, which is lighter than air and maintains its buoyancy while it travels through the air. They can maintain the same altitude with no additional power. They can maintain the same altitude with no additional power. Further, due to elliptical shape of the envelope (106), the drag is significantly addressed thereby making the blimp (200) stable at high winds. Furthermore, the blimp can travel to other places without refueling.

[0065] In general, the word “module,” as used herein, refers to logic embodied in hardware or firmware, or to a collection of software instructions, written in a programming language, such as, for example, Java, C, or assembly. One or more software instructions in the modules may be embedded in firmware, such as an EPROM. It will be appreciated that modules may comprised connected logic units, such as gates and flip-flops, and may comprise programmable units, such as programmable gate arrays or processors. The modules described herein may be implemented as either software and / or hardware modules and may be stored in any type of computer-readable medium or other computer storage device.

[0066] Further, while one or more operations have been described as being performed by or otherwise related to certain modules, devices or entities, the operations may be performed by or otherwise related to any module, device or entity. As such, any function or operation that has been described as being performed by a module could alternatively be performed by a different server, by the cloud computing platform, or a combination thereof. It should be understood that the techniques of the present disclosure might be implemented using a variety of technologies. For example, the methods described herein may be implemented by a series of computer executable instructions residing on a suitable computer readable medium. Suitable computer readable media may include volatile (e.g., RAM) and / or non-volatile (e.g., ROM, disk) memory, carrier waves and transmission media. Exemplary carrier waves may take the form of electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals conveying digital data steams along a local network or a publicly accessible network such as the Internet.

[0067] It should also be understood that, unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as "controlling" or "obtaining" or "computing" or "storing" or "receiving" or "determining" or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that processes and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

[0068] Various modifications to these embodiments are apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and the accompanying drawings. The principles associated with the various embodiments described herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the description is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown along with the accompanying drawings but is to be providing broadest scope of consistent with the principles and the novel and inventive features disclosed or suggested herein. Accordingly, the invention is anticipated to hold on to all other such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the present invention and the appended claims.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 15 January 2024 (15.01.2024)

1. A system (100) to break a temperature inversion layer (402) in regards to cloud creation, aviation, and seeding, the temperature inversion layer (402) of relatively warm air aloft, wherein the system (100) comprising: a blimp (200) having an envelope (106) of a predetermined shape; one or more ballonets, disposed in the envelope (106), configured to adjust an orientation of the blimp (200); one or more engines (108), disposed on the envelope (106), configured to propel the blimp (200) in a horizontal and / or vertical direction; a heat source (102), enclosed inside the blimp (200) at a hollow section, configured to provide an air flow across the hollow sections through a first end (107) to a second end (105) of the envelope (106); wherein the blimp (200) is configured to rise to a level of the temperature inversion layer (402); wherein the one or more engines (108) are configured to propel the blimp (200) horizontally and / or vertically and reach the temperature inversion layer (402); wherein the one or more ballonets are configured to change the orientation of the blimp (200) to a vertical position near the temperature inversion layer (402), and touch a cap; wherein the heat source (102) is configured to provide air flow and create an updraft of air using the stack effect from the second end (105) towards first end (107) of the envelope (106) at the temperature inversion layer (402); and wherein accumulation of the heated air is adapted to break the temperature inversion layer (402).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined shape of the envelope (106) is selected from a hollow elliptical tube, a hollow cylindrical tube, a hollow cylindrical frustum, or a constricted tube.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined shape of the envelope (106) is a hollow elliptical cylinder having a variable or fixed diameter from the first end (107) towards the second end (105).

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the diameter at opposite ends of the envelope (106) is greater than the diameter at21AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)middle of the envelope (106).

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising distribution modules, disposed in an enclosure (109) of the envelope (106), configured to distribute material as cloud seeds along with the air flow.

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more ballonets is configured to adjust volume at the first end (107) and the second end (105) of the envelope (106); wherein for the vertical orientation, the volume of the one or more ballonet at the first end (107) is decreased while the volume of the ballonet at the second end (105) is increased to allow a change in the buoyancy of the air inside the blimp envelop, lifting the blimp (200) in a vertical orientation; wherein for the horizontal orientation, the volume of the ballonet at the first end (107) is increased while the volume of the ballonet at the second end (105) is decreased to create a change in the buoyancy of the air inside the blimp envelop at the second end (105), directing the blimp (200) in a horizontal direction.

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blimp (200) comprises one or more fins, wherein the fins (104) are attached to the first end (107) and / or second end (105) of the envelope (106) of the blimp (200), and configured to assist in steering or stabilizing motion and movement of the blimp (200).

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blimp (200) comprises one or more tails, wherein the tail is attached towards a back of the envelope (106) of the blimp (200) and configured to steer the blimp (200) while moving.

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a processor (1024), wherein the processor (1024) is connected with a memory unit (1022), one or more engines (108), the one or more ballonets, the heat source (102) and a distribution module, wherein the processer, obtaining machine -readable instructions from the memory unit (1022), is configured to: operate the one or more engines (108) and the one or more ballonets and adjust a movement and an orientation of the blimp (200) using the one or more ballonets; move the blimp (200) to the temperature inversion layer (402) using the one or more engines (108) and the one or more ballonets; change the orientation of the blimp (200) to a vertical position near the22AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)temperature inversion layer (402); control a flow of the heated air through the heat source (102) and create an updraft of air from the second end (105) towards first end (107) of the envelope (106) at the temperature inversion layer (402), wherein accumulation of the heated air is adapted to break the temperature inversion layer (402); and regulate cloud seeds from the distribution module into the temperature inversion layer (402).

10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the orientation is selected from a horizontal position or a vertical position of the blimp (200).

11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an elliptical shape of the envelope (106) is adapted to maximize the aerodynamics and minimize turbulence of the blimp (200).

12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 9, comprising a user interface in communication with the processor (1024), wherein the user interface is configured to receive one or more inputs from a pilot to facilitate the processor (1024) to operate the blimp (200).

13. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the envelope (106) is filed with a gas lighter than the atmospheric air, selected from a group of gases comprising hydrogen or helium, .

14. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the envelope (106) is made of materials selected from a group comprising such as carbon fiber or fiber glass, or flexible material such as rubber or polyvinylchloride.23AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

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