Aerostat Tethering System for Wind Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerostats face high downtime and susceptibility to damage in adverse wind conditions, and require a full-time ground crew for launch and landing operations, leading to increased operating costs and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
An improved aerostat system with multiple tether groups and a rotating base station, allowing for independent control of pitch and roll angles, enabling autonomous docking and reducing ground crew requirements through spatially distinct tether groups and a rail assembly for secure docking without auxiliary tethers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single main tether connects the aerostat to the base station, then the system structure is simple, but the aerostat is susceptible to damage in adverse wind conditions and experiences high downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The single main tether is divided into multiple tether groups (at least two) that are spatially distinct and independently actuated. Each tether group connects to different attachment points on the aerostat envelope, distributing the mechanical loads and allowing independent control of pitch and roll angles. This segmentation enables the aerostat to maintain stability in adverse wind conditions while preventing the shock loads that damage single-tether systems.
2Ease of operation
If auxiliary tethers are used for docking operations, then the aerostat can be secured to the base station, but skilled ground crew are required to operate the system safely
Solution Approach 1:
The docking system is configured to enable autonomous operation without requiring skilled ground crew. The multiple tether groups with independent actuation allow the aerostat to be docked and secured automatically by controlling the tension and length of each tether group independently. The system self-regulates the docking process through the winch actuators, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing operational complexity despite the increased number of tethers.
3Reliability
If the aerostat is constrained only by a single tether in flight configuration, then the system is simple to operate, but the aerostat cannot maintain stable altitude in high winds or down drafts
Solution Approach 1:
The tether groups are independently actuated by separate winch actuators, allowing dynamic adjustment of each tether's length and tension in real-time. This dynamic control enables the system to respond to changing wind conditions by adjusting pitch and roll angles independently, maintaining stable altitude even in high winds or down drafts. The active control system replaces the passive single-tether constraint with an adaptive multi-tether configuration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves increased stability and reduced downtime by maintaining altitude in high winds, extending the operational envelope and minimizing ground crew needs, resulting in lower operating costs and improved performance.
Implementation Method 1
an envelope filled with a lighter-than-air (LTA) gas to provide buoyant lift
Implementation Method 2
Fins on the envelope may be used to ensure the envelope passively orients into the wind
Implementation Method 3
In high winds, the drag force on the aerostat blows the aerostat down wind and reduces the flight altitude
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(d)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The invention provides an improved aerostat system including an aerostat, multiple tether groups and a base station. Spatially distinct tether groups allow for improved stability and controllability over a wide range of wind conditions. Independent actuation of the tether groups allows for control of the aerostat pitch and roll angle. A rotating platform including rails to rest the aerostat allows docking without auxiliary tethers, minimizing or eliminating the ground crew required to dock traditional aerostat systems. An optional controller allows remote or autonomous operation of the aerostat system. The invention is intended to extend the flight envelope in which aerostat systems can safely operate.