Stratospheric Balloon Solar Concentration Envelope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stratospheric balloons face challenges in reducing weight while maintaining energy production for prolonged autonomous station-keeping due to the large surface area and weight of photovoltaic cells required for solar energy conversion under high wind conditions.
Innovation Solution
The balloon design incorporates a transparent zone, a reflecting zone, and a photovoltaic zone, where the reflecting zones concentrate solar rays onto the photovoltaic cells, reducing the surface area and weight needed for energy generation, with the photovoltaic cells positioned either inside or outside the envelope, and optionally protected by a sub-envelope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If photovoltaic cells are used to generate electrical energy for autonomous station-keeping, then energy production is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the balloon envelope by introducing zones with different optical properties (transparent zones with high transmission, reflecting zones with high reflectivity). This allows solar energy to be concentrated onto photovoltaic cells, increasing energy production per unit weight. The photovoltaic cells are positioned to receive concentrated sunlight from multiple reflecting zones, thereby generating more electrical energy with less photovoltaic material, reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical intermediaries (transparent zones and reflecting zones) between the solar rays and the photovoltaic cells. These intermediaries manipulate the path and concentration of sunlight, allowing a smaller area of photovoltaic cells to capture the same amount of solar energy that would otherwise require a much larger surface area, thus reducing weight while maintaining energy production.
2Use of energy by moving object
If large surface area of photovoltaic cells is used to generate sufficient electrical energy, then energy production is improved, but wind resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the balloon envelope by introducing zones with different optical properties (transparent zones with high transmission, reflecting zones with high reflectivity). This allows solar energy to be concentrated onto photovoltaic cells, increasing energy production per unit weight. The photovoltaic cells are positioned to receive concentrated sunlight from multiple reflecting zones, thereby generating more electrical energy with less photovoltaic material, reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical intermediaries (transparent zones and reflecting zones) between the solar rays and the photovoltaic cells. These intermediaries manipulate the path and concentration of sunlight, allowing a smaller area of photovoltaic cells to capture the same amount of solar energy that would otherwise require a much larger surface area, thus reducing wind resistance while maintaining energy production.
3Duration of action of moving object
If more electrical energy is produced during daytime, then autonomous operation duration is improved, but weight of photovoltaic cells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the balloon envelope by introducing zones with different optical properties (transparent zones with high transmission, reflecting zones with high reflectivity). This allows solar energy to be concentrated onto photovoltaic cells, increasing energy production per unit weight. The photovoltaic cells are positioned to receive concentrated sunlight from multiple reflecting zones, thereby generating more electrical energy with less photovoltaic material, reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical intermediaries (transparent zones and reflecting zones) between the solar rays and the photovoltaic cells. These intermediaries manipulate the path and concentration of sunlight, allowing a smaller area of photovoltaic cells to capture the same amount of solar energy that would otherwise require a much larger surface area, thus reducing weight while maintaining energy production for extended autonomous operation.
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
This configuration significantly reduces the weight of photovoltaic cells, minimizing wind resistance and energy requirements while maintaining efficient energy production, allowing for longer autonomous operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first zone (1210) transparent to solar rays
Implementation Method 2
a second reflecting zone (1220) for said solar rays; the second and third zones being positioned and cooperating in such a way as to reflect the solar rays in the direction of said third zone
Implementation Method 3
photovoltaic means (1230) capable of picking up solar rays in order to convert them into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A balloon equipped with photovoltaic means exhibiting an active face intended to receive solar rays and comprising an envelope, characterized in that the envelope comprises at least: a first zone transparent to solar rays; a second reflecting zone for said solar rays; a third zone comprising said photovoltaic means, the active face of which is directed toward the inside of said envelope; the second and third zones being positioned and cooperating in such a way as to reflect the solar rays in the direction of said third zone.