Non-Symmetrical Balloon Envelope for Solar Altitude Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In areas where data connectivity is limited or unreliable, existing network infrastructure fails to provide reliable and cost-effective internet access, especially in regions where traditional methods are not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A high-altitude balloon network using a non-symmetrical balloon envelope with different solar energy absorption properties and a control system that adjusts altitude by rotating the envelope to optimize solar energy absorption during the day and by inflating/deflating with lifting gas at night, enabling efficient communication through free-space optical and RF links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional network infrastructure is deployed in remote areas, then data connectivity coverage is improved, but deployment cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the balloon system by using variable envelope surface area (through rotation of non-symmetrical envelope) and variable gas volume (through inflation/deflation) to adapt to different flight conditions and maintain optimal performance across varying altitudes and atmospheric conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon system uses passive solar heating through the non-symmetrical envelope design, where the envelope itself absorbs solar energy during the day to heat the lifting gas, eliminating the need for active heating systems or additional energy consumption for altitude control during daytime
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar energy absorption is increased during the day, then altitude control capability is improved, but envelope complexity increases due to non-symmetrical design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing a non-symmetrical envelope where different portions have different solar energy absorption properties, allowing the balloon to control altitude by rotating the envelope to present different surface areas to the sun, thereby converting structural asymmetry into a functional advantage for energy management
Solution Approach 2:
The envelope is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of the surface area facing the sun. This dynamic capability enables the system to optimize solar energy absorption in real-time based on flight requirements, transforming a static structure into an adaptive one
3Volume of moving object
If lifting gas volume is increased for altitude control, then altitude adjustment capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by using solar heating during the day to naturally inflate the envelope through thermal expansion of the gas, then using controlled deflation at night or when descent is needed. This periodic inflation/deflation cycle reduces the need for continuous energy input compared to active pumping systems
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 balloon network provides a reliable and energy-efficient data connectivity solution by leveraging solar energy for altitude control and communication, offering a cost-effective means to establish and maintain network connectivity in remote areas.
Implementation Method 1
the first portion allows more solar energy to be transferred to the gas within the envelope than the second portion
Implementation Method 2
a balloon system that includes a variable buoyancy system, configured to change the altitude of the balloon by adjusting the volume and/or density of the gas in the balloon
Implementation Method 3
causing altitudinal movement of the balloon via rotation of the envelope to change an amount of the first portion that faces the sun and an amount of the second portion that faces the sun
Implementation Method 4
a variable buoyancy system, configured to change the altitude of the balloon by adjusting the volume and/or density of the gas in the balloon
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A balloon having an envelope and a payload positioned beneath the envelope. The envelope comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion allows more solar energy to be transferred to gas within the envelope than the second portion. The balloon may operate in a first mode in which altitudinal movement of the balloon is caused, at least in part, by rotating the envelope to change an amount of the first portion that faces the sun and an amount of the second portion that faces the sun, and wherein the control system is further configured to cause the balloon to operate in a second mode in which altitudinal movement of the balloon is caused, at least in part, by moving a lifting gas or air into or out of the envelope.