Tandem Zero-Pressure and Super-Pressure Balloon Altitude Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high altitude lighter-than-air (LTA) systems lack the ability to effectively control altitude and trajectory, particularly for rapid ascent and descent over large altitude ranges, and maintaining station-keeping envelopes.
Innovation Solution
A tandem balloon system comprising a zero-pressure balloon (ZPB) and a variable air super-pressure balloon (SPB), where the ZPB provides lift and the SPB manages ballast through the intake and release of ambient air, utilizing a centrifugal compressor and adjustable valve controlled by a sensor and control system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single balloon system is used for high altitude flight, then the system structure is simple, but the ability to control altitude and trajectory over large ranges is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the balloon system into two separate balloons: a zero-pressure balloon (ZPB) for providing lift and a super-pressure balloon (SPB) for providing ballast. This segmentation allows each balloon to be optimized for its specific function, enabling precise altitude control over large ranges while maintaining manageable system complexity through functional specialization.
2Productivity
If rapid ascent and descent rates are achieved, then productivity is improved, but control precision and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic pressure control of the super-pressure balloon, allowing the internal pressure to be actively adjusted by pumping in or expelling ambient air. This dynamic control mechanism enables rapid ascent and descent rates while maintaining altitude control precision through real-time pressure regulation, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If high altitude operation is achieved, then the operational range is expanded, but the ability to maintain station-keeping envelopes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that continuously monitor environmental conditions and balloon state, providing feedback to a control system that adjusts the super-pressure balloon's internal pressure accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain station-keeping stability even at high altitudes where atmospheric conditions are harsh and variable, resolving the contradiction between operational range and stability.
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
Enables precise control of altitude over a significant range, achieving rapid ascent and descent rates of up to 20,000 feet per hour, and maintaining station-keeping envelopes at high altitudes.
Implementation Method 1
A zero-pressure balloon (ZPB) is configured to receive therein an LTA gas to provide an upward lifting force to the balloon system
Implementation Method 2
The centrifugal compressor is configured to compress the ambient air and pump the compressed ambient air into the interior volume of the SPB
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are features for a high altitude lighter-than-air (LTA) system and associated methods. A zero-pressure balloon (ZPB) is attached in tandem with one or more air super-pressure balloons (SPB). The ZPB provides lift for the system while the SPB may provide a variable amount of ballast air by pumping in or expelling out ambient air. Various advanced performance targets relating to ascent rate, descent rate, range and maximum altitude are achievable with various scaled versions of the basic design of the LTA system. Advanced navigation and control techniques, such as more efficient high altitude station-keeping approaches, made possible with the LTA system are also described.