摘要:
An inflation system for an inflatable includes a readiness indicator module (270); a stretch sensor (220) configured for mounting to the inflatable and to provide a real-time stretch data of an elastic deformation of the inflatable; and a controller (258) configured to receive the real-time stretch data and to transmit a control signal to the readiness indicator module (270) to indicate a deployed status of the inflatable.
摘要:
Example embodiments may facilitate altitude control by a balloon in a balloon network. An example method involves: (a) causing a balloon to operate in a first mode, wherein the balloon comprises an envelope, a high-pressure storage chamber, and a solar power system, (b) while the balloon is operating in the first mode: (i) operating the solar power system to generate power for the balloon and (ii) using at least some of the power generated by the solar power system to move gas from the envelope to the high-pressure storage chamber such that the buoyancy of the balloon decreases; (c) causing the balloon to operate in a second mode; and while the balloon is operating in the second mode, moving gas from the high-pressure storage chamber to the envelope such that the buoyancy of the balloon increases.
摘要:
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.
摘要:
An aircraft which is configured for vertically ascending and landing, comprises at least two wings (2a, 2b, 4a, 51, 4b, 52), a space (2c, 4c) for the generating during operation of climbing power, and an intermediate portion (3), the intermediate portion (3) being provided with thrust motors (6), and the space (2c, 4c) for the generating during operation of climbing power being provided with a quantity of lifting power units (HV). Each lifting power unit comprises a first variable volume (Vl) for the storage of an amount of relatively light gas which is lighter than atmospheric air, and is configured for the controllable adjustment of an upward force or lifting power by means of the variable volume taken up by the amount of relatively light gas.
摘要:
The invention concerns a variable portability flying device powered by helium. Said device comprises a balloon (1) consisting of an outer flexible shroud (3) supported by a rigid structure. The rigid structure comprises several hollow toroids (4) having an internal volume serving as tank for storing pressurised helium.
摘要:
The invention is a ballonet system for a lighter-than-air-vehicle, the vehicle having a lift producing gasbag and a longitudinal, vertical and lateral axis. In detail, the ballonet system includes a plurality of ballonets (34A) located within the gasbag (12) positioned along the longitudinal axis (18) and on each side of the vertical axis (19) of the vehicle (10). Each of the ballonets (34A) include a flexible sheet (40) joined at its periphery (43) thereof to a portion of the wall (44) of the gasbag. A ballonet pressurization system (45) is coupled ot each ballonet (34A) for pressurizing them with air that includes the portion of the wall (44) of the gasbag (12) forming the ballonet having a plurality of holes (54) therethrough. A manifold (60) having an inlet port (64) is joined to the wall covering the holes (54) therein and is adapted to diffuse the pressurized air entering therein. Also included is at least one fan (46) having an inlet port (50) coupled to ambient atmosphere and an outlet port (51) coupled to the inlet port (64) of the manifold (60) for providing pressurized air to the interior thereof. A check valve (52) located in the outlet port (51) of the fan (46) is provided for preventing air from flowing from the interior of the manifold out the inlet port of the fan. A ballonet venting system (70) is included for venting the interior of the ballonet to ambient atmosphere.