Battery flywheel for a high-altitude balloon
US8897933B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 14, 2012 |
| Grant date | Nov 25, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 13, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02K15/00
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods and systems disclosed herein relate to using a rotating flywheel battery in a balloon in a high-altitude balloon network. An example method could include converting, in a balloon, first electrical energy into kinetic mechanical energy. The balloon includes a flywheel battery configured to rotate about a spin axis. The kinetic mechanical energy includes a rotation motion of the flywheel battery. The method could further include storing the kinetic mechanical energy for a finite period of time. Further, the method could include performing, using the flywheel battery, at least one of: i) converting at least a portion of the stored kinetic mechanical energy into second electrical energy; ii) stabilizing at least one motion of the balloon based on the rotational motion of the flywheel battery; and iii) rotating the balloon substantially about a balloon axis substantially perpendicular to the ground surface of the earth.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.