Balloon power sources with a buoyancy trade-off
US8967533B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 20, 2012 |
| Grant date | Mar 3, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 3, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P20/133
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.