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At least 163 records · Page 9

Power Budget Analysis for High Altitude Airships

The High Altitude Airship (HAA) has various potential applications and mission scenarios that require onboard energy harvesting and power distribution systems. The energy source considered for the HAA s power budget is solar photon energy that allows the use of either photovoltaic (PV) cells or advanced thermoelectric (ATE) converters. Both PV cells and an ATE system utilizing high performance thermoelectric materials were briefly compared to identify the advantages of ATE for HAA applications in this study. The ATE can generate a higher quantity of harvested energy than PV cells by utilizing the cascaded efficiency of a three-staged ATE in a tandem mode configuration. Assuming that each stage of ATE material has the figure of merit of 5, the cascaded efficiency of a three-staged ATE system approaches the overall conversion efficiency greater than 60%. Based on this estimated efficiency, the configuration of a HAA and the power utility modules are defined.

Choi, Sang H.↗

Thermoelectric Energy Conversion Technology for High-Altitude Airships

The High Altitude Airship (HAA) has various application potential and mission scenarios that require onboard energy harvesting and power distribution systems. The power technology for HAA maneuverability and mission-oriented applications must come from its surroundings, e.g. solar power. The energy harvesting system considered for HAA is based on the advanced thermoelectric (ATE) materials being developed at NASA Langley Research Center. The materials selected for ATE are silicon germanium (SiGe) and bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3), in multiple layers. The layered structure of the advanced TE materials is specifically engineered to provide maximum efficiency for the corresponding range of operational temperatures. For three layers of the advanced TE materials that operate at high, medium, and low temperatures, correspondingly in a tandem mode, the cascaded efficiency is estimated to be greater than 60 percent.

Choi, Sang H.↗

High altitude airship configuration and power technology and method for operation of same

A new High Altitude Airship (HAA) capable of various extended applications and mission scenarios utilizing inventive onboard energy harvesting and power distribution systems. The power technology comprises an advanced thermoelectric (ATE) thermal energy conversion system. The high efficiency of multiple stages of ATE materials in a tandem mode, each suited for best performance within a particular temperature range, permits the ATE system to generate a high quantity of harvested energy for the extended mission scenarios. When the figure of merit 5 is considered, the cascaded efficiency of the three-stage ATE system approaches an efficiency greater than 60 percent.

Choi, Sang H.↗

Long-Duration Low-to Medium-Altitude Solar Electric Airship Concept

This report presents the conceptual design for a solar electric lighter-than-air, unmanned aerial vehicle, based on existing technology already reduced to practice, that could carry a 600-kg (1322-lbm) payload to altitudes up to 30 kft (9000 m), continuously maintain an airspeed up to 40 kt (21 m/sec), and remain in flight for up to 100 days. The design is based on modern nonrigid airship technology, high-strength polymer fabrics and barrier films, and previously demonstrated aerospace electrical power technology, including lightweight photovoltaics and hydrogen-air polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The vehicle concept exploits the inherent synergy between the use of hydrogen as a lifting gas and the use of hydrogen-air PEM fuel-cell technology for onboard solar energy storage. In this report, the air vehicle concept is physically characterized and its estimated performance envelope is defined

Bents, David J.↗

Rigid Airships

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

SCHUTTE LANZ AIRSHIPS↗

Structural and Economic Limits to the Dimensions of Airships

In opposition to the advantage of larger dimensions, there is one disadvantage, namely, the weight of the structure increases more rapidly than the buoyancy. It is not possible, however, to determine a general law. In order to formulate one having the merit of simplicity, we will divide the structure into two parts: one subject to tensile and compressive stresses, varying directly as the ascensional or lifting forces; the other subject to varying stresses of the surface areas.

AIRSHIPS -STRUCTURAL STRENGTH↗

Calculation of the hull and of the car-suspension systems of airships

Differential and integral curves are presented and well as numerous calculations relating to hulls. Some of the calculations include those relating to hulls, those relating to the invariability of the shape of the hulls, and those relating to the suspension of the hull.

AIRSHIP CARS↗

Altitude of equilibrium of an airship

This report details the procedure followed in establishing a general formula enabling the calculation of the maximum altitude attainable statically.

AIRSHIPS - DESIGN↗

Wind Tunnel of Zeppelin Airship Company

This report discusses the general considerations for the design of aerodynamic laboratories. The dimensions, construction, and components of the wind tunnel are given special attention.

WIND TUNNELS - GERMANY - ZEPPELIN AIRSHIP COMPANY↗

Concrete airship sheds at Orly, France. Part II

This report deals mainly with the methods of construction employed when after the plan had been approved. The foundation, side walls, doors and roof are all discussed and the economic savings resulting from this method of construction.

AIRSHIP SHEDS - ORLY (FRANCE)↗

Measures for improving the zeppelin airships for long distance transportation

Factors to be considered in the construction of dirigibles include the design and weight of support structures, static and aerodynamic loads on the main ring, the annealing of support materials, and the dynamic gas pressure. Adaptations made for using helium as the lifting gas, and a method for extracting ballast are described.

Duerr, L. F.↗