Abstract Long duration balloon flights require more electrical power than can be carried in primary batteries. This paper provides design information for selecting rechargeable batteries and charging systems. Solar panels for recharging batteries are discussed, with particular emphasis on cells mounting suitable for balloon flights and panel orientation for maximum power collection. Since efficient utilization of power is so important, modern DC to DC power conversion techniques are presented. On short flights of 1 day or less, system designers have not been greatly concerned with battery weight. But, with the advent of long duration balloon flights using superpressure balloons, anchor balloon systems, and RACOON balloon techniques, power supplies and their weight become of prime importance. The criteria for evaluating power systems for long duration balloon flights is performance per unit weight. Instrumented balloon systems have flown 44 days. For these very long duration flights, batteries recharged from solar cells are the only solution. For intermediate flight duration, say less than 10 days, the system designer should seriously consider using primary cells.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Power supplies for long duration balloon flights


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    1983-01-01


    Size :

    10 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    Power considerations for long duration balloon flights

    Frye, G.M. Jr / Owens, A. / Koga, R. et al. | Elsevier | 1987



    Comments on Antarctic Long-Duration Balloon Flights

    Wilkes, R. J. / COSPAR | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2000



    Antarctic Long-Duration Balloon Flights: JACEE Experience

    Wilkes, R. J. / COSPAR; Panel on Technical Problems related to Scientific Ballooning | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1998