US 8,985,498 B2Granted

Stratosphere tethered photovoltaic power platform

AssigneeEdmund J. Kelly

InventorEdmund Joseph Kelly

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Abstract

The present invention is realized by apparatus and methods for placing a large utility scale photovoltaic array in the low stratosphere of earth's atmosphere at an altitude of about 20 km, above clouds, moisture, dust, and wind. This is accomplished using a large light-weight, rigid, buoyant structure to support the large photovoltaic array. Long, strong and light tethers connect the buoyant structure to the ground and hold it in position against wind forces. The electricity output from the photovoltaic array is then coupled to high voltage transmission lines which connect from the platform to the earth's surface. The electricity is then transmitted through the high voltage transmission lines to the earth's surface where it is connected to the electrical supply grid and provides lower cost, more reliable electricity.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A method of assembling an airborne platform for generating electricity, comprising:

a) providing a first plurality of photovoltaic (PV) panel modules, each module comprising a PV panel, a rigid truss framework, and an inflatable gas bag;
b) assembling the first plurality of PV panel modules into a first sub-platform by mechanically and electrically connecting adjacent PV panel modules to each other;
c) tethering the first sub-platform to the ground with a first tether;
d) deploying the first sub-platform to the stratosphere by inflating the gas bags of the first plurality of PV panel modules with a lighter-than-air gas;
e) providing a second plurality of PV panel modules, each module comprising a PV panel, a rigid truss framework, and an inflatable gas bag;
f) assembling the second plurality of PV panel modules into a second sub-platform by mechanically and electrically connecting adjacent PV panel modules to each other;
g) tethering the second sub-platform to the ground with a second tether;
h) attaching a boom between the second sub-platform and the first tether;
i) deploying the second sub-platform to the stratosphere by inflating the gas bags of the second plurality of PV panel modules with a lighter-than-air gas, wherein the boom maintains the spacing between the first tether and the second sub-platform while the second sub-platform is deploying;
and
j) assembling a platform from the first and second sub-platforms in the stratosphere, wherein the boom mechanically connects the first and second sub-platforms.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.