Aerostat system with extended flight envelope
AssigneeAltaeros Energies, Inc.
InventorsBenjamin W. Glass, Christopher R. Vermillion, Ephraim R. Lanford
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An aerostat system with an extended flight envelope in which the aerostat system can safely operate is provided. The aerostat system includes an aerostat, multiple tether groups and a base station. Spatially distinct tether groups allow for improved stability and controllability over a wide range of wind conditions. Independent actuation of the tether groups allows for control of the aerostat pitch and roll angle. A rotating platform including rails to rest the aerostat allows docking without auxiliary tethers, minimizing or eliminating the ground crew required to dock traditional aerostat systems. An optional controller allows remote or autonomous operation of the aerostat system.
Claims15
An aerostat system that allows for improved control in a variety of wind conditions, passive alignment into the wind, and autonomous docking, the system comprising:
- an aerostat including a shroud;
- a plurality of tether groups arranged on the shroud so that there is defined separation distance between tether attachment points in each of a longitudinal, direction and a lateral direction, each of the plurality of tether groups being independently actuated by a respective winch assembly;
- and
- a base station located with respect to a ground surface including a rotating platform constructed to rotate about a pivot point that is located forward a mean lead-off position for the plurality of tether groups, the rotating platform being interconnected to the plurality of tether groups and including a rail assembly that selectively engages the aerostat in a docked configuration with respect to the platform.
A method for tethering an aerostat that allows for improved control in a variety of wind conditions, passive alignment into the wind, and autonomous docking, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing an aerostat including a shroud;
- attaching a plurality of tether groups to the shroud so that there is defined separation distance between tether attachment points in each of a longitudinal, direction and a lateral direction, each of the plurality of tether groups being independently actuated by a respective winch assembly;
- and
- attaching the plurality of tether groups to a base station located with respect to a ground surface, the base station including a rotating platform constructed to rotate about a pivot point that is located forward a mean lead-off position for the plurality of tether groups, the rotating platform including a rail assembly that selectively engages the aerostat in a docked configuration with respect to the platform.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.