DE4416306A1 - Motor driven air balloon system - Google Patents

Abstract

The air balloon is nearly spherical in shape and comprises a stiffening light structure, matching to its circular cross-section in its equatorial plane, or parallel to it. Pref. the drives are diametrically mounted on the annular stiffening structure.The thrust vectors of the driver are mutually parallel to enable a moment-free, linear motion of the air balloon. A controlled, differential thrust of the driver actuates a directional change.

Description

1 Introduction

The present invention is a motorized Free balloon system for transporting loads and / or people over short distances using one at the equator of the balloon brought drive system, both for directional control Propulsion as well as for the generation of buoyancy and downforce is designed. Most of the buoyancy, however, will with a suitable carrier gas (preferably non-flammable helium) supplied, which is located in several independent gas cells.

The entire balloon system is made of a weatherproof and ultra violet-resistant outer shell surrounded by suitable rigid ring constructions and stringer elements - similar to a rigid or semi-rigid airship - is braced. Said stringers serve to introduce concentrated loads and run conically to a point at the bottom of the balloon to that for both the absorption of concentrated loads, as well serves as anchoring point on the floor. In the ge in this way The lower tip of the cone is also the gondola and the Ballast holder integrated.

2. State of the art

For air transportation over short distances, inaccessible The terrain has no existing runways Use of helicopters has proven to be the preferred method. Despite its proven versatility, the helicopter shows some significant disadvantages, e.g. B. high maintenance and Fuel costs, limited carrying capacity and technological limits zen with regard to the magnification potential of the system itself. Also, the noise pollution in various cases cannot be tolerated be cured.

Outdoor balloons can be proven to handle significant loads but are practically completely dependent on the wind and therefore not suitable for scheduled point-to-point traffic. However, cargo balloons are often successful as tethered balloons been used. In particular, those in Oregon are used "logging balloons" for the transport of wood from inaccessible Areas to mention. These balloon systems are e.g. T. by appro Nete aerodynamic shape has been designed so that it like a kite, increase their buoyancy considerably could.

The disadvantage of the captive balloons is the elaborate winds plants and depending on the respective wind direction. In addition, aerodynamically shaped captive balloons Ground anchoring requires a fairly large area. Also are repairs to the balloon envelope in the field out of accessibility start up difficult.  

The effort to make outdoor balloons independent and over by motor power It is well known that being able to control long distances has to do with Development of very powerful airships (e.g. Zeppe linen). These are streamlined thanks to the sleek Design primarily for transport over long distances or suitable for long periods. On the other hand, the Picking up and depositing concentrated loads (point loads) in the slim airship body considerable bending moments. also airships anchored to the ground require a minimum circular field with the radius of a length of ship, so that the ship like a weather vane against any wind can set direction.

In summary it can be said that the general operation mode of the aerodynamically optimized airships in the horizontal movement lies. Those considered essential in the present invention The operating mode considered is the vertical movement, while the Horizontal movement just moving the payload and the Compensation of wind influences is used. It's not that either imperative, the resistance coefficient of the considered System to minimize the drag due to the relative small horizontal speed is limited anyway.

There are already a number of lifting and trans-supported vehicles port systems designed and z. T. also been tested, which in fol briefly described:

Model tests were carried out with one around the vertical axis rotating ball balloon with radially starting from the equatorial plane the helicopter blades, which is not just a significant enlargement of the load capacity, but also according to the type of Helicopter control with cyclic blade adjustment vertical and should initiate horizontal movements. Here it showed that the superimposition of gyro effect that occurs here and Magnus effect could not be mastered.

More success was achieved with a variant in which one Balloon body in the form of an ellipsoid of revolution around the horizontal Main axis rotates. The radial propeller blades thus rotate in the vertical plane and serve the forward movement. Considerable With this concept, buoyancy forces can be adjusted cyclically te wing elements at the ends of the rotor blades what be through demonstration attempts (lifting a vehicle) could be shown.

Another concept made itself vertical in the model test take advantage of the Magnus effect that occurs in the direction of travel by using the Balloon around the horizontal axis transverse to the direction of travel to the ro tion was brought.

Other so-called hybrid concepts are airship casings in a combination nation with a helicopter configuration consisting of a symmetrical arrangement of four coordinated helicopters. The aerostat essentially compensates for the empty weight of the overall system, while the total lifting power of the four helicopters copter is fully available for lifting substantial loads. Of the The main disadvantage of this concept is that the characteristics vibration problems of the individual helicopters  must be mastered by the overall system. Critical Eigen In summer 1986 vibrations caused the destruction of a prototype guided.

Other designs are based on a combination of multiple balloons nen, which is composed by a frame made of light lattice girders being held. These frames take the loads and are with suitable engines for horizontal and vertical movement ver see. Such a configuration is not aerodynamic "clean"; however, the framework contributes significantly to one favorable load introduction and distribution.

Aero are therefore used to reduce aerodynamic drag were in the form of a flattened ellipsoid or in the form a lens designed by a rigid framework in this form being held. When the interior is partially filled with support gas cells it is possible to increase aerostatic buoyancy by heating of the carrier gas within certain limits vary. The lenticular shape allows you to move forward flight with angle of attack considerable additional aerodynamic driving forces are generated, although also very large Tipping moments arise that are difficult to control.

3. Feasibility

The principle of locomotion and described by the invention Buoyancy control with the aid of the aerator on the aerostat attached swiveling drive systems is by several Canadian experiments on a helium filled advertising balloon as proven to be feasible. However, said concept is based on use as an inexpensive sports and advertising airship limited load capacity and is therefore limited to conventional balloon technology.

4. Description 4.1 System structure

According to Fig. 1, the device consists of a teardrop-shaped outer weatherproof and ultraviolet-resistant casing (a), the upper calotte of which can be approximately described by an ellipsoid of revolution, while the lower part converges conically to a tip at the base (b).

Inside there are preferably two superimposed arranged inert gas cells (c, d) covering most of the interior fill in and at different heights and temperatures in certain masses can expand and contract.  

In the area of the largest lateral diameter or "equator" or somewhat below this range, the shell is inside reinforced a horizontal rigid ring (e). That ring is constructed from lightweight support elements such that it has a prismatic accessible cross section. This ring construction tion fulfills the following functions:

• (1) Stiffening of the balloon envelope against deformations of the Cross-section due to air forces,
• (2) clamping device for an archable horizontal partition, preferably one made from textile ropes spider web-like web (f) that the aerostatic Buoyant forces in the lower part of the shell located gas cell,
• (3) suspension and force transmission for the left and combined on the right outside of the envelope Jacking and lifting systems (g, g ′),
• (4) Inclusion of tank systems and lines as well as other Subsystems,
• (5) Aisle for maintenance and inspection work.

The lower conical segment of the device is again a rigid one Lightweight construction, which is non-positively attached to the outer shell is closed. This segment is as follows from below builds:

• (6) The cone tip (b) is both the anchor point on the ground and the load bearing point for suspended payloads.
  Suitable winch systems (h) are therefore located in the area of the cone tip, which are used both for anchoring and for lifting and holding loads.
• (7) The space above the winch system is used to hold Ballast (i), preferably water, which, as needed Drain hose connections or valve openings (j) can.
• (8) is in the cone segment above the ballast space the integrated pilot cockpit (k) with all-round visibility. This Segment contains all that is required to guide the device Equipment and instrumentation.
• (9) Above the pilot cockpit, further integrated cone segments ( 1 ) can optionally be provided, which offer increasingly larger usable areas in a multi-storey arrangement. In this way, the device can also be converted as a passenger carrier, with the existing all-round view offering an excellent panoramic view.

To initiate the loads acting at the base point along a vertical traction rope (m) is attached to the axis of symmetry brings that through the nacelle segments and the lower gas cell attached to the central point (s) of the cobweb-like network is. Optionally, the rope can continue through the upper gas cell  continue through to the pole of the upper shell dome, where it is connected to an external coupling element (o) is. This mechanism allows coupling to the base point a second, vertical tandem balloon, in order to temporarily increase the overall load capacity can.

The jacking and lifting systems suspended from the stiffening ring (e) (g, g ′) consist of suitable drive motors with as much as possible large propellers (p, p ′) using a suitable mechanism mus can be pivoted such that the thrust in addition to the Forward component also a substantial upward or downward component supplies. The drive unit can consist of from the motor and propeller, as a whole, or the Motor is fixed to the stiffening ring (s) and operates via a drive shaft and a swivel gearbox the propeller.

Alternatively, the drive units (g, g ') can also be rigidly turned on be built, with the vertical lifting components then approved Controllable deflection profiles / blades can be generated.

The internal pressure of the envelope is determined by the dynamic pressure appropriately placed wind scoops with built-in rear impact valves generated.

Furthermore, gas discharge and safety valves are known provided against overpressure.

The nacelle segments ( 1 ) or the pilot cockpit (k) are connected to the walkable stiffening ring (e) by a vertical ladder located inside a stiffened hose.

The load-bearing shell (a) can optionally be formed speaking network. This network is located between rule the shell (a) and the carrier gas cells (c, d) and can also as Climbing aid for a repairer who is looking for leaks suitable clothing and equipment between the cover (a) and the cell (c, d). This is an inspection and re parature of both the gas cells and the shell during the Operation possible.

It is also conceivable that said network can be replaced by a rigid, with gondola segment (k) and stiffening ring (a) integrated scaffold is reinforced, which between the shell and the gas cell insulating space to compensate for external thermal Fluctuations arise.  

5. Functional description 5.1 Driving

The side drive units deliver during normal driving (g, g ′) propulsion, with speeds of about 60 km / h are typical. At higher speeds, the air would reverse stood too tall because of the inherently unfavorable shape, while too low a drift at too low speeds due to the prevailing wind conditions.

The directional control is done by differential thrust two engine units. This thrust control is done either manually or via a suitable directional controller. Compared to conventional airships, there are therefore the following Benefits:

• (1) Because of the spherical shape, there is no need to stabilize the direction of travel by tail fins. In order to there is no significant structural and weight Effort.
• (2) For the same reason as in (1), the need is eliminated the direction control with rudder. This eliminates one complex aerodynamic control system.

The height control is done by swiveling both engine units causes, in the stationary case, the vertical component of the Shear vector is the excess load not carried by the lifting gas or compensated for the excess gas buoyancy of the balloon system. Fluctuations in aerostatic buoyancy can also be observed compensate due to temperature fluctuations.

Typically the device starts with an overload of fuel, by the vertical thrust component of a corresponding one Swivel angle of the engines is compensated. While driving the fuel is consumed and the swivel angle can continue are continuously reduced.

5.2 Anchoring in idle mode

In idle mode, the device is anchored to the floor at base point (b). With a permanent anchorage, the anchorage should be di be dimensioned that not only all occurring wind forces can absorb, but also the vertical lift of an unloaded / ballasted balloon system.

Compared to the conventional anchorage of an airship at the An The following advantages result from kermast:

• (3) It is not a mast protruding from the surface of the earth required, but a single-storey is sufficient Anchor coupling.  
• (4) Because of the spherical shape of the device, there are none preferred orientation towards the wind. It does not apply hence the typical one for conventional airships Turning circle with the radius of a ship's length, which is otherwise used for Alignment against the wind direction is required. The spherical device therefore requires a much smaller one Area.
• (5) The anchored device does not necessarily need one conventional airship to be ballasted because the Ground anchoring also the vertical forces of the excess Carrying gas lift.

However, wind forces generate a significant tipping moment, which is compensated for by the uprighting component of the aerostatic lift as the bank increases. The typical incline at wind force 7 is of the order of 10 °. At the same time, an additional internal pressure is built up by the wind scoops, so that the balloon system is not deformed by the wind pressure.

5.3 Takeoff and landing

The device anchored to the floor in the manner described above is loaded with ballast water and fuel so that it is not without the vertical lifting component of the swiveled engines can take off. The thrust control causes the Device not only takes off at the desired rate of climb, but also is maneuvered over the payload to be transported.

Then a suspension cable is removed from the lower tip (b) of the device lowered and connected to the payload. Then will preferably via the hose connections (j) ballast water in ent speaking collection tanks drained until the load through the combi nated buoyancy forces of the carrier gas and the vertical component of the thrust vector is raised. If necessary, the ballast water can also be drained freely. Free ballast drainage Water can then also in the initial phase of the transport mission be necessary if it turns out that the device is not because of sufficient vertical thrust component wants to drop again.

When landing at the destination it can be assumed that the device is approximately in the fuel consumption Equilibrium. If there is excess buoyancy, use the swivel engines (g, g ′) a downward component by nega tive swivel angle are generated. Through differential and dosed thrust control, the target point is approached until the payload touches down.

Then the winch system (h) turns another rope to the front current mooring to an anchor point sunk into the ground lowered. By decreasing the rope force at the same time the offset payload and tightening the anchor rope will Device repositioned and anchored to the floor. With the help of a  Hose line through the connections (j) the device is off again ballasted enough and can again after loosening the anchor rope maneuver freely.

It must be emphasized, however, that those described here Handling during routine operation and with the help of suitable soil plants can be modified accordingly. So it is conceivable that the second load rope is lowered from the winch system (h) to attach it to a new payload to be picked up. By tightening the second rope while the With the first rope, the device then automatically positions itself over the new payload. This means that after refueling, only ballast becomes Trim off required, and pumping large amounts of water not applicable.

5.4 Passenger and general cargo traffic

People and general cargo are preferably transported in the nacelle segments ( 1 ) above the pilot's cockpit (k). The boarding / alighting or loading / unloading takes place via a movable platform of the floor systems or a correspondingly long gangway. Suitable on-board elevators can also be seen, which protrude from the nacelle segments if necessary.

For devices that are intended exclusively for the transport of people and general cargo, the base point (b) can be replaced by a flattened shape. The ground is then tied peripherally on several winches with suitable tension compensation ( Fig. 2). People can then get on and off via a gangway, and loading / unloading can be carried out via an appropriate conveyor.

For this type of device, the ballast system is partially integrated into the interior of the pilot's cockpit (k) and the gon del segments ( 1 ) for geometric reasons.

Claims (15)

1. A motor-powered free balloon system, characterized in that the approximately spherical balloon is stiffened in its aquator level or parallel thereto by a rigid, circular cross-section adapted lightweight construction dig form. 2. A free balloon system driven by motor power according to (1), in which the drive systems so diametrically to the annular Stiffeners are connected so that their shear vectors are parallel are directed towards each other and thus a moment-free straight line allow some propulsion of the balloon. 3. A free balloon system driven by motor power according to (2), with the controlled differential thrust of the engines a change in the direction of travel can be effected. 4. A motorized free balloon system according to (2) and (3), in which said drive systems also for generating and output forces can be pivoted and thus the effect optionally increase the existing aerostatic buoyancy or decrease. 5. A free balloon system driven by motor power according to (4), in which the vertical thrust components are also controlled by suitable Generable deflection blades or fins generated in the propulsion jet can be. 6. A free balloon system driven by motor power according to (1), consisting of a weather and ultraviolet resistant solid Outer skin, the interior of which is a horizontally stretched network is divided, this network being said to stiffen lightly construction is connected. 7. A motorized free balloon system according to (6), in whose interiors divided by said network each at least one appropriately shaped gas-impermeable cell is located, whose aerostatic buoyancy forces either on the Outer skin or be transferred to said network. 8. A motorized free balloon system according to (6), the shape of which converges downwards to a point and through a known frame / stringer construction as koni cal segment is formed, said downward facing Tip as a floor anchoring point and as a load suspension point with suitable winch systems. 9. A free balloon system driven by motor power according to (8), in the said stiffened conical segment for receiving a Ballast system - primarily water - is trained and the and the conical shell structure above and Space provided with all-round windows is intended as a pilot's cabin is.   10. A motorized free balloon system according to (9), with the inside or in the said conical shell structure multi-storey accommodation rooms for passengers and / or freight can be provided. 11. A motorized free balloon system according to (6) and (8), at which of the load suspension point at the lower Ko tip of nut up to the middle of said net a pulling element - preferred a rope - that is an essential part of the rope the load introduced tensile forces directly on said network which consequently bears under the influence the aerostatic buoyancy. 12. A free balloon system driven by motor power according to (11), with said traction element also through the upper balloon dome a connection element is continued at the highest point (pole), said connection element from the outside with a suitable coupling to connect a second, similarly constructed free balloon systems in vertical tandem arrangement to reinforce the Ge velvet lifting power is provided. 13. A motorized free balloon system according to (8) and (9) where the conical to reduce the height Segments without the ones at the lower tip Load suspension point also a truncated cone construction can be provided with rounded transition contours, wherein the anchoring devices on the circumference of the truncated cones are arranged at the top. 14. A motorized free balloon system according to (6) and (7) in which between said gas cells and the An outer skin is attached to an outer skin, firstly the Outer shell in the transmission of aerostatic buoyancy forces relieved and the second of a suitably equipped person allowed to inspect and given the gas cells and outer skin if to be repaired by climbing the net between Outer skin and gas cell wedges. 15. A free balloon system driven by motor power according to (14), in the said network entirely or partially by a rigid, even if accessible lightweight construction according to the type known per se lightweight dome architecture or according to the type of rigid airship is replaced.