Abstract: A sunshade device and sunshade management system for mitigating the effects of climate change and direct and prolonged exposure to the sun, the sunshade device including a canopy attached to a collapsible web or frame structure. The frame structure can be collapsed or opened by operation of an electric motor. The sunshade device is positioned above the ground by electrically powered lifting devices that are powered by a battery system that is charged by solar cells. A sunshade management system controls the status of the sunshade device, and can collapse the frame and activate the lifting devices to position the sunshade in the sky, and open the frame and deactivate the lifting devices to allow the sunshade device to slowly descend while providing shade to areas below the sunshade device.

Abstract: This disclosure describes many innovations including but not limited to systems, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media for controlling an energy generator. A system for controlling an energy generator includes a detector for sensing an indicator of electrical energy generated by the generator; an energy storage component configured, in a first mode of operation, to store energy generated during operation at a sub-threshold level insufficient for real-time supply to an electrical energy sink; an energy converter configured, in a second mode of operation, to provide energy generated during operation above the threshold level for real-time supply of energy to the electrical energy sink; and a controllable switch, electrically associated with the detector, and configured to alternately toggle between the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation based on the indicator to thereby permit energy generated at the sub-threshold level to be collected and intermittently used.

Abstract: An offshore wind turbine blade and tower maintenance devices and systems, more particularly, to the system for service tools positioning relative to the offshore wind turbine blade and tower. An arrangement for lowering and raising service tools used for offshore wind turbine blade and tower maintenance, having: a truss system, a rigging and a rigging pulling in and letting out means. The truss system, includes booms, pivotally attached to a supporting means, which are adapted to be leaned against or releasably fixed to a wind turbine tower or wind turbine tower mooring elements; wherein the rigging and a rigging pulling in and letting out means are operably connected with the truss system, so to allow lowering and raising service tools used for offshore wind turbine blade and tower maintenance.

Abstract: A tie-down system for securing an aerostat to a receiving structure, comprising a tie-down cable designed to be attached to the aerostat by one of the ends thereof, a mast designed to be rotatably mounted on the receiving structure, the mast comprising a winch with a winding drum winch comprising a slot designed to receive a portion of the cable located on the side of the other end of the tie-down cable. The tether is weighed down by a weight at the other end thereof, and the mast further comprises a forked guide device having two branches extending in two opposite directions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (10) for remote and/or autonomous transporting at least a portion of a tree, said system (10) comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle (100), UAV, comprising, at least one means (105) for holding said at least a portion of a tree, said system comprising at least one means for detecting said at least a portion of a tree to be transported, and means for detecting at least one of the group of tree parameters: diameter of a tree, length of a tree, tree species and/or the weight of a tree, a base station (120) for communication with said means configured for transporting said at least a portion of a tree and/or said UAV (100) and means configured for directing said remotely and/autonomously UAV (100) with said at least a portion of a tree to a final destination where said final destination is depending on said detected tree parameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protection device for protecting the connection between a detachable wired drone (1) and the wire (5) thereof. This device enables the plug (3) to be reused even when it has fallen many times from a great height and limits the risk of injury and electrocution of people. The device consists of a non-conductive envelope surrounding the electrical contacts of the plug (3), a procedure or a mechanical system that cuts off the power when the plug (3) is detached from the drone (1), a system for mechanical protection against impacts, which can be an energy-dissipating envelope, a parachute-like system (4) for slowing down the fall, or the separation of the plug into a plurality of parts connected by a flexible element. The device according to the invention is particularly applicable to wired drones (1) in order to speed up movement outside the perimeter defined by the wire (5).

Abstract: A method of using a bagged power generation system comprising windbags and waterbags integrated with drones and adapting drone technologies for harnessing wind and water power to produce electricity. An extremely scalable and environmentally friendly method, system, apparatus, equipment, techniques and ecosystem configured to produce renewable green energy with high productivity and efficiency.

Abstract: A stratospheric balloon may include an upper structure having a pulley, a lower structure, at least one solar panel suspended between the upper structure and the lower structure, and a first orientation control member connected, at a first end thereof, to a first transverse edge of the at least one solar panel and, at a second end thereof, to a second transverse edge of the at least one solar panel. The first orientation control member is wound about the pulley such that rotating the pulley changes the orientation of the at least one solar panel relative to the upper structure and the lower structure. In another example, the pulley may be replaced by first and second support mechanisms and the system may include a second orientation control member. The first and second orientation control members are connected to the first and second support mechanisms, respectively, and to the solar panel.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology relate to a propeller blade assembly that is used in lateral propulsion systems for lighter-than-air high altitude platforms designed to operate, e.g., in the stratosphere. During operation, the propeller of the assembly is pointed along a specified heading and rotates at a selected velocity (e.g., hundreds or thousands of revolutions per minute). Power is supplied to the propeller as needed during lateral propulsion to move the platform along a particular trajectory or to remain on station over a given geographic location. In certain circumstances, the propeller may become damaged. This can include one or more blades breaking or shattering, which can result in failure of the propeller and potentially the entire LTA platform. The technology provides blades that are sufficiently flexible to avoid breakage or shattering due to debris impact or envelope entanglement, or otherwise shed a load. This can avoid catastrophic failure during stratospheric operation.

Abstract: An inflatable tracking antenna assembly may include an inflatable antenna. The inflatable antenna may be configurable in a packed configuration and a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration the inflatable antenna may be generally spherical in shape. The assembly may include an antenna support structure. The support structure may include a plurality of support arms that couple with lateral sides of the inflatable antenna. The support structure may include a base that is coupled with each of the plurality of support arms. The base may include an azimuth actuator that adjusts an azimuth position of the inflatable antenna and an elevation actuator that adjusts an elevation angle of the inflatable antenna. The support structure may include a plurality of support legs that extend outward from the base.

Abstract: A kite system having a kite (14) and a hauling rope (15) which extends between the kite (14) and a tow point (16). A marking holder (25) is disposed between the tow point (16) and the kite (14). The marking holder (25) is conceived for changing between an entrained state in relation to the hauling rope (15), and a free-running state in relation to the hauling rope (15). A fitting installation (31) initiates a changeover between the entrained state and the free-running state of the marking holder (25). The invention moreover relates to a method for operating a kite system.

Abstract: A system for an antenna for very low frequency communication includes a surface platform that is configured to move on a surface or to be stationary on the surface, a first conductive cable having a first end coupled to the surface platform, wherein the first conductive cable is electrically conductive, and an aerial platform coupled to a second end of the first conductive cable, wherein the aerial platform comprises an electrically conductive portion electrically coupled to the first conductive cable, wherein for a moving surface platform the aerial platform is towed and has an elevation above the surface, and wherein for a stationary surface platform the aerial platform flies an orbital path above the surface platform.

Abstract: Described herein are features for a high altitude lighter-than-air (LTA) system and associated methods. The LTA may include one or more super-pressure balloons (SPB). One or more of the SPB's may include one or more interior volumes. One or more of the interior volumes may be configured to receive an LTA gas therein to supplement the free lift of the LTA system. There may be an adjustable valve or vent to release the LTA gas. One or more of the interior volumes may be configured to receive ambient air to provide a variable downward force. The SPB may use a compressor to pump in ambient air. The compressor or another valve may release ambient air to decrease the downward force. A zero-pressure balloon (ZPB) may be attached with the one or more SPB's. The ZPB may supplement lift for the system.

Abstract: An integrated Kiteboarding canopy self-launching and landing safety system is presented. The system includes a base. The system also includes an attachment mechanism configured to attach to the base, wherein the attachment mechanism is structured to capture a kiteboarding canopy. The system additionally includes a release mechanism positionable on the base, wherein the release mechanism is arranged to be able to release a kiteboarding canopy upon actuation. Further, the system includes a securing mechanism configured to connect with the base, wherein the securing mechanism is configured to secure a kiteboarding canopy upon landing. And, the system also includes a manual and automatic device to control both landing and launching evolutions.

Abstract: A line-replaceable thrust module includes a nacelle configured to be mechanically connected to an anchoring location of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), an electric motor coupled to the nacelle, an electric speed controller configured to control the speed of the electric motor and configured to be electrically connected to a communication network of the UAV, and a fuel cell system configured to produce electrical energy from an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, a hydrogen tank, a pressure regulator coupled to the hydrogen tank, and a supply line coupled between the pressure regulator and the fuel cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle surveillance system. According to an embodiment, monitoring is performed using a balloon main body filled with gas and staying in the air; radar; camera units being provided outside the balloon main body, and including a camera taking an image of a subject; radio frequency detectors; and sound detectors and correspondingly, interceptor means is included. As interceptor means, a jammer, a jamming gun, and a spoofing device corresponding to jamming are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an airborne system (100?) and in particular to an airborne power generation system (100). The airborne power generation system (100) comprises an airborne unit (10) configured (i) as an aerial vehicle (10?), in particular as a kite or a multicopter, and (ii) to harvest and convert wind power into electrical power, a ground unit (50) configured to send and/or receive electrical power to and from the airborne unit (10), respectively, and a coupling and tether unit (30) for mechanically and electrically coupling the airborne unit (10) to the ground unit (50) and configured to transmit electrical power between the airborne unit (10) and the ground unit (50).

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to flight termination systems for tethered aerial vehicles having envelopes. For instance, a flight termination system may include a wire heating element arranged in a loop around the balloon envelope and connected to a strain relief connector, the strain relief connector, and an electrical cable connected to the strain relief connector. The electrical cable is configured to provide current to the wire in order to melt envelope material of the envelope and terminate a flight of the aerial vehicle.

Abstract: A rotary-wing air vehicle comprising a main body (12) and at least two rotor devices (16a, 16b) arranged and configured to generate propulsion and thrust, in use, to lift and propel said air vehicle, said rotor devices (16a, 16b) being arranged and configured relative to said main body (12) such that the blades thereof do not cross through a central vertical axis of said main body (12) defining the centre of mass thereof, wherein said main body (12) is provided with an aperture (100) that extends therethrough to define a channel about said central vertical axis.

Abstract: Kites having an inflatable lifting-body shape with side wings or keels and a horizontal stabilizer or tail to control the angle of attack of the lifting body can be constructed efficiently and economically through a process that builds a laminate of flat sheets, then cuts and joins the sheets to produce an inflatable envelope. Other pieces are affixed to the envelope to produce a finished kite.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for the airborne generation of usable water from atmospheric water vapor and the generation of electric power from and for such system.

Abstract: A system and method for misbalancing or suppressing spinning atmospheric phenomena such as tornadoes, landspouts, waterspouts, gustnadoes and whirlwinds. The systems and methods misbalance or suppress such phenomena utilizing electromagnetic fields; irradiation; neutralizing charges; or chemical reactions, thus destabilizing or disrupting the phenomenon.

Abstract: Described herein are features for a high altitude lighter-than-air (LTA) system and associated methods. The LTA may include one or more super-pressure balloons (SPB). One or more of the SPB's may include one or more interior volumes. One or more of the interior volumes may be configured to receive an LTA gas therein to supplement the free lift of the LTA system. There may be an adjustable valve or vent to release the LTA gas. One or more of the interior volumes may be configured to receive ambient air to provide a variable downward force. The SPB may use a compressor to pump in ambient air. The compressor or another valve may release ambient air to decrease the downward force. A zero-pressure balloon (ZPB) may be attached with the one or more SPB's. The ZPB may supplement lift for the system.

Abstract: An energy efficient and lighter-than-air high altitude platform (HAP) is disclosed that allows for sustained station keeping at high altitudes of about 50,000-80,000 feet for prolonged periods of time. The HAP includes an aerodynamically streamlined body that may have the topology of a torus. The body may be inflated with a lighter-than-air gas in an amount sufficient to provide lift to the high altitudes. The HAP has a duct extending through the pressurized body that diverts flow through the duct and reduces aerodynamic drag. The HAP may include one or more propellers situated in the duct to provide propulsion and maintain a given location of the HAP relative to ground. There may also be a control system, a solar energy collection system, an energy storage system, and/or any of a variety of payloads to accomplish various tasks, such as communication and/or situational awareness applications.

Abstract: There is provided an inflatable dummy target comprising a chassis wrapped with a sheet. The chassis can be formed by individual inflatable ducts and can comprise at least two ring-shaped ducts interconnected by one or more elongate ducts. The inflatable dummy target can further comprise rigidizing ducts. The inflatable dummy target geometry can be conical, cylindrical, etc. Optionally, the inflatable dummy target can comprise several attached axi-symmetrical sections, wherein each section has a chassis wrapped with a sheet, the chassis formed by individual inflatable ducts. Optionally, the shape of each section can be selected from the group consisting of conical, frustoconical and cylindrical forms.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) including an inflatable membrane (e.g., a balloon) and a compressed gas chamber containing a gas (e.g., helium, hydrogen, etc.) for inflating the membrane. When the UAV is approaching or departing from a location where noise reduction is desirable (e.g., a delivery location), the membrane may be inflated so as to increase the buoyancy of the UAV and allow the propulsion system (e.g., utilizing propellers, etc.) to be operated with less thrust and correspondingly with less noise. Once the UAV has departed and reached a certain distance from the location, the membrane may be deflated and retracted back into a storage area of the UAV.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a trailer for an autonomous vehicle controlled by a command and control interface. The trailer includes a trailer body configured to retain the autonomous vehicle in an undeployed configuration. The trailer also anchors the autonomous vehicle in a deployed configuration. A tether is provided having a first end coupled to the trailer body and a second end that is configured to couple to the autonomous vehicle. A winch is utilized to adjust a length of the tether to move the autonomous vehicle between the undeployed configuration and deployed configuration. Further, a communication system communicates with the command and control interface and the autonomous vehicle to control movement of the autonomous vehicle between the undeployed configuration and deployed configuration.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to techniques for launching high-altitude balloons. In one aspect, a balloon launching system is provided. The balloon has a balloon envelope, a payload attached to the balloon envelope and a launching projection. The launching system includes a releasable restraint attached to the balloon between an apex and bottom of the balloon envelope. The releasable restraint is arranged to temporarily hold the balloon envelope. The launching system also includes a payload positioning assembly. The payload positioning assembly is configured to position the payload during launch of the balloon and includes a member configured to attach to the launching projection. When attached, the member is also configured to maintain the position of the payload relative to the balloon while the releasable restraint is temporarily holding the balloon envelope.

Abstract: A system for high temporal and high spatial resolution monitoring of a field of plants is disclosed. Illustratively, the system includes a plurality of ground based reference objects, a balloon adapted to be positioned above the field of plants, and a balloon positioning system coupled to the balloon and configured to position the balloon relative to the field of plants. An imaging system is supported by the balloon and includes a locations system, at least one camera, and at least one gimbal configured to orient the at least one camera. The imaging system captures at least one image of the field of plants including the plurality of ground based reference objects in the at least one image.

Abstract: A balloon including a balloon envelope formed with a plurality of adjacent envelope gores sealed together at respective edges of the envelope gores to form an envelope edge seam between each of the adjacent envelope gores, a ballonet positioned within the balloon envelope, the ballonet formed with a plurality of ballonet gores sealed together at their respective edges to form a ballonet edge seam between each of the adjacent ballonet gores, wherein each envelope gore is contiguous with a ballonet gore such that each envelope edge seam between adjacent envelope gores extends into a ballonet edge seam.

Abstract: A lighting balloon including a deformable envelope, at least one lighting mechanism mounted inside the envelope, and a supporting and stretching mechanism for the envelope, including a plate carrying the lighting mechanism and with a longitudinally extending distancing element mounted on the plate. The supporting and stretching mechanism cooperates with an apex and a base of the envelope to stretch the envelope in the longitudinal direction. The balloon further includes at least one shape-maintaining mechanism mounted on the envelope and arranged transversely in relation to the distancing element.

Abstract: An actuating system for controlling the flight of a power wing profile or kite controlled via at least two cables for conversion of wind energy into electrical or mechanical energy, includes a first unit for exerting an action of unwinding-winding of the cables to the same extent, and a second unit set between the power kite and the first unit for providing an action of differential control of the cables. The system employs a single motor or motor/generator.

Abstract: A vertically stable aerial platform having an envelope assembly with an envelope having an edge and a base. The envelope is an aerodynamically shaped inflatable housing filled with lighter-than-air gas, whereby the envelope is substantially convex and the base is substantially flat. The lighter-than-air gas within the envelope provides lift. Further having a base frame assembly, a tail assembly, and a ground station. The ground station has a winch assembly, an electrical system, and an electrically conducted tether. The electrically conducted tether is wound onto the winch assembly to raise or lower the aerial platform to a desired predetermined altitude having ideal wind conditions at any given time. Further having a mounting post to mount a wind turbine assembly, camera equipment, communication system antennas, and/or equipment thereon.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed that includes a retractable payload delivery system. The payload delivery system can lower a payload to the ground using a delivery device that secures the payload during descent and releases the payload upon reaching the ground. The delivery device can include a channel in which a payload mount attachment for a payload can be inserted. The payload mount attachment can include an aperture for receiving a retaining rod to secure the attachment, and thus the payload, to the delivery device. The retaining rod can assume either an engaged position, in which a portion of the retaining rod engages the payload mount attachment while the payload mount attachment is inserted in the channel, or a disengaged position, in which the retaining rod does not engage the payload mount attachment.

Abstract: Described is a technology by which driver safety technology such as collision detection is implemented via mobile device (e.g., smartphone) sensors and a cloud service that processes data received from vehicles associated with the devices. Trajectory-related data is received at the cloud service and used to predict collisions between vehicles and/or lane departures of vehicles. To operate the service in real-time with low latency, also described is dividing driving areas into grids, e.g., based upon traffic density, having parallel grid servers each responsible for only vehicles in or approaching its own grid, and other parallel/distributed mechanisms of the cloud service.

Abstract: A solar-powered light source may comprise a solar-powered energy production module. The solar-powered light source may be self-righting. At least one of the energy production module, an energy storage module, a light emission device, or a diffuser may provide the weight for the self-righting effect. The weight may be located substantially near a bottom portion of the solar-powered light source in order to keep the solar-powered light source positioned upright.

Abstract: A control system for a tethered aerostat is provided, where up to two rotational and at least one translational degree of freedom are controlled to setpoints through the variation of tether lengths by an actuator system. The term tether includes a single tether, a tether group or a sub section of tether controlled by an individual actuator. Accurate rotational and translational control is essential for the successful operation of an aerostat under several applications, including surveillance, weather monitoring, and power generation. For a given use case, the controller can be constructed and arranged to manage the tradeoff between several key performance characteristics, such as transient performance, steady-state pointing accuracy, tether tension regulation, and power generation.

Abstract: An unmanned, towable air vehicle is described and includes electronic sensors to increase the detection range relative to the horizon detection limitations of a surface craft, an autogyro assembly to provide lift, and a controller to control operation the autogyro assembly for unmanned flight. A forward motive force powers the autogyro assembly to provide lift. In an example, the autogyro assembly includes a mast extending from the container, a rotatable hub on an end of the mast, and a plurality of blades connected to the hub for rotation to provide lift to the vehicle. In an example, an electrical motor rotates the blades prior to lift off to assist in take off. The electrical motor does not have enough power to sustain flight of the vehicle in an example.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed that includes a retractable payload delivery system. The payload delivery system can lower a payload to the ground using a delivery device that secures the payload during descent and releases the payload upon reaching the ground. The delivery device can include a channel in which a payload mount attachment for a payload can be inserted. The payload mount attachment can include an aperture for receiving a retaining rod to secure the attachment, and thus the payload, to the delivery device. The retaining rod can assume either an engaged position, in which a portion of the retaining rod engages the payload mount attachment while the payload mount attachment is inserted in the channel, or a disengaged position, in which the retaining rod does not engage the payload mount attachment.

Abstract: A balloon apparatus is provided having (1) a cage structure that includes (a) a plurality of vertical tendons, where each of the vertical tendons includes a first end and second end, where the first ends of the vertical tendons are all connected to one another and where the second ends of the vertical tendons are all connected to one another and (b) one or more horizontal tendons, where each horizontal tendon is attached to each of the vertical tendons at a corresponding level of the cage structure and (2) a balloon envelope, where the balloon envelop is arranged inside the cage structure and inflatable within the cage structure.

Abstract: A system for high temporal and high spatial resolution monitoring of a field of plants is disclosed. Illustratively, the system includes a plurality of ground based reference objects, a balloon adapted to be positioned above the field of plants, and a balloon positioning system coupled to the balloon and configured to position the balloon relative to the field of plants. An imaging system is supported by the balloon and includes a locations system, at least one camera, and at least one gimbal configured to orient the at least one camera. The imaging system captures at least one image of the field of plants including the plurality of ground based reference objects in the at least one image.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved aerostat system including 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. The invention is intended to extend the flight envelope in which aerostat systems can safely operate.

Abstract: The present invention is realized by apparatus and methods for placing a large rigid buoyant platform in the low stratosphere of earth's atmosphere at an altitude of about 20 km, above clouds, moisture, dust, and wind. The platform can serve several uses, either individually or in any combination. These uses include uninterrupted radio and light communications, radar and optical observation including very powerful radars and solar power electricity generation. Long, strong and light tethers connect the buoyant structure to the ground which hold it in position against wind forces. The electricity output from a photovoltaic array is used to power platform uses and can also be coupled to high voltage transmission lines which transmit power from the platform to the earth's surface during daylight hours. Power can also be transmitted up to the platform during darkness to power facilities mounted on the platform ensuring continuous operation.

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.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of liquid-hydrogen-producing balloon stations that form a total network for distributing liquid hydrogen, and said balloon stations in the network are positioned at the nearest of said target areas of use, substantially above the latter, such that the transfer of the liquid hydrogen between said production balloon stations and said target areas of use is minimal.

Abstract: A portable airborne multi-mission platform designed to collect meteorological data and perform other missions, either alone or in a modular array. Each portable airborne multi-mission platform comprises a tethered aerostat; a hydrogen generation, storage, and recovery system; and a control system. The tethered aerostat consists of an airship, a horizontal axis wind turbine, and a tether cable. The airship is both self-inflating and self-deflating and has the geometry of a wind concentrator and diffuser in fluid communication with the wind turbine.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a lighter than air platform, a reversible propulsive/wind turbine, a deployable anchor to constrain movement of the lighter than air platform with respect to an anchor point allowing wind to drive the turbine, and a generator/motor coupled to the turbine to produce electrical power when movement of the lighter than air platform is constrained. A method performed by the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a communication system configured to be used in land geophysical operations. The system includes: a balloon configured to lift one or more antennas; at least one cable connected to the balloon and configured for transmission of at least one of power and data, configured as a tether connected to the balloon and configured to be deployed such that an altitude of the balloon is between 50 and 100 meters; one or more antennas mounted internally or externally to the balloon and configured to extend a communication range between a base station, a command and control truck, and one or more seismic shooting devices for communicating information associated with seismic acquisition activities; and an electronics suite configured to trigger a controlled descent of the balloon and configured to deflate the balloon.

Abstract: The present invention is realized by apparatus and methods for placing a large rigid buoyant platform in the low stratosphere of earth's atmosphere at an altitude of about 20 km, above clouds, moisture, dust, and wind. The platform can serve several uses, either individually or in any combination. These uses include uninterrupted radio and light communications, radar and optical observation including very powerful radars and solar power electricity generation. Long, strong and light tethers connect the buoyant structure to the ground which hold it in position against wind forces. The electricity output from a photovoltaic array is used to power platform uses and can also be coupled to high voltage transmission lines which transmit power from the platform to the earth's surface during daylight hours. Power can also be transmitted up to the platform during darkness to power facilities mounted on the platform ensuring continuous operation.

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 20km, 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.