Israel: Air Balloon Generators Efficient Use Of Low-Cost Solar Energy

CCTV.com news: solar energy is an inexhaustible supply of clean energy, but in the ocean or desert areas, although sunny, but because it is difficult to establish power generation facilities, often have wasted a lot of rich solar energy. Israel is on a balloon floating in the air solar generators is expected to solve this problem.

According to its design, the practical application of the balloon will reach three meters in diameter, was flying to the ground a few hundred metres from the air, the balloon surface neatly covered with 2 mm thick solar panels, and through it the power cables connected to the balloon sent back to the ground.

Due to the use of electrical-design, the different times of the day can receive direct sunlight, thus greatly improving the efficiency of electricity generation. A diameter of three meters balloons electrical generating capacity, with 25 square meters of a traditional solar panels. To save floor space, but it also saved in the construction costs of buildings and other facilities, so that the balloon generators than the cost of traditional methods to reduce the more than half. In addition, since the use of these facilities and demolition are more convenient, but also to provide temporary power outage emergency help.

However, the electrical balloons in the air vulnerable to natural disturbances affecting wind power, at present, researchers are working to solve this problem. Expected after one year, the air solar generators design will be completed and start operation.

Source: CCTV.com Apr. 7, 2008