First solar-powered air balloon..

The International Festival of Aeronautics (IFAA) is a world-renowned aerostat exhibition that has been held annually in Bristol, southwest England, since 1979. This time, the event's attendees took a giant leap into the future. The world's first hybrid balloon was unveiled, with hot air provided solely by solar energy. Cameron Balloons, a British firm, invented the “Solar Ball” (the name of the revolutionary balloon).

Instead of a propane furnace, the sun heats the air inside the balloon, causing the machine to tilt vertically. It seems to be straightforward, but according to the boss, Nick Pervis, they had to go through several missed launches and correct numerous errors before the balloon could take to the air.

 

“Due to the restrictions of the British Department of Civil Aviation, we were limited in our content selection,” he said. Since the aircraft show took place in front of a crowd and a hundred thousand other balloons, safety should be a top priority. The designer attempted several different designs, including one with a translucent window in the front of the device for natural heating, but the weight of the balloon was significantly increased. Engineers agreed to use two different types of substance in each hemisphere. 

The heat will be collected on the black side facing the Sun, while the shaded side is composed of a dual layer of material that will keep the heat inside.

The fabric of the balloon is thinner than that of most balloons because the unit is in dire need of weight reduction. Since the sun will only heat the indoor air to 40 degrees Celsius, the lift capacity of the "Sunny cup" is lower than average. The heat produced by this figure is half that of a conventional balloon. Engineers also drilled small holes in the sheet to create air jet streams.

Fortunately, the aircraft component has performed flawlessly. A typical propane heater is installed in the ball for both protection and the initial filling of the dome with warm air. After takeoff, the sun's heat is incorporated into the process, and the balloon begins to rise. Pilot was able to ascend 3 kilometers by using the heater a few times for a limited period to catch up with the other festival attendees. When it was time to land, the pilot pointed the metal component toward the light, which reduced the lift power.

Pervis added that the atmosphere was kind to them. The weather for the demonstration flight was ideal: hot sun and a gentle breeze. The aim of the project is to demonstrate the public's interest in solar balloons. The festival's crowd was happily shocked to learn that the idea of balloons had not evolved since the end of the nineteenth century.