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tahanson43206

Moderator

Registered: 2018-04-27

Posts: 19,383

Artificial Cloud Hydrogen Balloon Solar Cell Platform Beam Power

This topic is offered for development of a concept to address global warming AND to provide solar power to folks who need it on Earth.

This topic is distinct from another topic with a similar name, because that one is intended to harvest water from the atmosphere.

This topic is about a system designed to harvest solar energy while providing a helpful shadow on a part of the Earth's surface.

The concept originated from observation of the Panama Canal operations via the Panama Canal Authority webcam network.

In the observation, while ocean freighters were making their way slowly along the canal, I noticed a cloud shadow moving slowly across the scene.

It occurred to me that the photons intercepted by the cloud could (potentially) be harvested.  As things stand, most of that solar energy is reflected back to space.

(th)

tahanson43206

Moderator

Registered: 2018-04-27

Posts: 19,383

Re: Artificial Cloud Hydrogen Balloon Solar Cell Platform Beam Power

This post is intended to contain elements of a design for a solar energy harvester that floats in the atmosphere.

Design elements:

Under positive control at all times (ie, supervised drone with satellite communication)

Light weight so aluminum superstructure.

Buoyant so hydrogen lift with re-supply of hydrogen from water vapor captured by the system.

Power storage on board so that it can be delivered to customers an arbitrary amount of time after it is collected.

Ability to navigate by rising or lowering to take advantage of air currents at various elevations.

Microwave or laser power beaming as proves most efficient.

(th)