Multidisciplinary Optimization and Analysis of Stratospheric Airships Powered by Solar Arrays

Tang, Jiwei; Xie, Weicheng; Zhou, Pingfang; Ye, Hui; Zhang, Tongxin; Wang, Quanbao

doi:10.3390/aerospace10010043

Cited by 7 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…Pande et al [12] analyzed the impact of solar cell output characteristics and operating conditions of different material systems on the size of solar non-rigid airships. Tang et al [13] discussed the numerical calculation method for the output power of solar cell arrays in the optimization process of stratospheric airships. Song et al [14] considered the output characteristics of solar arrays under non-maximum power point tracking (MPPT) mode, which further improved the accuracy of the array power generation model.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Online Learning-Based Surrogate Modeling of Stratospheric Airship Solar Array Output Power

Sun,

Liu,

et al. 2024

Aerospace

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The stratospheric airship is a type of aerostat that uses solar energy as its power source and can fly continuously for months or even years in near space. The rapid and accurate prediction of the output power of its solar array is the key to maintaining energy balance and extending flight time. This paper establishes an online learning model for predicting the output power of the solar array of stratospheric airships. The readings of radiometers arranged on the surface of the airship are used as features for training the model. The parameters of the model can be updated in real-time during the flight process without retraining the entire model. The effect of radiometer placement on the model accuracy was also analyzed. The results show that for the continuous flight of 40 days, the online learning model can achieve an accuracy of 88% after training with 10 days of flight data and the accuracy basically reaches its highest level after 20 days. In addition, placing the radiometers at the four corners of the array can achieve a higher prediction accuracy of 95%. The online model can also accurately identify and reflect the effect of module efficiency attenuation or damage and maintain high accuracy.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Online Learning-Based Surrogate Modeling of Stratospheric Airship Solar Array Output Power

Sun,

Liu,

et al. 2024

Aerospace

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“…Shan et al [11] presented a reconfiguration system for PV arrays based on a switch matrix designed for stratospheric airships by reducing the mismatch loss to increase the output power of the photovoltaic (PV) array, which is crucial for extending the flight time of stratospheric airships. Tang et al [12] describe a methodology coupling several disciplines and involving seven design variables to obtain the optimal design of a stratospheric airship powered by solar arrays. The methodology can obtain the optimal envelope shape, solar array layout, and other general configurations of subsystems.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Analysis of Energy and Thermal Performance of High-Altitude Airship under Variable Attitude

Zhang,

Fu,

Zhu

et al. 2024

Aerospace

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The thermal problem of high-altitude airships has an essential impact on position control and energy system performance. Adjusting the airship’s attitude angle causes differences in thermal performance during position alterations. This paper studies an airship’s energy and thermal performance under variable attitudes. We establish an airship solar radiation and thermal model to analyze power output under different thermal conditions. The thermal performance of airships at varying pitch angles is investigated using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) software (Fluent V6.3.26). To determine the optimal distribution of pitch angles under various conditions, we have developed an optimization model that considers both the presence and absence of thermal influence. We have also assessed the impact of airship geometric parameters on the optimal pitch angle, considering the diversity of airship shapes. Our results demonstrate that pitch angle alterations significantly influence airships’ temperature and flow field distribution. But the degree of necessity of considering the thermal effect in calculating the optimal pitch angle distribution varies depending on the date and latitude, with the most vital need observed during low-latitude summer and the weakest during high-latitude winter. The findings of this research have significant reference value in selecting operation strategies and the control of operating performance for high-altitude airships.

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“…In the field of energy, accurate modeling of the system under study is very important and is the basis for analysis and optimization of the system [9,10]. Stratospheric airships differ from ground-based photovoltaic energy systems in that they dynamically change their flight status, resulting in continuously changing radiation conditions for the solar Energies 2023, 16, 7106 2 of 17 array laid on the curved surface of the airship, causing continuous fluctuations in output power and making it challenging to model and analyze the power generation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Additionally, they introduced an enhanced genetic algorithm for optimizing array geometry. Tang et al [16] examined the most effective solar array layouts for different flight conditions. Their research demonstrated that higher latitudes led to larger solar-powered airships and expanded solar array areas.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Power Generation Calculation Model and Validation of Solar Array on Stratospheric Airships

Song,

Li,

Zhang

et al. 2023

Energies

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Current stratospheric airships generally employ photovoltaic cycle energy systems. Accurately calculating their power generation is significant for airships’ overall design and mission planning. However, the power generation of solar arrays on stratospheric airships is challenging to model and calculate due to the dynamic nature of the airships’ flight, resulting in continuously changing radiation conditions on the curved surface of the airships. The power generated by the airship solar array was modeled herein through a combination of the flight attitude, spatial position, time, and other influencing factors. Additionally, the model was modified by considering the variation in photovoltaic conversion efficiency based on the radiation incidence angle, as well as the state of charge and power consumption of the energy storage battery pack. This study compared the measurement data of power generation in real flight tests with the calculation results of the model. The comparison showed that the results of the calculated model were highly consistent with the actual measured data. An average normalized root-mean-square error of 2.47% validated the accuracy of the newly built model. The generalizability and rapidity of the model were also tested, and the results showed that the model performed well in both metrics.

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Multidisciplinary Optimization and Analysis of Stratospheric Airships Powered by Solar Arrays

Cited by 7 publications

References 35 publications

Online Learning-Based Surrogate Modeling of Stratospheric Airship Solar Array Output Power

Online Learning-Based Surrogate Modeling of Stratospheric Airship Solar Array Output Power

Analysis of Energy and Thermal Performance of High-Altitude Airship under Variable Attitude

Power Generation Calculation Model and Validation of Solar Array on Stratospheric Airships

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