Last year was a unique concept in the field of alternative energy won "Forward Thinking" award in the RE: volt electric Ideas Competition. What is the concept again? Solar balloons developed by Israeli researchers Joseph Cory and Dr. Pini Gurfil in Sun Valley.

What is Solar Balloons?

Historically, the term "solar balloons", referring to the simple black balloons with the air was full. According to Wikipedia, so that the sun shines on the balloon is airborneheat and growth leads to a force of thrust upward, as an artificially heated balloon. Some solar balloons are large enough for human flight, but its use is limited to the toy market as the surface-surface load to weight ratio is not very high. "

As technology has evolved, even the terminology in the developing world. Now, on "solar balloons" can also refer to a bull as a "platform embedded with photovoltaic or solar panels to transform solar energy intoelectricity. In the case of Joseph Cory and Dr. Pini Gurfil, so we hope to see design-as-air, helium balloon fabric as the platform or bottom of a lighter. Each balloon fabric is tied to the land, with two cables – one for charging of helium, the other to supply electricity to a dashboard.

Sun Valley is not alone in their search for a cost effective, functional design solar balloon. Another son drawings balloon Earthy Sun Cool Earth's Sonthe use of plastic balloons, which were suspended on wires. For a visual, 2 meters wide mylar balloon imagine. These plastic balls, which are also light on photovoltaic solar cells increased to a maximum power was concentrated. A common concern for solar balloons is their ability to be in an environment of strong winds, according to Cool Earth, the sun, their system could wind up to 100 kmh in a position to bear.

As the balloons only a promise ofDistribution photovoltaics, there are some concerns must be noted. These concerns are not unlike those found in large wind power plants. Depending on the size and location of the installation of one may need to take into consideration issues such as rules of air traffic and potential collisions of birds.

Solar balloons to provide impressive value blocks, off-grid locations as well as temporary, portable power. In situations like this, Sun offers a regular balloon to break out of dependence on fossil fuels.

Concentrate Solar Power

In both examples of solar balloons, the efficiency of solar cells has improved concentration solar power (CSP). According to the U.S. Department of Energy, "concentrated solar power is relatively low cost and power capacity at peak times – when and where we need it – means that it is an important contribution to the country's future needs for renewable be distributed> Energy. "

Concentrated solar system works using mirrors or other reflective surfaces to increase the energy from the sun in a particular point. This concentration of energy can improve the efficiency of solar cells. Warm Earth According to Son, "multi-junction high efficiency cells derived from satellite technology to CPV systems for the same amount of electricity as traditional flat panel PV system generates, while the use of up to 500 times less solar energycellular material. "With smaller supplies of raw materials needed to produce solar cells, concentrated solar energy can provide more energy with the fewest ingredients.

While solar balloons today is a new technology in the near future, we can find a solution for the healing of our nation from its dependence on fossil watch. The team at Cool Earth, has recently received 21 million U.S. dollars, which is expected to use a 10 megawatt plant using their technology to build solar balloon. Thanks in advancethinking, environmentally conscious investors, a son-bubble in solar systems may be a reality in the coming years, one day might even be your home.