A fail-safe aerostat system is discussed, for structural support and network interconnection, applicable to many systems based on lighter-than-air lift. The invention describes a system with reinforced structure and optimized connection and an integration structure (reinforcement and integration structure), reinforcing a hydrogen cell or cells with a fail-safe design. The theorized structure is strong enough to withstand explosive forces, avoiding propagation of shock wave damage and fire, and a hydrogen cell or cells automatically self-controlled, operating independently to obtain lift strength and multi-parameter control.

An airship includes a ballonet, a ballonet tracking system, and a vehicle management system. The ballonet is disposed within the airship and includes a ballonet surface. The ballonet tracking system includes one or more light emitters disposed within the ballonet at one or more fixed locations and one or more light detectors disposed within the ballonet at the one or more fixed locations. The ballonet tracking system measures a plurality of distances between one or more fixed locations and one or more locations on the ballonet surface. The ballonet tracking system also calculates differences between a predetermined set of expected distances and the plurality of measured distances. Based on the calculated differences, the ballonet tracking system calculates a volume of the ballonet. The vehicle management system is communicatively coupled to the ballonet tracking system and controls the operation of the airship using the calculated volume of the ballonet.

An airship includes a ballonet, a ballonet tracking system, and a vehicle management system. The ballonet is disposed within the airship and includes a ballonet surface. The ballonet tracking system includes one or more light emitters disposed within the ballonet at one or more fixed locations and one or more light detectors disposed within the ballonet at the one or more fixed locations. The ballonet tracking system measures a plurality of distances between one or more fixed locations and one or more locations on the ballonet surface. The ballonet tracking system also calculates differences between a predetermined set of expected distances and the plurality of measured distances. Based on the calculated differences, the ballonet tracking system calculates a volume of the ballonet. The vehicle management system is communicatively coupled to the ballonet tracking system and controls the operation of the airship using the calculated volume of the ballonet.

Example implementations may relate to selection between a first mode and a second mode. The first mode may involve (i) directing an aerial vehicle (e.g., in an aerial network including a plurality of aerial vehicles) to navigate to each of a plurality of altitudes and (ii) determining respective wind-related data at each respective altitude. Whereas, the second mode may involve (i) selecting at least one altitude based on the determined wind-related data and (ii) directing the aerial vehicle to reposition to the at least one selected altitude. As such, a control system may determine flight data for the aerial vehicle. Based on the flight data, the control system may make a selection between the first mode and the second mode. And based on the selection, the control system may then operate the aerial vehicle according to the first mode or may operate the aerial vehicle according to the second mode.

Example implementations may relate to selection between a first mode and a second mode. The first mode may involve (i) directing an aerial vehicle (e.g., in an aerial network including a plurality of aerial vehicles) to navigate to each of a plurality of altitudes and (ii) determining respective wind-related data at each respective altitude. Whereas, the second mode may involve (i) selecting at least one altitude based on the determined wind-related data and (ii) directing the aerial vehicle to reposition to the at least one selected altitude. As such, a control system may determine flight data for the aerial vehicle. Based on the flight data, the control system may make a selection between the first mode and the second mode. And based on the selection, the control system may then operate the aerial vehicle according to the first mode or may operate the aerial vehicle according to the second mode.

Example implementations may relate to selection between a first mode and a second mode. The first mode may involve (i) directing an aerial vehicle (e.g., in an aerial network including a plurality of aerial vehicles) to navigate to each of a plurality of altitudes and (ii) determining respective wind-related data at each respective altitude. Whereas, the second mode may involve (i) selecting at least one altitude based on the determined wind-related data and (ii) directing the aerial vehicle to reposition to the at least one selected altitude. As such, a control system may determine flight data for the aerial vehicle. Based on the flight data, the control system may make a selection between the first mode and the second mode. And based on the selection, the control system may then operate the aerial vehicle according to the first mode or may operate the aerial vehicle according to the second mode.

Example implementations may relate to selection between a first mode and a second mode. The first mode may involve (i) directing an aerial vehicle (e.g., in an aerial network including a plurality of aerial vehicles) to navigate to each of a plurality of altitudes and (ii) determining respective wind-related data at each respective altitude. Whereas, the second mode may involve (i) selecting at least one altitude based on the determined wind-related data and (ii) directing the aerial vehicle to reposition to the at least one selected altitude. As such, a control system may determine flight data for the aerial vehicle. Based on the flight data, the control system may make a selection between the first mode and the second mode. And based on the selection, the control system may then operate the aerial vehicle according to the first mode or may operate the aerial vehicle according to the second mode.

The technology relates to managing power of an aerial vehicle. The system may include an aerial vehicle having a power storage module and one or more components, as well as a computing device communicatively coupled to the aerial vehicle. The computing device may include a processor and a memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, may cause the computing device to receive data indicating a state of charge of the power storage module, receive data indicating a rate of power consumption of the at least one component, generate a power command based on at least one of the state of charge of the power storage module or the rate of power consumption of the at least one component, and transmit the power command to the aerial vehicle.

The technology relates to managing power of an aerial vehicle. The system may include an aerial vehicle having a power storage module and one or more components, as well as a computing device communicatively coupled to the aerial vehicle. The computing device may include a processor and a memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, may cause the computing device to receive data indicating a state of charge of the power storage module, receive data indicating a rate of power consumption of the at least one component, generate a power command based on at least one of the state of charge of the power storage module or the rate of power consumption of the at least one component, and transmit the power command to the aerial vehicle.

A buoyant aerial vehicle system includes a balloon, a ballonet configured to selectively receive and discharge a gas to adjust an altitude of the balloon, and an energy regeneration assembly. The energy regeneration assembly includes a turbine and an electric motor. The turbine is coupled to an outlet of the ballonet, such that gas released by the bayonet activates the turbine. The electric motor is operably coupled to the turbine and is configured to convert mechanical energy received from the turbine into electrical energy and convey the electrical energy to a battery.