Controlling descent of a zero pressure balloon

摘要

An apparatus is provided that includes a solenoid chamber having a plunger configured to create an opening in a first balloon envelope of a balloon system when the solenoid chamber is actuated. The opening enables gas to evacuate from the first balloon envelope. A mixer valve having a nozzle is coupled to the solenoid chamber. The mixer valve is configured to create a gas mixture formed from the gas evacuating from the opening and atmospheric gas. A heating device is attached to the nozzle. The heating device is configured to heat the gas mixture created by the mixer valve. A second balloon envelope is attached to the nozzle. The second balloon envelope is arranged to expand in proportion to a quantity of the heated gas mixture passing through the nozzle. This expansion of the second balloon envelope creates an amount of lift for controlling descent of the balloon system.

主权项

1. An apparatus for controlling balloon descent, comprising:
a solenoid chamber having a plunger configured to create an opening in a first balloon envelope of a balloon system when the solenoid chamber is actuated, the opening enabling gas to evacuate from the first balloon envelope; a mixer valve having a nozzle coupled to the solenoid chamber, the mixer valve configured to create a gas mixture formed from the gas evacuating from the opening in the first balloon envelope and atmospheric gas; a heating device attached to the nozzle, the heating device configured to heat the gas mixture created by the mixer valve; and a second balloon envelope attached to the nozzle, the second balloon envelope arranged to expand in proportion to a quantity of the heated gas mixture passing through the nozzle, wherein the expansion of the second balloon envelope creates an amount of lift for controlling descent of the balloon system.