Balloon power sources with a buoyancy trade-off

摘要

Example embodiments may facilitate altitude control by a balloon in a balloon network. An example method involves: (a) causing a balloon to operate in a first mode, wherein the balloon comprises an envelope, a high-pressure storage chamber, and a solar power system, (b) while the balloon is operating in the first mode: (i) operating the solar power system to generate power for the balloon and (ii) using at least some of the power generated by the solar power system to move gas from the envelope to the high-pressure storage chamber such that the buoyancy of the balloon decreases; (c) causing the balloon to operate in a second mode; and while the balloon is operating in the second mode, moving gas from the high-pressure storage chamber to the envelope such that the buoyancy of the balloon increases.

主权项

1. A computer-implemented method comprising:
causing a balloon to operate in a first altitude-control mode, wherein the balloon comprises an envelope, a high-pressure storage chamber, and a solar power system; while the balloon is operating in the first altitude-control mode:
operating the solar power system to generate power for the balloon;determining that the balloon should move in a first horizontal direction;determining that wind at a lower altitude corresponds to the first horizontal direction;in response to determining that wind at the lower altitude corresponds to the first horizontal direction, determining that the balloon should move to the lower altitude; andresponsively using at least some of the power generated by the solar power system to move gas from the envelope to the high-pressure storage chamber such that the buoyancy of the balloon decreases;causing the balloon to operate in a second altitude-control mode; andwhile the balloon is operating in the second altitude-control mode, determining that the balloon should move to a higher altitude and responsively moving gas from the high-pressure storage chamber to the envelope such that the buoyancy of the balloon increases.