AEROSTAT ENVELOPE FURLING SYSTEM

摘要

Systems and methods for furling and unfurling an aerostat envelope in a controlled fashion during inflation and deflation are described. Such systems and methods may also includes a novel spooling approach to store the envelope when deflated. By combining this furling system with a pressurization fan, the system may continuously maintain a controlled amount of superpressure inside the envelope throughout the entire inflation and deflation processes. Maintenance of sufficient superpressure may prevent the partially inflated envelope from either flapping or collapsing into a concave shape, which may make the envelope much easier to manage.