Layout optimization of stratospheric balloon solar array based on energy production

Solar array plays a decisive role in the energy system of stratospheric balloon. Optimizing the layout of solar array is beneficial to the improvement of energy production, but the research about this subject is rare. This paper established a theoretical model consisting of thermal and energy model, weight/lift equilibrium. A MATLAB computer program is developed to simulate the output power of solar array and the energy harvesting along with connection length and balloon diameter. Through comparative analysis, the theoretical model is proved to be feasible. Further, the effects of connection length, balloon diameter and the ratio of connection length to balloon diameter are discussed in detail. The results show that solar array total output power is sensitive to the variation of the connection length, balloon diameter and the ratio of connection length to balloon diameter. Moreover, the layout of solar array can be optimized though increasing the ratio of connection length to balloon diameter, however, the total output power would not increase when the ratio of connection length to balloon diameter is greater than 1.5. Therefore, Choosing the proper ratio of connection length to balloon diameter might be an effective approach for optimizing the stratospheric balloon energy system. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study investigates the role of solar arrays in stratospheric balloons and the impact of optimizing the layout, establishing a theoretical model and using a computer program to simulate output power and energy harvesting. The feasibility of the theoretical model is proven through comparative analysis, and the effects of connection length, balloon diameter, and the ratio of connection length to balloon diameter on solar array layout are discussed.