Energetic Design and Optimization of a Large Photovoltaic Stratospheric Unconventional Feeder Airship

This paper presents a model of energetic consumption and photovoltaic production for a large airship which acts as feeder connecting the ground with a large cruiser. The analysis of energy needs and productivity allows defining both an ideal sizing and operative mission profiles. The specialised mission of this airship is to ascent and descent. It includes also the connection with the airport buildings on the ground and with the cruiser at high altitude. Photovoltaic production has evaluated in terms of hydrogen and electric propulsion. They have estimated both and a calculation methodology has proposed. The evaluation has supported by CFD evaluations on aerodynamic behaviour of the system at various altitudes.