Solar Balloon-Supported Structures Robert Humrich (rhumrich1@pride.hofstra.edu), Faculty Advisor: Edward M. Segal (edward.m.segal@hofstra.edu)
Goal This research aimed to develop non-helium, solar-powered balloons that were capable of acting as light-weight shading structures.
How Solar Balloons Work • Black, plastic exterior absorbs solar radiation, interior air temperature increases, and air density decreases • Lower interior air density generates lift
Prototyping • Compared various plastics such as polyethylene, PET, and PVAL to judge their effectiveness, as well as their life cycles and recyclability. • Built a series of balloons using 0.31 mil (.00031 in) thick plastic, which was made of a blend of “...first grade, high molecular weight High Density Polyethylene and LLDPE resins.” • Multiple shapes, such as octahedrons and capsules, were built and tested before running with a “pillowcase” design. • This shape has been tested at various increasing sizes, with the current iteration having an area of approximately 8 ft x 8 ft. • Having developed a balloon with both good lift and good stability, the next step is to study how well these balloons can support small structures.
Funding Spring 2021 HUHC Undergraduate Research Assistantship program