International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 01 | Jan 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072
Airships as Transformative Tools for Power Systems Logistics: Addressing Infrastructure Challenges and Enhancing Disaster Resilience
Stephanie Tomasik1 , Peter Fuhr2
1 University of Tennessee Knoxville, Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37996 2Oak Ridge National Laboratory, One Bethel Valley Rd., Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 37831 USA
Abstract – Airships represent a transformative advancement in logistics, particularly for the power systems industry. Their unique ability to transport heavy equipment and personnel efficiently over remote or disaster-stricken areas, while requiring minimal infrastructure, addresses critical gaps left by traditional methods. Combining adaptabilitywithenvironmentalsustainability,airshipsoffera low-carbonalternativeforroutineoperationsandemergency responses. This review presents current developments in airship technology, such as rigid airships designed for large payloads,demonstratetheirpotentialtorevolutionizesupply chains.
Key Words: Airship cargo transportation, power systems logistics, infrastructure resilience, disaster response
1.INTRODUCTION
Thedemandforinnovativetransportationsolutions forindustrieshasincreasedaslogisticalchallengescontinue toarise,particularlyduetoextremeweatherevents.Inthe powersystemssector,theefficientmovementofequipment suchastransformers,breakers,orturbinebladesiscritical for ensuring reliable energy distribution and community resilience[1], [2], [3]. Traditional transportation methods oftenfalterinscenariosinvolvingremotelocationsorareas struck by natural disasters. Addressing these limitations requires new technology that can combine efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability. Among emerging technologies,airshipsmeetbothdemandsofversatilityand quickresponse.
Fig-1: AI-generatedimageofanexamplecaseforairships deliveringtransformersusingDALL-E.
Timely intervention during power grid damages causedbydisastersiscrucialtopreventcascadingfailures that could exacerbate outages or infrastructure degradation[2], [4]. For example, the rapid delivery of substation transformers or emergency generators can stabilize grid operations and reduce downtime, avoiding further strain on both the interconnected system and the community. Delays in addressing these issues can lead to prolonged blackouts, higher repair costs, and extended disruptionstoessentialservicessuchashospitalsandwater supply systems[2]. Effective logistics mitigates immediate damageandacceleratesrecoveryefforts.Thispaperreviews andexplorestheroleofairshipsinmodernizingthelogistics capabilitiesofthepowersystemsindustry.
2. TRANSPORTATION GAPS
Movinginfrastructure,equipment,orhumanitarian efforts requires a transportation system that can balance speed,cost,andaccessibility.Freightandlogisticssystems relyonamixofmodalities,suchasroad,railway,water,and air,eachwithuniquestrengthsandlimitations[5].Airplanes, forinstance,arefastbutcostlyandimpracticalforheavyor bulkycargowhilealsorequiringapristinerunwaytoarrive anddepartfrom[6].Waterwaysandtrucks,however,area
International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 1 | Jan 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072
muchmoreeconomicaloptionforlargevolumesoffreight, but their slower transit times make them unsuitable for urgentsituations.Thesechallengescreateagapinexisting transportationmethods[7].
Data in Fig-2 from the Climate Portal by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology exposes how underutilizedairtransportationisintheshippingindustry. Despite its speed, air transportation accounted for 303 billion ton-km of freight moved compared to the overwhelming dominance of waterways and road transport[5].Thislimitedusestemsfromthehighcostsand limited capacity of conventional air freight, which often makes it inaccessible for large-scale or heavy shipments. Airships could fill this gap by offering a cost-effective alternativewiththeabilitytocarrysignificantpayloadsand requiringminimalinfrastructure.
Fig-2: Shipmentsbymodedatafor2023intermsof billionsofton-kilometers[5].
Rigidairshipsarethesolutionfortransportinglarge and heavy cargo efficiently, with some even calling them “trucksofthesky”[8].Unliketraditionalblimps,whichlack aninternalframeworkandarelimitedinpayloadcapacity, rigidairshipsarebuiltwith a solidskeleton-likestructure that provides stability and durability[8], [9]. This design allowsthemtocarryheavierloadswhilenavigatingavariety of weather conditions all while maintaining efficiency[8]. Their ability to hover and operate without the need for extensiveinfrastructurelikeanairportorboatports,makes their versatility more appealing[10], [11]. These features position rigid airships as an ideal solution for logistical challenges, particularly in situations requiring rapid transportofheavyequipmenttoaremoteordamagedarea.
3. CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS
The current resurgence of airship technology has brought a variety of promising developments aimed at addressing the modern logistical challenges mentioned. Companies like Lighter Than Air (LTA) Research have introduced prototypes such as the Pathfinder 1, a rigid airship designed for disaster relief and low emissions transportation[9].Pathfinder1’sdesignwasbasedaround
theneedtomovebothpeopleforhumanitarianaidandthe ability to transport necessary equipment and resources. Similarly,theFlyingWhaleairships,witha60-tonpayload capacity,wasinitiallydesignedfortheloggingindustrybut has since been researched for military, industrial, and humanitarianapplicationsaswell[12].
Recentresearchandinvestmentsintoairshiptechnology demonstratethepotentialtohandlelargeorawkwardcargo thatwouldotherwisebedifficult,tooslow,orexpensiveto move using traditional methods. Research supports that proper, early intervention in developing airship infrastructure and technology can mature the market, allowing airships to succeed in multiple roles, including cargo transport, humanitarian aid, and industrial applications[13].Theseinitiativesalsofocusonleveraging airships’ environmental benefits, such as reduced carbon emissions and fuel efficiency, providing a sustainable alternativetothetruckingindustry.
4. THE CASE FOR AIRSHIPS TO THE POWER SYSTEMS INDUSTRY
Natural disasters and energy emergencies pose significantthreatstopowergridinfrastructure.Particularly, theissueoftransportingequipmentandpersonnelrequired tomakerepairsduringthesesituationsisalargebarrierto resolution. Critical components such as substantiation transformers, which are among the heaviest pieces of equipment,oftenneedtobetransportedinonepieceinstead ofmodulestoassembleon-sight.Thetransportationofsuch equipmentisbothlogisticallychallengingandtime-sensitive, asdelaysindeliverycanexacerbatepoweroutagesandlead toprolongeddisruptions.
Fig-3: Transformercapacitycomparedtotheweight ateachsize[14].
Airshipsprovidetheidealsolutiontothesechallenges by offering flexible mobility capabilities for materials, equipment,andpeople.Theycanmovesuppliesdirectlyto affected areas, bypassing damaged roads or inaccessible
International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 1 | Jan 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072
terrain[15].Thisadaptabilityisthekeytomitigatingexcess risks during emergencies and providing rapid response times[3]. Additionally, airships can serve as mobile platforms for aerial communication networks[16], [17], improvingcoordinationamongrepairteamsandexpediting restorationefforts.
Lastly,airshipsareagreenersolutiontotransportation than airplanes or trucks when comparing weight transported[18], [19], [20], [21]. A study in the United Kingdom suggested that airships could reduce the carbon footprint of short flights as opposed to an airplane by as much as 90%[22], making them an environmentally appealing alternative for both emergency and normal conditionsupplychainlogistics.
Despite their potential, current barriers to airship technologiesincludelimitedtrialsofnewtechnologiesand policychallengesthatrestrictmarketdevelopment[13],[23]. Addressing these obstacles through targeted research, regulatorysupport,andpilotprogramscouldallowairships tofullyintegrateintothetransportindustry.
5. CONCLUSION
Airships represent the solution for addressing the logistical challenges faced by the power systems industry both in routine operations and disaster scenarios. Their ability to transport heavy equipment and personnel, navigateremoteordamagedareas,andprovidesustainable alternativestotraditionaltransportationtechnologiesmakes them ideal for the modern supply chain demands. By bridgingthegapsinexistingtransportationinfrastructure, airships can enable faster, safer responses during emergenciestoalleviatedisastercircumstances.Additional researchmustaddresstechnologicalandpolicybarriersto enable the adoption of airships in the transportation ecosystem.
6. REFERENCES
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International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 1 | Jan 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072
Communication Network: Aerial Platform Evaluation. InstituteofElectricalandElectronicsEngineers,2018.
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