Producing clean solar energy in an innovative way, overcoming the limits of traditional panels: a dream that could soon become reality thanks to BIPVS (Balloon-Integrated Photovoltaic System). It is a futuristic system that combines technology, sustainability and creativity to respond to global energy challenges, bringing the sun’s energy even to hard-to-reach places.
How it works
The heart of this technology is a hybrid balloon, designed to float in the air thanks to a mixture of helium and air. Its design is as simple as it is ingenious: the upper parttransparent, captures and concentrates solar rays using advanced optical properties, while the lower part directs the light towards the integrated photovoltaic panels.
But that’s not all. The panels, strategically positioned, are protected from atmospheric agents such as rain, snow or hail. The system includes a valve to regulate the internal pressure of the balloon and has modules to store and manage the energy produced.
To ensure stability, the balloon is anchored to the ground with four resistant cables, while a fifth cable carries the generated energy towards the ground. The flight height has been calibrated to avoid shadows from trees or buildings, thus maximizing energy yield.
Solar energy everywhere
The BIPVS proved incredibly effective during tests conducted in five cities around the world. Each ball is capable of generating between 3.5 and 4 GWh of energy per monthan amount that could feed an entire community. Furthermore, the system is scalable: by installing more balloons in an area, higher energy needs can be easily met.
This solution is particularly useful in regions characterized by frequent snowfall or where the installation of traditional solar panels is impractical. It is also a concrete answer to the problems related to the decentralization of energy production, allowing the system to be used in almost any geographical location.
Behind this innovation is the work of a team of scientists from Mälardalen University in Sweden and Chinese universities Southwest Jiaotong And Guizhouwho published the results of their research in the journal Energy.
