Buoyancy system using double-sorb controllers for engine fueling and airship attitude correction

摘要

A buoyancy system using double-sorb controllers for engine fueling and airship attitude control is disclosed. The buoyancy system is based on the use of a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) payload that assists in buoyancy control and provides simultaneously a fuel for natural gas engines that propel the airship. The airship attitude correction is achieved by changing the amount of buoyant gas such as methane that is enclosed in the airship's baffles located forward and aft in the airship, and to the starboard and port if necessary for active roll control. The airship attitude control is provided by absorption or desorption of the natural gas using two double-sorb controllers. One of two double-sorb controllers is mounted forward and the other is mounted aft in the airship, so the differential absorption/desorption of natural gas is used to control the pitch of the airship. Each double-sorb controller consists of a thermally insulated external container connected with the LNG payload and natural gas engines. The double-sorb controller includes two sorbs equipped with heaters and separated by vacuum space and thermally conductive shell. The first sorb is connected with the airship's baffle to absorb or desorb the natural gas enclosed in the baffle, and the second sorb is connected to the natural gas engine. The LNG payload controls the level of the vacuum in a space that completely surrounds the first sorb. By the regulation of temperature increase or decrease of two sorbs within the double-sorb controllers, the fueling of the natural gas engines and the airship attitude control is achieved. A second system may be used to plumb the natural gas boil-off into or out of each baffle as necessary to provide course control of the overall airship, and buoyancy and attitude control. Other liquefied or solidified gases such that the gas phase of the material is lighter than air, such as hydrogen, may be substituted for natural gas in this invention. All lighter than air airships, including but not limited to blimps, may be controlled using the invention described herein.