Method of scavenging atmospheric energy, causing rainfall, and for dissipating severe weather formations using an electrostatic dirigible

摘要

A method and apparatus for scavenging atmospheric energy, causing rainfall, and for dissipating severe weather formations using a lighter-than-air dirigible or balloon suspended by two controlled tethers wound on motorized spools, the tethers being electrically connected to a high-voltage electrostatic generator on the ground. The dirigible is suspended by the tethers at cloud height which is adjustable by the spools. The dirigible includes a conductive foil skin suitable for carrying a conductive charge. To produce rainfall, the dirigible is charged by the electrostatic generator through the tethers at a voltage that is high enough to attract ions of water vapor. To produce energy, the dirigible scavenges charge from upper cloud layer positive ions and distributes the charge down through tethers where it can be collected and used for motive power or to charge batteries. To avert severe weather, the dirigible equalizes the negatively charged earth with the upper cloud layer positive ions, thereby eliminating the charge of the severe weather system.