| How about generating green energy with hot air balloons? |
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| by William Atkins | |
| Sunday, 08 February 2009 | |
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Page 2 of 3 As the balloon inflates it becomes more buoyant, which causes it to rise into the sky (much like the upward stroke of a piston). Featured Whitepaper
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The maximum height of the balloon is 3 kilometers, which automatically cause the device to release its trapped air through a vent. With less air inside, the balloon loses buoyancy and it descends from its lofty height back to its base on Earth (much like the downward stroke of a piston). Then, the cycle begins over again as trapped heated air heated from the Sun, which is inside a Earth-based greenhouse, is inserted into the balloon, and it once again causes the balloon to rise back to its maximum height (and again spins a generator to produce more energy). Such action is similar to a piston in a two-stroke engine. Edmonds says that one such balloon, with a 44-meter diameter, could produce up to 50 kilowatts of power, enough energy to power ten average sized houses. He says its costs are comparable to wind turbines. Page three describes the advantage of the balloon engine. |
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