New design simulation for a high-altitude dual-balloon system to extend lifetime and improve floating performance

This paper presents a comprehensive simulation for a high-altitude dual-balloon system which consists of zero- and super-pressure balloons. Preliminary calculations were established to describe the basic concept of the new integrated system. A mathematical model was investigated to simulate the ascending and floating processes which considered the atmospheric conditions and thermodynamic variations. Based on the simulation, results showed that the floating altitude stability between daytime and nighttime was improved. This integrated system supports higher floating altitude levels than those of ordinary balloons and extends the lifetime of floating balloon systems. Moreover, results demonstrated that the integrated system was lighter than ordinary balloons, saving useful weight for effective payload. Furthermore, exploiting the advantages of both kinds of balloons while avoiding the difficulties was a significant goal in the current design to promote the floating performance of high-altitude balloons technology. (C) 2018 Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Production and hosting by Elsevier Ltd.