Targeted Wind Sensing - Autonomous Platforms

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Autonomous Platforms

Fifth Generation Smart Balloon

Project Abstract

The Smart Balloon instrument platform has been developed over the past decade for deployment in storm environments in a collaborative project between NOAA's Air Resources Lab - Field Research Division and the University of Hawaii The latest Smart Balloon design includes an air-tight tube for the instruments and transponder to fit inside the balloon shell to provide protection and added stability from wind, rain, turbulence and possible ocean-surface encounters. The transponder enclosure tube includes an interface with the internal bladders and balloon shell, saving weight and space. The air ballast tube is connected to a pump and release valve inside the transponder to allow air to be pumped into or released from the ballast portion of the balloon. The helium tube is used only when the balloon is initially filled and is then sealed. A cut-down device installed on the top of the balloon can quickly release helium.

Latest Version UNH MINI-O3 Sensor

LATEST VERSION UNH MINI-O3 SENSOR

The constant-volume balloon shell is made from a high-strength fabric that allows the balloon to be pressurized without tearing and minimal increase in volume. A high-strength fabric (Spectra) is necessary to resist the maximum operating pressure of over 50,000 pounds of force exerted on the balloon shell. Moreover, any elasticity in the fabric requires additional pumping time and energy to adjust the balloon altitude. The shell has a waterproof treatment to reduce water loading on the balloon during rain encounters.

Balloon position is provided by a postage stamp sized Lassen SQ GPS receiver. The total weight of the receiver and antenna is only 17 grams and the power required for the receiver is only 100 mW at 3.3 volts. The Smart Balloon carries a rechargeable battery pack based on Sony Energytec L-ion US18650GR batteries. Using a single L-ion cell allows for current capacity expansion of one battery cell at a time, simplified battery charging on the ground with a charger or while in flight using solar cells. Recorded data are transmitted back to operators on the ground using an Iridium satellite modem and telephone allowing global communication with the Smart Balloon.

Johnson, R., S. Businger, and A. Baerman (2000), Lagrangian air mass tracking with smart balloons during ACE-2. Tellus , 321-334.

Businger, S., R. Johnson, J. Katzfey, S. Siems, and Q. Wang (1999), Smart Tetroons for Lagrangian Air Mass Tracking During ACE-1, J. Geophys. Res. , 104 , 11,709-11,722.

Businger, S., S. R. Chiswell, W. C. Ulmer, and R. Johnson (1996), Balloons as a Lagrangian measurement platform for atmospheric research, J. Geophys. Res ., 101 , 4363-4376.

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