Solar Weather Balloon

            

   Fig: Schematic diagram of Solar Weather balloon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title: Solar Weather Balloon

Materials required:
 1)      Solar panel

       2)      Rechargeable battery

       3)      Stepper motor

       4)       Photo sensor

       5)      Thermometer

       6)      Barometer

       7)      Hygrometer

       8)      Anemometer

       9)      Wind Vane
 10)  Altimeter

       11)  Weather balloon

       12)  RF transmitter and receiver

Purpose

            The main purpose of the Solar weather balloon is to collect data about the ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, wind direction and wind speed at different altitudes. The data recorded is send back to the receiver which records the change in temperature, pressure, humidity for past and present at different altitudes, in its database. Further, it also helps in weather forecasting.

            The power source for solar weather balloon is solar panel. A voltage regulator is used to charge the rechargeable batteries. The solar panel is used to generate the energy which supplies power to the control system containing the sensors for detection of the different weather parameters. The excess energy is stored in the rechargeable battery used to supply power during night, to the control system. 

             The solar panel is attached with photo sensors which guides the solar panel to the direction of the sun for maximum radiation. The movement is controlled by the stepper motor which rotates the solar panel to different angles in response from the photo sensor. This process is known as solar tracking.

            The signal containing the weather parameters is send back to receiver using RF transmitter where the data is stored and further analysis can be done from the available data. The change in temperature, pressure, humidity helps to know the effect on the area and change in   its climatic condition. 

            The balloon is filled with hydrogen or helium, with varying levels of gas being used, depending on the altitude of the weather balloon. The basket suspended from the balloon on a cord or rope contains the power source, control system and the solar tracking system. The altitude of the balloon is fixed from the ground by the cord.

Advantages

       1.      Zero energy concept.

       2.      Records recent change in climate.

       3.      Weather forecasting.