Revolutionizing Aviation: Solar-Powered Airships as a Sustainable Alternative
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The Case for Solar Airships
The aviation sector often faces criticism for its substantial environmental impact, and rightly so. In 2018, this industry was responsible for a staggering 1.04 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to the weight of 2,740 Empire State Buildings, contributing to 2.5% of global CO2 output. With the threat of climate change looming, there is an urgent need to find ways to decarbonize air travel. Efforts are underway to develop everything from bio-jet fuels to hydrogen-powered jets and even electric planes. However, a recent study suggests that solar-powered airships might be a more effective solution, potentially cutting aviation emissions by 95%. But how does this work? And can these retro-futuristic designs truly replace modern jets?
In their research, scientists proposed a solar airship designed similarly to the LZ 129, known as the Hindenburg—the largest airship in history that tragically caught fire in 1937. This new version, however, utilizes contemporary materials that are both lighter and safer.
Featuring a ten-tonne battery and a roof adorned with seven tonnes of flexible solar panels, this innovative airship minimizes the need for extensive battery power, as it recharges during flight. This weight reduction allows it to carry up to 100 passengers in sleeper compartments, each with 120 kg of luggage, comparable to the Boeing 737 but with added comfort.
Advantages of Solar Airships
So, what makes this airship a viable option? Primarily, it addresses one of the significant challenges in low-emission aviation: range. The airship's lift is generated by its buoyant gas, eliminating the energy costs associated with wing-driven flight. This inherent energy efficiency allows the airship to comfortably travel from London to New York using its battery and solar array. No other sustainable aviation technology, aside from carbon-neutral fuels—which are costly—can achieve such distances.
Researchers conducted simulations to optimize the airship's battery usage and determine the most efficient routes for long-haul and medium-haul flights, comparing the environmental impact and energy costs with conventional aircraft.
While assuming the battery is fully charged prior to takeoff, the study took into account the modern energy mix, which still relies on fossil fuels, resulting in a minimal carbon footprint. They found that this solar airship would emit 95% less carbon dioxide than equivalent passenger aircraft. Remarkably, it would produce 98.6% and 99% less CO2 emissions per kilogram of freight for medium-haul and long-haul journeys, respectively.
Challenges Ahead
Despite its impressive environmental credentials, can this innovative craft truly compete with the larger jets we are accustomed to?
Three significant challenges remain: the lift gas, reliance on weather conditions, and speed.
Firstly, the study mainly considered hydrogen for lift, which, while providing excellent buoyancy and being cost-effective, is also highly flammable. Modern airships tend to favor inert helium for safety, resulting in a smaller payload. To achieve sufficient lift, however, the solar airship would need to utilize hydrogen.
Advancements in anti-static materials and safety features mean this 21st-century airship would be safer than its predecessors. Yet, it remains to be seen if it can match the safety standards of modern jets.
Weather presents another challenge. While cruising at altitude may not pose significant issues, takeoff and landing become precarious in high winds, which can lead to dangerous conditions during docking. Thus, scheduling flights may become complicated as airships could face delays based on weather conditions.
Lastly, speed is a critical factor. In simulations, the solar airship required two days and one night to traverse the New York to London route, whereas jets complete the journey in just 7 hours—making them 8.5 times faster. This time difference may deter passengers and freight from switching to this slower aviation alternative.
Looking Ahead
Nonetheless, the environmental benefits could outweigh these inconveniences. Excitingly, this technology is already being developed. Dirisolar, a French company, has been working on a solar airship since 2012, with plans for a launch this year. Meanwhile, a Russian initiative called Ecodisolar aims to create a solar airship for Arctic cargo delivery, although progress has been slow.
As we look toward the future, it's possible that our skies may soon be filled with these steampunk-inspired airships, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional air travel.
This innovative solar airship aims to fly non-stop around the world for 20 days, showcasing a new era in sustainable aviation.
Discover how solar airships target the first non-stop round-the-world flight without relying on fossil fuels.
Originally published on Substack