Abstract
Abstract
The performance of airships using battery and fuel cell power sources for propulsion is investigated. A parametric analysis is used to determine the mass breakdown of several, helium-filled, pressurized, non-rigid design concepts, in order to estimate maximum power source mass. It is concluded that the use of existing lithium-ion batteries permits airships with volumes > 7000 m to attain airspeeds in excess of 86 km/h, or endurances in excess of 24 h. Further refinement of the parametric analysis and improved drag estimation methods are recommended.
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