First Steam Driven Balloon Ever: HeiDAS UH
Scientists from Technical University of Berlin
launched the first free flying steam balloon ever. The prototype, which has the
unusual name HeiDAS UH (HeissDampfAeroStat Ultraheiss), has a diameter of 2.35
meters and is being carried by seven cubic meter of steam.
The German version of Technology Review reports that HeiDAS uses innovative materials, most importantly Polyimid, which can withstand the heat of 500 degrees Celsius, a heat resistant glue, a new burning and security system.
HeiDAS offers several advantages over conventional balloons: Helium, which is used in those balloons, is a limited resource and relatively expensive. The scientists from the Technical University of Berlin decided to use hot steam at a temperature of 150 degrees Celsius. It offers almost helium like qualities and is much better than hot air.
The idea of steam balloon is not new. In 1816, Sir George Cayley recommended the usage of water steam for air ships. The biggest obstacle in the development of steam balloons was the material, which has to withstand the hot steam.
The German version of Technology Review reports that HeiDAS uses innovative materials, most importantly Polyimid, which can withstand the heat of 500 degrees Celsius, a heat resistant glue, a new burning and security system.
HeiDAS offers several advantages over conventional balloons: Helium, which is used in those balloons, is a limited resource and relatively expensive. The scientists from the Technical University of Berlin decided to use hot steam at a temperature of 150 degrees Celsius. It offers almost helium like qualities and is much better than hot air.
The idea of steam balloon is not new. In 1816, Sir George Cayley recommended the usage of water steam for air ships. The biggest obstacle in the development of steam balloons was the material, which has to withstand the hot steam.
Posted: Thu - May 11, 2006 at 09:27 PM |
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Published On: May 11, 2006 09:27 PM
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Published On: May 11, 2006 09:27 PM