Sol’R project: first solar energy airship

The aim of the Sol’R project is to develop a solar energy airship with complete energy autonomy. The first prototype was presented at the Space and Aeronautics Fair, from June 15 to 21, 2009 at Paris-Le Bourget. The helium-filmed airship has solar panels installed on the top of its envelope.

The "Projet Sol’R" association brings together about 30 students from different schools in France (1). Supervised by researchers at the Technological University of Belfort-Montbéliard (eastern France), the project started in November 2007. The objective of the Sol’R project is to develop a solar energy airship, capable of autonomy during several days.

The Air Liquide Foundation supports the Sol’R project by supplying the helium needed to fill the airship at the Paris Air Show. This project’s goal is to promote renewable energies and research in this area to develop clean air transportation. The project’s team wishes to demonstrate the technical and economic viability of combining an airship and photovoltaic technologies. To achieve this viability, the team is trying to obtain complete autonomy. In the longer term, it will be possible to design an airship capable of remaining in flight for several days without interruption and without consuming fossil fuels.

This airship can have many applications. The energy autonomy obtained can offer prospects in aerial photography, surveillance and the recording of meteorological data and possibly heavy load transportation.

(1) Engineering schools (INSA, EPF, Centrale Paris, Arts et Métiers), business schools (ESSEC), social sciences and communication schools (EHESS, Gobelins, ESAT com), ENS Ulm...

(IB)