Patent ID: 8020805
Filing Date: 2011-09-20
Classification: B64B,B64C,H01L

Abstract:
1. An airship having a substantially flat upper surface and further comprising means for converting solar energy incident thereon and means for maximizing the collection of said solar energy, wherein said means for converting solar energy comprises at least one thermoelectric energy conversion device comprising a plurality of thermoelectric layers, and wherein each such layer is suited for best thermal energy conversion performance within a particular temperature range; wherein said maximizing means comprises troughs, wherein said troughs are configured to collect and concentrate the incident solar energy and focus it onto said means for converting solar energy, wherein said maximizing means further comprises means for reorienting said airship to maintain said substantially flat upper surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the incident solar rays; wherein said airship comprises means for power management and said reorienting means comprises a rail system configured to move said power management means, whereby the position of said power management means is maintained substantially at the nadir point of said airship; wherein said airship further comprises at least one hangar configured for the launching of aerial vehicles, further wherein said rail system comprises means for moving said at least one hangar, whereby the position of said at least one hangar is controlled.