ATMOSPHERIC DELIVERY OF PARTICULATE MATTER

A system configured to disperse particulate matter can include a container, an elevation subsystem, and a dispersal subsystem. The container can hold and dispense a pressurized liquid and can be refilled with new pressurized liquid. The elevation subsystem can elevate and lower the container between a ground level location and a raised location in the atmosphere. The dispersal subsystem can be coupled to the container, receive the pressurized liquid therefrom, convert the pressurized liquid into a gas, and disperse the gas into the atmosphere at the raised location. The gas can be configured to react with the atmosphere to result in the suspension of particulate matter within the atmosphere. The pressurized liquid can be sulfur dioxide, the particulate matter can include sulfates, the raised location can be within the stratosphere or higher, and the system can be transferred between and operable with multiple separate ground based stations.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to particulate suspension within air, and more particularly to the dispersal of particulate matter into the atmosphere at high altitudes.

BACKGROUND

Global warming and climate change are a growing issue that affects the entire planet. Many factors contribute to climate change, and a variety of things have been done and still can be done to offset the negative effects of climate change. Traditional offset efforts have included, for example, reducing carbon outputs, taking measures to absorb carbon from the environment, such as reforestation and conservation, converting waste into energy, and cooling the earth by reducing at least some amounts of sunlight and radiation that reach the surface of the earth. Reducing radiation from the sun can include reflecting back sunlight, such as by dispersing particulate matter into the atmosphere.

Unfortunately, little research and progress has been made to date in the way of dispersing particulate matter into the atmosphere to reflect back at least some sunlight. Concerns over viability and overall safety have hampered some efforts in this field, and many current techniques and proposals have been limited regarding controlled dispersion and large scale use.

Although traditional ways of countering the negative effects of global warming and climate change have had some impact in the past, improvements are always helpful. In particular, what is desired are improved ways of dispersing particulate matter at high altitudes to counter some of the negative effects of global warming and climate change.

SUMMARY

It is an advantage of the present disclosure to provide improved ways of dispersing particulate matter at high altitudes to counter some of the negative effects of global warming and climate change. The disclosed features, apparatuses, systems, and methods relate to the delivery of particulate matter within air. In particular, the disclosed apparatuses, systems, and methods involve the dispersal of particulate matter into the atmosphere at high altitudes and in ways that can be controlled and administered on a large scale basis.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a system configured to disperse particulate matter can include a container, an elevation subsystem, and a dispersal subsystem. The container can be configured to hold a pressurized liquid therein, to dispense the pressurized liquid, and to be refilled with new pressurized liquid. The elevation subsystem can be configured to elevate and lower the container between a ground level location and a raised location in the atmosphere above the ground level location. The dispersal subsystem can be coupled to the container and can be configured to receive the pressurized liquid therefrom. The dispersal subsystem can be further configured to convert the pressurized liquid into a gas and to disperse the gas into the atmosphere at the raised location. The gas can be configured to react with the atmosphere to result in the suspension of particulate matter within the atmosphere.

In various detailed embodiments, the pressurized liquid can be sulfur dioxide and the particulate matter can include sulfates. The raised location in the atmosphere can be within the stratosphere or higher. Also, the system can be configured to be transferred between and operable with multiple separate ground based stations at different ground based locations. In some arrangements, the container can have a volume of about 2-4 cubic feet. The container can be insulated and can further include a container heater configured to heat the container to a preferred temperature and a container temperature sensor configured to monitor the temperature of the container and to facilitate operation of the container heater.

In further detailed embodiments, the elevation subsystem can include a balloon, a tether, a lift gas supply subsystem, a telemetry antenna, and a steering subsystem. The balloon can be configured to be filled with a lift gas. The tether can be coupled to the balloon, can be configured to control elevation of the balloon, and can be further configured to facilitate the filling and emptying of lift gas from the balloon. The lift gas supply subsystem can be configured to supply lift gas into the balloon. The telemetry antenna can be coupled to the tether at a known location and can be configured to detect the elevation of the balloon. The steering subsystem can be configured to control the direction of travel of the balloon. The lift gas supply subsystem can include a valve and a pump arranged to control the filling and emptying of lift gas to the balloon. In some arrangements, the elevation subsystem can also include a ballast coupled to the tether at a location lower than the telemetry antenna. The ballast can include a cargo tank, can be buoyant in water, and can float in water when the balloon is sufficiently lowered.

In still further detailed embodiments, the dispersal subsystem can include a first pressure regulator, a conversion chamber, a second pressure regulator, and a nozzle. The first pressure regulator can be coupled to an outlet of the container, can be configured to receive the pressurized liquid from the container, and can be configured to provide the pressurized liquid at an outlet at a first controlled pressure and flow rate. The conversion chamber can be coupled to the outlet of the first pressure regulator and can be configured to facilitate transforming the pressurized liquid into a pressurized gas. The second pressure regulator can be coupled to an outlet of the conversion chamber and can be configured to receive the pressurized gas from the conversion chamber and provide the pressurized gas at an outlet at a second controlled pressure and flow rate. The nozzle can be coupled to the outlet of the second pressure regulator and can be configured to disperse the gas into the atmosphere at the raised location at the second controlled pressure and flow rate. In some arrangements, the dispersal subsystem can further include a first pressure sensor at the first pressure regulator, first control circuitry configured to control the first controlled pressure and flow rate of the first pressure regulator based on output of the first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor at the second pressure regulator, and second control circuitry configured to control the second controlled pressure and flow rate of the second pressure regulator based on output of the second pressure sensor. The dispersal subsystem can further include a conversion chamber heater configured to heat the conversion chamber, and a conversion chamber temperature sensor configured to monitor the temperature of the conversion chamber and to facilitate operation of the conversion chamber heater. The dispersal subsystem can further include a nozzle heater configured to heat the nozzle, and a nozzle temperature sensor configured to monitor the temperature of the nozzle and to facilitate operation of the nozzle heater. In some arrangements, the dispersal subsystem can further include an optical sensor located proximate the nozzle and configured to detect residual matter on the nozzle, and a cleaning element located proximate the nozzle and configured to clean the nozzle when the optical sensor detects residual matter on the nozzle.

In various further embodiments of the present disclosure, methods of delivering particulate matter into the atmosphere are provided. Pertinent process steps can include providing a pressurized liquid within a container coupled to a dispersal subsystem, elevating the container and dispersal subsystem to a raised location in the atmosphere above a ground level location, receiving the pressurized liquid from the container into the dispersal subsystem while the container and dispersal subsystem are at the raised location, converting the pressurized liquid into a gas within the dispersal subsystem, and dispersing the gas from the dispersal subsystem into the atmosphere at the raised location. The gas can be configured to react with the atmosphere to result in the suspension of particulate matter within the atmosphere.

In various detailed embodiments, the pressurized liquid can be sulfur dioxide and the particulate matter can include sulfates. Elevating the container and dispersal subsystem can involve coupling the container and dispersal subsystem to a balloon and filling the balloon with a lift gas. Converting the pressurized liquid into a gas can involve regulating the pressurized liquid into a conversion chamber, heating the pressurized liquid in the conversion chamber until it becomes a gas, and regulating the gas out of the conversion chamber. In various arrangements, additional process steps can include steering the container and dispersal subsystem while elevating to the raised location, as well as lowering the container from the raised location to a lowered location, refilling the container with a new pressurized liquid, and repeating the steps of elevating, receiving, converting, and dispersing with the new pressurized liquid.

Other apparatuses, methods, features, and advantages of the disclosure will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional apparatuses, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary applications of apparatuses, systems, and methods according to the present disclosure are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the disclosure. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of these specific details provided herein. In some instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments of the present disclosure. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it is understood that these examples are not limiting, such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

The present disclosure relates in various embodiments to features, apparatuses, systems, and methods providing improved ways of dispersing particulate matter at high altitudes to counter some of the negative effects of global warming and climate change. In particular, the disclosed apparatuses, systems, and methods involve the dispersal of particulate matter into the atmosphere at high altitudes and in ways that can be controlled and administered on a large scale basis. This can generally be done by, for example, elevating a pressurized liquid in a container to an altitude within the stratosphere or higher, converting the pressurized liquid into a gas, and dispersing the gas within the atmosphere. The gas can be configured to react with the atmosphere to result in the suspension of particulate matter within the atmosphere.

Although various embodiments disclosed herein discuss the use of sulfur dioxide as the pressurized liquid such that the particulate matter includes sulfates, it will be readily appreciated that the disclosed features, apparatuses, systems, and methods can similarly be with any suitable substitute or alternative liquids, gases, or other materials that take advantage of the disclosed features. Similarly, while dispersal can be in the stratosphere, it will be understood that other elevations, locations, and techniques can also be applicable. Other applications, arrangements, and extrapolations beyond the illustrated embodiments are also contemplated.

Referring first toFIG.1, a schematic diagram of an example particulate matter dispersal system is illustrated. Particulate matter dispersal system100can generally include a container110, an elevation subsystem120, and a dispersal subsystem130, among other possible components and subsystems. Container110can be configured to hold a pressurized liquid therein, and can also be configured to dispense the pressurized liquid and to be refilled with new pressurized liquid. Elevation subsystem120can be configured to elevate and lower the container between a ground level location and a raised location in the atmosphere above the ground level location. Dispersal subsystem130can be coupled to container110and can be configured to receive the pressurized liquid from the container, to convert the pressurized liquid into a gas, and to disperse the gas into the atmosphere at the raised location, as set forth in greater detail below. The dispersed gas can be configured to react with the atmosphere to result in the suspension of particulate matter within the atmosphere.

In various arrangements, the pressurized liquid can include sulfur dioxide, the particulate matter can include sulfates, and the raised location can be within the stratosphere or higher. Other liquids, particulate matters, and raised locations are also possible. In some arrangements, particulate matter dispersal system100including a single container110, a single elevation subsystem120, and a single dispersal subsystem130can be an entire self-contained particulate matter dispersal system. In other arrangements, system100can form one dispersal unit in a greater particulate matter dispersal system having multiple identical or substantially similar dispersal units, one or more ground level or lower level base stations, remotely controlled units and communication units, and the like, as set forth in greater detail below.

Elevation subsystem120can include any suitable way for elevating container110and dispersal subsystem130. Although a balloon based elevation subsystem has been disclosed herein for purposes of illustration, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to balloons and that other types of elevation subsystems can include the use of drones, rockets, airplanes, and other aircraft. In some arrangements, elevation subsystem120can include a balloon121that can be configured to be filled with a lift gas, such as hydrogen, helium, hot air, or any other suitable lift gas. Tether122can be configured to control elevation of balloon121, and as such can couple the balloon to ballast123. In some arrangements, tether122can also be configured to facilitate the filling and emptying of lift gas from the balloon121, and as such can form a tube for this purpose. Ballast123can be buoyant in water and can be figured to hold or otherwise support container110and dispersal subsystem130, further details of which are provided below.

Telemetry antenna124can be mounted or otherwise coupled to tether122or any other suitable component of overall system100at a known location, and this telemetry antenna can be configured to detect and facilitate communication regarding the elevation and location of balloon121and the overall system. A lift gas supply subsystem configured to supply lift gas into balloon121can include a valve and pump arrangement125to control the intake and release of the lift gas as well as an optional fuel cell, battery, and/or engine126. An optional cargo tank and supply line127can also be included in ballast123in some arrangements. Lift gas can be input into balloon121from an outside source through valve and pump arrangement125when the balloon is at a ground level or other low elevation location. When lowering of balloon121is desired, lift gas can be released into fuel cell126and/or out of overall system100by way of valve and pump arrangement125to reduce buoyancy until the overall system is heavier than air but the balloon and tether combination remains buoyant in air. Ballast123can then arrive at ground level and/or float on water until a sufficient amount of lift gas is refilled into balloon121for another use cycle of the overall system.

In some arrangements, a steering subsystem140can be configured to control a direction of travel of balloon121and overall system100during ascent and/or descent of the balloon. Steering subsystem140, further details of which are provided below, can be considered as part of elevation subsystem130or can be its own independent subsystem in some arrangements. Steering subsystem140can be coupled to ballast123, balloon121, or any other suitable component of overall system100at an appropriate stable location to facilitate steering of the overall system rather than allow the lateral movements of the balloon and overall system be fully subjected to the unpredictable nature of wind and other environmental factors.

Moving next toFIG.2, a schematic diagram of an example container and dispersal subsystem for a particulate matter dispersal system is provided. Container110can include an internal tank111configured to be filled with, hold, expel, and be refilled with a pressurized liquid101, such as sulfur dioxide, for example. Container110can have an internal volume of about 2-4 cubic feet in some arrangements, although lower or greater volumes are also possible. Container110can be thermally insulated in some cases and can include container heater112configured to heat the container and thus the contents within internal tank111to a preferred temperature, as well as container temperature sensor113configured to monitor the temperature of the container and to facilitate operation of the container heater. Container110can also have suitable control circuitry, processor(s), and other electronic components to facilitate automated functionalities of container heater112and container temperature sensor113, as will be readily appreciated by those of skill in the art.

In various basic embodiments, dispersal subsystem130can include at least a first pressure regulator131and a nozzle132, which together can be sufficient to convert pressurized liquid101inside container110into gas102dispersed into the atmosphere outside overall system100in some situations. First pressure regulator131can be an electronically controlled pressure regulator coupled to an outlet of container110and can be configured to receive pressurized liquid101from the container and provide the pressurized liquid at a first regulator outlet at a first controlled pressure and flow rate. In basic embodiments, first pressure regulator131and nozzle132can be configured to convert the pressurized liquid into a gas for dispersal. Nozzle132can be coupled directly or indirectly to the first regulator outlet and can be configured to disperse the gas into the atmosphere at a raised location. Nozzle132can disperse the gas at a second controlled pressure and flow rate that can be different than the first controlled pressure and flow rate in some instances. Dispersal subsystem130can also include suitable control circuitry, processor(s), and other electronic components to facilitate automated functionalities of first pressure regulator131and nozzle132, as will be readily appreciated. As such, dispersal subsystem130can also include a first temperature sensor133at the first pressure regulator131and first control circuitry configured to control the first controlled pressure and flow rate of the first pressure regulator based on output of the first temperature sensor.

In more robust embodiments, dispersal subsystem130can include additional features and components. Where first pressure regulator131is configured to expel pressurized liquid at its outlet, for example, conversion chamber134can be configured to facilitate transforming the pressurized liquid into a pressurized gas. Conversion chamber134can be coupled to an outlet of first pressure regulator131to receive pressurized liquid101, and conversion chamber heater135can be configured to heat the conversion chamber to facilitate transforming the pressurized liquid into pressurized gas103. Conversion chamber temperature sensor136can be configured to monitor the temperature inside conversion chamber135. Suitable control circuitry, processor(s), and other electronic components can facilitate automated operations of conversion chamber135and conversion chamber temperature sensor136, as will be readily appreciated. Dispersal subsystem130can also include second pressure regulator137, which can be an electronically controlled pressure regulator coupled to an outlet of conversion chamber135. Second pressure regulator137can be configured to receive pressurized gas103from conversion chamber135and provide the pressurized gas at a second pressure regulator outlet at a second controlled pressure and flow rate. As in the case of first pressure regulator131, dispersal subsystem130can also include suitable control circuitry, processor(s), and other electronic components to facilitate automated functionalities of second pressure regulator137, as will be readily appreciated. As such, dispersal subsystem130can also include second temperature sensor138at second pressure regulator137and second control circuitry configured to control the second controlled pressure and flow rate of the second pressure regulator based on output of the second temperature sensor.

Robust embodiments of dispersal subsystem130can include nozzle132as being coupled to the outlet of second pressure regulator137. In such arrangements, nozzle132can be configured to receive pressurized gas103that has passed through second pressure regulator137at a second controlled pressure and flow rate, and then disperse gas102into the atmosphere at a raised location or elevation, which can be at the second controlled pressure and flow rate or a further modified pressure and flow rate. As noted above, dispersed gas102can be configured to react with the atmosphere to result in the suspension of particulate matter within the atmosphere. Dispersal subsystem130can also include nozzle heater132aconfigured to heat nozzle132, nozzle temperature sensor132bconfigured to monitor the temperature of the nozzle, and suitable control circuitry, processor(s), and other electronic components to facilitate automated functionalities of the nozzle, nozzle heater, and nozzle temperature sensor, as will be readily appreciated. In some arrangements, dispersal subsystem130can also include a nozzle cleaning arrangement139to keep nozzle132clean during system operations. Such a nozzle cleaning arrangement139can include an optical sensor located proximate nozzle132and configured to detect residual matter on the nozzle, and also a cleaning element located proximate the nozzle and configured to clean the nozzle when the optical sensor detects residual matter on the nozzle. The cleaning element can be a wiper blade, for example. In various arrangements, the optical sensor can also function to monitor and facilitate control of gas dispersal from nozzle132.

Transitioning now toFIG.3, a flowchart of an example summary method300of delivering particulate matter into the atmosphere is provided. Summary method300can represent one possible overall method for delivering particulate matter, and it will be understood that various other steps, features, and details of such an overall method are not provided here for purposes of simplicity. After a start step302, an optional first process step304can involve providing pressurized liquid within a container. The container can be coupled to a dispersal subsystem, both of which can be part of an overall system configured to disperse particulate matter. The pressurized liquid can be sulfur dioxide, for example, although other liquids can also be used. Process step304can be automatically performed in some arrangements, such as by a robotically controlled container filling process.

At a following process step306, the container can be elevated to a raised location in the atmosphere. The raised location can be above a ground level location, and elevating the container can involve the use of an elevation subsystem as part of the overall system. The elevation subsystem can be balloon based, as detailed above, or can involve any other suitable form of elevating the container. Process step306can be automatically performed in some arrangements, such as by a robotically controlled container elevation process.

At the next process step308, the pressurized liquid can be received into a dispersal subsystem. This can be done while the container and dispersal subsystem are at the raised location and can involve the use of a pressure regulator within the dispersal subsystem. Process step308can be automatically performed in some arrangements, such as by robotically controlling the start and flow of liquid from the container into the dispersal subsystem.

At subsequent process step310, the liquid can be converted into a gas within the dispersal subsystem. This can involve the use of a conversion chamber within the dispersal subsystem, for example. Process step310can be automatically performed in some arrangements, such as by robotically controlling the conversion of liquid into a gas within a part of the dispersal subsystem.

At a following process step312, the gas can be dispersed into the atmosphere at the raised location. This can involve the use of a nozzle within the dispersal subsystem, for example. The gas can be configured to react with the atmosphere to result in the suspension of particulate matter within the atmosphere. The particulate matter can include sulfates, for example, although other forms of particulate matter are also possible. Process step312can be automatically performed in some arrangements, such as by robotically controlling the start and flow of gas out from the dispersal subsystem into the atmosphere. The method can then end at end step314.

For foregoing method300, it will be appreciated that not all process steps are necessary, and that other process steps may be added in some arrangements. For example, a container with pressurized liquid may already be provided in some arrangements, while others may involve filling the container with the liquid. Furthermore, the order of steps may be altered in some cases, and some steps may be performed simultaneously. For example, steps308-312may be performed simultaneously in some cases. Although known process steps are provided for the various techniques in method300, it will be appreciated that other suitable steps can be used for delivering particulate matter into the atmosphere. Other variations and extrapolations of the disclosed method will also be readily appreciated by those of skill in the art.

FIG.4illustrates a schematic diagram of an example steering subsystem for a particulate matter dispersal system. As noted above, steering subsystem140can be configured to facilitate control of a lateral direction of travel for a particulate matter dispersal system or unit during its ascent and/or descent. Steering subsystem140can include steering ballast141that can be coupled to any suitable component of the overall system or unit (not shown), as well as one or more steering sensors142and one or more steering thrusters143. Steering sensor(s)142can include a GPS unit, accelerometer, wind gauge, and/or other components configured to determine location, speed, acceleration, and environmental factors. Steering thruster(s)143can be powered by battery, other electricity, and/or hydrogen or other fuel and can be configured to push steering ballast141and the whole steering subsystem140in a desired lateral direction. Steering subsystem140can also have suitable control circuitry, processor(s), and other electronic components to facilitate automated functionalities of steering sensor(s)142and steering thruster(s)143, as will be readily appreciated by those of skill in the art.

Steering subsystem140can additionally or alternatively include a steerable parachute144or suitable wind foil component having adjustable lines145that can be extended from and retracted into line receptacles146. Servo motors or other suitable drive components can extend or retract different adjustable lines145from and into line receptacles146to configure the position and orientation of steerable parachute144or wind foil component to alter the direction of travel of steering ballast141and the whole steering subsystem140. Data from steering sensor(s)142can be used to facilitate the extension and retraction of adjustable lines for this purpose. Steering subsystem140can also have suitable control circuitry, processor(s), and other electronic components to facilitate automated functionalities of steering sensor(s)142with the servo motors controlling the line lengths of adjustable lines145, as will be readily appreciated by those of skill in the art.

Continuing withFIG.5, a schematic diagram of an example particulate matter dispersal system having multiple dispersal units and multiple ground stations is provided. Particulate matter dispersal system500can have multiple dispersal units501,502,503and multiple ground based stations511,512,513that are each configured for the docking of dispersal units. Each of dispersal units501,502,503can be identical or substantially similar to particulate matter dispersal system100set forth above, and each of these dispersal units (i.e., self-contained particulate matter dispersal systems) can be configured to be transferred between and operable with multiple separate ground based stations511,512,513at different ground based locations. Although ground based stations511,512,513are shown as being boats at “ground level” on the ocean at sea level or at other water locations, it will be understood that such ground based stations can be located on water and/or land at different locations as well. Furthermore, it will be understood that more than three dispersal units and/or ground based stations can be used in an overall particulate matter dispersal system500.

In various embodiments, each dispersal unit501,502,503can be configured to be filled with pressurized fluid and lift gas at a ground based station511,512, or513, elevated to a raised location in the atmosphere where gas can be dispersed therefrom, and lowered to the same or another ground based station to be refilled for further use cycles. Overall particulate matter dispersal system500can also include communication units at each dispersal unit and at each ground based station, so as to facilitate communications to determine desirable travel and docking possibilities for dispersal units in use. Separate communication towers or facilities and overall system coordination units can also be included within overall system500. Each ground based station511,512,513can be configured to communicate its location, distance to dispersal units, availability, resources at hand, environmental variables, and/or other pertinent factors for determining which ground based station is preferable for a given dispersal unit to dock at next during ongoing cycles of use for a dispersal unit.

Lastly,FIG.6illustrates a flowchart of an example detailed method of delivering particulate matter into the atmosphere. Detailed method600can represent one possible way of delivering particulate matter into the atmosphere, and it will be understood that various other steps, features, and details of such a detailed method are not provided here for purposes of simplicity. After a start step602, a first process step604can involve coupling a container and dispersal subsystem to a balloon as part of an elevation subsystem. The container can be coupled to the dispersal subsystem, both of which can combine with the elevation subsystem to form an overall system configured to disperse particulate matter as detailed above.

A following process step606can involve providing pressurized liquid within the container. This can take place at a boat or other ground based station configured for filling containers. The pressurized liquid can be sulfur dioxide, for example, although other liquids can also be used. Process step606can be automatically performed in some arrangements, such as by a robotically controlled liquid into container filling process.

At the next process step608, the balloon can be filled with a lift gas. This can also take place at the boat or other ground based station configured for filling balloons as well as containers. The lift gas can be hydrogen, helium, hot air, or any other suitable lift gas. Process step608can be automatically performed in some arrangements, such as by a robotically controlled lift gas into balloon filling process.

At subsequent process step610, the container and dispersal subsystem can be steered as they are raised by balloon and elevation subsystem. This can be accomplished by a steering subsystem as detailed above and can also result in steering the elevation subsystem. Process step610can be automatically performed in some arrangements, such as by robotically controlled sensors, thrusters, steerable parachutes, and other steering components in a steering subsystem.

At a following process step612, the container can be elevated to a raised location in the atmosphere. This can result in elevating the dispersal subsystem and elevation subsystem as well. The raised location can be above a ground level location, such as within the stratosphere, for example. Elevating can involve use of the balloon and elevation subsystem. Process step612can be automatically performed in some arrangements, such as by a robotically controlled container elevation process.

The next process step614can involve receiving the pressurized liquid into a dispersal subsystem. This can be done while the container and dispersal subsystem are at the raised location and can involve the use of a valve or pressure regulator from the container outlet to an inlet of the dispersal subsystem. Process step614can be automatically performed in some arrangements, such as by robotically controlling the start and flow of liquid from the container into the dispersal subsystem.

Process step616can involve regulating the pressurized liquid into a conversion chamber within the dispersal subsystem. This can be accomplished using an electronically controlled pressure regulator between the container and the conversion chamber, for example. Process step616can be automatically performed in some arrangements, such as by robotically controlling the pressure and flow out of the pressure regulator.

At subsequent process step618, the pressurized liquid can be converted into a gas within the dispersal subsystem, which can take place within the conversion chamber. This can involve regulating the pressurized liquid into the conversion chamber, heating the pressurized liquid in the insulated chamber until it becomes a gas, and then regulating the gas out of the insulated chamber. Process step618can be automatically performed in some arrangements, such as by robotically controlling pressure regulators and a heater to deliver the liquid into the conversion chamber, heat the conversion chamber, and deliver gas out of the conversion chamber, as well as using pressure and temperature sensors to facilitate the process.

At a following process step620, the gas can be dispersed into the atmosphere at the raised location. This can involve the use of a nozzle within the dispersal subsystem, for example. The gas can be configured to react with the atmosphere to result in the suspension of particulate matter within the atmosphere. The particulate matter can include sulfates, for example, although other forms of particulate matter are also possible. Process step620can be automatically performed in some arrangements, such as by robotically controlling the start and flow of gas out from the dispersal subsystem into the atmosphere.

At the next process step622, the container can be lowered from the raised location in the atmosphere to a lowered location, such as proximate a boat or other ground based station. This can be accomplished by releasing some amount of the lift gas from the balloon, and can result in lowering the dispersal subsystem and elevation subsystem as well. Process step622can be automatically performed in some arrangements, such as by a robotically controlled container lowering process that releases lift gas in a controlled manner.

Process step624can involve docking the container or overall system at the boat or other ground based station. Such a ground based station can be configured for the docking of dispersal units such as the container and overall system here, as well as the refilling of pressurized fluid and lift gas in the dispersal units. Process step624can be automatically performed in some arrangements, such as by a robotically controlled dispersal unit to ground based station receival and docking process.

A subsequent decision step626can involve an inquiry as to whether a new cycle of delivering particulate matter into the atmosphere is desired for this particular dispersal unit or overall system configured to disperse particulate matter. If so, then the method can revert to process step606where some or all of process steps606through624can be repeated. If no further use cycle is desired, however, then method600can end or pause at end step628.

For foregoing method600, it will be appreciated that not all process steps are necessary, and that other process steps may be added in some arrangements. For example, steps604and/or614may be eliminated in some cases and/or steps regarding nozzle cleaning and system communications may be added in some embodiments. Furthermore, the order of steps may be altered in some cases, and some steps may be performed simultaneously. For example, steps610and612may be performed simultaneously in some cases. Although known process steps are provided for the various techniques in method600, it will be appreciated that other suitable similar methods for using a container, an elevation subsystem, and/or a dispersal subsystem can also be used. Other variations and extrapolations of the disclosed methods will also be readily appreciated by those of skill in the art.

Although the foregoing disclosure has been described in detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be recognized that the above described disclosure may be embodied in numerous other specific variations and embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the disclosure. Certain changes and modifications may be practiced, and it is understood that the disclosure is not to be limited by the foregoing details, but rather is to be defined by the scope of the appended claims.