Ultra-light technology


Solar Impulse
 
Ultra-light structure
 
 
6 July 2005
 
As the plane must be ultra-light every gramme of weight is carefully considered and every possible technological advance is used to incorporate ultra-light weight materials into the plane. From the solar cells to the electrical cables, radio devices, the propellers and even the pilot's clothing, a painstaking effort is made to minimize weight without sacrificing durability and reliability.
 
  
 
Solar Impulse
   
250 m2 of solar cells
 
The wings will be a composite 'sandwich' structures of fibre-reinforced composite skins bonded to a low-density core, such as balsa or polymer foam. The mono-crystalline silicon solar cells for the upper wing surface and potentially dye-sensitized solar cells for the under-wing surface will be encapsulated and integrated in the composite structure.

The 400 kg batteries take up a large share of the planes total two tonnes, but are crucial for collecting surplus electricity generated during the day and powering the engines at night. Research is being carried out to try and reduce the weight and improve overall efficiency.
 
 

Solar Impulse

 •  Sun-powered aircraft to support sustainable development (http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMP5W5DIAE_Improving_0.html)
 •  Wide as an Airbus light as a car (http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMBXY5DIAE_Improving_0.html)
 •  Advanced life support systems for pilot (http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM13Z5DIAE_Improving_0.html)

More information

 •  Solar Impulse (http://www.solar-impulse.com/scripts/page577.html)
 •  Scientific advisor EPFL (http://solar-impulse.epfl.ch)

Related articles

 •  Space technologies aid solar-powered global flight bid (http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMJ90FCASD_Improving_0.html)
 •  European solar cell efficiency reaches new high (http://www.esa.int/techresources/ESTEC-Article-fullArticle_par-28_1115706332477.html)

Related links

 •  Technology Transfer - Down to Earth (http://www.esa.int/esapub/br/br175/br175.pdf)
 •  ESA Technology Transfer - Spin-off Successes (http://www.esa.int/esapub/br/br152/br152e.html)
 •  Bertrand Piccard (http://www.bertrandpiccard.com/eng/index.php)
 •  Brian Jones' Orbiter Balloon (http://www.orbiterballoon.com/welcome/welcome.htm)