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Abstract

A power generation, transmission and distribution system for an aerostat using a tether, includes a ground-based power delivery system for generating a multi-phase power signal having a frequency at least greater than 400 Hz, an aerostat-based power distribution system for receiving the multi-phase power signal, and a tether for delivering the multi-phase power signal from the ground-based power delivery system to the aerostat-based power distribution system. The base power system generates a 3, 6, or 12 phase base power signal having a nominal frequency signal received by a rectifier to generate a high voltage DC output. A converter/inverter receives the high voltage DC output and generates the multi-phase power signal transmitted by the tether. A transformer aboard the aerostat steps down the multi-phase power signal and a rectifier processes the stepped-down multi-phase power signal into a DC power delivery signal. A flat bus high voltage power delivery system distributes the DC power delivery signal to instruments carried by the aerostat. The tether includes a central strength member and a plurality of electrical and optical conductors disposed around and bonded to the central strength member. An outer sheath surrounds the plurality of conductors wherein any application of force to the outer sheath is transferred through the plurality of conductors to the central strength member.

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First Claim