zeppelins - fll project

8/14/2019 Zeppelins - FLL Project

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PresentationPresentation

(Improvements on(Improvements onCargo Transportation)Cargo Transportation)

Zeppelins:Zeppelins:

More efficient transportationMore efficient transportation

By: PyrobotsBy: Pyrobots


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The Problem:The Problem:

Transportation of crates (the ones that fit exactly on boats,Transportation of crates (the ones that fit exactly on boats,

trucks, and trains) these days are inefficient fuel-wise, astrucks, and trains) these days are inefficient fuel-wise, as

in the boats, trains, and trucks that carry them, and evenin the boats, trains, and trucks that carry them, and even

the unloading and loading process of these three basicthe unloading and loading process of these three basic

heavy-haulers are inefficient.heavy-haulers are inefficient.

Fuel wise, for example, the boats that carry the containersFuel wise, for example, the boats that carry the containers

use recycled motor oil for the fuel of the vessel. Thinkuse recycled motor oil for the fuel of the vessel. Think

about how much pollution that would cause!about how much pollution that would cause!


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A possible solutionA possible solution If shipping time is not critical, then why not revive the idea of rigid airships?!If shipping time is not critical, then why not revive the idea of rigid airships?!

Rigid airships, yes are massive, but can lift enormous amounts of weight! AccordingRigid airships, yes are massive, but can lift enormous amounts of weight! According

to theto the Guinness Book of World Records: 2006,Guinness Book of World Records: 2006, the massive rigid airshipthe massive rigid airship HindenburgHindenburgweighed 440,000 pounds! So, if airships can weigh that much, then why not use it forweighed 440,000 pounds! So, if airships can weigh that much, then why not use it for

transporting goods across the country?transporting goods across the country?

Right, then. After much thinking and researching over the course of a week, I figuredRight, then. After much thinking and researching over the course of a week, I figured

out that it is possible, but very difficult to carry out this kind of project. Theout that it is possible, but very difficult to carry out this kind of project. The

specifications of the airship (zeppelin) are as follows:specifications of the airship (zeppelin) are as follows:

Empty weight: 380,000 poundsEmpty weight: 380,000 pounds

Max takeoff weight (MTOW): 1,400,000 poundsMax takeoff weight (MTOW): 1,400,000 pounds Max service altitude: FL 190.Max service altitude: FL 190.

Max amt. containers: 32 20 foot general purpose loaded at HALF MAX WEIGHT!Max amt. containers: 32 20 foot general purpose loaded at HALF MAX WEIGHT!

Length: 1,150 feet. (Longer than Hindenburg by 33%.)Length: 1,150 feet. (Longer than Hindenburg by 33%.)

Height & width at widest point: 130 feet.Height & width at widest point: 130 feet.

Volume of helium: 9,500,000 ftVolume of helium: 9,500,000 ft33. Buoyant force: ~1,500,000 lb lifting force. (720 t). Buoyant force: ~1,500,000 lb lifting force. (720 t)

Cruising speed: 80 mphCruising speed: 80 mph

Total area for stowage: 64,000 cubic feet.Total area for stowage: 64,000 cubic feet.


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A solution (continued)A solution (continued)

This is the size of the standard shippingThis is the size of the standard shipping

container and what it looks like.container and what it looks like.

The Hindenburg. Mydesign looks

somewhat like it, butlonger.


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Safety & EfficiencySafety & Efficiency

Safety: One con:Safety: One con:

1. The zeppelin would have to try to avoid as many storms as it can because1. The zeppelin would have to try to avoid as many storms as it can because

winds can severely affect the flight path and lightning can also pose a greatwinds can severely affect the flight path and lightning can also pose a great

hazard if it strikes the zeppelin.hazard if it strikes the zeppelin.

Safety)Safety)

The pros:The pros:

1. On the other hand, because of advanced technology, avoiding storms and1. On the other hand, because of advanced technology, avoiding storms and

winds are almost a breeze and will guarantee a safe flight.winds are almost a breeze and will guarantee a safe flight.

2. Zeppelin cargo-lifters are safer than trucks that drive on unpaved roads.2. Zeppelin cargo-lifters are safer than trucks that drive on unpaved roads.

Efficiency:Efficiency:

Because zeppelins dont need much energy to get going, they can be moved byBecause zeppelins dont need much energy to get going, they can be moved by

using free energy- the SUN!using free energy- the SUN!

By using flexible solar cells on the zeppelin, and using it on all surfaces to a 45By using flexible solar cells on the zeppelin, and using it on all surfaces to a 45

degree angle, it can fly in the day without fuel. But what about night time? Easy.degree angle, it can fly in the day without fuel. But what about night time? Easy.

Add a 100 KW Lithium-Polymer pack to the ship! Because it is run by the SUN, it isAdd a 100 KW Lithium-Polymer pack to the ship! Because it is run by the SUN, it is

able to fly almost indefinitely as long as the motors are durable.able to fly almost indefinitely as long as the motors are durable.


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Method of UsageMethod of Usage

The airship rolls out of the storage hangar.The airship rolls out of the storage hangar.

It will then pick up the 32crates destined for 32warehouses.

zeppelins - fll project

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