UNCONDITIONAL PARTNERS AROUND THE WORLD IN A SOLAR AIRPLANE « Meeting a challenge of this magnitude is possible only by taking Solar Impulse brings together an entire family of partners who share the project’s pioneering maximum advantage of solar energy. Every watt counts, and we are spirit, guarantee its feasibility and are committed to promoting renewable energies. looking to track down every way we can save energy. Only the most Solar Impulse’s partners all have a pioneering spirit, a long-term vision and a desire to advanced solutions, most of them never applied before, will permit explore new horizons. Above all they share the basic values of this human adventure : ex- this. We believe we have found them by combining the experience ploration, technological innovation, entrepreneurial excellence, passion, teamwork, dream and summing the potential of every team member. » and emotion. Like Solar Impulse’s initiators, they want to use these values to promote renewable energies and the technology necessary for protecting the environment. They André Borschberg are contributing to the success of this adventure by financing the aircraft and providing support in their particular fields of expertise.
MAIN PARTNERS MAIN PARTNERS MAIN PARTNERS MAIN PARTNERS MAINMAIN P PARTNERSARTNERS
Solvay MAIN PARTNERS
The first main partner to sign up for the Solar Impulse adventure was Solvay. This inter- MAIN PARTNERS national chemicals and pharmaceuticals group is well known for its plastics and polymers MAIN PARTNERS and for its development of new materials and innovative technological solutions.
TRAJECTORY A TANDEM AT THE CONTROLS AN EPIC IN STAGES Omega From the moon to the sun. For Omega, partnering this challenge is an opportunity to set Solar Impulse continues a long tradition of Two men, both pioneers and innovators, After 6 years from the first concept to the out once again on the route of the pioneers and re-live an adventure which combines exploration, adventure and scientific both pilots, are the driving force behind finished prototype, the HB-SIA solar air- passion and avant-garde technological innovation, whilst bringing to the project its own development. By initiating this challenge, Solar Impulse : Bertrand Piccard, psy- craft will need to be put through its paces, expertise in micromechanics and microelectronics. Bertrand Piccard is continuing his family’s chiatrist and aeronaut, who made the before starting out on its 36 hour flight, tradition of adventure, from the exploration first non-stop round-the-world balloon which is a major objective of the project. Deutsche Bank of the stratosphere and the ocean depths flight, is the initiator and chairman. From flea-hops to circuits, several months A door to the world of finance and industry, Deutsche Bank brings to the project its experi- to his own round-the-world balloon flight. André Borschberg, an engineer and will be needed before undertaking the ence of sustainable development, its passion for performance and its long-term vision which Joining him in this adventure is a team graduate in management science, trained first night flight. lend credibility to the fundamental and necessary link between economics and ecology. headed by André Borschberg, whose as a fighter pilot and a professional air- A second aircraft will then be built and, ENGINEERING PARTNER ENGINEERING PARTNER competence guarantees the success of plane and helicopter pilot, is the CEO. The starting in 2012, will retrace, using solar OFFICIAL PARTNERS ENGINEERINGENGINEERING P PARTNERARTNER the project, and partners who are also former’s avant-gardist vision and the energy, some of the great firsts in the his- Altran ENGINEERING PARTNER keen to invent the future. The challenges latter’s entrepreneurial experience are tory of flight. After the crossings of the ENGINEERING PARTNER The project’s engineering partner, a leader in innovation consulting, is making available to ENGINEERING PARTNER of our world can only be met by those an ideal combination. USA and the Atlantic, the culminating point Solar Impulse its human resources and its multidisciplinary, multisectoral expertise. ENGINEERING PARTNER with a pioneering spirit who go looking will be the tour of the world in five stages. NATIONALNATIONAL TELECOM TELECOM PAPARTNER for new solutions outside our current NATIONALNATIONAL TELECOM TELECOM PA PARTNERRTNER Swisscom habits and certainties. The national telecommunications partner, Swisscom is developing the tools which will permit NATIONAL TELECOM PARTNER NATIONAL TELECOM PARTNER communication between the aircraft and mission control at any place around the world. NATIONAL TELECOM PARTNER NATIONAL TELECOM PARTNER OFFICIAL SUPPORTERS OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR The Geneva company SEMPER, the first company to back the project, and the Clarins Group are OFFICIALOFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR ADVISOR supporting the technology vision, the thrust for innovation and the respect of the environment OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR THE ZERO FUEL AIRPLANE that Solar Impulse is championing. BKW/FMK (Forces Motrices Bernoises), Toyota Switzerland OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR and SIG (Services Industriels de Genève) are supporting the project at national level. > The wingspan of an Airbus A340, in order to minimize induced OFFICIALAERONAUTICAL SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR ADVISOR OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR AERONAUTICAL ADVISOR drag and offer the largest possible surface for the solar cells INSTITUTIONAL AND AERONAUTICS PARTNERS AERONAUTICALAERONAUTICAL ADVISOR ADVISOR AERONAUTICAL ADVISOR > The weight of a family car, Following the 2003 feasibility study, the EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) every unnecessary gram has been AERONAUTICAL ADVISOR INVENTING THE FUTURE became the Official Scientific Advisor, bringing to the project the competence of its various eliminated in order to build a super-light aircraft AERONAUTICAL ADVISOR READY FOR THE FIRST TEST FLIGHTS In its quest for the ultimate in technological laboratories. For these knowledge explorers, Solar Impulse represents a field of very high INSTITUTIONAL PARTNER INSTITUTIONAL PARTNER For six years, from initial concept to finished performance and symbolic force, Solar > The power of a scooter, after the extreme optimization of the level research with innumerable potential applications. AERONAUTICALINSTITUTIONALINSTITUTIONAL PARTNERPARTNER ADVISOR INSTITUTIONAL PARTNER product, structure and materials specialists, Impulse has set out on the difficult and entire energy chain engineers, physicists andcomputer scien- risk-strewn path trodden by all pioneers. Solar Impulse can also count on the know-how and experience of major aerospace players, INSTITUTIONAL PARTNER tists have been working together to build a Flying day and night without fuel should > The fulfillment of a vision such as the European Space Agency (ESA), Dassault Aviation and IATA (International Air INSTITUTIONAL PARTNER Transport Association), which have welcomed the solar energy adventure with open arms. revolutionary aircraft. demonstrate the immense potential of re- newable energies for inducing the changes INSTITUTIONAL PARTNER OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS On the eve of the first tests, the suspense needed in order to achieve better use of is enormous. How will a wing of such size, energy resources and greater respect for Victorinox – SolarMax – La Semeuse (coffee) – Hirslanden (medical advices) – Abächerli (printing) – SQS. and yet so light, behave in flight ? Will Solar the environment. Impulse be able to defy the long nights using solar energy alone ?
around the world PSE-C, EPFL Scientific Park TeL.: +41 (0)21 693 89 33 [email protected] IN a solar airplane CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland FAX: +41 (0)21 693 69 39 WWW.SOLARIMPULSE.COM
SOLAR_PLAQUETTE_INSTIT_6P_Eng_PROD.indd 1 18.6.2009 18:52:14 UNCONDITIONAL PARTNERS AROUND THE WORLD IN A SOLAR AIRPLANE « Meeting a challenge of this magnitude is possible only by taking Solar Impulse brings together an entire family of partners who share the project’s pioneering maximum advantage of solar energy. Every watt counts, and we are spirit, guarantee its feasibility and are committed to promoting renewable energies. looking to track down every way we can save energy. Only the most Solar Impulse’s partners all have a pioneering spirit, a long-term vision and a desire to advanced solutions, most of them never applied before, will permit explore new horizons. Above all they share the basic values of this human adventure : ex- this. We believe we have found them by combining the experience ploration, technological innovation, entrepreneurial excellence, passion, teamwork, dream and summing the potential of every team member. » and emotion. Like Solar Impulse’s initiators, they want to use these values to promote renewable energies and the technology necessary for protecting the environment. They André Borschberg are contributing to the success of this adventure by financing the aircraft and providing support in their particular fields of expertise.
MAIN PARTNERS MAIN PARTNERS MAIN PARTNERS MAIN PARTNERS MAINMAIN P PARTNERSARTNERS
Solvay MAIN PARTNERS
The first main partner to sign up for the Solar Impulse adventure was Solvay. This inter- MAIN PARTNERS national chemicals and pharmaceuticals group is well known for its plastics and polymers MAIN PARTNERS and for its development of new materials and innovative technological solutions.
TRAJECTORY A TANDEM AT THE CONTROLS AN EPIC IN STAGES Omega From the moon to the sun. For Omega, partnering this challenge is an opportunity to set Solar Impulse continues a long tradition of Two men, both pioneers and innovators, After 6 years from the first concept to the out once again on the route of the pioneers and re-live an adventure which combines exploration, adventure and scientific both pilots, are the driving force behind finished prototype, the HB-SIA solar air- passion and avant-garde technological innovation, whilst bringing to the project its own development. By initiating this challenge, Solar Impulse : Bertrand Piccard, psy- craft will need to be put through its paces, expertise in micromechanics and microelectronics. Bertrand Piccard is continuing his family’s chiatrist and aeronaut, who made the before starting out on its 36 hour flight, tradition of adventure, from the exploration first non-stop round-the-world balloon which is a major objective of the project. Deutsche Bank of the stratosphere and the ocean depths flight, is the initiator and chairman. From flea-hops to circuits, several months A door to the world of finance and industry, Deutsche Bank brings to the project its experi- to his own round-the-world balloon flight. André Borschberg, an engineer and will be needed before undertaking the ence of sustainable development, its passion for performance and its long-term vision which Joining him in this adventure is a team graduate in management science, trained first night flight. lend credibility to the fundamental and necessary link between economics and ecology. headed by André Borschberg, whose as a fighter pilot and a professional air- A second aircraft will then be built and, ENGINEERING PARTNER ENGINEERING PARTNER competence guarantees the success of plane and helicopter pilot, is the CEO. The starting in 2012, will retrace, using solar OFFICIAL PARTNERS ENGINEERINGENGINEERING P PARTNERARTNER the project, and partners who are also former’s avant-gardist vision and the energy, some of the great firsts in the his- Altran ENGINEERING PARTNER keen to invent the future. The challenges latter’s entrepreneurial experience are tory of flight. After the crossings of the ENGINEERING PARTNER The project’s engineering partner, a leader in innovation consulting, is making available to ENGINEERING PARTNER of our world can only be met by those an ideal combination. USA and the Atlantic, the culminating point Solar Impulse its human resources and its multidisciplinary, multisectoral expertise. ENGINEERING PARTNER with a pioneering spirit who go looking will be the tour of the world in five stages. NATIONALNATIONAL TELECOM TELECOM PAPARTNER for new solutions outside our current NATIONALNATIONAL TELECOM TELECOM PA PARTNERRTNER Swisscom habits and certainties. The national telecommunications partner, Swisscom is developing the tools which will permit NATIONAL TELECOM PARTNER NATIONAL TELECOM PARTNER communication between the aircraft and mission control at any place around the world. NATIONAL TELECOM PARTNER NATIONAL TELECOM PARTNER OFFICIAL SUPPORTERS OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR The Geneva company SEMPER, the first company to back the project, and the Clarins Group are OFFICIALOFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR ADVISOR supporting the technology vision, the thrust for innovation and the respect of the environment OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR THE ZERO FUEL AIRPLANE that Solar Impulse is championing. BKW/FMK (Forces Motrices Bernoises), Toyota Switzerland OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR and SIG (Services Industriels de Genève) are supporting the project at national level. > The wingspan of an Airbus A340, in order to minimize induced OFFICIALAERONAUTICAL SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR ADVISOR OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR AERONAUTICAL ADVISOR drag and offer the largest possible surface for the solar cells INSTITUTIONAL AND AERONAUTICS PARTNERS AERONAUTICALAERONAUTICAL ADVISOR ADVISOR AERONAUTICAL ADVISOR > The weight of a family car, Following the 2003 feasibility study, the EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) every unnecessary gram has been AERONAUTICAL ADVISOR INVENTING THE FUTURE became the Official Scientific Advisor, bringing to the project the competence of its various eliminated in order to build a super-light aircraft AERONAUTICAL ADVISOR READY FOR THE FIRST TEST FLIGHTS In its quest for the ultimate in technological laboratories. For these knowledge explorers, Solar Impulse represents a field of very high INSTITUTIONAL PARTNER INSTITUTIONAL PARTNER For six years, from initial concept to finished performance and symbolic force, Solar > The power of a scooter, after the extreme optimization of the level research with innumerable potential applications. AERONAUTICALINSTITUTIONALINSTITUTIONAL PARTNERPARTNER ADVISOR INSTITUTIONAL PARTNER product, structure and materials specialists, Impulse has set out on the difficult and entire energy chain engineers, physicists andcomputer scien- risk-strewn path trodden by all pioneers. Solar Impulse can also count on the know-how and experience of major aerospace players, INSTITUTIONAL PARTNER tists have been working together to build a Flying day and night without fuel should > The fulfillment of a vision such as the European Space Agency (ESA), Dassault Aviation and IATA (International Air INSTITUTIONAL PARTNER Transport Association), which have welcomed the solar energy adventure with open arms. revolutionary aircraft. demonstrate the immense potential of re- newable energies for inducing the changes INSTITUTIONAL PARTNER OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS On the eve of the first tests, the suspense needed in order to achieve better use of is enormous. How will a wing of such size, energy resources and greater respect for Victorinox – SolarMax – La Semeuse (coffee) – Hirslanden (medical advices) – Abächerli (printing) – SQS. and yet so light, behave in flight ? Will Solar the environment. Impulse be able to defy the long nights using solar energy alone ?
around the world PSE-C, EPFL Scientific Park TeL.: +41 (0)21 693 89 33 [email protected] IN a solar airplane CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland FAX: +41 (0)21 693 69 39 WWW.SOLARIMPULSE.COM
SOLAR_PLAQUETTE_INSTIT_6P_Eng_PROD.indd 1 18.6.2009 18:52:14 «If an aircraft is able to fly day and night without fuel, propelled only by solar energy, let no one claim that it is impossible to do the same THE ZERO FUEL AIRPLANE thing for motor vehicles, heating and air conditioning systems and computers. This project voices our conviction that a pioneering spirit with political vision can together change society and bring about an end to fossil fuel dependency.» Bertrand Piccard
ONE PROTOTYPE, THREE OBJECTIVES > Validating the results of the computer simulations, the technological choices and the construction technologies ; > Testing an unexplored domain of flight, as no aircraft has VISION CHALLENGE AIRPLANE yet succeeded in flying with this combination of size, weight and speed ; Solar Impulse believes in the force of symbols. To produce an aircraft which will take off With the giant wingspan of an Airbus A340 By writing a new page of aviation history and fly, under its own power, both day and and its proportionally miniscule weight, the > Demonstrating the efficiency of the energy system by being with solar energy, by way of a round-the- night, entirely propelled by solar energy, HB-SIA prototype presents construction able to fly right through the night after storing sufficient world flight without fuel or pollution, Solar is an unachievable challenge without dras- and aerodynamic features never before Impulse is determined to actively promote tically reducing energy consumption. Solar encountered. Carbon fibre structure, pro- solar energy during the daytime. the cause of renewable energies and the Impulse’s 50 engineers and technicians, pulsion chain, flight domain and instrumen- The lessons learned from the prototype HB-SIA will be used energy efficiency that new technologies are supported by a hundred or so experts and tation, everything has been rethought and offering. The Solar Impulse initiative is both advisers, have had to apply totally new designed to save energy, resist high altitude in the design and technical choices of the HB-SIB, the aircraft scientific, with all the research it implies, aeronautical solutions. Whilst not the first factors hostile to both materials and pilot, that will attempt to fly round the world. and philosophical, by virtue of its concern solar aircraft project, Solar Impulse is and to combine the constraints of weight to stir society in order to be sparing of our certainly the most ambitious : the HB-SIA with the imperatives of resistance. planet’s energy resources. prototype should be the first aircraft to come close to perpetual flight.
TESTS AND VIRTUAL FLIGHTS ENERGY CAPTURING AND STORAGE STRUCTURE AND MATERIALS PROPULSION SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES TECHNCIAL DATASHEET
Calculations, tests and simulations are an The 11,628 monocrystalline silicon cells, Attaining a 63.40 m wingspan with the Beneath the wings are four gondolas, At midday, each m² of land surface receives Wingspan 63.40 m integral part of each step of the construc- each 150 microns thick, have been se- necessary rigidity, lightness and flight con each containing a 10 HP motor, a lithium the equivalent of 1,000 watts, or 1.3 horse- Length 21.85 m tion process. Wing charge and vibration lected for their lightness, flexibility and trollability and with just 1,600 kg take-off polymer battery set and a management power of light power. Over 24 hours this tests have served to fine-tune the models efficiency. At 22%, their energy efficiency weight is a challenge that has never before system controlling charge/discharge and averages out at just 250 W/m². With 200m² Height 6.40 m developed by the engineers, and move for- could have been higher, but the additional been met in aeronautics. Solar Impulse is temperature. The thermal insulation has of photovoltaic cells and 12% total effi- Motor power 4 x 10 HP electric engines ward step by step in a totally unknown field. weight would have penalized the aircraft built round a carbon fibre-honeycomb com- been designed to conserve the heat radi- ciency of the propulsion chain, the aircraft‘s Solar cells 11,628 (10,748 on the wing, To control an aircraft with such totally new during night flight. In this, the most critical posite using a sandwich structure. The ated by the batteries and to keep them engines achieve on average just 8 HP or 880 on the horizontal stabilizer) NIGHT FLYING features, the pilots are having to adapt to a stage, the major constraint of the project upper wing surface is covered with a skin functioning despite the -40°C encountered 6 KW – roughly the amount of power the flight behaviour very different to that of is storing energy in the lithium polymer of encapsulated solar cells, and the under- at 8,500 metres. Each engine is fitted with Wright brothers had available to them in Average flying speed 70 km/h other aircraft types. A simulator has been batteries. At the present stage, the maxi- sides of the wings with a high resistance a reducer that limits the rotation of each 1903 when they made their first powered Maximum altitude 8,500 m (27,900 ft) specially developed to familiarize them mum energy density is 220 Wh/kg. The ac- flexible film. 120 carbon fibre ribs placed 3.5 metre diameter, twin-bladed propel- flight. And it is with this energy, optimized THANKS TO THE SUN ! Weight 1,600 kg with the aerodynamics and flight mechan- cumulators needed for night flight weigh at 50 cm intervals profile these two layers ler within the range of 200-4,000 rpm. from the solar panel to the propeller by the ics of the HB-SIA. The pilots’ capability 400 kg, equal to ¼ of the total weight of the and give the body its aerodynamic shape. efforts of an entire team, that Solar Impulse Take-off speed 35 km/h has already been tested during a 25 hour aircraft. Success is therefore possible only is striving to fly day and night without fuel ! virtual flight in the tiny 1.3m3 cockpit. by maximizing aerodynamic performance and optimizing the energy chain.
SOLAR_PLAQUETTE_INSTIT_6P_Eng_PROD.indd 2 18.6.2009 18:52:37 «If an aircraft is able to fly day and night without fuel, propelled only by solar energy, let no one claim that it is impossible to do the same THE ZERO FUEL AIRPLANE thing for motor vehicles, heating and air conditioning systems and computers. This project voices our conviction that a pioneering spirit with political vision can together change society and bring about an end to fossil fuel dependency.» Bertrand Piccard
ONE PROTOTYPE, THREE OBJECTIVES > Validating the results of the computer simulations, the technological choices and the construction technologies ; > Testing an unexplored domain of flight, as no aircraft has VISION CHALLENGE AIRPLANE yet succeeded in flying with this combination of size, weight and speed ; Solar Impulse believes in the force of symbols. To produce an aircraft which will take off With the giant wingspan of an Airbus A340 By writing a new page of aviation history and fly, under its own power, both day and and its proportionally miniscule weight, the > Demonstrating the efficiency of the energy system by being with solar energy, by way of a round-the- night, entirely propelled by solar energy, HB-SIA prototype presents construction able to fly right through the night after storing sufficient world flight without fuel or pollution, Solar is an unachievable challenge without dras- and aerodynamic features never before Impulse is determined to actively promote tically reducing energy consumption. Solar encountered. Carbon fibre structure, pro- solar energy during the daytime. the cause of renewable energies and the Impulse’s 50 engineers and technicians, pulsion chain, flight domain and instrumen- The lessons learned from the prototype HB-SIA will be used energy efficiency that new technologies are supported by a hundred or so experts and tation, everything has been rethought and offering. The Solar Impulse initiative is both advisers, have had to apply totally new designed to save energy, resist high altitude in the design and technical choices of the HB-SIB, the aircraft scientific, with all the research it implies, aeronautical solutions. Whilst not the first factors hostile to both materials and pilot, that will attempt to fly round the world. and philosophical, by virtue of its concern solar aircraft project, Solar Impulse is and to combine the constraints of weight to stir society in order to be sparing of our certainly the most ambitious : the HB-SIA with the imperatives of resistance. planet’s energy resources. prototype should be the first aircraft to come close to perpetual flight.
TESTS AND VIRTUAL FLIGHTS ENERGY CAPTURING AND STORAGE STRUCTURE AND MATERIALS PROPULSION SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES TECHNCIAL DATASHEET
Calculations, tests and simulations are an The 11,628 monocrystalline silicon cells, Attaining a 63.40 m wingspan with the Beneath the wings are four gondolas, At midday, each m² of land surface receives Wingspan 63.40 m integral part of each step of the construc- each 150 microns thick, have been se- necessary rigidity, lightness and flight con each containing a 10 HP motor, a lithium the equivalent of 1,000 watts, or 1.3 horse- Length 21.85 m tion process. Wing charge and vibration lected for their lightness, flexibility and trollability and with just 1,600 kg take-off polymer battery set and a management power of light power. Over 24 hours this tests have served to fine-tune the models efficiency. At 22%, their energy efficiency weight is a challenge that has never before system controlling charge/discharge and averages out at just 250 W/m². With 200m² Height 6.40 m developed by the engineers, and move for- could have been higher, but the additional been met in aeronautics. Solar Impulse is temperature. The thermal insulation has of photovoltaic cells and 12% total effi- Motor power 4 x 10 HP electric engines ward step by step in a totally unknown field. weight would have penalized the aircraft built round a carbon fibre-honeycomb com- been designed to conserve the heat radi- ciency of the propulsion chain, the aircraft‘s Solar cells 11,628 (10,748 on the wing, To control an aircraft with such totally new during night flight. In this, the most critical posite using a sandwich structure. The ated by the batteries and to keep them engines achieve on average just 8 HP or 880 on the horizontal stabilizer) NIGHT FLYING features, the pilots are having to adapt to a stage, the major constraint of the project upper wing surface is covered with a skin functioning despite the -40°C encountered 6 KW – roughly the amount of power the flight behaviour very different to that of is storing energy in the lithium polymer of encapsulated solar cells, and the under- at 8,500 metres. Each engine is fitted with Wright brothers had available to them in Average flying speed 70 km/h other aircraft types. A simulator has been batteries. At the present stage, the maxi- sides of the wings with a high resistance a reducer that limits the rotation of each 1903 when they made their first powered Maximum altitude 8,500 m (27,900 ft) specially developed to familiarize them mum energy density is 220 Wh/kg. The ac- flexible film. 120 carbon fibre ribs placed 3.5 metre diameter, twin-bladed propel- flight. And it is with this energy, optimized THANKS TO THE SUN ! Weight 1,600 kg with the aerodynamics and flight mechan- cumulators needed for night flight weigh at 50 cm intervals profile these two layers ler within the range of 200-4,000 rpm. from the solar panel to the propeller by the ics of the HB-SIA. The pilots’ capability 400 kg, equal to ¼ of the total weight of the and give the body its aerodynamic shape. efforts of an entire team, that Solar Impulse Take-off speed 35 km/h has already been tested during a 25 hour aircraft. Success is therefore possible only is striving to fly day and night without fuel ! virtual flight in the tiny 1.3m3 cockpit. by maximizing aerodynamic performance and optimizing the energy chain.
SOLAR_PLAQUETTE_INSTIT_6P_Eng_PROD.indd 2 18.6.2009 18:52:37 «If an aircraft is able to fly day and night without fuel, propelled only by solar energy, let no one claim that it is impossible to do the same THE ZERO FUEL AIRPLANE thing for motor vehicles, heating and air conditioning systems and computers. This project voices our conviction that a pioneering spirit with political vision can together change society and bring about an end to fossil fuel dependency.» Bertrand Piccard
ONE PROTOTYPE, THREE OBJECTIVES > Validating the results of the computer simulations, the technological choices and the construction technologies ; > Testing an unexplored domain of flight, as no aircraft has VISION CHALLENGE AIRPLANE yet succeeded in flying with this combination of size, weight and speed ; Solar Impulse believes in the force of symbols. To produce an aircraft which will take off With the giant wingspan of an Airbus A340 By writing a new page of aviation history and fly, under its own power, both day and and its proportionally miniscule weight, the > Demonstrating the efficiency of the energy system by being with solar energy, by way of a round-the- night, entirely propelled by solar energy, HB-SIA prototype presents construction able to fly right through the night after storing sufficient world flight without fuel or pollution, Solar is an unachievable challenge without dras- and aerodynamic features never before Impulse is determined to actively promote tically reducing energy consumption. Solar encountered. Carbon fibre structure, pro- solar energy during the daytime. the cause of renewable energies and the Impulse’s 50 engineers and technicians, pulsion chain, flight domain and instrumen- The lessons learned from the prototype HB-SIA will be used energy efficiency that new technologies are supported by a hundred or so experts and tation, everything has been rethought and offering. The Solar Impulse initiative is both advisers, have had to apply totally new designed to save energy, resist high altitude in the design and technical choices of the HB-SIB, the aircraft scientific, with all the research it implies, aeronautical solutions. Whilst not the first factors hostile to both materials and pilot, that will attempt to fly round the world. and philosophical, by virtue of its concern solar aircraft project, Solar Impulse is and to combine the constraints of weight to stir society in order to be sparing of our certainly the most ambitious : the HB-SIA with the imperatives of resistance. planet’s energy resources. prototype should be the first aircraft to come close to perpetual flight.
TESTS AND VIRTUAL FLIGHTS ENERGY CAPTURING AND STORAGE STRUCTURE AND MATERIALS PROPULSION SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES TECHNCIAL DATASHEET
Calculations, tests and simulations are an The 11,628 monocrystalline silicon cells, Attaining a 63.40 m wingspan with the Beneath the wings are four gondolas, At midday, each m² of land surface receives Wingspan 63.40 m integral part of each step of the construc- each 150 microns thick, have been se- necessary rigidity, lightness and flight con each containing a 10 HP motor, a lithium the equivalent of 1,000 watts, or 1.3 horse- Length 21.85 m tion process. Wing charge and vibration lected for their lightness, flexibility and trollability and with just 1,600 kg take-off polymer battery set and a management power of light power. Over 24 hours this tests have served to fine-tune the models efficiency. At 22%, their energy efficiency weight is a challenge that has never before system controlling charge/discharge and averages out at just 250 W/m². With 200m² Height 6.40 m developed by the engineers, and move for- could have been higher, but the additional been met in aeronautics. Solar Impulse is temperature. The thermal insulation has of photovoltaic cells and 12% total effi- Motor power 4 x 10 HP electric engines ward step by step in a totally unknown field. weight would have penalized the aircraft built round a carbon fibre-honeycomb com- been designed to conserve the heat radi- ciency of the propulsion chain, the aircraft‘s Solar cells 11,628 (10,748 on the wing, To control an aircraft with such totally new during night flight. In this, the most critical posite using a sandwich structure. The ated by the batteries and to keep them engines achieve on average just 8 HP or 880 on the horizontal stabilizer) NIGHT FLYING features, the pilots are having to adapt to a stage, the major constraint of the project upper wing surface is covered with a skin functioning despite the -40°C encountered 6 KW – roughly the amount of power the flight behaviour very different to that of is storing energy in the lithium polymer of encapsulated solar cells, and the under- at 8,500 metres. Each engine is fitted with Wright brothers had available to them in Average flying speed 70 km/h other aircraft types. A simulator has been batteries. At the present stage, the maxi- sides of the wings with a high resistance a reducer that limits the rotation of each 1903 when they made their first powered Maximum altitude 8,500 m (27,900 ft) specially developed to familiarize them mum energy density is 220 Wh/kg. The ac- flexible film. 120 carbon fibre ribs placed 3.5 metre diameter, twin-bladed propel- flight. And it is with this energy, optimized THANKS TO THE SUN ! Weight 1,600 kg with the aerodynamics and flight mechan- cumulators needed for night flight weigh at 50 cm intervals profile these two layers ler within the range of 200-4,000 rpm. from the solar panel to the propeller by the ics of the HB-SIA. The pilots’ capability 400 kg, equal to ¼ of the total weight of the and give the body its aerodynamic shape. efforts of an entire team, that Solar Impulse Take-off speed 35 km/h has already been tested during a 25 hour aircraft. Success is therefore possible only is striving to fly day and night without fuel ! virtual flight in the tiny 1.3m3 cockpit. by maximizing aerodynamic performance and optimizing the energy chain.
SOLAR_PLAQUETTE_INSTIT_6P_Eng_PROD.indd 2 18.6.2009 18:52:37 UNCONDITIONAL PARTNERS AROUND THE WORLD IN A SOLAR AIRPLANE « Meeting a challenge of this magnitude is possible only by taking Solar Impulse brings together an entire family of partners who share the project’s pioneering maximum advantage of solar energy. Every watt counts, and we are spirit, guarantee its feasibility and are committed to promoting renewable energies. looking to track down every way we can save energy. Only the most Solar Impulse’s partners all have a pioneering spirit, a long-term vision and a desire to advanced solutions, most of them never applied before, will permit explore new horizons. Above all they share the basic values of this human adventure : ex- this. We believe we have found them by combining the experience ploration, technological innovation, entrepreneurial excellence, passion, teamwork, dream and summing the potential of every team member. » and emotion. Like Solar Impulse’s initiators, they want to use these values to promote renewable energies and the technology necessary for protecting the environment. They André Borschberg are contributing to the success of this adventure by financing the aircraft and providing support in their particular fields of expertise.
MAIN PARTNERS MAIN PARTNERS MAIN PARTNERS MAIN PARTNERS MAINMAIN P PARTNERSARTNERS
Solvay MAIN PARTNERS
The first main partner to sign up for the Solar Impulse adventure was Solvay. This inter- MAIN PARTNERS national chemicals and pharmaceuticals group is well known for its plastics and polymers MAIN PARTNERS and for its development of new materials and innovative technological solutions.
TRAJECTORY A TANDEM AT THE CONTROLS AN EPIC IN STAGES Omega From the moon to the sun. For Omega, partnering this challenge is an opportunity to set Solar Impulse continues a long tradition of Two men, both pioneers and innovators, After 6 years from the first concept to the out once again on the route of the pioneers and re-live an adventure which combines exploration, adventure and scientific both pilots, are the driving force behind finished prototype, the HB-SIA solar air- passion and avant-garde technological innovation, whilst bringing to the project its own development. By initiating this challenge, Solar Impulse : Bertrand Piccard, psy- craft will need to be put through its paces, expertise in micromechanics and microelectronics. Bertrand Piccard is continuing his family’s chiatrist and aeronaut, who made the before starting out on its 36 hour flight, tradition of adventure, from the exploration first non-stop round-the-world balloon which is a major objective of the project. Deutsche Bank of the stratosphere and the ocean depths flight, is the initiator and chairman. From flea-hops to circuits, several months A door to the world of finance and industry, Deutsche Bank brings to the project its experi- to his own round-the-world balloon flight. André Borschberg, an engineer and will be needed before undertaking the ence of sustainable development, its passion for performance and its long-term vision which Joining him in this adventure is a team graduate in management science, trained first night flight. lend credibility to the fundamental and necessary link between economics and ecology. headed by André Borschberg, whose as a fighter pilot and a professional air- A second aircraft will then be built and, ENGINEERING PARTNER ENGINEERING PARTNER competence guarantees the success of plane and helicopter pilot, is the CEO. The starting in 2012, will retrace, using solar OFFICIAL PARTNERS ENGINEERINGENGINEERING P PARTNERARTNER the project, and partners who are also former’s avant-gardist vision and the energy, some of the great firsts in the his- Altran ENGINEERING PARTNER keen to invent the future. The challenges latter’s entrepreneurial experience are tory of flight. After the crossings of the ENGINEERING PARTNER The project’s engineering partner, a leader in innovation consulting, is making available to ENGINEERING PARTNER of our world can only be met by those an ideal combination. USA and the Atlantic, the culminating point Solar Impulse its human resources and its multidisciplinary, multisectoral expertise. ENGINEERING PARTNER with a pioneering spirit who go looking will be the tour of the world in five stages. NATIONALNATIONAL TELECOM TELECOM PAPARTNER for new solutions outside our current NATIONALNATIONAL TELECOM TELECOM PA PARTNERRTNER Swisscom habits and certainties. The national telecommunications partner, Swisscom is developing the tools which will permit NATIONAL TELECOM PARTNER NATIONAL TELECOM PARTNER communication between the aircraft and mission control at any place around the world. NATIONAL TELECOM PARTNER NATIONAL TELECOM PARTNER OFFICIAL SUPPORTERS OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR The Geneva company SEMPER, the first company to back the project, and the Clarins Group are OFFICIALOFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR ADVISOR supporting the technology vision, the thrust for innovation and the respect of the environment OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR THE ZERO FUEL AIRPLANE that Solar Impulse is championing. BKW/FMK (Forces Motrices Bernoises), Toyota Switzerland OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR and SIG (Services Industriels de Genève) are supporting the project at national level. > The wingspan of an Airbus A340, in order to minimize induced OFFICIALAERONAUTICAL SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR ADVISOR OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR AERONAUTICAL ADVISOR drag and offer the largest possible surface for the solar cells INSTITUTIONAL AND AERONAUTICS PARTNERS AERONAUTICALAERONAUTICAL ADVISOR ADVISOR AERONAUTICAL ADVISOR > The weight of a family car, Following the 2003 feasibility study, the EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) every unnecessary gram has been AERONAUTICAL ADVISOR INVENTING THE FUTURE became the Official Scientific Advisor, bringing to the project the competence of its various eliminated in order to build a super-light aircraft AERONAUTICAL ADVISOR READY FOR THE FIRST TEST FLIGHTS In its quest for the ultimate in technological laboratories. For these knowledge explorers, Solar Impulse represents a field of very high INSTITUTIONAL PARTNER INSTITUTIONAL PARTNER For six years, from initial concept to finished performance and symbolic force, Solar > The power of a scooter, after the extreme optimization of the level research with innumerable potential applications. AERONAUTICALINSTITUTIONALINSTITUTIONAL PARTNERPARTNER ADVISOR INSTITUTIONAL PARTNER product, structure and materials specialists, Impulse has set out on the difficult and entire energy chain engineers, physicists andcomputer scien- risk-strewn path trodden by all pioneers. Solar Impulse can also count on the know-how and experience of major aerospace players, INSTITUTIONAL PARTNER tists have been working together to build a Flying day and night without fuel should > The fulfillment of a vision such as the European Space Agency (ESA), Dassault Aviation and IATA (International Air INSTITUTIONAL PARTNER Transport Association), which have welcomed the solar energy adventure with open arms. revolutionary aircraft. demonstrate the immense potential of re- newable energies for inducing the changes INSTITUTIONAL PARTNER OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS On the eve of the first tests, the suspense needed in order to achieve better use of is enormous. How will a wing of such size, energy resources and greater respect for Victorinox – SolarMax – La Semeuse (coffee) – Hirslanden (medical advices) – Abächerli (printing) – SQS. and yet so light, behave in flight ? Will Solar the environment. Impulse be able to defy the long nights using solar energy alone ?
around the world PSE-C, EPFL Scientific Park TeL.: +41 (0)21 693 89 33 [email protected] IN a solar airplane CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland FAX: +41 (0)21 693 69 39 WWW.SOLARIMPULSE.COM
SOLAR_PLAQUETTE_INSTIT_6P_Eng_PROD.indd 1 18.6.2009 18:52:14