Google’s Project Loon Soars With Solar-Powered Wifi

20/06/2013

Project Loon, the latest experimental technology from Google, seeks to fill in these internet gaps with a network of solar-powered, high-altitude balloons.

I’ll admit it. I’m uncomfortable when traveling through internet dead zones. On one hand, I’m thankful they exist, because they force people like me to unplug. On the other, I realize that education and opportunity suffer in the two-thirds of the world that doesn’t have access to a reliable internet connection.

Project Loon, the latest experimental technology from Google, seeks to fill in these internet gaps with a network of solar-powered, high-altitude balloons. These durable air-craft will transmit Wifi signals in hard to reach areas. It won’t be broadband, but for those currently working with dial-up or less, it will be a sun-powered miracle.

You might envision hot air balloons but when Project Loon says “high altitude” balloons, they mean really high. Project Loon balloons will float in the stratosphere, twice as high as airplanes and the weather. Carried around the Earth by natural wind currents, the balloons will provide connectivity to a ground area about 40 km in diameter at speeds comparable to 3G.

Each Loon balloon will be powered through photovoltaic solar panels. About four hours of direct sunlight are needed for a full charge, while extra energy is stored in a rechargeable battery for nighttime power.

“For balloon-to-balloon and balloon-to-ground communications, the balloons use antennas equipped with specialized radio frequency technology,” explains the Project Loon website. Those who wish to connect to the ubiquitous network will need a special Internet antenna attached to their building or house (presumably how Google will profit from this otherwise altruistic project).

Earlier this month, Google launched 30 balloons over New Zealand’s South Island. They’re now beam Internet to a small group of pilot testers. Feedback from the test will be used to refine the technology and shape the next phase of Project Loon.

By Le My

Same Category

Energy saving tips for your winter

04/10/2024

Clean energy brings stable electricity supply to Truong Sa Archipelago 02/11/2022
Energy shifting towards a green economy 07/10/2021
Reduce your energy bills this fall with these tips 28/09/2021
Looking to save on your energy bill? Here are some easy tips 28/09/2021

10 ways to save water at home 26/09/2021

As we face these effects of climate change, conserving water becomes increasingly important. Saving water also means saving money; the average American family spends more than $1,000 on water a year, which can be diminished significantly by addressing the way we use water in our daily lives.
Saving electricity – Practical tips that cut through the noise 26/09/2021

Power is essential for lighting and running appliances at homes and in businesses. With its ever-increasing costs, consumers constantly compare electricity in addition to other practical ways to save electricity.
Energy saving tips for the home – 7 ways to lower your bills 26/09/2021

Worried about soaring gas prices? Our energy saving tips for the home are a great way to lower gas and electricity bills and save precious cash
Quantum chemists conjure recipe to turn gold, silver and copper into vessels of green energy 23/09/2021

Quantum chemists believe gold, silver and copper could help the world take a leap towards green energy after discovering that compounds based on these metal elements and hydrogen are very promising candidates for hydrogen storage.
As heating bills go up, put your energy into keeping costs down 16/09/2021

With wholesale energy prices soaring, millions of householders will face bigger bills next month. But there are ways to save.
5 easy ways to improve energy efficiency 16/09/2021

In addition to navigating a deadly pandemic, improving energy efficiency is likely the top priority for today’s building owners facing costly, mandatory retrofits by 2025.
How to solve the investment puzzle of clean energy transitions in the developing world 19/02/2021

This article looks into three areas where efforts are needed to accelerate investments in clean energy transitions
Viet Nam News Economy Lessons from solar: Rush to invest in wind power plants to get high tariffs could overload grid 09/02/2020

The rush to invest in wind energy to take advantage of the Government's pricing incentives could lead to overloading of the national grid in a repeat of the solar scenario, experts warn.