ABSTRACT
Irradiance measurements on the envelope during airship flights as well as validated calculations of irradiance distribution with consideration of anisotropic diffuse irradiance on the basis of flight attitude angles and ground data for determination of solar resource at airship envelope at low altitude were carried out. With consideration of PV module specific properties electrical energy output from airship envelope segments covered with solar cells can be determined with good quality. Requirements regarding integrated photovoltaic modules for airships are identified. The feasibility of lightweight flexible photovoltaic modules and achievable power values was studied on the basis of possible substrate materials and deposition techniques for flexible CIGS thin film photovoltaic modules. Several metallic and non-metallic substrates are suitable for flexible CIGS thin film PV modules with a potential of up to 700 W/kg and 400 g/m2.
