Thermal updraught generating system - enables transport by gliders in tropical countries by using solar heating of darkened earth

摘要

The system enables transport of goods in gliders by providing reliable updraughts along the route to be flown by the glider. The motive power for the up-draughts is derived from solar energy. A strip of darkened earth is produced by mixing earth with oil, and this darkened strip is covered by a low pitched glass roof (C-1) to achieve further heating by means of the greenhouse effect. Air enters the solar heating strip under the eaves of the roof and is heated as it passes towards the centre of the strip. There is an opening at the ridge of the roof through which the hot air escapes to produce a continuous line of thermals.