ABB today announced its association with Solar Impulse to support the solar energy-powered flight’s non-stop, five day journey, around the world.
Solar Impulse’s solar powered flight will take off in February last week from China destined to Hawaii and the mission will be concluding in Abu Dhabi in March first week.
The plane that will cover a total of 40,000-kilometer route will be powered using 17,248 solar cells.
The flight will stay aloft even during the night with the help of solar power charged in day time.
In 2014 ABB formed an innovation and technology alliance with Solar Impulse for imparting shared vision of reducing resource consumption and increasing the use of renewable energy.
Three ABB engineers have joined the Solar Impulse team with the intention of contributing expertise and technology.
Their work includes improving control systems for ground operations, enhancing the charging electronics for the plane’s battery systems and resolving obstacles that emerge along the route.
The duo of pilots including Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg will share duties as the aircraft stops in cities.
Sabeena Wahid
[email protected]