Using light, unmanned helium balloons for rain enhancement

Abstract

In Romania, any action regarding active interventions in atmosphere works under provisions of Law No. 173/2008. According to this law, the experimental rain enhancement program uses unmanned light helium balloons. Their operation was performed by the trained staff from Active Intervention into Atmosphere (S.C. IAA S.A., headquarters in Bucharest, Romania). A French society developed the technology of light unmanned helium balloons – SELERYS; they were the first in the world that set up this concept. To operate such balloons, an important automatic coordination like a SOBLI one is needed. The communications between a command post and the unit where these balloons are placed is performed via SMS. Only recorded phone numbers are used in these communications to prevent abusive calling. Following the French manufacturer’s recommendations - (SELERYS), a balloon launching module is composed of: one container, an electric command panel, two batteries of 12 V, solar panels, a weather station, an automatic sliding roof, two helium tank stands, covered guiding panels with foil, six boxing launching, and a switchboard. Besides these previously listed, there’re latex balloons, pneumatic connectors, and torch places. On an experimental trial undertaken within Hail Suppression Unit (UCCG) Moldova 1 – Iasi at Cotnari Group (Valea Racului, Hodora, Ruginoasa, Strunga, and Sârca), considering the velocity too, a surface up to 80000 ha has been covered. Using unmanned helium balloons has been proven useful increasing rain amounts up to 10 – 25%.