Tension Analysis-Based Tether Monitoring and Failure Detection System for Aerostats

This work presents a real-time tension analysis- based tether monitoring and failure detection system for aerostats. Aerostats are lightweight-than-air systems, typically connected with a tether to the ground, that operate at fixed altitudes and provide extended coverage of communication networks, enabling low-latency data transmission. Being the sole link between the ground and the aerostat, the infrastructure and safety depend heavily on the tether. However, tethers exposed to challenging environmental conditions might cause them to break, resulting in serious consequences. The proposed tether monitoring and failure detection system is equipped with an early detection and warning system and has provisions for automatic action as well as manual intervention in the process of deflation. The reliability of the system was tested for various environmental scenarios and was found to function as desired. The current system can be used in aerostats of varied criticalities and sizes by just choosing a load cell of appropriate ratings and selecting appropriate load thresholds and communication modules.