While eleven years lie between now and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, there is already one thing that soccer fans are bracing themselves for: extreme heat.
But while many people have questioned how this massive event will play out in 110-degree heat, scientists and engineers in Qatar are prepared to create a solution before it becomes a problem.
This solution comes in the form of clouds—solar-powered, gas-filled clouds, that is. The clouds, controlled by remotes, will be maneuvered to cover the playing field, shielding both players and spectators from direct and indirect rays.
In addition, the clouds will follow the sun as it moves from east to west, ensuring that the field will remain covered throughout the day.
According to Saud Abdul Ghani, head of the stadium’s mechanical and industrial engineering department, the clouds will be similar to a blimp filled with helium, surrounded by a lightweight carbon structure.
The devices will be able to fly very high in order to block out as much sunlight as possible, and are to be powered by four solar-powered engines.
So how much will this technology cost? It’s expected to ring in around $500,000, making some people question if installing a solar shade over the stadium might be a better bet.
But with 11 years still to go before the streets are crowded with soccer fanatics, there is certainly time to tweak the plan.
Photos via Flickr CC: Larry Johnson & Peter
Solar-Powered Clouds to Shield Fans at World Cup 2022
Last 5 posts in Residential Solar
- CEGA Welcomes Ralph Krongold as Chief Solar Trainer - June 1st, 2012
- The Myths Behind Offshore Drilling - March 29th, 2012
- Solar Thermal + PV = Efficiency x 3 - March 23rd, 2012
- Solar Gets Bailed Out! - March 22nd, 2012
- Solar Coming Out of the Shadows - March 18th, 2012
The cloud hovers like a helicopter and is remotely controlled. In this way, the cloud hovers over the football ground, shielding from direct sunlight, and providing a favorable climactic environment.