Integration 6G: research to provide coverage to isolated areas

The project, divided into Integration 6G 3 and Integration 6G 4, theoretically develops a pseudo-satellite system based on hydrogen float aircraft

The social and economic development of the planet's most remote areas is aggravated by their digital disconnection. According to the International Telecommunication Union, one-third of the world's population does not have access to the internet. Faced with this problem, Edairtec is developing a HAPS (High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite) ecosystem capable of providing Beyond 5G (B5G) coverage within a 500 km radius.

Integration 6G proposes the combined operation of a swarm of HAPS (High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite) aircraft sustained by hydrogen. Its proposal goes beyond simple network support. Its design allows for the interchange of pods, adapting the system to each mission. In this way, a pseudo-satellite ecosystem is conceived with particularly interesting applications such as disaster management, border control, and maritime traffic safety.

The added value of Integration 6G lies in its ability to act as an intermediate node between a satellite and a terrestrial station. This complements existing LTE infrastructure and offers secure communication bubbles over areas of interest.

The GSMA Mobile Connectivity Index measures network performance in each country.

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HYBRIDIZATION at a height of 20km

Integration 6G elevates the concept of a lighter-than-air aircraft that uses hydrogen for lift and energy generation to TRL4 (Technology Readiness Level 4).

Discover how it works

A substitute for helium weighing one-third

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The efficient flight of the HAPS is possible thanks to the use of hydrogen floats. This gas has a density three times lighter than the commonly used helium. A system of ballonets is thus arranged inside the two floats, which are over 100 meters long, allowing the float's load to be varied.

The balloons are arranged at both ends of the float and operate independently. In this way, the ballonet system serves a dual function. In addition to elevating the HAPS, it acts as a depth rudder, allowing the aircraft to pitch by increasing or decreasing the angle of attack.

Both floats are joined by an intermediate biplane that provides extra lift to the aircraft. Furthermore, the lower wing has been designed to support the pods that contain the systems and the payload.

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A sustainable and innovative energy mix

Integration 6G is an ecosystem designed for missions that can extend for weeks. To achieve this, Edairtec has created a system for generation, management, and storage that accounts for solar cycles.

The photovoltaic panels located behind the intermediate biplane are the main energy source for the HAPS. This energy is transferred to a set of batteries and ultracapacitors, which are ready to meet the demands of higher operational loads.

Additionally, there is a hydrogen fuel cell that generates electrical energy when the aircraft descends. In the event that the rest of the system fails, the fuel cell acts as a lifeline.

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Managing a SWARM

The joint work of the HAPS swarm proposed in Integration 6G makes use of satellite navigation. The integration of a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) collects information on the aircraft's altitude, latitude, and longitude. This information reaches the ground control station thanks to the ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast) system, which is a fundamental tool for air traffic management.

Thus, navigation is made effective by the ballonet system and two propellers located on the outer side of the floats. These propellers propel the aircraft during ascent and allow for its rotation.

The HAPS also includes aerodynamic elements that ensure flight stability. This is the function of the empennages on both floats.

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Pods, a solution for providing 5G and 6G support

The HAPS designed in Integration 6G has a total of four pods located under the intermediate biplane. These semi-cylindrical pods hold various components, from telecommunications antennas to the aircraft's navigation systems. Their fiberglass coating is a polymerized weave that provides the pods with greater electromagnetic protection.

During Integration 3, antenna modules were designed that could support 5G within a 500 km radius. Edairtec has also developed modules that allow for research into the 6G network, the next evolution in mobile coverage networks.

This project, with file number MIP-20221017, has been subsidized by the CDTI - Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology through the 2022 call of the "Misiones CDTI" program and is supported by the Ministry of Science and Innovation.