World Cup - Qatar designs cloud to cool stadiums

[roadrunner]

An artificial cloud has been designed at Qatar University which could be the solution to the summer heat at the 2022 World Cup.

The cloud, manufactured from light carbon materials and helium gas, can be held in place by solar power and moved by remote control.

Because they will block the sunlight they will be able to have a regulating effect on the temperature.

Since winning the World Cup bid in December, there has been plenty of debate amongst football fans about whether a summer World Cup, where the average temperature in Qatar exceeds 40C, would be fair on players or spectators.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has subsequently stated though that the tournament will not move from its traditional dates in the summer.

Saud Abdul Gani, the head of the department at Qatar University, told the Gulf Times that the project would be taken forward in co-operation with the Qatar Science and Technology Park.

"We are in discussion with the QSTP about the costs and to create an initial model on a trial basis," Saud said.

The initial model for the cloud could be produced for $500,000 (£309,000), but costs could come down considerably if they were produced on a commercial scale.

And to think Qatar born Mohamed Bin Hammam will challenge Blatter for the FIFA presidency. Can't wait for more ideas like this in the future.. Can they not build stadiums with retractable roofs and air con?

[Hoop Blah]

There's been a dark cloud hanging over this since the day of the vote...can't they just use that?

[PieEater]

[An artificial cloud has been designed at Qatar University which could be the solution to the summer heat at the 2022 World Cup.

Spacey should let them know that the temperatures are measured in the shade, so even with a cloud it will still be 40 degrees.

[cmonurz]

What happened to air conditioned stadiums?

[Svlad Cjelli]

[An artificial cloud has been designed at Qatar University which could be the solution to the summer heat at the 2022 World Cup.

Spacey should let them know that the temperatures are measured in the shade, so even with a cloud it will still be 40 degrees.

In a "properly aspirated Stevenson Screen" no less.

[Y21_Royal]

What happened to air conditioned stadiums?

Think they realised that it wouldn't work in open air stadia or if there was a little bit of wind

[Red]

It's too early for April fools, even on Qatar time, but can't get my head round this.

This "cloud" seems to just be something that provides a bit of shade and can be moved around. Surely the same thing could be acheived for less than half a million quid, or have I missed something?

[zummerset]

It's too early for April fools, even on Qatar time, but can't get my head round this.

This "cloud" seems to just be something that provides a bit of shade and can be moved around. Surely the same thing could be acheived for less than half a million quid, or have I missed something?

Like a roof and aircon Magnus for example?

[cmonurz]

What happened to air conditioned stadiums?

Think they realised that it wouldn't work in open air stadia or if there was a little bit of wind

No shit.

I meant, I thought the plan was to build climate controlled stadia with roofs.

[TBM]

What happened to air conditioned stadiums?

Think they realised that it wouldn't work in open air stadia or if there was a little bit of wind

No shit.

I meant, I thought the plan was to build climate controlled stadia with roofs.

Probably cheaper hovering a airship above the stadiums

[Svlad Cjelli]

How would a cloud keep the temperature down? It might create a shadow to stop the temperature rising, but it won't do any actual cooling.

[Bandini]

It's too early for April fools, even on Qatar time, but can't get my head round this.

This "cloud" seems to just be something that provides a bit of shade and can be moved around. Surely the same thing could be acheived for less than half a million quid, or have I missed something?

Agreed. If only they drank out there they'd understand the concept of a pub garden umbrella.

I suggest that the pole gets planted in the centre circle.

[TBM]

How would a cloud keep the temperature down? It might create a shadow to stop the temperature rising, but it won't do any actual cooling.

It will blow out cold air