Large-size liquid-cooled panel for non-periodic array phased array antenna

Abstract

In order to improve the integration and reliability of the non-periodic array phased array antenna, the application provides a large-size liquid cooling panel for a non-periodic array phased array antenna, and the radiation subarrays are arranged in a non-periodic manner with random spacing, the minimum gap between the radiation subarrays is the minimum assembly gap, and the maximum gap is more than 1 times the unit spacing. In order to reduce the winding distance, the back-end active subarray and the front-end radiation subarray adopt the same random arrangement mode. The production process of the liquid cooling panel mainly includes panel blank flow channel processing, flow channel cleaning, through cover plate welding, flow channel cover plate welding, heat treatment, flow channel sealing inspection, machining, conductive oxidation and sealing inspection. The installation demand and bearing demand of the non-periodic arrangement of the radiation subarray can be met, the active subarray heat dissipation channel is integrated, and good process implementation is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of antenna array technology, specifically relating to a large-size liquid-cooled panel for a non-periodic phased array antenna. Background Technology

[0002] As the demands for power in early warning detection and precision measurement radar systems increase, the array aperture and number of channels are also growing. To improve cost-effectiveness and efficiently utilize the radar antenna array aperture, an effective method is to employ a non-periodic array arrangement with large element spacing for the radiating elements, as seen in the US SBX and GBR-P radars. For better engineering feasibility, the non-periodic array arrangement uses a subarray level, where the radiating elements within the subarray region are arranged regularly, while the overall antenna array is non-periodic. Non-periodic array methods at the radiating subarray level include translation, misalignment, rotation, and randomized spacing. The non-periodic layout of the radiating subarrays presents significant challenges to the installation of backend equipment, especially for non-periodic arrays with randomized spacing.

[0003] Currently, to resolve the conflict between aperiodic subarray layout and periodic region segmentation, aperiodic phased array antennas typically employ flexible cables and flexible cooling pipe networks for structural interconnection, as seen in the SBX radar and two domestic aperiodic layout radars (Fang Hongmei et al.: Collaborative Design of Large Aperiodic Phased Array Antennas). This type of interconnection method results in a large number of devices, high radar weight, and complex interconnection interfaces, leading to high installation, repair, and maintenance costs. To improve the integration and reliability of aperiodic phased array antennas, it is necessary to research highly integrated structural, load-bearing, and cooling system layout schemes that meet the installation requirements of aperiodic radiating subarrays and the periodic division requirements of the load-bearing frame. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address this, this invention proposes a large-size liquid-cooled panel for aperiodic phased array antennas. This panel meets the installation and load-bearing requirements of aperiodic radiating subarrays while integrating heat dissipation channels for active subarrays, and exhibits excellent fabrication feasibility. A typical arrangement of the aperiodic phased array antenna is shown in Figure 1. The radiating subarrays are arranged in aperiodic randomized spacing, with the minimum gap between subarrays being the minimum assembly gap, and the maximum gap exceeding one unit spacing. To reduce winding distance, the rear active subarrays and the front radiating subarrays employ the same randomized arrangement. The liquid-cooled panel production process of this invention mainly includes panel blank flow channel processing, flow channel cleaning, through-plate welding, flow channel cover welding, heat treatment, flow channel sealing inspection, machining, conductive oxidation, and sealing inspection.

[0005] A large-size liquid-cooled panel for a non-periodic phased array antenna of the present invention includes a panel welding blank (1), a through-channel cover plate (2), and a channel cover plate (3); the through-channel cover plate (2) includes a liquid supply through-channel cover plate (21) and a liquid return through-channel cover plate (22), and the channel cover plate (3) includes a liquid supply main channel cover plate (31), a liquid return main channel cover plate (32), and a branch channel cover plate (33), all of which cover the corresponding channels; the panel welding blank (1) includes a liquid supply main channel (13), a liquid return main channel (12), a branch channel (14), and a welding process hole (15), wherein the liquid supply main channel (13) and the branch channel (14) are connected at the liquid supply through-channel (132), and the liquid return main channel (12) and the branch channel (14) are connected at the liquid return through-channel (132). The connection point (122) is connected; the main liquid supply channel (13) and the main liquid return channel (12) are arranged horizontally in the azimuth direction of the corresponding subarray, and the branch channel (14) is arranged vertically in the elevation direction of the corresponding subarray. The liquid supply connection point (132) and the main liquid return channel (122) are located on the back of the main liquid supply channel (13), the main liquid return channel (12) and the branch channel (14). The main liquid supply port (131) and the main liquid return port (121) are arranged on the same side of the main liquid supply channel (13) and the main liquid return channel (12). The branch channel (14) includes the main branch channel (141), the branch channel branch (142) and the active subarray liquid supply port (143). The welding process hole (15) is non-uniformly arranged along the main liquid supply channel (13), the main liquid return channel (12) and the branch channel (14).

[0006] Under the action of the external cooling unit, the coolant enters the panel from the main supply port (131), flows through the supply connection point (132) of the main supply channel (13), enters the branch channel (14), flows from the main branch channel (141) to the branch channel branch (142), and finally enters the active subarray from the active subarray supply port (143). After the coolant flows through the active subarray, it carries away the heat and flows from the branch channel (14) to the return main channel (12), and finally returns to the cooling unit from the return port (121).

[0007] Furthermore, the welding of the through-channel cover plate (2) and the through-channel cover plate (3) adopts small-step lap stir friction welding, and reliable support is added inside.

[0008] Furthermore, the branch channel (14) is adapted to the different non-periodic arrangement positions of the liquid supply ports (143) of the active subarray, the length of the branch channel branch (142) and the intersection position of the branch channel main road (141) and the branch channel branch (142) are also adapted accordingly. One branch channel (14) is used by the left and right columns of active subarrays. The center position of the branch channel main road (141) is the center position of the minimum distance between the two columns of active subarrays.

[0009] Furthermore, the length of the branch flow path (142) is determined by the position of the liquid supply port (143) of the non-periodic arrangement of active subarrays.

[0010] Furthermore, the branch channel cover (33) is adapted according to the random arrangement of the active subarray to ensure that the branch channel cover (33) can cover the position of the liquid supply port (143) of the active subarray, that is, the branch length of the branch channel cover (33) is greater than the length of the branch channel branch (142).

[0011] Furthermore, the pitch position of the branch flow channel branch (142) is the same as the pitch position of the corresponding active subarray liquid supply port (143).

[0012] Furthermore, the width of the branch flow path (142) is set according to the flow rate and flow resistance matching requirements. Flow resistance matching can be achieved by adjusting the width of the branch flow path (142) to ensure the consistency of flow resistance between different active subarrays.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0014] 1. It enables highly integrated design of non-periodic phased array antennas, and realizes blind-plug interconnection of active subarray interfaces such as power supply, liquid supply, and radio frequency, which greatly improves the assembly efficiency and maintainability of radar.

[0015] 2. By setting all positioning references on the panel, the working accuracy of large-size aperiodic phased array antennas can be improved, and the effects of error accumulation and temperature deformation can be reduced.

[0016] 3. It can achieve flow resistance matching of non-periodic array active subarrays and improve the temperature uniformity of active subarrays. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a typical random non-periodic subarray arrangement, in which... Figure 1b This is a magnified view of part A.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of panel welding.

[0019] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the panel welding blank, in which Figure 3a Main view, Figure 3b A magnified view of part B of the main view. Figure 3c This is the rear view.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the coolant flow direction in the liquid cooling channel.

[0021] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the staggered non-periodic subarray arrangement, in which... Figure 5b This is a magnified view of a portion of area C.

[0022] Among them, 1. Panel welding blank, 2. Through-flow channel cover plate, 3. Flow channel cover plate, 11. Panel body, 12. Main return liquid channel, 121. Main return liquid port, 122. Through return liquid port, 13. Main supply liquid channel, 131. Main supply liquid port, 132. Through supply liquid port, 14. Branch channel, 141. Main branch channel, 142. Branch channel branch, 143. Active sub-array supply port, 15. Welding process hole, 21. Through supply liquid cover plate, 22. Through return liquid cover plate, 31. Main supply liquid channel cover plate, 32. Main return liquid channel cover plate, 33. Branch channel cover plate. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] Example 1:

[0025] Figure 1 shows a typical aperiodic phased array antenna arrangement, with its radiating subarray consisting of 4 rows and 8 columns, arranged in a randomized aperiodic pattern. Figure 1b The diagram shows a minimum assembly gap of 0.5mm between radiating subarrays and a maximum gap exceeding one unit spacing. To achieve a highly integrated design for this phased array antenna, the active subarrays at the rear end and the radiating subarrays at the front end are arranged in the same random pattern. This enables blind-plug interconnection of all active subarray interfaces, including power supply, liquid supply, and radio frequency interfaces. A large-size liquid-cooled panel for aperiodic phased array antenna, as proposed in this invention, is used to integrate all radiating subarrays, active subarrays, cooling channels, capacitor backplanes, and radio frequency backplanes. The liquid-cooled panel production process of this invention mainly includes panel blank channel processing, channel cleaning, through-plate welding, channel cover welding, heat treatment, channel sealing inspection, machining, conductive oxidation, and sealing inspection.

[0026] like Figure 2As shown in Figure 3, the liquid-cooled panel of the present invention includes a panel welding blank 1, a through-channel cover plate 2, and a channel cover plate 3. Based on the liquid supply and return characteristics, the through-channel cover plate includes a liquid supply through-channel cover plate 21 and a liquid return through-channel cover plate 22. The channel cover plate is further divided into a main liquid supply channel cover plate 31, a main liquid return channel cover plate 32, and a branch channel cover plate 33. The panel welding blank 1 includes a main liquid supply channel 13, a main liquid return channel 12, a branch channel 14, and a welding process hole 15. The main liquid supply channel 13 and the branch channel 14 are connected at the liquid supply through-channel 132, and the main liquid return channel 12 and the branch channel 14 are connected at the liquid return through-channel 122. The main supply channel 13 and the main return channel 12 are arranged horizontally (corresponding to the azimuth direction of the radial subarray), and the branch channel 14 is arranged vertically (corresponding to the elevation direction of the radial subarray). To ensure weldability, the supply and return connection points 132 and 122 are located on the back side of the main channels 12 and 13 and the branch channel 14. The main supply and return channels 13 and 12 are arranged with the main supply and return ports 131 and 121 on the same side. The main supply and return ports 131 and 121 are properly protected during welding and processing. The branch channel 14 includes a main branch channel 141, a branch channel branch 142, and an active subarray supply port 143.

[0027] The welding of the through flow channel cover plate 2 and the flow channel cover plate 3 both adopt small step lap friction stir welding, which mainly includes assembly, positioning welding and formal welding. To avoid collapse during the welding of the through flow channel cover plate, reliable support is added inside.

[0028] like Figure 3a and Figure 3b As shown, the branch flow channel is adapted to the different non-periodic arrangement positions of the active subarray supply ports 143, the length of the branch flow channel branch 142, and the intersection position of the main branch flow channel 141 and the branch flow channel branch 142. Each branch flow channel 14 supplies one column of active subarrays to the left and right columns. The center position of the main branch flow channel 141 is the center position of the point with the smallest distance between the two columns of active subarrays, i.e.:

[0029]

[0030] Where L i,x For the i-th branch channel main road 141 azimuth position, max(C i Let be the position with the maximum azimuth orientation of the active subarray in the i-th column and any row, min(C i+1 The position with the minimum orientation of the active subarray in the (i+1)th column and any row.

[0031] The length of the branch flow path 142 is determined by the position of the liquid supply port 143 of the aperiodic active subarray, i.e.

[0032]

[0033] Where LG(i,j) is the length of the active subarray branch flow path 142 in the i-th column and j-th row, G x (i,j) represents the position of the liquid supply port 143 of the active subarray in the i-th column and j-th row, △P i Let be the width of the main path of the i-th branch channel.

[0034] The branch channel cover 33 is adapted according to the random arrangement of the active subarray to ensure that the branch channel cover 33 can cover the liquid supply port 143 of the active subarray, that is, the branch length of the branch channel cover is greater than the length of the branch channel branch 142.

[0035] The pitch position of the branch flow channel 142 is the same as the pitch position of the corresponding active subarray liquid supply port 143.

[0036] The width of the branch flow path 142 is set according to the flow rate and flow resistance matching requirements. For panels with large differences in the length of the branch flow path 142, the flow resistance is matched by adjusting the width of the branch flow path 142 to ensure the consistency of flow resistance between different active subarrays.

[0037] The welding process holes 15 are non-uniformly arranged along the return and supply main channels 12 and 13 and the branch channels 14 to ensure minimal deformation during the welding process of non-periodic channel arrangement.

[0038] like Figure 4 The diagram shows the coolant flow path. Under the action of the external cooling unit, the coolant enters the panel from the main supply port 131, flows through the supply through-hole 132 of the main supply channel 13, enters the branch channel 14, flows from the main branch channel 141 to the branch channel branch 142, and finally enters the active subarray from the active subarray supply port 143. After flowing through the active subarray, the coolant carries away heat and flows from the branch channel 14 to the return main channel 12, finally returning to the cooling unit from the main return port 121.

[0039] Example 2:

[0040] Figure 5 shows a phased array antenna arrangement with staggered, non-periodic radiating subarrays. The radiating subarrays consist of 2 rows and 4 columns. Figure 5b As shown, the azimuth and elevation directions of the radiating subarrays are arranged in a regular staggered manner. The gap between the radiating subarrays in the non-staggered area is the assembly gap of 0.5 mm, and the spacing between the radiating subarrays in the staggered area is 0.5 times the unit spacing.

[0041] Similar to Embodiment 1, panel welding uses panel welding blank 1, through-channel cover plate 2, and channel cover plate 3. The through-channel cover plate 2 is the same as in Embodiment 1. The channel cover plate 3 is adjusted according to a staggered non-periodic arrangement, with the left and right sides branching in a rotationally symmetrical distribution. The main liquid supply channel 13 and the main liquid return channel 12 of the panel welding blank 1 are the same as in Embodiment 1, arranged horizontally, and connected to the branch channel 14 through the liquid supply and return connection points 132 and 122. The main branch channel position of the branch channel 14 of the panel welding blank 1 is the center position before the left and right offset of the radial subarray. The length difference of the branch channel branch 142 is half a unit spacing. When the length difference is small, the flow resistance difference is small, which can make the width of the branch channel branch 142 consistent.

[0042] This invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A large-size liquid-cooled panel for a non-periodic phased array antenna, characterized in that: The panel welding blank (1) includes a through flow channel cover plate (2) and a flow channel cover plate (3). The through flow channel cover plate (2) includes a liquid supply through cover plate (21) and a liquid return through cover plate (22). The flow channel cover plate (3) includes a liquid supply main flow channel cover plate (31), a liquid return main flow channel cover plate (32), and a branch flow channel cover plate (33). All cover plates cover the corresponding flow channels. The panel welding blank (1) includes a liquid supply main flow channel (13), a liquid return main flow channel (12), a branch flow channel (14), and a welding process hole (15). The liquid supply main flow channel (13) and the branch flow channel (14) are connected at the liquid supply through point (132). The liquid return main flow channel (12) and the branch flow channel (14) are connected at the liquid return through point (122). The main supply channel (13) and the main return channel (12) are arranged horizontally in the azimuth direction of the corresponding subarray, and the branch channel (14) is arranged vertically in the elevation direction of the corresponding subarray. The supply connection point (132) and the return connection point (122) are located on the back of the main supply channel (13), the main return channel (12) and the branch channel (14). The main supply port (131) and the main return port (121) are arranged on the same side of the main supply channel (13) and the main return channel (12). The branch channel (14) includes the main branch channel (141), the branch channel branch (142) and the active subarray supply port (143). The welding process holes (15) are non-uniformly arranged along the main supply channel (13), the main return channel (12) and the branch channel (14). Under the action of the external cooling unit, the coolant enters the panel from the main supply port (131), flows through the supply connection point (132) of the main supply channel (13), enters the branch channel (14), flows from the main branch channel (141) to the branch channel branch (142), and finally enters the active subarray from the active subarray supply port (143); after the coolant flows through the active subarray, it carries away the heat and flows from the branch channel (14) to the return main channel (12), and finally returns to the cooling unit from the return port (121); The branch channel (14) is adapted to the non-periodic arrangement of the liquid supply port (143) of the active subarray. The length of the branch channel branch (142) and the intersection of the main road (141) and the branch channel branch (142) are also adapted accordingly. One branch channel (14) is used by the left and right columns of active subarrays. The center position of the main road (141) of the branch channel is the center position of the minimum distance between the two columns of active subarrays. The length of the branch flow path (142) is determined by the position of the liquid supply port (143) of the non-periodic arrangement of active subarrays.

2. The large-size liquid-cooled panel for a non-periodic phased array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The through-flow channel cover plate (2) and the flow channel cover plate (3) are both welded using small-step lap stir friction welding, and reliable internal support is added.

3. A large-size liquid-cooled panel for a non-periodic phased array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The branch channel cover (33) is adapted according to the random arrangement of the active subarray to ensure that the branch channel cover (33) can cover the position of the liquid supply port (143) of the active subarray, that is, the branch length of the branch channel cover (33) is greater than the length of the branch channel branch (142).

4. A large-size liquid-cooled panel for a non-periodic phased array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pitch position of the branch flow channel branch (142) is the same as the pitch position of the corresponding active subarray liquid supply port (143).

5. A large-size liquid-cooled panel for a non-periodic phased array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The width of the branch flow path (142) is set according to the flow rate and flow resistance matching requirements. Flow resistance matching can be achieved by adjusting the width of the branch flow path (142) to ensure the consistency of flow resistance between different active subarrays.

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