Antennas, communication systems, and offshore wind turbines

Abstract

It provides an antenna suitable for underwater communications. [Solution] The dipole antenna for underwater communication comprises a first conductor having a first length and a first end not covered with a feed terminal and a first insulating material, and covered with the first insulating material except for the first end, and a second conductor having a second length and a second end not covered with a feed terminal and a second insulating material, and covered with the second insulating material except for the second end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an antenna, a communication system, and an offshore wind power generation device.

Background Art

[0002] As a technology for underwater communication that performs communication underwater, communication technologies using sound waves, radio waves, and light are known. A technology for performing underwater communication using radio waves is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In underwater communication using radio waves, since the attenuation of radio waves is large, the communication distance and the communication speed are in a trade-off relationship. In water, as the frequency of the radio waves used increases, the attenuation increases, so it is not the case that increasing the frequency of the radio waves will increase the communication speed. In communication with an object moving underwater, the attenuation of radio waves changes due to the movement of the object.

[0005] An antenna suitable for underwater communication using radio waves is required.

[0006] Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure contribute to the provision of an antenna and a communication system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A dipole antenna for underwater communications according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a first conductor having a first length and a first end that is not covered with a feed terminal and insulating material, and which is covered with insulating material except for the first end, and a second conductor having a second length and a second end that is not covered with a feed terminal and insulating material, and which is covered with insulating material except for the second end.

[0008] The dipole antenna described in Patent Document 1 requires that spherical (or nearly spherical) electrodes be provided at the ends of the conductor 120. Since the antennas described in Patent Document 1 are intended for communication between themselves, it is difficult to communicate with land-based or water-based communication devices.

[0009] These comprehensive or specific embodiments may be implemented as systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, or recording media, or as any combination of systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, and recording media. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] Non-limiting embodiments of this disclosure can provide antennas suitable for underwater communications.

[0011] Further advantages and effects of one embodiment of this disclosure will be made apparent from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and / or effects are provided by several embodiments and features described in the specification and drawings, but not all of them are necessarily provided in order to obtain one or more identical features. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Diagram showing the basic structure [Figure 2] Figure showing Embodiment 1 [Figure 3] Figure showing Embodiment 2 [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of wiring arranged in a meander configuration. [Figure 5] Figure showing an example where the conducting wires are arranged in a spiral configuration (volute configuration). [Figure 6] Figure showing an example where the conducting wires are arranged in a helical configuration (spiral configuration). [Figure 7A] Figure showing an example where the conducting wires are arranged in a U-shape (inverted U-shape). [Figure 7B] Figure showing an example where the conducting wires are arranged in a combined cross shape of U-shapes. [Figure 8] Figure showing an example where the conducting wires are arranged in a comb-line configuration. [Figure 9A] Figure showing an example where the conducting wires are branched in the middle and arranged in a comb-line configuration. [Figure 9B] Expanded view near the communication device [Figure 10] Figure showing an example used for maintenance of an offshore wind power generation device [Figure 11] Figure showing an example of a block diagram of a communication device

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail while referring to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the basic structure of the present disclosure.

[0015] The antenna 100 is connected to, for example, a communication device 110 installed (fixed) in water. By connecting the communication device 110 to the antenna 100, a transmission system is configured. The communication device 110 may be installed on land such as on a ship. When the communication device 110 is installed in water, the communication device 110 may be installed in a waterproof tank.

[0016] The antenna 100 has a power supply terminal 150, two conducting wires 120, 130, a coating 140, and an insulating material 141. That is, the antenna 100 having the conducting wires 120, 130 is a dipole antenna.

[0017] The conducting wires 120 and 130 are covered with a coating 140 except for the ends 121 and 131. The conducting wires 120 and 130 may be bare wires covered with the coating 140, or they may be covered wires. One end of the conducting wire 120 is a power supply terminal 150, and the other end 121 of the conducting wire 120 is not insulated and the conducting wire 130 is exposed. One end of the conducting wire 130 is a power supply terminal 150, and the other end 131 of the conducting wire 130 is not insulated and the conducting wire 130 is exposed. The conducting wires 120 and 130 are installed or arranged in water or at the bottom of water. A part of the covered portion of the conducting wires 120 and 130 may be above water, but at least the ends 121 and 131 are arranged in water, at the bottom of water, or in the mud or sand at the bottom of water. The water may be any of seawater, fresh water, or brackish water, such as tap water or hot spring water.

[0018] The length of the conducting wire 120 and the length of the conducting wire 130 may be the same or different. For example, the length of the conducting wire 120 is 100 m and the length of the conducting wire 130 is 5 m. The lengths of the ends 121 and 131 may be the same, for example, 1 cm.

[0019] When the conducting wires 120 and 130 are installed at the bottom of water, it includes the state where the conducting wires 120 and 130 are fixed to the bottom of water at a predetermined interval and the state where the conducting wires 120 and 130 are buried in the bottom of water. When the conducting wires 120 and 130 are installed in water, it includes the state where the conducting wires 120 and 130 are fixed to underwater structures at a predetermined interval. When the ends 121 and 131 are fixed, it includes the state where the conducting wires 120 and 130 near the ends 121 and 131 are fixed. When the conducting wires 120 and 130 are fixed to a structure, it includes the state where the conducting wires 120 and 130 are connected to the structure with a string or the like (a state where it can move within the range of the string with respect to the structure). <当該技術分野における既知の技術を参照することができる。

[0020] The space between the covering 140 and the conductors 120 and 130 is filled with an insulating material 141 such as air, a dielectric, or pure water. That is, the conductors 120 and 130 are covered with the insulating material 141. Therefore, the parts of the conductors 120 and 130 where the covering 140 is present are insulated from water. The dielectric may also be oil. Oil has high insulating properties, and by using oil as the dielectric, it is possible to prevent the conductors 120 and 130 submerged in water from being crushed by water pressure. The ends 121 and 131 of the conductors 120 and 130 are not insulated because the conductors 120 and 130 are exposed. The insulating material that insulates conductor 120 and the insulating material that insulates conductor 130 may be the same or different. The insulating material 141 may be composed of multiple insulating materials.

[0021] The insulating material 141 may be the same material as the coating 140 (i.e., the surface of the insulating material 141 becomes the coating 140), or the insulating material 141 and the coating 140 may be made of different materials.

[0022] A communication device 110 is connected to the power supply terminal 150.

[0023] Seawater, freshwater, and brackish water have high conductivity and large volume, so ends 121 and 131 produce the same effect as grounding. Pure water has low conductivity, but ordinary freshwater has high conductivity because it contains many impurities. In other words, ends 121 and 131 are at the same potential. Also, since ends 121 and 131 are exposed in water, the output impedance as seen from the communication device 110 is low. Current flows through conductors 130 and 120 due to the output from the communication device 110 connected to the power supply terminal 150, so a magnetic field is generated in conductors 120 and 130. By receiving the magnetic field generated by conductors 120 and 130, the mobile device 160 can communicate with the communication device 110.

[0024] The radio frequencies used underwater can be, for example, 0.125-1.75MHz, 62.5-875kHz, 31.25-437.5kHz, 15.6-218.8kHz, and 7.8-109.4kHz. There is a maximum speed (theoretical value) corresponding to the frequency used. The maximum speed (theoretical value) is 13.7Mbps for 0.125-1.75MHz, 6.8Mbps for 62.5-875kHz, 3.4Mbps for 31.25-437.5kHz, 1.7Mbps for 15.6-218.8kHz, and 0.85Mbps for 7.8-109.4kHz. Good communication can be achieved if the distance between the mobile device 160 and the conductor 120 is, for example, within 8m when the frequency used is 15.6-218.8kHz or 7.8-109.4kHz, and within 5m when the frequency used is 62.5-875kHz or 31.25-437.5kHz.

[0025] The mobile device 160 has an antenna 161. The antenna 161 may be, for example, a sheathed loop antenna. The antenna 161 may be of other types, such as a half-sheathed dipole antenna, as long as the conductor of the antenna 161 is insulated from the water.

[0026] The mobile unit 160 is mounted on an underwater robot 260, such as an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). The underwater robot 260 has a camera 261. The camera 261 takes pictures of, for example, the condition of underwater structures. In other words, the underwater robot 260 can perform various tasks, such as taking pictures of underwater structures. By moving along the guide wire 120 while maintaining a distance of 8m or less from the guide wire 120, the underwater robot 260 can move while maintaining good communication at all times. Videos and photos taken by the underwater robot 260 can also be transmitted from the mobile unit 160 to the communication device 110. The underwater robot 260 may be made a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), and the underwater robot 260 may be controlled by sending commands from the communication device 110 to the mobile unit 160. The underwater robot 260 may store the captured images in a storage device within the robot (for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory).

[0027] <Embodiment 1> Figure 2 shows Embodiment 1.

[0028] The communication device 110 is installed, for example, on the seabed 240. The communication device 110 and the base station 210, which is installed on a ship 250 on the water surface 230, are connected by a transmission path 220. The transmission path 220 is, for example, an optical fiber. Other transmission paths may be used instead of an optical fiber for the transmission path 220. The base station 210 and the communication device 110 can communicate via the transmission path 220. The base station 210 is, for example, an information processing device such as a personal computer, tablet terminal, or smartphone.

[0029] An antenna 100 equipped with conductors 120 and 130 is connected to a communication device 110. The antenna 100 is located on the seabed 240. The length of conductor 120 may be 100m or more. Conductors 120 and 130 are installed, for example, on the seabed. The water surface end of the transmission line 220 may be fixed to a water surface structure such as a buoy or a water surface structure, thereby being located on or above the water, and may be connected to a base station 210 on a ship 250 as needed.

[0030] The underwater robot 260 can communicate with the base station 210 and the mobile unit 160 via the communication device 110 by moving, for example, within a distance of 4m from the guide wire 120.

[0031] The underwater robot 260 can transmit images such as videos and still images captured by the camera 261 to the base station 210. The base station 210 may communicate with a computer (not shown) installed on land and transmit the images captured by the camera 261 to the computer. The images captured by the camera 261 may also be stored on a storage medium such as a USB memory device owned by the base station 210.

[0032] Furthermore, the underwater robot 260 can be controlled from the base station 210. The base station 210 may control the underwater robot 260 based on data entered by a user on board the ship 250. The base station 210 may also control the underwater robot 260 based on data received from a ground-based computer (not shown).

[0033] <Embodiment 2> Figure 3 shows Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 2, the communication device 110 is installed on a ship 250 on the water surface 230.

[0034] An antenna 100, equipped with conductors 120 and 130, is connected to a communication device 110. Most of the conductor 120, including end 121, is installed on the seabed 240. End 131 is located underwater. Because ends 121 and 131 are located (exist) underwater, the potentials of ends 121 and 131 become equal, and the antenna 100 functions as a dipole antenna. The feed terminal 150 may be fixed to a water surface structure such as a buoy or a structure above the water and located on or above the water, and may be connected to the communication device 110 on the ship 250 as needed.

[0035] The underwater robot 260 can communicate with the base station 210 and the mobile unit 160 via the communication device 110 by moving, for example, within a distance of 4m from the guide wire 120.

[0036] The underwater robot 260 can transmit images such as videos and still images captured by the camera 261 to the base station 210. The base station 210 may communicate with a computer (not shown) installed on land and transmit the images captured by the camera 261 to the computer. The images captured by the camera 261 may also be stored on a storage medium such as a USB memory device owned by the base station 210.

[0037] Furthermore, the underwater robot 260 can be controlled from the base station 210. The base station 210 may control the underwater robot 260 based on data entered by a user on board the ship 250. The base station 210 may also control the underwater robot 260 based on data received from a ground-based computer (not shown).

[0038] <Antenna placement> The antenna placement will be described below. The power supply terminal 150 may be installed on the water surface, above the water, underwater, or at the bottom of the water. The communication device 110 may be installed at the bottom of the water or underwater. The communication device 110 may be connected to the power supply terminal 150 before the robot is put into use.

[0039] Figure 4 shows an example where the conductor 120 is installed in a meander configuration (also called a "meanda configuration"). By installing the conductor 120 in a meander configuration, the underwater robot 260 can monitor a wide area.

[0040] Figure 5 shows an example where the conductors 120 are arranged in a spiral configuration (also called a "vortex configuration"). By arranging the conductors 120 in a spiral configuration, the underwater robot 260 can monitor a wide area. In addition, because the conductors 120 are arranged in a spiral configuration, current flows in the same direction through adjacent conductors 120, which increases the magnetic field strength generated from the conductors 120. Therefore, the communication device 110 and the mobile device 160 can communicate more effectively.

[0041] Figure 6 shows an example where the guide wires 120 are installed in a helical arrangement (also called a "spiral arrangement"). The guide wires 120 are installed in a fish tank or similar structure. By installing the guide wires 120 in a helical arrangement, the underwater robot 260 can move within a three-dimensional area underwater, such as a fish tank.

[0042] Figure 7A shows an example where the guide wires 120 and 130 are installed in a U-shape (inverted U-shape). The guide wires 120 and 130 are installed in a fish tank or similar structure. By installing the guide wires 120 and 130 vertically, the underwater robot 260 can move within a vertical range, allowing it to monitor the fish tank or similar structure. The guide wires 120 and 130 may also be installed horizontally.

[0043] The antenna 100 may have multiple conductors 120.

[0044] Figure 7B shows an example where the wires 120 and 130 are installed in a U-shape, arranged in a cross shape. The wires 120 and 130 are installed in fish tanks, etc. By arranging the U-shaped wires in a cross shape, the underwater robot 260 can monitor a wider area of ​​the fish tank, etc.

[0045] Figure 8 shows an example where the conductors 120 are arranged in a comb line configuration. For example, by installing multiple conductors 120 branched to the seabed 240, the underwater robot 260 and the communication device 110 can communicate over a wide area. For example, L is 100m and W is 50m. The number of conductors 120 does not have to be 6.

[0046] Figure 9A shows an example where the conductor 120 is branched midway and arranged in a comb line configuration. Figure 9B shows a magnified view of the area around the communication device 110 in Figure 9A. When the communication device 110 is installed on or above the water surface, the conductor 120 may be branched where it reaches the bottom of the water and arranged in a comb line configuration. For example, L is 100m and W is 50m. The number of conductors 120 does not have to be 6.

[0047] <Examples of antenna usage> This section describes how this disclosure will actually be used.

[0048] By installing the conductor 120 along underwater structures on the seabed, such as underwater water pipes or underwater power cables, the underwater robot can photograph the underwater structures and transmit the images to the communication device 110. The underwater robot may move along the conductor 120 by autonomous control, or it may move under control by a control signal received from the communication device 110. The underwater robot may also move along the conductor 120 by determining the position of the conductor 120 based on the strength of the magnetic field generated by the conductor 120.

[0049] Figure 10 shows an example of using the antenna of this disclosure for maintenance of an offshore wind power generation device 1000.

[0050] The offshore wind power generation device 1000 may be a fixed-bottom type or a floating type. Figure 10 shows an example applied to a floating type offshore wind power generation device 1000.

[0051] The communication device 110 may be fixed to the offshore wind turbine 1000 or installed on the ship. The power supply terminal 150 may be connected to the communication device 110 fixed to the offshore wind turbine 1000, or it may be fixed to the offshore wind turbine 1000 and connected to the communication device 110 on the ship before the underwater robot 260 performs the inspection.

[0052] By using this disclosure for the maintenance of the offshore wind power generation equipment 1000, the communication device 110 can communicate with an underwater robot 260 (underwater robot) that performs maintenance on the underwater portion of the offshore wind power generation equipment 1000.

[0053] <Configuration of the transmitting device> Figure 11 shows an example block diagram of the communication device 110. A communication device with a configuration other than that shown in Figure 110 can also be used as the communication device 110.

[0054] The communication device 110 is connected to the antenna 100 via the power supply terminal 150.

[0055] The communication device 110 includes a control unit 110a, an AFE (Analog Front End) unit 110b, a TX (Transmitter) filter 110c, a TX driver 110d, an RX (Receiver) driver 110e, an RX filter 110f, an input / output unit 110g, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 110h, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 110i, a reset circuit 110j, a communication control unit 110k, a connector 110l, and an oscillator 110m. The communication device 110 may also have other components, such as an input / output unit.

[0056] The control unit 110a controls the entire communication device 110. For example, the control unit 110a performs transmission processing, reception processing, and relay processing. The control unit 110a is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor).

[0057] The AFE110b mediates signal processing between the control unit 110a and the analog circuits (TX filter 110c, TX driver 110d, RX driver 110e, and RX filter 110f). For example, the AFE110b converts the digital signal output from the control unit 110a into an analog signal and outputs it to the analog circuit. The AFE110b also converts the analog signal output from the analog circuit into a digital signal and outputs it to the control unit 110a.

[0058] The TX filter 110c is, for example, a low-pass filter. The TX filter 110c blocks the frequency band of the signal output from the AFE unit 110b that is above a predetermined value and outputs it to the TX driver 110d.

[0059] The TX driver 110d amplifies the signal output from the TX filter 110c and outputs it to the power supply terminal 150.

[0060] The RX driver 110e amplifies the signal received from the power supply terminal 150 and outputs it to the RX filter 110f.

[0061] The RX filter 110f is, for example, a bandpass filter. The RX filter 110f blocks the frequency band below a predetermined value and the frequency band above a predetermined value of the signal output from the RX driver 110e, and outputs it to the AFE unit 110b.

[0062] When the input / output unit 110g receives data required by the user, it outputs a signal corresponding to the user's input to the control unit 110a. The input / output unit 110g outputs the necessary data to the user. The input / output unit 110g is composed of, for example, a touch panel, keyboard, display, speaker, etc.

[0063] RAM 110h stores a portion of the program executed by the control unit 110a. RAM 110h also temporarily stores various data used in the processing of the control unit 110a. RAM 110h is a memory that temporarily stores programs and data, and may be, for example, SD (Synchronous Dynamic) RAM or a USB memory.

[0064] The ROM 110i stores the program executed by the control unit 110a. The ROM 110i also stores various data used in the processing of the control unit 110a. The ROM 110i is a memory that permanently stores the program and data, and may be, for example, flash memory.

[0065] The reset circuit 110j is a circuit that outputs a reset signal to the control unit 110a. The reset circuit 110j outputs a reset signal to the control unit 110a, for example, when it detects an abnormality in the communication device 110 or in response to user operation.

[0066] The communication control unit 110k processes the transmission line signal received from the transmission line connected to the connector 110l and outputs it to the control unit 110a. For example, if the transmission line signal is an Ethernet (registered trademark) signal, the communication control unit 110k processes the received Ethernet signal and outputs it to the control unit 110a. The communication control unit 110k also converts the signal output from the control unit 110a into a transmission line signal and outputs it to the connector 110l.

[0067] A transmission line, such as a LAN (Local Area Network) cable, is connected to connector 110l. A transmission line, such as a 220, is connected to connector 110l.

[0068] The oscillator 110m outputs a clock signal to the control unit 110a and the AFE unit 110b. The control unit 110a and the AFE unit 110b operate in synchronization with the clock signal from the oscillator 110m. The oscillator 110m is composed of, for example, a quartz crystal.

[0069] The mobile device 160 has the same configuration as the communication device 110. The mobile device 160 may have a different configuration from the communication device 110.

[0070] <Variation> The mobile device 160 may move along the conductor 120 by detecting the strength of the magnetic field. As the distance between the mobile device 160 and the conductor 120 increases, the strength of the magnetic field detected by the mobile device 160 weakens, so the mobile device 160 can move along the conductor 120 by detecting the strength of the magnetic field.

[0071] The communication speed may be changed depending on the strength of the magnetic field detected by the mobile device 160.

[0072] Multiple antennas 100 may be installed by connecting communication devices 110 to each other, or by connecting multiple communication devices 110 to a base station 210. The communication devices 110 or base station 210 may relay data from other communication devices 110. By installing multiple antennas 100, the base station or communication device and the underwater robot 260 can communicate over a wider range.

[0073] The ends 121 and 131 only need to produce the same effect as grounding, and the ends 121 and 131 may be buried in the soil. For example, the ends 121 and 131 may be buried at the bottom of the water. By burying the conductor 120 at the bottom of the water, when the robot travels along the bottom of the water, the conductor 120 will not obstruct the robot's movement, nor will the conductor 120 be moved by waves.

[0074] For example, the wire 120 may be installed on the tunnel wall, with the ends 121 and 131 buried in the ground. If the mobile device 160 is a robot that performs tunnel maintenance, the maintenance robot can communicate with a communication device outside the tunnel.

[0075] Each functional block used in the description of the above embodiments may be implemented partially or entirely as an integrated circuit (LSI), and each process described in the above embodiments may be controlled partially or entirely by a single LSI or a combination of LSIs. An LSI may consist of individual chips, or it may consist of a single chip that includes some or all of the functional blocks. An LSI may have data inputs and outputs. Depending on the degree of integration, LSIs may be referred to as ICs, system LSIs, super LSIs, or ultra LSIs.

[0076] The method of integration is not limited to LSIs; it may also be implemented using dedicated circuits, general-purpose processors, or dedicated processors. Furthermore, FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or reconfigurable processors that allow for the reconfiguration of the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI, may also be used. This disclosure may be implemented as digital or analog processing.

[0077] Furthermore, if advancements in semiconductor technology or other derived technologies lead to the emergence of integrated circuit technologies that replace LSIs, then naturally, it would be possible to use those technologies to integrate functional blocks. The application of biotechnology, for example, is a possibility.

[0078] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that this disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these will naturally also fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the components in the above embodiments may be combined in any way without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.

[0079] The specific examples of this disclosure have been described in detail above, but these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technologies described in the claims include various modifications and changes to the specific examples described above. [Industrial applicability]

[0080] One embodiment of the present disclosure is suitable for a dipole antenna for underwater communications. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 100, 161 antennas 110 Communication equipment 120, 130 conductor 121, 131 End 140 Covering 141 Insulating materials 150 Power supply terminals 160 Mobile Units 210 base station 220 transmission lines 230 Water surface 240 Underwater 250 ships 260 Underwater Robots 261 Camera 1000 Offshore Wind Turbines

Claims

1. A dipole antenna for underwater communications, A first conductor having a first length and a first end that is not covered with a power supply terminal and the first insulating material, and covered with the first insulating material except for the first end, A second conductor having a second length and a second end that is not covered with the power supply terminal and the second insulating material, and covered with the second insulating material except for the second end, An antenna having

2. The first length and the second length are different. The antenna according to claim 1.

3. The first and second conductors are installed underwater or on the seabed. The antenna according to claim 1.

4. The first end is installed in water or on the seabed. The second end is located in water or on the seabed. The power supply terminal is fixed to a structure on the water surface or a structure above the water. The antenna according to claim 1.

5. The first conductor is arranged in a spiral, meander, helical, or U-shape. The antenna according to claim 4.

6. The first conductor is branched, The antenna according to claim 1.

7. The first conductor is installed in the offshore wind power generation device. The antenna according to claim 1.

8. The antenna according to claim 1, A communication device connected to the aforementioned power supply terminal, A communication system having

9. The antenna according to claim 1, A communication device connected to the aforementioned power supply terminal, A mobile device that receives the magnetic field generated by the aforementioned antenna, A communication system having

10. The aforementioned mobile device is mounted on an underwater robot. The communication system according to claim 9.

11. An offshore wind power generation device having the antenna described in claim 1 installed.

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