Distributed Acoustic Fiber Sensing for Rainfall Intensity Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring rainfall intensity are limited to single-point measurements, failing to provide comprehensive data for surrounding areas, and integrating telecommunications and sensing systems in a single fiber optic cable is economically challenging.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) systems to analyze acoustic vibrations from raindrops along the length of existing telecommunications fiber optic cables, enabling real-time rainfall intensity estimation and mapping through Fourier transform analysis of sound and vibration data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional rain gauges or microwave absorption methods are used, then rainfall intensity can be measured at a single location, but it is not possible to determine rain intensity in surrounding unmeasured areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function into distributed sensing along the fiber optic cable. Instead of using discrete measurement devices at multiple locations, the fiber optic cable itself is divided into many small sensing segments that can independently detect rainfall intensity at their respective positions, enabling spatially distributed measurement coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the fiber optic cable multi-functional by enabling it to serve both as a communication medium and as a distributed sensing element for rainfall measurement. This universal application eliminates the need for separate dedicated measurement devices, expanding measurement coverage without proportionally increasing device quantity.
2Area of stationary object
If dedicated sensing fibers are deployed for distributed rainfall measurement, then rainfall intensity can be measured along the entire length, but the cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates dedicated sensing fibers by making existing communication fiber optic cables perform both communication and sensing functions. This multi-functionality approach reduces system complexity and cost while maintaining distributed measurement capability along the entire cable length.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic cable serves itself by using its own physical properties (acoustic vibrations, temperature changes) to detect environmental conditions. The existing infrastructure provides both the communication function and the sensing function without requiring additional specialized components or systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing telecommunications fiber optic cables are used for sensing, then cost is reduced and deployment is simplified, but integrating communication and sensing signals in the same fiber is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates communication and sensing functions into different dimensional spaces within the same fiber optic cable. Communication signals operate in the optical frequency domain while sensing measurements are derived from physical perturbations (acoustic vibrations, temperature) that affect the fiber's propagation characteristics, allowing both functions to coexist without significant interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses environmental parameters (acoustic vibrations from raindrops, temperature changes) as intermediaries to translate external conditions into measurable optical signal variations. These intermediaries enable sensing functionality without requiring direct interaction between communication and sensing signals, simplifying the integration process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise, real-time rainfall intensity estimation and mapping over extended areas using existing telecommunications fiber optic cables, eliminating the need for external power or additional sensors, and providing detailed rainfall data for infrastructure planning and management.
Implementation Method 1
DFOS/DAS fiber optic sensing is used to obtain vibration or sound data from which rainfall intensity measurements may be made along the entire length of the DFOS/DAS fiber optic sensor
Implementation Method 2
enabling real-time rainfall intensity estimation and mapping through Fourier transform analysis of sound and vibration data
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure describe distributed fiber optic sensing/distributed acoustic sensing (DFOS/DAS) systems, methods, and structures that advantageously provide rainfall intensity measurements along an entire length of a fiber optic sensor. using existing telecommunications optical fiber—which may be part of a multi-fiber, fiber optic cable—that may simultaneously carry live telecommunications traffic. The DFOS/DAS fiber optic sensing is used to obtain vibration and/or sound data from which rainfall intensity measurements may be made along the entire length of the DFOS/DAS fiber optic sensor.