Adaptive Thinning Active Phased Array Antenna Thermal Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Active phased array antennas face thermal management challenges, especially on the ground where convection cooling is insufficient, leading to overheating and the need for auxiliary cooling equipment, which is costly and logistically cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine a thermal profile of the antenna and deactivate a subset of elements in a uniform thinning pattern to reduce thermal dissipation while maintaining acceptable beam performance and interference levels, allowing continued convection cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all elements of the active phased array antenna are kept active, then the antenna performance is maintained, but the thermal dissipation increases causing overheating on the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna elements into multiple groups and applies different activation patterns to each group. By dividing the antenna array into separable segments that can be independently controlled, the system can reduce thermal dissipation by deactivating certain segments while maintaining overall antenna functionality through coordinated operation of active segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic thinning patterns that adapt over time, switching between different element activation states. The system dynamically adjusts which elements are active based on thermal conditions and operational requirements, allowing the antenna to transition between high-performance modes and thermal-management modes without permanent degradation of capability.
2Temperature
If a subset of elements is deactivated to reduce thermal dissipation, then the temperature is reduced, but the antenna performance and beam quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different thinning patterns to different spatial regions or groups of antenna elements. By making the thinning pattern local rather than uniform, the system can reduce thermal dissipation in specific hot spots while maintaining element density and performance in other regions, thereby preserving overall beam quality through localized optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the activation parameter (element on/off state) in a structured thinning pattern rather than random deactivation. By systematically controlling which elements are active according to predetermined thinning patterns, the system maintains beamforming capability and pattern stability while achieving thermal reduction through parameter optimization.
3Device complexity
If convection cooling is used instead of liquid cooling, then the system complexity and cost are reduced, but the cooling effectiveness is insufficient on the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the antenna system to self-regulate its thermal management by dynamically adjusting element activation. The system monitors its own thermal state and automatically implements thinning patterns to reduce heat generation, eliminating the need for external auxiliary cooling equipment and making the system self-sufficient in thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical cooling system (liquid cooling infrastructure) with an electronic control mechanism (element activation/deactivation). By substituting the cooling approach with thermal management through operational control, the system achieves adequate cooling without complex mechanical cooling infrastructure.
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
This approach reduces thermal dissipation and allows continued operation of active phased array antennas on the ground without additional cooling equipment, maintaining antenna performance and preventing overheating.
Implementation Method 1
the power density of the phased array increases, and thermal management becomes increasingly difficult
Implementation Method 2
convection cooling is desirable for airborne applications
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A system and method for adaptively controlling an active phased array antenna comprising a plurality of elements is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining a thermal profile of at least a portion the active phased array antenna, comparing the determined thermal profile with a reference thermal profile and deactivating only a subset of the plurality of elements according to a thinning pattern based at least in part on the comparison between the determined thermal profile and the reference thermal profile. Another embodiment is evidenced by an apparatus performing the foregoing operations.