Guided Surface Wave Energy Reception Node
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of practical structures for efficiently launching open surface guided waves over planar or spherical surfaces of lossy, homogeneous media, as theoretical analyses have not been translated into effective engineering solutions.
Innovation Solution
The development of guided surface waveguide probes that excite electric fields mode-matched to a guided surface wave mode on lossy conducting media, such as the Earth, using structures like charge terminals elevated above the medium and feed networks to generate electromagnetic fields that couple into a guided surface wave mode, minimizing reflection and maximizing energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional antenna structures are used for signal transmission, then radio wave radiation fields can be launched, but energy transfer efficiency is poor and signals are limited by geometric spreading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guided surface wave mode as an intermediary propagation mechanism between conventional antennas and distant receivers. This guided wave mode travels along the Earth's surface, acting as a mediator that confines energy to the ground interface, thereby reducing geometric spreading losses and improving energy transfer efficiency without requiring complex multi-element antenna arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the propagation parameter from free-space radiation to guided surface wave propagation along the Earth's surface. By exciting a guided wave mode that is bound to the ground interface, the system transforms the energy transfer mechanism from spherical spreading to cylindrical spreading, significantly reducing energy loss over distance
2Productivity
If guided surface wave modes are excited on lossy media, then energy transfer efficiency improves, but the complexity of launching such waves increases due to mode-matching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to force conventional antennas to efficiently launch guided surface waves, the patent inverts the approach by designing a specialized waveguide probe structure that is inherently optimized for exciting guided surface wave modes. This inverted design philosophy simplifies the launching process by making the structure itself mode-matched to the desired guided wave, eliminating the need for complex external matching networks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the wave launching function into distinct components: a charge terminal for generating the electromagnetic field, a feed network for delivering power, and a ground interface for guiding the surface wave. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high energy transfer efficiency
3Reliability
If charge terminals are elevated above the lossy conducting medium, then coupling into guided surface wave mode is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and harder to install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal planar structures to vertical three-dimensional structures by elevating the charge terminal above the ground. This dimensional change allows the electromagnetic field to be generated at an optimal height for coupling into the guided surface wave mode, improving wave coupling efficiency while the vertical orientation simplifies the overall structure compared to complex horizontal arrays
4Use of energy by moving object
If phase delay is matched to wave tilt angle for optimal reception, then energy consumption efficiency improves, but the receiver network becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the phase delay parameter of the receiver network to match the wave tilt angle of the incoming guided surface wave. This parameter matching optimizes the energy transfer from the guided wave to the receiver, improving energy consumption efficiency by ensuring maximum power transfer while using a simple phase adjustment rather than complex filtering or amplification circuits
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
These probes effectively launch guided surface waves along lossy conducting media with reduced reflection, achieving efficient energy transfer and propagation, as demonstrated by the exponential decay of field strength with distance and alignment with transmission line modes.
Implementation Method 1
guided surface waveguide probes that excite electric fields mode-matched to a guided surface wave mode on lossy conducting media... feed networks to generate electromagnetic fields that couple into a guided surface wave mode
Implementation Method 2
guided surface wave receive structure configured to obtain electrical energy from a guided surface wave traveling along a terrestrial medium
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5A
AI summary
Disclosed, in one example, is an energy consumption node. The node includes a guided surface wave receive structure configured to obtain electrical energy from a guided surface wave traveling along a terrestrial medium. The node also includes a distribution system coupled to the guided surface wave receive structure and configured to distribute the obtained electrical energy to an electrical load coupleable to the distribution system.