Guided Surface Waveguide Probe Power Measurement

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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

Guided surface waveguide probes are configured to excite electric fields that couple into a guided surface wave mode along the surface of a lossy conducting medium, such as the Earth, using a charge terminal elevated above the medium and a feed network to match the phase and magnitude of the wave, allowing for the launch of guided electromagnetic fields as guided surface waves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional antenna structures are used to transmit radio waves, then radiation fields can be launched, but energy coupling efficiency is poor and significant energy is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy loss in radio transmissionVSAvoidenergy coupling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters of wave transmission by transitioning from conventional radiation fields to guided surface waves. This involves modifying the propagation mode, boundary conditions, and field distribution characteristics to achieve superior energy coupling efficiency and reduced losses along the transmission path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a lossy conducting medium as an intermediary between the transmitter and receiver. This medium guides the surface waves and enables efficient energy transfer over distances, acting as a mediator that improves coupling efficiency while reducing energy loss compared to direct radiation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If theoretical analyses of guided surface waves are conducted, then understanding of wave propagation is improved, but practical engineering implementation is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetheoretical understanding of wave propagationVSAvoidpractical implementation of guided surface wave structures

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the complex guided surface wave system into manageable components including transmitters, receivers, and intermediate coupling structures. This segmentation allows for practical implementation by breaking down the theoretical concept into engineerable modules that can be manufactured and deployed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the system to automatically optimize its operation by having receivers detect and track the load drawn by electrical devices, then communicating this information back to transmitters for adjustment. This self-service mechanism bridges the gap between theoretical analysis and practical application by enabling adaptive optimization without complex external control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple providers of guided surface waves are available, then energy source options increase, but determining the most economical source becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of energy source optionsVSAvoidcomplexity of selecting and managing multiple energy sources

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where receivers continuously monitor the load and communicate with transmitters to optimize power delivery. This feedback loop simplifies the management of multiple energy sources by enabling automatic coordination and selection based on real-time conditions, reducing the complexity of adapting to multiple providers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

The solution enables the efficient launch of guided surface waves along lossy conducting media, achieving mode-matched propagation with reduced reflection and increased energy coupling into the waveguide mode, overcoming the limitations of previous theoretical approaches.

Implementation Method 1

Guided surface waveguide probes are configured to excite electric fields that couple into a guided surface wave mode along the surface of a lossy conducting medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

using a charge terminal elevated above the medium and a feed network to match the phase and magnitude of the wave

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field generation: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentEP3347972B1Measuring and reporting power received from guided surface waves

Publication Date: 2019.10.09 CPG TECH LLC

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Figure 4~5A

AI summary

Disclosed are various approaches for measuring and reporting the amount of electrical power consumed by an electrical load attached to a guided surface wave receive structure. A guided surface wave receive structure is configured to obtain electrical energy from a guided surface wave traveling along a terrestrial medium. An electrical load is coupled to the guided surface wave receive structure, the electrical load being experienced as a load at an excitation source coupled to a guided surface waveguide probe generating the guided surface wave. An electric power meter coupled to the electrical load and configured to measure the electrical load.