Optically Powered GNSS Antenna for Power Grid Synchronization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Coaxial cables used for powering GNSS antennas are limited by electrical surges and RF losses, restricting the placement of GNSS antennas and intelligent electronic devices in electric power delivery systems, especially over long distances.

Innovation Solution

An optically powered antenna system using fiber-optic cables to transmit both energy and time signals from GNSS satellites to GNSS antennas, eliminating electrical conductors and reducing exposure to electrical transients, thereby enabling longer distances and improved reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If coaxial cables are used to power GNSS antennas and transmit signals, then electrical power can be delivered to the antenna, but the system is vulnerable to electrical surges and RF losses that limit placement flexibility and reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidelectrical surges and RF losses

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical coaxial cable system with an optical fiber system. The optical receiver converts optical power signals to electrical power, and the optical signal transmitter converts RF signals to optical signals for transmission over fiber-optic cables. This substitution eliminates the harmful electrical surge and RF loss pathways while maintaining power delivery and signal transmission capabilities over long distances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces optical fiber as an intermediary medium between the power source and the GNSS antenna. The optical fiber carries both power (converted to electrical at the antenna via optical receiver) and signal (converted to optical at the antenna via optical signal transmitter) without exposing the system to electrical hazards. This intermediary approach allows safe operation over several kilometers while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If coaxial cables are used for long-distance connections, then power and signals can be transmitted, but RF losses increase and placement flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement flexibilityVSAvoidRF losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes electrical signal transmission through coaxial cable with optical signal transmission through fiber-optic cable. The optical signal transmitter at the antenna converts RF signals to optical signals that can be transmitted over several kilometers with minimal loss. This substitution dramatically reduces energy loss and enables flexible placement of GNSS antennas at remote locations throughout the electric power delivery system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If coaxial cables are used to connect GNSS antennas to IEDs, then time signals can be transmitted, but the system is exposed to electrical transients that can cause damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from electrical transientsVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical coaxial cable connection with an optical fiber connection. The optical receiver converts the optical power signal to electrical power for the antenna, and the optical signal transmitter converts the RF time signal to an optical signal for safe transmission over fiber. This substitution provides inherent protection from electrical transients while the added optical conversion components manage the complexity through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 optically powered system provides reliable and synchronized time signals over several kilometers, enhancing the placement flexibility of GNSS antennas and improving system reliability by avoiding electrical interference and attenuation issues present in coaxial cables.

Implementation Method 1

an optical receiver that converts an optical power signal into electric power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

an optical signal transmitter that receives the RF signal and uses the electric power to output the RF signal in an optical signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS11309975B2Fiber-optically powered antenna

Publication Date: 2022.04.19 SCHWEITZER ENGINEERING LABORATORIES INC

AI summary

An optically powered Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) antenna may use a fiber-optic link to receive optical power and transmit an optical signal that contains a common time signal from one or more satellites, which may allow long-distance power and signal transmission with high efficiency and reliability. The common time signal may be used to synchronize intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) of an electric power delivery system.