Sky Wave Electromagnetic Detection for Deep Resource Exploration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional artificial source electromagnetic methods for deep resource detection have limitations such as small signal coverage, shallow detection depth, and the need for bulky equipment, making it difficult to effectively explore deep mineral resources, especially in complex terrains like China.
Innovation Solution
A Wireless Electromagnetic (WEM) method using sky waves is proposed, where electromagnetic waves are transmitted upward to the ionosphere, reflected, and used for deep resource detection, employing a mathematical model and a collecting station with advanced signal processing to achieve deeper penetration and higher precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional artificial source electromagnetic method is used, then equipment can operate at accessible locations, but detection depth is limited to 1 km and signal coverage is small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the ionosphere as an intermediary element to achieve deep resource detection. By transmitting electromagnetic waves upward to the ionosphere and utilizing sky wave propagation, the system can detect deep mineral resources beyond the conventional 1 km depth limit while expanding signal coverage through atmospheric reflection paths.
2Measurement precision
If transmitter power is greatly increased to achieve deep detection, then detection depth improves, but equipment becomes too bulky to transport in complicated terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of increasing transmitter power with an electromagnetic approach utilizing sky wave propagation. Instead of mechanically boosting power to achieve depth, the system uses the ionosphere's natural reflective properties to extend detection depth without requiring proportionally larger, less portable equipment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electromagnetic waves are used, then communication between land command centers and deep-water submarines is achieved, but penetration ability for deep underground detection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing electromagnetic waves into specific propagation modes suitable for different applications. While conventional ELF waves maintain their communication quality for submarine applications, the invention utilizes sky wave propagation qualities for deep underground detection, optimizing the electromagnetic wave's behavior for specific detection needs rather than using a uniform approach.
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 WEM method enables deep resource detection with slow attenuation and far propagation, achieving high-precision electrical structure exploration and metal detection up to 10 km depth using existing communication systems, improving detection capabilities and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
electromagnetic waves are transmitted upward to the ionosphere, reflected, and used for deep resource detection
Data Source
AI summary
A WEM-based method for deep resource detection using sky waves refers to the technical field of deep resource detection. The proposed method of deep detection using sky waves improves the traditional “atmospheric-lithosphere” half-space propagation theory into a full-space “sky wave” theory of “ionosphere-atmosphere-rock layer”, that is, the influence of the ionosphere and the displacement current in the air are taken into consideration to obtain a new precise expression of “sky wave” response, which is suitable for full space, slow attenuation and long distance propagation. A receiving device for sky wave signal has been developed. Through theoretical model calculation and actual data measurement, it is known that it is possible to use the sky wave for detection within the scope of China's national territory to realize the high-precision electrical structural exploration within a depth of 10 kilometers and open a new era of artificial source electromagnetic detection.