Waveguide Air Cooling for High-Temperature Remote RF Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electromagnetic communication systems, particularly in high-temperature environments like gas turbine engines, existing technologies face challenges in providing reliable communication and cooling for remote nodes, leading to potential damage from high temperatures and increased weight, cost, and power consumption due to the need for additional cooling components.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency waveguide communication system that includes a guided electromagnetic transmission network with hollow waveguides capable of flowing pressurized cool air, which is directed to remote nodes, reducing the temperature of both the surrounding environment and electronic components, thereby minimizing the need for additional active cooling components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional cooling components are added to cool remote nodes in high-temperature environments, then the reliability of electronic components is improved, but the weight, cost, and power consumption of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling function with the existing waveguide structure by utilizing its hollow interior as a cooling air passage. This merging eliminates the need for separate cooling components, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing weight and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structure is given dual functionality: it serves both as an electromagnetic signal transmission medium and as a cooling air passage. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to perform multiple roles, avoiding additional weight and cost from dedicated cooling components
2Reliability
If additional cooling components are added to cool remote nodes in high-temperature environments, then the reliability of electronic components is improved, but the cost and power consumption of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is merged into the waveguide structure, eliminating the need for separate cooling components and their associated power consumption. The system leverages existing structural features rather than adding dedicated cooling equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structure serves its own cooling needs by utilizing its hollow interior as a cooling air passage. The system is self-sufficient for cooling purposes, requiring no external cooling components or additional power input
3Ease of operation
If wire routing is used to connect sensors in difficult-to-access locations, then the sensor connections are established, but the wiring becomes bulky, expensive, and vulnerable to interconnect failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wire routing with electromagnetic waveguide transmission. The hollow waveguide structure provides both electromagnetic signal transmission and physical protection, eliminating the vulnerabilities associated with traditional wire routing while maintaining connection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits electromagnetic signals and provides a protected pathway for cooling air. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate wiring and cooling ducts, reducing complexity and improving reliability
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 system effectively reduces the temperature of remote nodes and their electronic components, enhancing reliability and reducing weight, cost, and power consumption by utilizing pressurized cool air to maintain operational efficiency in high-temperature environments.
Implementation Method 1
The cooling air source is in fluid communication with the guided electromagnetic transmission network and is configured to provide pressurized cool air to the at least one waveguide. The waveguides direct the pressurized cool air to the remote node.
Data Source
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AI summary
A radio frequency waveguide communication system (300) includes a guided electromagnetic transmission network (301), and a cooling air source (302). The guided electromagnetic transmission network (301) includes one or more remote nodes (302a-302n) in fluid communication with one or more waveguides (304a-304n). The cooling air source (302) is in fluid communication with the guided electromagnetic transmission network (301) and is configured to provide pressurized cooling air to the waveguides (304a-304n). The waveguides (304a-304n) direct the pressurized cooling air to the remote nodes (302a-302n).