An experimental study of the effects of the evaporation duct on microwave propagation

Luke Robinson, Thomas Newe, John Burke, Daniel Toal

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study on the effects of the evaporation duct on microwave propagation in the Irish Sea. The evaporation duct is a phenomenon that occurs almost permanently over the earth's oceans and can be exploited to enable over the horizon communications in the marine environment. The study consisted of an experimental test, where signal strength from a shore-based transmitter was recorded at a number of distances. The results of this experiment were compared to simulated values. Atmospheric data used to simulate the signal propagation was taken from weather buoys in the Irish Sea. It was found that the evaporation duct does have an effect on microwave signals and can be used to extend microwave communications beyond the horizon. This could be useful in enabling high bandwidth communications links to or between offshore assets and equipment including navigation buoys, ships, renewable energy infrastructure and lighthouses which are often situated beyond line of sight of land.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationOCEANS 2019 MTS/IEEE Seattle, OCEANS 2019
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9780578576183
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2019
Event2019 OCEANS MTS/IEEE Seattle, OCEANS 2019 - Seattle, United States
Duration: 27 Oct 201931 Oct 2019

Publication series

NameOCEANS 2019 MTS/IEEE Seattle, OCEANS 2019

Conference

Conference2019 OCEANS MTS/IEEE Seattle, OCEANS 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySeattle
Period27/10/1931/10/19

Keywords

  • Evaporation duct
  • High bandwidth
  • Marine boundary layer
  • Marine communications
  • Microwave propagation
  • Remote presence

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