Mathematical modeling and measurement of electric fields of electrode‐based through‐the‐earth (TTE) communication. Issue 6 (5th June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yan, Lincan; Zhou, Chenming; Reyes, Miguel; Whisner, Bruce; Damiano, Nicholas
• Is Part Of: Radio science. Volume 52:Issue 6(2017:Jun.)
• Page Start: 731
• Page End: 742
• Publication Date: 2017-06-05
• Subjects: through‐the‐earth (TTE) -- electrode‐based TTE -- extremely low frequency (ELF) -- mine communication; Radio meteorology -- Periodicals; Radio wave propagation -- Periodicals; 621.38405
• DOI: 10.1002/2016RS006242
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0048-6604

Abstract

Abstract: There are two types of through‐the‐earth (TTE) wireless communication in the mining industry: magnetic loop TTE and electrode‐based (or linear) TTE. While the magnetic loop systems send signal through magnetic fields, the transmitter of an electrode‐based TTE system sends signal directly through the mine overburden by driving an extremely low frequency (ELF) or ultralow frequency (ULF) AC current into the earth. The receiver at the other end (underground or surface) detects the resultant current and receives it as a voltage. A wireless communication link between surface and underground is then established. For electrode‐based TTE communications, the signal is transmitted through the established electric field and is received as a voltage detected at the receiver. It is important to understand the electric field distribution within the mine overburden for the purpose of designing and improving the performance of the electrode‐based TTE systems. In this paper, a complete explicit solution for all three electric field components for the electrode‐based TTE communication was developed. An experiment was conducted using a prototype electrode‐based TTE system developed by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The mathematical model was then compared and validated with test data. A reasonable agreement was found between them. Key Points: A three‐dimensional model of the electric field distribution of electrode‐based TTE communication was developed Optimal operating frequency found in both model predication and test data Signal reciprocity between surface and underground in electrode‐based TTE communication was observed