Project Summary
This project aimed to create a single plugin for a CAD system that could automate the process of designing a set of the antennas, supports, and matching network for the wireless data transmission unit. An RF system that sends power over the air to a closely coupled device which includes sensors and encodes that sensor data onto its own receive antenna by modifying the resonant frequency of receive antenna. This fluctuation is picked up by the transmitting antenna and hence the sensor data can be recovered at high bandwidth. This enables prognostics and health management tasks to be achieve in areas to which wires cannot be run and rotary electrical couplings cannot be used due to rotation speed, ignition risk, or bandwidth limitations.
Project Achievements
The project successfully created the plugin within the FreeCAD system, created initial antennas with it and performed initial tests of them. The system was integrated into a mock-up of the motor of the TLAF eKub. The motor system of the Vertical Aerospace propulsion module was also attempted but was not possible due to time and integration complexity.
Conclusions
The antennas were tested and demonstrated working to an acceptable level. Use was made of 3d printing to create the supports for the antennas and testing was made of the attenuation created by these PLA of the RF signal. A novel method of supporting the antennas from the previous heavy water cut brass and integral tab system which was previously used.
The TRIG programme has kickstarted commercialisation of this original research and enabled the dedicated developer time to create the necessary design tools that make the application of this safety and prognostics enabling technology more practical.
Next Steps
Due to significant delays of several different types there was not sufficient time to evaluate multiple pairs of antennas or to do the spin tests for which a motor simulator had been created and mounted to our test rig. Those activities will happen after the project now thanks to the initial work that has been completed.
