Antenna for subsea communication in strong magnetic field

Abstract

In subsea, it is difficult to create connectors for power transfer or communication, therefore Wireless Power & Communication (WPC) have created a wireless connector. The incentive for this connector is that metals do not last long exposed to the salt water, and a closed waterproof connector is advantageous. In this thesis, the focus is on a connector from WPC called 150W-RSE Subsea Connector, which is found in [2]. The goal for this thesis is to perform a parametric study of the antenna currently in use by WPC, and on a new design presented by the student. These parametric studies is then used to discuss how the properties of the antennas changes dependent on the different values and present a more optimal design for WPC to use. After some testing, it became apparent that the measurements were unstable because of a standing wave on the coax connecting the antennas. The results after connecting a 50 ohm resistor to the antennas were not compared to any simulations, but an increase in stability is noticeable. To conclude, the presented antennas were usable for transmission using the wifi-chip, but further testing with the actual connector with a resistor connected is recommended to increase the stability.