Investigations on millimeter wave detection of power lines from a safe distance

Abstract

A millimeter wave obstacle detection system for helicopters is installed to observe the feasibility for the detection of power lines from a safe distance, using 77 and 94 GHz central frequencies, separately. A two wire power line system is illuminated using two different antennas with 24 and 27 dBi gains, comparatively. An external W band (92–96 GHz) power amplifier is also used to measure power line response for increasing the maximum detection distance. It's shown that the use of 77 GHz central frequency, as well as higher antenna gain and output power, is better in terms of increasing the detection range of the millimeter wave radar system. The feasibility measurements are also validated using the theoretical radar formula. A collision avoidance and warning system to detect power lines is also discussed using a compact millimeter wave radar module for the future study.