WO2008015757A1 - Wind speed radar - Google Patents

Abstract

A wind speed radar (1) comprises a spherical transmitting/receiving lens antenna (2) so formed of a dielectric that the dielectric constant varies at a predetermined rate in the radial direction and transmitting/receiving primary radiators (3Z, 3N, 3S, 3E, 3W) disposed along the outer periphery of the lens antenna (2) at the focuses of the radio waves transmitted/received through the lens antenna (2) in the direction of azimuths to be observed. The lens antenna (2) is supported by a support member (7). The surface (7a) of the support member (7) on which the lens antenna (2) is placed has a spherical shape matching the shape of the lens antenna (2).

Description

 Specification

 Wind speed radar

 Technical field

 The present invention relates to a wind speed radar that transmits and receives a signal via a lens antenna and measures a wind direction, a wind speed distribution, and the like in an atmospheric layer.

 Background art

 Conventionally, various radar devices have been used for the purpose of weather observation and air traffic control.

 These radar devices irradiate a target with high-frequency radio waves such as antenna force microwaves, and receive reflected waves from the target, thereby enabling the size, shape, distance, moving direction, and moving speed of the target. Etc. are detected. For example, in the case of a meteorological radar device for observing weather conditions, the size of the precipitation area and the amount of precipitation are detected by irradiating radio waves to water droplets such as rain and analyzing the received reflected waves. To do.

 [0003] Observing atmospheric motion in the atmospheric layer that is directly affected by radiation and absorption from the earth's surface is extremely important for understanding the global environment. Observation of wind direction and wind speed distribution at every altitude using a dar. In this wind speed radar, in order to measure the direction of the wind (ie, the wind direction), the radio wave is at a minimum, the zenith direction, and the azimuth direction forming a predetermined zenith angle Θ with respect to the north and east directions. Measurements are performed by radiating in three directions. In order to improve the reliability of the data, it is measured by radiating radio waves in 5 directions of the zenith direction and the azimuth angle direction Θ that forms the specified zenith angle Θ with respect to the north, south, east and west directions. Is done.

[0004] In addition, as a type of an antenna that is a main component of such a wind speed radar, a parabolic antenna or a phased array antenna has been conventionally used. Here, in order to make it easy to observe the wind speed and direction of each region, the wind radar needs to be small in size and simple in structure so that it can move easily. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the number of circuits, components, cables, etc. as much as possible, and to switch the radio waves at high speed in order to ensure the synchronism of force data that needs to be reduced in cost. In addition, from the viewpoint of the stability of data during strong winds, the zenith angle Θ in the direction of the radio wave, which is desirable to have a structure that is resistant to wind pressure, is acceptable. It is preferable to change it.

 [0005] Here, when a parabolic antenna is used as a main component of a wind speed radar, the following two types are adopted. That is, (a) a form using three parabolic antennas, and (b) a form in which one parabolic antenna is moved mechanically.

 [0006] The form (a) is a form in which three parabolic antennas corresponding to each direction of the zenith, north, and east are installed, and each parabolic antenna is switched for observation. However, because it is a type in which three antennas with a diameter of lm or more are installed side by side, it is very bulky and requires a large installation area, which limits the installation location. Therefore, it is difficult to reduce the size of the apparatus, and the cost increases. In addition, because the antenna antenna has a structure that is susceptible to wind pressure, during strong winds such as typhoons, the antenna shakes due to the influence of the wind and affects the observation data. Therefore, the accuracy and stability of the data are lacking. Furthermore, since the antenna antenna is fixedly installed, the zenith angle Θ in the radio wave direction cannot be easily changed.

 [0007] In the case of the format (b), the parabolic antenna aperture can be made to correspond to various observation directions by rotational movement, so one parabolic antenna should be installed in all directions. That's fine. Therefore, it is not as bulky as the above-mentioned form (a). However, in order to tilt a large antenna with a diameter of lm or more and move it to the desired orientation and fix it, an extremely large antenna support mechanism and control mechanism are required for the antenna. Therefore, the size of the device inevitably increases. In addition, since the antenna direction can be changed by operating the machine, it takes a long time to change the direction. Therefore, the synchronism of observation data between each direction cannot be obtained, and severe weather changes cannot be handled. Furthermore, as in the case of the format (a), there is a problem that the accuracy and stability of the data are lacking in a strong wind such as a typhoon.

[0008] A phased array antenna is an antenna that can arbitrarily control the directivity, that is, the transmission / reception direction of radio waves to be transmitted / received, by changing the relative phase of the power supply signal of the element antenna. Then, a system is adopted in which a large number of element antennas are arranged in a plane and the phase planes of radio waves in the direction of transmission and reception are aligned. Therefore, a phase shifter that gives a predetermined phase amount to each element antenna is connected in advance so that the phase of the element antenna is changed based on the position where the element antenna is arranged. [0009] Since this phased array antenna has a flat antenna surface and is parallel to the ground, it can stably acquire data even in strong winds that are not easily affected by wind. In addition, since the beam direction is switched by controlling the phase of each element antenna, high-speed switching is possible.

 [0010] When a phased array antenna is used as a main component of wind speed radar, as a condition for satisfying the characteristics as a wind speed radar, for example, the antenna gain of radio waves transmitted and received must be 30 dBi or more. Become. However, in order to satisfy this condition, it is necessary to arrange 100 or more element antennas. Each element antenna is connected to one phase shifter necessary for switching the beam direction. These phase shifters include a control circuit for changing the necessary phase amount by the phase shifter, A control line or the like is required. Therefore, the structure of the wind speed radar becomes extremely complicated. In addition, since the antenna is configured with multiple element antennas, multiple transmitters and receivers are required, and the phased array antenna is very expensive.

Accordingly, a wind speed radar using a veg lens antenna that satisfies various conditions required for the above-described wind speed radar is disclosed. More specifically, this wind speed radar is made up of a spherical radio wave lens formed by using a dielectric material so that the relative permittivity changes at a predetermined rate in the radial direction, and a radio wave lens. A plurality of primary radiators arranged at a focal position of radio waves transmitted and received in a plurality of desired azimuth directions, and a transmitter and a receiver connected to the primary radiator are provided. This radio lens is a radio lens that has long been known as a so-called Luneberg lens. The radio lens is placed on an annular support plate having a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the radio lens! The radio wave lens is supported by supporting the support plate with legs. According to such a wind speed radar, data synchronization can be ensured by switching multiple primary radiators at high speed, and it is difficult to be affected by wind pressure. It is described that the entire device can be downsized, the structure can be simplified, and the cost can be reduced (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Here, in the wind speed radar described in Patent Document 1 below, a synthetic resin foam is used as the dielectric material forming the Luneberg lens. But for example, If a Luneberg lens with a diameter of 800 mm is used, the Luneberg lens weighs about 50 kg. In addition, the Luneberg lens is formed of a synthetic resin foam, and thus is weak and easily deformed. Therefore, by mounting the Luneberg lens on the annular support plate as described above, the Luneberg lens may be deformed or damaged by the Luneberg lens force due to its own weight. There was a problem that proper support could be difficult.

 Patent Document 1: JP 2005-61905 A

 Disclosure of the invention

 Here, in the wind speed radar described in Patent Document 1, a synthetic resin foam is used as the dielectric material forming the Luneberg lens. However, for example, when using a Luneberg lens with a diameter of 800 mm, the Luneberg lens weighs about 50 kg. In addition, the Luneberg lens is formed of a synthetic resin foam, and thus is weak and easily deformed. Therefore, by mounting the Luneberg lens on the annular support plate described above, the Luneberg lens may be deformed or damaged by the Luneberg lens force due to its own weight. There was a problem that it was difficult to support properly.

 The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and includes a spherical radio wave lens formed using a dielectric material so that the relative permittivity changes at a predetermined rate in the radial direction. An object of the present invention is to provide a wind speed radar that can effectively prevent deformation and breakage of a radio wave lens.

 In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a wind speed including a spherical transmission / reception radio lens, a primary radiator for transmission / reception, and a support member that supports the radio lens. Radar is provided. The radio wave lens for transmission and reception is formed by using a dielectric so that the relative permittivity changes at a predetermined rate in the radial direction. The primary radiator for transmission and reception is arranged at the focal position of the radio wave transmitted and received through the radio lens in a plurality of azimuth directions to be observed along the outer periphery of the radio lens. The surface of the support member on which the radio wave lens is placed has a spherical shape that matches the shape of the radio wave lens.

[0016] According to the configuration, the load of the radio wave lens is evenly distributed on the surface of the support member. It becomes possible. Therefore, as a radio wave lens, a spherical Luneberg lens (e.g.

Even when using a diameter force of OO mm and a weight of 50 kg, deformation or breakage of the Luneberg lens can be effectively prevented. As a result, it is possible to properly support the radio lens in a wind speed radar equipped with the radio lens.

 [0017] In the wind speed radar described above, it is preferable that the support member is formed with a storage portion for storing the primary radiator. According to this configuration, the primary radiator can be easily arranged at the focal position while the radio wave lens is appropriately supported by the support member.

 [0018] In the above wind speed radar, the support member is preferably formed of a fiber reinforced plastic material. According to this configuration, since the fiber reinforced plastic material is excellent in load resistance, the radio wave lens can be reliably supported by the support member. In addition, since the thickness of the support member can be reduced, the transmission loss and phase change of the radio wave when the radiation from the primary radiator or the radio wave incident on the primary radiator passes through the support member are effective. Can be suppressed. In addition, since the fiber reinforced plastic material has excellent heat resistance and a small dimensional change due to a temperature change, the support member can be prevented from being deformed or damaged due to long-term use. Furthermore, since the fiber reinforced plastic material is excellent in workability, it becomes easy to process the surface of the support member into a spherical shape that matches the shape of the radio wave lens, and manufacture of the support member is facilitated.

 [0019] For the above wind speed radar! /, It should be at least one selected from the group consisting of fiber reinforced plastic fiber reinforced plastic fiber glass fiber, polyethylene fiber, and polytetrafluoroethylene fiber strength. Is preferred. According to this configuration, it is possible to more effectively suppress the transmission loss of radio waves in the support member.

[0020] In the wind speed radar, the support member is preferably formed of at least one selected from the group consisting of polyolefin resin, polystyrene resin, and fluorine resin. According to this configuration, it is possible to effectively suppress the transmission loss and phase change of the radio wave when the radio wave emitted from the primary radiator or incident on the primary radiator passes through the support member. Furthermore, since these resins are excellent in workability, it is easy to process the surface of the support member into a spherical shape that matches the shape of the radio wave lens. Thus, the support member can be easily manufactured.

 [0021] In the above wind speed radar, it is preferable that the support member is formed of a resin foam having a foaming magnification force of 0 or more. According to this configuration, the support member can be formed of the resin foam having a dielectric constant very close to that of air. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress the transmission loss of radio waves in the support member. Brief Description of Drawings

 FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an overall configuration of a wind speed radar according to an embodiment of the present invention.

 FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining a support member that supports a radio wave lens of a wind speed radar.

 FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a method of measuring wind speed and direction by a wind speed radar according to an embodiment of the present invention.

 FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a modification of the wind speed radar according to the embodiment of the present invention.

 FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of FIG.

 FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a modification of the wind speed radar according to the embodiment of the present invention.

 FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view showing a modified example of the wind speed radar according to the embodiment of the present invention.

 [FIG. 8] (a) to (c) are diagrams for explaining the arrangement of wind speed radars according to the embodiment of the present invention.

 BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an overall configuration of a wind speed radar according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining a support member that supports a radio wave lens of the wind speed radar. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a method of measuring the wind speed and direction by the wind speed radar according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the wind speed radar 1 includes a radio wave lens 2 for transmission / reception and a plurality of primary radiators 3 for transmission / reception disposed along the outer periphery of the radio wave lens 2 (this embodiment) In the form, there are five primary radiators 3Z, 3N, 3S, 3E, and 3W) for transmission and reception. Reference symbol Z indicates the zenith direction, reference symbol N indicates the north direction, reference symbol S indicates the south direction, reference symbol E indicates the east direction, and reference symbol W indicates the west direction. The radio wave lens 2 is a Luneberg lens having a spherical shape, and is formed into a spherical lens by a central spherical core 2 and a plurality of different-diameter spherical shells 2, 2, 2 surrounding the spherical core 2. The dielectric constant is used to change the dielectric constant at a predetermined rate in the radial direction. The dielectric here refers to a material that exhibits paraelectricity, ferroelectricity, or antiferroelectricity and does not have electrical conductivity. The radio lens 2 consisting of this Luneberg lens is formed so as to follow the equation of relative permittivity ε γ force of each spherical shell part ε γ = 2-(rZR) ² , and the relative permittivity of the center part is It is set to about 2 and is changed so that the dielectric constant becomes about 1 toward the outside of the central force. In the above equation, R is the radius of the sphere, and r is the distance of the center force of the sphere. In the present embodiment, the diameter force of the radio wave lens 2, for example, 800 mm, 600 mm, 450 mm can be used.

 [0026] As the dielectric for the Luneberg lens, for example, a foam of a polyolefin-based synthetic resin such as polyethylene resin or polypropylene resin can be used. In addition, an inorganic high dielectric filler such as titanium oxide, titanate or zirconate added to the synthetic resin and foamed from it can also be used. The relative dielectric constant of these dielectric foams is adjusted to the target value by controlling the specific gravity by varying the expansion ratio, and by this adjustment, a higher specific gravity can be obtained with a higher specific gravity. it can.

 [0027] Further, if the relative dielectric constant is adjusted by changing only the expansion ratio, the outer peripheral side requires a magnification of 10 times or more of the center side, so that the addition ratio of the inorganic high dielectric filler is increased on the center side. It is good to add and decrease on the outer peripheral side. In addition, although the number n of layers of the spherical nuclei is an arbitrary number, in the wind speed radar 1 in the present embodiment, for example, it is set to 16 to 18, and the change in the dielectric constant due to each spherical nuclei is finely and smoothly smoothed. Set to change.

 [0028] In addition, as a method for producing a dielectric foam, for example, a raw material (a synthetic resin alone or a mixture of a synthetic resin and an inorganic high dielectric filler) is decomposed by heating to generate a gas such as nitrogen gas. There is a chemical foaming method in which a foaming agent is added and foamed by placing it in a mold having a desired shape. In addition, a pellet-like material impregnated with a volatile foaming agent is pre-foamed in advance, and the obtained pre-foamed beads are filled in a mold having a desired shape, and then heated again with steam or the like to be foamed again, and at the same time. There is a bead foaming method in which beads are fused to each other.

[0029] The primary radiator 3 has an electromagnetic hob having an opening having a substantially rectangular or substantially circular cross section. For example, a dielectric antenna or a dielectric rod antenna having a dielectric rod mounted on a waveguide is used. Further, as the primary radiator 3, a microstrip antenna, a slot antenna, a linear antenna such as a dipole, a loop antenna, or the like can be used. In addition, the directivity (polarization) of the electric field of the radio wave transmitted and received from the primary radiator 3 can be linearly polarized (for example, vertical polarization or horizontal polarization) or circularly polarized (for example, right-handed polarization). It may be a deviation of left-handed polarization. As shown in FIG. 1, the primary radiator 3 is configured to be supported on support rails 5 and 6 supported by the shaft portion 4.

 In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the primary radiator 3 has a focal position of the radio wave lens 2 corresponding to a plurality of desired azimuth directions to be observed in the observation region from the ground to the sky (ie, (Focal position of radio waves transmitted and received via radio lens 2 in a plurality of azimuth directions to be observed) and 5 primary radiators 3Z, 3N, 3S, 3E, and 3W for transmission / reception. is there. More specifically, the focal position of radio waves transmitted and received in the zenith direction and the azimuth angle direction that forms a predetermined zenith angle Θ with respect to the north, south, east, and west directions in the observation area up to the ground. Corresponding to the above, five primary radiators 3Z, 3N, 3S, 3E, and 3 W for transmission and reception are arranged. The primary radiators 3Z, 3N, 3S, 3E, and 3W are configured to be connected to a transmitter 11 and a receiver 12 of the control unit 9 to be described later by a coaxial cable (not shown).

 In the present embodiment, the zenith angle Θ is set to an appropriate angle within a range of 10 ° to 15 °. In FIG. 1, each of the primary radiators 3Z, 3N, 3S, 3E, and 3W is placed on the support rails 5 and 6 at the focal position of the wave lens 2 corresponding to the above-described azimuth directions. It is fixedly installed. Each of the primary radiators 3Z, 3N, 3S, 3E, and 3W is configured to be movable on the support rails 5 and 6 and can be fixed at a predetermined azimuth position. It is preferable that Θ can be changed within the above range.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the radio wave lens 2 is configured to be supported by a support member 7. More specifically, the radio wave lens 2 is supported by the support member 7 by placing a part of the surface 2 a of the radio wave lens 2 on the surface 7 a of the support member 7. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the surface 7a of the support member 7 on which the radio wave lens 2 is placed has a shape of the radio wave lens 2. It has a spherical shape that matches the shape (ie, spherical shape). With such a configuration, the load of the radio wave lens 2 can be evenly distributed on the surface 7a of the support member 7. Therefore, the radio wave lens 2 is formed of a synthetic resin foam, and has a diameter of, for example, Even when a Luneberg lens with a weight of 800 mm and a weight of 50 kg is used, deformation or breakage of the Luneberg lens can be effectively prevented.

 In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the support member 7 is formed with a storage portion 17 for storing the primary radiator 3 and the like. With the storage portion 17, the primary radiator 3 can be easily placed at the focal position of the radio wave lens 2 while the radio wave lens 2 is appropriately supported by the support member 7.

 [0034] Further, in the configuration in which the primary radiator 3 and the like are housed in the support member 7 in this way, the radio wave is radiated from the primary radiator 3 via the radio wave lens 2, or the primary radiator 3 When the electromagnetic wave is incident on the antenna, the radio wave passes through the support member 7. Accordingly, the support member 7 needs to have excellent radio wave permeability (that is, a characteristic that the phase change is small with little transmission loss). Further, the support member 7 needs to have strength (that is, load resistance) that can withstand the load of the radio wave lens 2. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to ensure excellent radio wave permeability and load resistance, the fiber reinforced plastic composed of a fiber reinforcing material and a matrix resin is used as a material constituting the support member 7. (FRP) material is preferably used.

[0035] Since this fiber-reinforced plastic material is excellent in load bearing performance !, it is possible to reliably support the radio wave lens 2 by using the support member 7 formed of the fiber-reinforced plastic material. Is possible. Further, since the fiber reinforced plastic material is excellent in load resistance, the thickness of the support member 7 formed of the fiber reinforced plastic material can be reduced. Furthermore, by selecting a fiber reinforcement or matrix resin that has excellent radio wave transmission (that is, low dielectric constant and low dielectric loss tangent), it is emitted from primary radiator 3 or incident on primary radiator 3. The transmission loss and phase change of the radio wave when the radio wave passes through the support member 7 can be effectively suppressed. In addition, since the fiber reinforced plastic material has excellent heat resistance and a small dimensional change due to a temperature change, the support member 7 can be effectively prevented from being deformed or damaged due to long-term use. In addition, fiber reinforced plastic materials are easy to process Therefore, the surface 7a of the support member 7 can be easily processed into a spherical shape matching the shape of the radio wave lens 2, and the manufacture of the support member 7 is facilitated.

[0036] Examples of the fiber reinforcing material of the fiber reinforced plastic material include glass fiber, aramid fiber, nylon fiber, polyethylene fiber, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fiber, and the like. Can be used in combination. Of these, the use of glass fiber, polyethylene fiber, and polytetrafluoroethylene fiber as the fiber reinforcement makes it possible to more effectively suppress radio wave transmission loss. Of the glass fibers, quartz (SiO 2) has a high purity (for example, a purity of 9

 2

 9%) The use of quartz glass fiber or the above-mentioned polytetrafluoroethylene fiber is particularly preferable because transmission loss of radio waves can be minimized.

 [0037] Further, as the matrix resin of the fiber reinforced plastic material, thermosetting resin and thermoplastic resin can be used. Examples of the thermosetting resin include unsaturated polyester resin, phenol resin, epoxy resin, and bismaleimide resin. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include polyamide resin, polyimide resin, polyamideimide resin, polyetherimide resin, and polyethersulfone resin. These rosins can be used alone or in combination. Further, from the viewpoint of achieving both radio wave permeability and load resistance, the thickness of the support member 7 formed of a fiber reinforced plastic material is preferably lmm to 5mm.

[0038] Further, in the present embodiment, as a material for forming the support member 7, a synthetic resin can be used instead of the above-described fiber-reinforced plastic material. As the resin, thermosetting resin and thermoplastic resin can be used. From the viewpoint of effectively suppressing transmission loss of radio waves and phase change, polyolefin resin or polystyrene resin can be used. , And fluorinated resin can be suitably used. In addition, since these resins are excellent in workability like the above-described fiber-reinforced plastic material, it becomes easy to process the surface 7a of the support member 7 into a spherical shape that matches the shape of the radio wave lens 2. Thus, the support member 7 can be easily manufactured. Examples of the polyolefin resin include polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene propylene copolymer, ethylene-butene copolymer, and propylene-butene copolymer. Examples of the polystyrene-based resin include polystyrene and styrene. N-acrylonitrile copolymer, styrene-butadiene copolymer, styrene-methacrylic acid copolymer, styrene-methyl methacrylate copolymer, and styrene-acrylic acid copolymer. In addition, examples of the fluorinated resin include polytetrafluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene monohexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), and the like.

 [0039] As a material for forming the support member 7, a resin foam having a high expansion ratio can also be used. From the viewpoint of radio wave transmission, it is preferable that only air having a dielectric constant of 1 exists between the radio wave lens 2 and the primary radiator 3. Therefore, in order to reduce the dielectric constant of the material forming the support member 7 existing between the radio wave lens 2 and the primary radiator 3 to a dielectric constant very close to that of air, it has a high expansion ratio. It is necessary to form the support member 7 using the foam. In this embodiment, the support member 7 can be formed of a foamed body having a dielectric constant very close to the dielectric constant of air by using a resin foam having an expansion ratio of 40 or more. Therefore, as in the case of using glass fiber, polyethylene fiber, and polytetrafluoroethylene fiber as the fiber reinforced plastic material, the transmission loss of the radio wave when the radio wave passes through the support member 7, In addition, the phase change can be more effectively suppressed.

 [0040] Further, as the resin forming the resin foam having such a high foaming ratio, for example, the above-mentioned polyolefin resin, polystyrene resin, and fluorine resin are preferably used. it can. In addition, from the viewpoint of improving radio wave transmission, the thickness of the support member 7 formed of a foam having a high expansion ratio is 10 mn! ~ 100mm is preferred.

 [0041] Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the wind speed radar 1 includes a radio lens 2, a primary radiator 3, a support member 7 and the like, and a radome 8 for protecting rain wind and snow accumulation force. The primary radiator 3, the support member 7, etc. are housed inside the radome 8. Further, since the radome 8 needs to have excellent radio wave transmissivity, in this embodiment, in order to ensure excellent radio wave transmissibility, as a material constituting the radome 8, for example, the above-described fiber A reinforced plastic (FRP) material is preferably used. As shown in FIG. 1, the wind speed radar 1 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 9 that houses a transmitter 11, a receiver 12, and the like, which will be described later, below the radome 8.

Next, a method for measuring the wind speed and the wind direction by the wind speed radar 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Fig 3 As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 9 of the wind radar 1 includes an oscillator 10 that generates a high-frequency signal, a transmitter 11 that is connected to the oscillator 10 and amplifies the high-frequency signal generated by the oscillator 10, and reflects or It has a receiver 12 that amplifies the weak high-frequency radio signal that has been scattered back and returned. The control unit 9 includes a switch 13 that is connected to the transmitter 11, the receiver 12, and the primary radiator 3 and performs switching of signals to be transmitted and received, and the primary radiator 3 (that is, a plurality of transmitters 11). Each of the primary radiators 3Z, 3N, 3S, 3E, and 3W) is connected to the transmitter 11 and the receiver 12 via the switch 13. The control unit 9 is connected to the receiver 12 and detects a signal received by the receiver 12, and the signal detected by the signal detector 14 is connected to the signal detector 14. And a signal processor 15 for calculating the wind speed and direction information of the atmospheric layer T.

 [0043] Further, the control unit 9 includes a computer 16 as control means, and by starting a radar device control program, an oscillator 10, a transmitter 11, a receiver 12, a switch 13, a signal detector 14 and the signal processor 15 are controlled.

 In the above configuration, when the wind speed and the wind direction are observed, first, a predetermined high frequency signal is generated by the oscillator 10, and the high frequency signal is sent to the transmitter 11. Next, the high frequency signal is amplified by the transmitter 11 and sent to each of the plurality of primary radiators 3Z, 3N, 3S, 3E, and 3W. Then, the amplified high-frequency signal is converted into a desired high frequency radio wave 20 via the primary radiators 3Z, 3N, 3S, 3E, and 3W, respectively, the radio wave lens 2, and the above-described desired observation to be observed in space. Radiated in multiple azimuth directions. Next, the weak high-frequency radio waves 21 reflected from the atmospheric layer T in the sky and returning from each azimuth angle direction are collected at the focal position by the radio lens 2, and a plurality of primary radiations are transmitted through the radio lens 2. Received in each of 3Z, 3N, 3S, 3E, and 3W.

At this time, in the present embodiment, the plurality of azimuth angles to be observed as described above, for example, the zenith and the azimuth angle that forms the zenith angle Θ with east-west north-south are sent via the radio wave lens 2. Primary radiators 3Z, 3N, 3S, 3E, and 3W are arranged corresponding to the focal position of the received radio wave. Therefore, if radio waves are transmitted from the primary radiators 3Z, 3N, 3S, 3E, and 3W arranged at the respective focal positions, the primary radiators 3Z, 3N, 3S, 3E, and 3W at the respective focal positions are transmitted. The reflected radio wave returns immediately and the radio signal in the specified azimuth direction is obtained. Can. Therefore, it becomes possible to simultaneously transmit and receive radio waves in a plurality of azimuth directions, so that the simultaneity of collected data can be improved. In addition, it is possible to shorten the data collection time.

 [0046] Then, radio wave signals received by each of primary radiators 3Z, 3N, 3S, 3E, and 3W are sent to receiver 12 switched by switch 13. Next, the receiver 12 amplifies the high-frequency signal and sends it to the signal processor 15 via the signal detector 14. The signal processor 15 processes the signal detected by the signal detector 14. Thus, the information on the wind speed and direction of the atmosphere T can be obtained.

 [0047] It should be noted that there are a plurality of transmitters 11 and receivers 12 corresponding to each of the plurality of primary radiators 3Z, 3N, 3S, 3E, and 3W (that is, five transmitters 11). A configuration in which five receivers 12) are provided. Also, only one set of transmitter 11 and receiver 12 for multiple primary radiators 3 Z, 3N, 3S, 3E, and 3W (ie, one transmitter 11 and one receiver). 12) By installing and controlling the switch 13, the primary radiator that emits radio waves (or radio waves are incident) is selected from the multiple primary radiators 3Z, 3N, 3S, 3E, and 3W. A configuration may be selected.

 [0048] Further, in the wind speed radar 1 in the present embodiment, a part of the radio wave radiated from the wind speed radar 1 is scattered by the turbulent air flow, and a frequency shift occurs due to the Doppler effect due to the velocity of the air flow. By observing this, information on the wind speed and direction of the atmospheric layer T is observed.

 That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, a pulse-like shape is transmitted from the primary radiator 3S via the radio wave lens 2 toward the azimuth angle direction that forms a predetermined zenith angle Θ with respect to the south direction S. When the radio wave is radiated, the radio wave is scattered slightly due to the refractive index fluctuation accompanying the atmospheric turbulence in the sky), and returns to the radio wave lens 2 with a time delay corresponding to the altitude. Come. Therefore, by measuring the scattered wave intensity as a function of time, it is possible to obtain wind speed and direction data at different altitudes. Such a measurement can be performed using the radio wave signal received by the receiver 12 as described above. It is obtained by calculating in 9.

In this embodiment, the spherical Luneberg lens described above is used as the radio wave lens 2 when performing this measurement. Therefore, the attenuation rate of radio waves is small and weak. Even radio waves can be sufficiently detected. In addition, it is possible to provide the radio wave lens 2 that has high strength and is less susceptible to wind pressure. Therefore, even when installed in an area exposed to strong winds, such as a typhoon, it is possible to provide a wind speed radar 1 with excellent wind resistance.

 [0051] Also, in the wind speed radar 1 of the present embodiment, unlike the phased array antenna described above, it is not necessary to connect a phase shifter to the primary radiator 3, and a large number of element antennas are used. do not need. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size and weight of the device and simplify the structure, and to reduce the number of circuits, components, cables, and the like as much as possible, thereby reducing the cost.

 Next, the calculation in the control unit 9 will be described with reference to FIG. Since the turbulent flow in the upper atmospheric layer T moves on atmospheric turbulence (i.e., wind) K, the scattered wave is caused by the Doppler effect, and the wind speed V at the scattering point A shown in Fig. 3 Is subject to a frequency shift proportional to (ie, Doppler shift) Δ ί. The following (Equation 1) is established between the Doppler shift Δ ί and the line-of-sight wind speed (radio wave radiation direction component) Vr, where f is the frequency of the radiated radio wave and c is the speed of light.

 [0053] [Equation 1]

△ f--1} (Equation 1)

[0054] In the above (Expression 1), the line-of-sight wind speed Vr is negligibly small compared to the light speed c. Therefore, if the above (Expression 1) is expanded and the second order terms and below are ignored, (Equation 2) is obtained.

[0055] [Equation 2]

V r = c-^ —… (Formula 2)

[0056] Then, when the direction of the radio wave radiated from the primary radiator 3 is directed to the zenith direction Z, (formula From 2), the vertical component Vz of the wind speed V can be obtained. Next, the horizontal component Vh of the wind speed V is changed by changing the direction of the radio wave to a direction inclined by an angle of Θ with respect to the zenith direction Z and measuring the line-of-sight wind speed Vr (Θ). Calculate from the following (Equation 3). In this case, the wind K within the radio wave measurement range is assumed to be uniform.

 [0057] [Equation 3]

V '(Θ) -V r (-Θ)

 Vh = (Equation 3)

[0058] In the above (Formula 3), 0 and 0 correspond to, for example, east and west (or north and south). As described above, the wind speed and the altitude distribution of the wind direction at each altitude can be obtained. As described above, the wind speed radar 1 of the present embodiment can easily and accurately measure the wind direction, wind speed distribution, etc. in the atmospheric layer by using the surface force radio wave, using the lens antenna. It can be widely used for observation.

 [0059] According to the present embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.

 (1) The wind radar 1 of the present embodiment includes a spherical radio wave lens 2 formed using a dielectric so that the relative permittivity changes in a predetermined ratio in the radial direction, and the radio wave lens 2 A support member 7 is provided. The surface 7 a of the support member 7 on which the radio wave lens 2 is placed has a spherical shape that matches the shape of the radio wave lens 2. Therefore, since the load of the radio wave lens 2 can be evenly distributed on the surface 7a of the support member 7, even when a large weight, a Luneberg lens is used, deformation of the Luneberg lens, or Damage can be effectively prevented. As a result, it is possible to appropriately support the radio wave lens 2 in the wind speed radar 1 including the radio wave lens 2.

 (2) In the present embodiment, the support member 7 is formed with a storage portion 17 for storing the primary radiator 3. Therefore, the primary radiator 3 can be easily placed at the focal position of the radio wave lens 2 while the radio wave lens 2 is appropriately supported by the support member 7.

(3) For the present embodiment, the support member 7 is formed of a fiber reinforced plastic material having excellent load resistance. Therefore, the radio wave lens 2 is securely attached by the support member 7. It becomes possible to support. Further, since the thickness of the support member 7 can be reduced, the transmission loss of the radio wave when the radio wave radiated from the primary radiator 3 or the radio wave incident on the primary radiator 3 passes through the support member 7, And a phase change can be suppressed effectively. Further, since the fiber reinforced plastic material has excellent heat resistance and a small dimensional change due to a temperature change, the support member 7 can be effectively prevented from being deformed or damaged. Furthermore, since the fiber-reinforced plastic material is excellent in processability, the support member 7 can be easily manufactured.

[0063] (4) In the present embodiment, glass fiber, polyethylene fiber, and PTFE fiber are used as the fiber reinforcing material of the fiber reinforced plastic material forming the support member 7. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress the transmission loss of radio waves in the support member 7.

 [0064] (5) In the present embodiment, the support member 7 is formed of a polyolefin resin, a polystyrene resin, and a fluorine resin. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress transmission loss and phase change of the radio wave when the radio wave emitted from the primary radiator 3 or the radio wave incident on the primary radiator 3 passes through the support member 7. Furthermore, since these resins have excellent processability, the support member 7 can be easily manufactured.

 [0065] (6) In this embodiment, the support member is formed of a resin foam having an expansion ratio of 40 or more. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress the transmission loss of radio waves in the support member 7.

 [0066] The embodiment described above may be modified as follows.

[0067] In the above embodiment, a plurality of primary radiators 3Z, 3N, 3S, 3E, and 3W are arranged corresponding to the focal positions of radio waves transmitted and received in a plurality of azimuth directions. The primary radiator 3 may be movably disposed so as to correspond to the focal positions of radio waves transmitted and received in a plurality of azimuth directions. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the wind speed radar 50, the support rails 5 and 6 are provided orthogonal to each other, and for example, the support rail 5 is arranged in the north-south direction. Is installed in the east-west direction. Then, one primary radiator 3 is installed on the support rails 5 and 6 in the direction of the arrow in the figure, and the zenith direction and the north, south, east, and west directions are Stop at the focal position of the radio wave transmitted and received in the azimuth direction that forms the specified zenith angle Θ, and at each stop position, wind speed, Measure wind direction data. Note that the method for measuring the wind speed and direction data is the same as in the above embodiment. With such a configuration, it is possible to measure wind speed and wind direction data with one primary radiator 3, thereby suppressing an increase in cost.

 Further, as shown in FIG. 6, in the wind speed radar 51, the support rail 30 that supports the primary radiator 3 is extended only in one direction, and the shaft portion 4 that supports the support rail 30 is rotated. It is good also as a structure provided freely. In this case, the primary radiator 3Z is fixedly disposed at the focal position of the radio wave transmitted and received in the zenith direction Z, and one primary radiator 3 is movably provided on the support rail 30. Then, the primary radiator 3 is stopped at the focal position of the radio wave transmitted and received in the azimuth angle direction that forms a predetermined zenith angle Θ with respect to the north, south, east, and west directions. Measure wind direction data.

 [0069] In the wind speed radar 51 shown in FIG. 6, like the wind speed radar 52 shown in FIG. 7, the primary radiator 3Z disposed at the focal position of the radio wave transmitted and received in the zenith direction Z is omitted. A configuration in which only one primary radiator 3 is movably provided on the support rail 30 is also possible. In this case, the primary radiator 3 is stopped at the focal position of the radio wave transmitted and received in the zenith direction and the azimuth angle direction that forms the predetermined zenith angle Θ with respect to the north, south, east, and west directions. Measure wind speed and direction data at the stop position.

 [0070] As the material for forming the support member 7, other materials can be used as long as they have the above-described radio wave permeability, load resistance, and workability. For example, a ceramic material, wood, or the like can be used as a material for forming the support member 7.

[0071] Further, a plurality of wind speed radars 1 can be used side by side. More specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 8 (a), four wind speed radars 1 can be arranged, and as shown in FIG. 8 (b), seven wind speed radars are arranged. be able to. Further, as shown in FIG. 8 (c), 13 wind speed radars 1 can be arranged. With such a configuration, the physical area of the radio wave lens 2 can be increased, so that the antenna gain and transmission power can be improved. As a result, the radar performance (for example, observation altitude) can be improved. In this case, the oscillator 10, the signal detector 14, the signal processor 15 and the like described in FIG. 3 may be provided for each of the plurality of wind radars 1. Overall, oscillator 10, signal detector 14, and signal Even if only one processor 15 etc. is installed.

Industrial applicability

 As an application example of the present invention, there is a wind speed radar that transmits and receives a signal via a lens antenna and measures a wind direction, a wind speed distribution and the like in the atmosphere layer.

Claims

The scope of the claims  [1] A spherical transmission / reception radio wave lens formed using a dielectric so that the relative permittivity changes at a predetermined rate in the radial direction;  A primary radiator for transmission / reception disposed at a focal position of a radio wave transmitted / received via the radio wave lens in a plurality of azimuth directions to be observed along an outer periphery of the radio wave lens, and supporting the radio wave lens A support member,  A wind speed radar, wherein a surface of the support member on which the radio wave lens is mounted has a spherical shape that matches the shape of the radio wave lens.  [2] The wind radar according to claim 1, wherein the support member is formed with a storage portion for storing the primary radiator. [3] The wind speed radar according to claim 2, wherein the support member is made of a fiber reinforced plastic material. [4] The fiber reinforcing material of the fiber reinforced plastic material is at least one selected from the group consisting of glass fiber, polyethylene fiber, and polytetrafluoroethylene fiber strength. The wind speed radar described in 1. [5] The support member according to claim 2, wherein the support member is formed of at least one selected from the group consisting of polyolefin resin, polystyrene resin, and fluorine resin. Wind speed radar. 6. The wind speed radar according to claim 5, wherein the support member is made of a resin foam having an expansion ratio of 40 or more.