Overview:
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) is seeking communication technology that would offer continuous long-distance two-way voice communications to work crew during routine inspections and maintenance of water conveyance tunnels. Ideal solutions include portable or hand-held devices that allow for long-range (>10 miles) communication in tunnels while overcoming challenges of signal loss around bends or obstructions without installing any permanent fixtures.Â
Background:
The USBR needs to enter water conveyance tunnels, siphons, and penstocks on a temporary basis for routine maintenance. During this time, the water-filled tunnels are drained to allow workers to conduct inspections. Some tunnels are OSHA confined spaces and can stretch for 10s of miles which require reliable long-distance communications for worker safety.
Traditional low frequency, long wavelength radio signals are easily absorbed by rock and concrete in tunnels, resulting in signal loss and shortened communication distances. To counteract this, USBR developed high frequency radio systems that could achieve reliable line-of-sight voice communications for up to 21.6 km. However, these 20-year-old radios rely on 10-Ghz GunnPlexer equipment that is no longer manufactured and have issues maintaining signals around tunnel bends.Â
Constraints/Requirements:
- Allow continuous 2-way voice communications
- Portable (preferably hand-held) form factor
- 12 hour or more battery life
- Portable battery-operated repeater systems are desirable for use at tunnel bends to improve radio signal strength
- Range: 10+ mi or 20+ km
- Have a call function
- Can monitor signal strength and alert the user if signal strength is low or lost.
- Ideally operate in 5-15 Ghz range
- Technology readiness: Commercial readiness preferred, options to modify or manufacture systems are also of interest
- Cost-effective
- Easy to deploy, uninstall, and transport
- Cannot require permanent installations
- Waterproof or water-resistant
Possible Solution Areas:
All technologies that can improve communications in tunnels will be considered including, but not limited to:
- High Frequency radio systems
- Cell phone systems
- Wireless modem technology
- Repeaters/Signal Extenders
Desired outcome of the solution:
Identify and evaluate portable technologies that improve reliable two-way communications for temporary tunnel maintenance. Field-ready solutions or promising solutions with options to modify/manufacture systems are of interest.
Related TechNeeds:
Seeking: Technologies for Detecting NORM and Mercury in Industrial Assets
NASA Seeking: Behavioral Health Emergency monitoring capabilities and expertise for spaceflight
Image by Freepik
