Evaluation of C and Ku Bands Signal Degradation due to Rain Water Accumulation on Prime Focus Parabolic Antenna in the Tropical Region of Nigeria

Hassan Aliyu, Buhari H. Mamman, Saeed M. Yarima, Ishaku T. Balami, Hassan S. Miya

Abstract


Domestic satellite signal failure due to rainwater accumulation on the prime focus parabolic dish surface is a common phenomenon in the tropics. The problem is more pronounced with high-altitude satellites. This issue may result in a longer period of signal degradation or unavailability even after rain has long stopped. Rainwater collection issues on the surface of prime focus parabolic antenna have not been given adequate attention in the design of the dish systems supplied to the tropics from temperature zones. Most research works on signal attenuation due to rainwater in parabolic antennas are mostly associated with droplet effects in the atmosphere and wet antenna surface. However, the accumulation of water on the parabolic dish reflector surface causes it to exhibit some dielectric characteristics, thereby resulting in signal scattering which may reduce the gain of the antenna. An evaluation of the level of degradation of the satellite signals on C and KU bands due to rainwater accumulation of prime focus parabolic dish antenna during the rainy season is presented in this work. It involved the measurement of the signal degradation due to rainwater collected on the surface of the dish. The analysis was restricted only to end-of-rainfall conditions to isolate attenuations from other sources such as the atmosphere and wet antenna surface. The experimental results obtained indicated some significant levels of signal attenuation due to the accumulation of the rainwater on the dish surface. The attenuation results, however, indicated higher values on the KU-Band frequency. Modification of the dish surface at the region of the water accumulation was proposed to drain the water at the region of accumulation, thereby minimizing the signal losses during and after rain.


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