Researchers develop a new system that uses ultrasound to simultaneously transmit large quantities of data and power wirelessly through thick metal walls,like the hulls of ships and spacecrafts Mumbai Mirror Bureau mirrorfeedback@indiatimes.com In our increasingly tetherless world,wires have been all but replaced by more convenient wireless connections everything from phones to keyboards and printers. In the area of defence,a progression from wired to wireless systems presents an opportunity to improve the safety of vessels.Presently,to install critical safety sensors on the exterior of ships and submarines,they are forced to drill holes in the hull through which cables for data and power transmission are run.Each hole increases the risk of serious issues,including leaks and structural failure. WIRELESS DATA AND POWER Tristan Lawrys invention solves this problem.Unlike conventional electromagnetic wireless systems,which are ineffective at transmitting power and data through vessel hulls because of the shielding effects they present,his patent-pending system uses ultrasound high-frequency acoustic waves to easily propagate signals through thick solids. Piezoelectric transducers are used to convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and vice versa,allow his system to form wireless electrical bridges across barriers. With this new system,Lawry has demonstrated the simultaneous,continuous delivery of 50 watts of power and 12.4 megabytes per second (Mbps) of data through a 2.5-inch-thick solid steel block in real time. These results far surpass all known systems capable of simultaneous data and power transmission through metal. SCALABLE FOR SPEED With only minor modifications,Lawry said hes confident his design will have the capacity to support much higher power levels and data rates.Lawrys combination of electronic and acoustic hardware,signal generation and detection tech,and power generation and collection equipment shares many characteristics with a state-of-the-art communications system such as a cellular phone. Using the three main building blocks of electrical engineering power,communications,and computing Lawry has developed a system that can communicate through a thick metal wall without the need for a battery or any supplemental power source. This means sensors on the outer hull of submarines can be made to work with systems on the other side of the wall for many years without the need for human intervention. In addition to the hulls of ships,Lawry said his wireless data and power system could benefit many other applications where it is advantageous to continually power and monitor sensor networks in isolated environments. For example,his system could be used to power and communicate with sensors in nuclear reactors,oil drilling equipment and pipelines,armoured vehicles,deep-sea exploration vehicles,or even space shuttles and satellites.  Steel walls are no match for Tristan Lawry who demonstrates his invention that transmits power and data wirelessly through a 2.5-inch thick metal block |