Floating Hemispherical Helical Antenna: Analysis of Gain, Efficiency and Resonant Frequency

Abstract

This paper reports the effect of seawater conductivity on gain, efficiency and resonant frequency of a hemispherical helical antenna. The size of the copper ground plane for the hemispherical antenna can be reduced using conductive seawater as part of the ground plane for the antenna. Seawater increases the gain from 6 dBi to 8 dBi but with a decreased efficiency. The simulated radiation efficiency of the antenna on water surface is 61%. This paper also reports the design of a low cost floating buoy. The buoy provides a waterproof setup for the circuitry and antenna. The buoy can be effectively used for shallow water coastal monitoring.