A hybrid approach for large-scale optimizations of medium frequency propagation in coal mines

A method to analyze and optimize medium frequency (MF) wave propagation in coal mines is introduced. Specifically, a hybrid approach using ideal transmission line (TL) models in conjunction with strategically placed full-wave sections is demonstrated. This hybrid approach provides for a computationally efficient and accurate alternative to typical numerical methods. Specifically, this work demonstrates that conduction paths between transmitter and receiver can be accurately modeled with the hybrid approach, resulting in significantly improved computation speeds relative to full-wave simulations. With this hybrid approach, the complex propagation networks of coal mines can be analyzed, facilitating the optimization of conductor and/or antenna placement for improved performance of MF communication systems.