NL1043956B1 - Autonomous electromagnetic pulse detection and warning device - Google Patents

Abstract

The autonomous electromagnetic pulse detection and alarm method and device according to the invention combines EMP detection with an alarm feature. Activation of the alarm occurs only when an EMP event is measured. The alarm also operates if and when an EMP event damages or destroys the shielded electronics of the device, which can happen upon the occurrence of a serious EMP event. The device has an backup power supply so it's not activated by a common power outage and can still operate for a certain time without the power grid. 1043956

Description

AUTONOMOUS ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE DETECTION AND WARNING DEVICE |

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to the detection of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP). In particular, the present disclosure relates to an autonomous device that emits a warning signal when an electromagnetic pulse is detected. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION ; An electromagnetic pulse {EMP} is a pulse of energy that can be emitted both as a result of natural phenomena, such as for example a solar storm, or as a result of a man-made event, such as for example the blast of a nuclear bomb or the use of a high power microwave weapon.

EMP’s can be so powerful that they are capable of damaging electronic and electrical equipment when they interact with the earth's magnetic field. In this respect equipment that comprises integrated circuits such as for example computers and mobile phones, equipment including a transformer, transmission lines and critical communication infrastructures are at risk. In certain countries, depending on the design of their electric grid, EMP damage to certain critical substations may cause cascading power failures across the entire country, While the threat of an EMP, caused by a natural phenomenon, has been around forever, the vulnerability due to the world’s present heavy reliance on technology and interconnectedness is unprecedented. : Basically, an EMP event, whether due to an act of war of a hostile nation or a natural solar disturbance, is a national security threat for countries. A debilitating attack may disrupt industries and lives across an entire country, leaving the country incapable of continuing with the daily operations. Although the chance of occurrence of a major EMP event is small, its consequences will be huge. :

A major blackout would affect the economy, by causing disruptions among medical facilities, first responders, financial institutions, water and food distribution, communications networks, and the transportation sector. A well-placed EMP may bring planes, trains and automobiles to a halt, and may render the domestic military capabilities of a country inoperable.

in principle, the first effect that will be noticed by the general population when an EMP event occurs can be a power failure and, hence, the inoperability of electrical equipment, especially sensitive equipment like mobile phones. If the event occurs at night when most people are asleep, many of them will probably not even notice it. After the EMP event, the surroundings will become quieter, but | people wilt not be alarmed automatically. For the majority of people the fact that they are not alarmed will probably not be a problem. However, for first responders, but also for so-called preppers not being alarmed can be disadvantageous. They will : want/need to be alarmed immediately.

There are various known alarm devices that indicate the occurrence of a power failure or other interruption of power supplied to for example businesses or residences. The patents US 2,632,887 and US 2,681,443 dating back to respectively 1953 and 1954 already describe such devices. However, these devices are not suitable for the specific identification of a failure of equipment due to an EMP whereas for example the power grid is still operational. | Therefore, the present invention comprises a dedicated alarm system that is capable of distinguishing between a power failure due to a non-EMP related event and a power failure, or the destruction of sensitive electronic equipment, caused by an EMP.

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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The autonomous electromagnetic pulse detection and alarm device according to the invention combines EMP detection with an alarm feature. The alarm also operates if and when an EMP event damages or destroys the electronics of the device, which will generally happen upon the occurrence of a serious EMP event, Activation of the alarm occurs only when the electric power that feeds the device is discontinued by an EMP, The device comprises means to ensure that the alarm feature can still emit its warning signal in the absence of electric power and after the destruction of the electronics. The alarm of the device may comprise for example an audible, visual or vibrational signal or a combination of two or more of these signal types.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: | - FIG. 1 shows a rough schematic representation of the main components of an embodiment of the EMP detection and alarm device according to the invention; ~ FIG. 2 shows a possible design of a basic commercial version of an embodiment of the EMP detection and alarm device according to the invention; - FIG, 3 shows a possible design of a commercial version of a more advanced embodiment of the EMP detection and alarm device according to the invention. : | in this description and in the drawings identical or similar parts may have been designated with identical or similar reference numbers. : 1043956 |

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As mentioned above, the effect of a major EMP event on electrical/electronic equipment may be devastating. it is one of the objectives of the present invention to create an EMP alarm device that can continue to operate in the absence of electrical power from the grid in order to confirm that an EMP event has occurred.

FIG. 1 shows a rough schematic representation of the main components/functions of an embodiment of the EMP detection and alarm device according to the invention.

This embodiment of the EMP detection and alarm device comprises an electronic EMP measuring circuitry, hereinafter also referred to as an EMP meter or the electronics, placed inside a grounded, i.e. connected to earth, enclosure 1 comprising a continuous covering of conductive material to block electromagnetic fields.

Such an enclosure, also known as a Faraday cage, protects the EMP measuring electronics from damage by an EMP event.

In order to enable the EMP measuring circuitry to detect an EMP while enclosed in a Faraday cage the electronics of the EMP detection and alarm device according to the invention comprise a receiver antenna 2 that is conductively connected to the electronics of the EMP meter, whereby at least the receiver end of the antenna 2 is positioned outside the enclosure 1. The electronic circuitry is configured to be powered by electricity from the power grid 3. In many embodiments the device also comprises a battery that takes over the powering of the electronics in case of a non-EMP related power failure.

After the device switched over from being powered by the grid 3 to being powered by the battery the alarm will only be activated inthe event of an EMP or when the battery runs out of energy. in the embodiment schematically shown in FIG. 1 the device comprises a solenoid 4 with a plunger 5. The plunger is fully extended, i.e. protruding to its maximum, when the solenoid is powered.

In this embodiment the device further comprises a switch for switching the solenoid on and off.

In the schematic drawing of FIG. 1 the device comprises a switch for switching the solenoid on and off, hereinafter also referred to

: , 5 as the solenoid switch 6. The hwention also includes embodiments of the device without a solenoid switch, In those embodiments the solenoid is powered directly when the device is plugged into an electrical power outlet. The next component of this embodiment of the EMP detection and alarm device shown schematically in FIG. 1 comprises a mechanical alarm 7. In this example, the mechanical alarm comprises a wind up alarm of which the spring system can be wound ‘up by rotating the winding key 8. In the extended position, the plunger 5 of the solenoid 4 can engage with the mechanical alarm 7 to lock the wound up spring system in the wound up position, hereinafter also referred to as the mechanically charged position. The mechanically charged position is indicated by the visual indicator {7a) that is linked to the wind up mechanism, if and when an EMP occurs the EMP detection circuit will discontinue the power supply to the solenoid and the spring loaded plunger will be retracted and the wound up spring system of the mechanical alarm is released and can start to unwind, thereby sounding the alarm.

So, the solenoid 4 with its plunger 5 in this embodiment of the EMP detection and alarm device is of the ‘fail release’ and in this specific embodiment fail retracted’ type, meaning that when no power is applied to the solenoid the plunger 5 will be in the retracted position.

The fact that the solenoid 4 will have to remain powered when the EMP detection and alarm device is in the standby mode, in this case referring to the situation that it is continuously fed by electric power in order to keep the plunger in the extended position while waiting for an EMP event to occur, poses a challenge with respect to the heat that is generated in the solenoid. There are several ways to facilitate/promote the dissipation of that heat. One of the simple and compact, passive, solutions for the dissipation of heat comprises the use of a heat sink, such as for example an aluminium finned component that is conductively connected with the solenoid to conduct the heat out of the solenoid. Of course, it is also possible to apply a form of active removal of heat by providing the device with a small electrical fan, However, this goes at the expense of the compactness of and the energy consumption by the device. After an

EMP has occurred the EMP detection and alarm will have to be reset in order to put it back in the standby mode for detecting and warning when a next EMP event occurs, | The solenoid will have to be switched on manually with the solenoid switch 6. In various embodiments of the EMP detection and alarm device this is only possible if the & mechanical alarm 7 is mechanically charged. The invention also includes other embodiments of the EMP detection and alarm device in which a mechanical indicator shows whether the alarm is charged or armed, irrespective of whether the solenoid is powered electrically, | In this description and in the claims the term solenoid shall be construed as including any other type of electromagnetic actuator suitable for the intended task of locking the alarm in the mechanically charged position. The term plunger shall be construed to include any other type of actuator component, such as for example a lever, that can be moved by an electromagnet and that is capable of engaging, directly or indirectly, with the alarm mechanism to lock it in the charged position, While the mechanical alarm 7 in the embodiment of the detection and alarm device schematically shown in FIG, 1 is of a wind up type with a spring system, the invention also envisages that the driving force to ring the alarm may comprise other mechanical energy sources, such as for example the potential energy stored in a weight that ís lifted up. lust like the spring of the wind up alarm shown schematically in FIG. 1 is held/locked by the plunger of the solenoid, a weight that is lifted can be locked in its top position by the extended plunger of the powered solenoid and released automatically upon an EMP event or other type of electric power failure. it will be clear that it is highly unlikely that an embodiment of the EMP detection and alarm device that uses a lifted weight to provide the driving force for sounding the alarm will be as small and compact as an embodiment of an EMP detection and alarm device with a wind up alarm. So, there are numerous possible embodiments of incorporating a mechanical alarm in the EMP detection and alarm device according to the invention but many of them will not be the preferred ones for practical application.

Nevertheless, the present invention includes all possible embodiments.

co 7 The invention also includes embodiments of the EMP detection and alarm device that show more information about the status of the device and about the nature of possible power outage events that have occurred if such an event has occurred.

§ FIG. 2 shows a possible design of a very basic commercial version of an embodiment of the EMP detection and alarm device according to the invention of the type with a wind up alarm. In this embodiment the EMP detection and alarm device comprises an essentially rectangular box-shaped adapter plug. On one side it comprises a plug 9 that can be plugged into a wall socket or other type of socket connected to the power grid and on the other side it comprises a socket 10 that can be used to plug in another device or apparatus that needs a power supply, The main components of the EMP detection and alarm device are enclosed in the box-shaped enclosure of this embodiment of the device. In this embodiment the winding up of the spring system of the alarm is done by turning a knob 11 instead of a key 8 as shown in the schematic depiction in FIG, 1. So, the device according the invention may comprise any type of winding means, including for example a key 7 or a knob 11, that is deemed suitable or useful for winding up the mechanical alarm component of the device. The embodiment of a possible commercial version of the device as shown in FIG. 2 comprises a plurality of parallel slots on two sides and the top and bottom of the box- shaped enclosure of the EMP detection and alarm device, These slots allow the flow of air into and out of the enclosure for the removal of heat from components of the device or thelr heat sinks that may heat up during the standby periods of the device.

The slots also ensure/improve the audibility of the sound of the alarm emitted by the device, Furthermore, this embodiment of the EMP detection and alarm device according to the invention comprises an indicator light 12 that shows whether the device is in the active standby mode, meaning the mode in which it will sound the alarm upon the occurrence of an EMP event or another power failure causing event, Hereinafter, thers may also be a reference to a “relevant” EMP, This refers to an EMP of 3 magnitude that is considered large enough by a potential user of the device according to the invention. Since the quantification of the criterion of relevance may

| 8 differ from one person or one purpose to another, the invention includes embodiments of the EMP detection and alarm device that comprise the option of selecting the magnitude of the EMP at which the device will trigger the alarm.

FIG, 3 shows a possible design of a commercial version of a more advanced embodiment of the EMP detection and alarm device according to the invention. In this embodiment the device comprises the following features: - an indicator 14 that indicates whether the electricity supply from the power grid is operational; - an indicator 15 that shows whether a power failure has occurred; - an indicator 16 or 7a that reveals whether the spring of the spring loaded alarm is still in the charged mode or not, i.e. this indicator shows whether an EMP has occurred. In various of the preferred embodiments of the device at least one but preferably all of the indicators 7a, 15 and 16 comprise mechanical indicators that do not need an electrical power supply to perform their indicator function, It goes without saying that the invention includes embodiments of the device that may | comprise any other indicator than the ones shown in FIG. 3 that is deemed to be required or useful for a specific situation. | In several of the envisioned embodiments the indicator 15 that shows whether a power failure has occurred, is controlled by means of a winding knob 13 comparable to that of a residual-current circuit breaker but in an inverted form, meaning that it is activated when the current fails instead of being activated when the current gets too high. One of the possible methods of activating this type of breaker includes the use of a solenoid. The invention envisages embodiments of the EMP detection and alarm device that do not use a solenoid for locking the mechanical energy source for ringing the alarm in the charged position, but other methods of sensing and releasing the mechanical energy for ringing the alarm. Such methods may for example include the use of a locking component that is made from a shape memory alloy that is slightly heated while there

| | 9 is power supplied from the grid and changes its shape to an unlocked position when the power is discontinued and the alloy cools down or the use of a bi-metallic actuator.

Numerous other switching options, such as for example the use of a relay, and lacking/unlocking mechanism options for locking and releasing the energy for ringing of a mechanical alarm can be conceptualized and any and all of those shall be considered to be part of the present invention. in certain embodiments of the EMP detection and alarm device according to the invention the device comprises a mechanical dial or linear scale indicator that shows to what degree, for example as a percentage of the maximum or by means of a scale with different colors, the mechanical alarm is charged.

Embodiments of the device may comprise means of preventing the locking of the mechanical alarm by the solenoid plunger when the mechanical alarm is mechanically charged below for example fifty percent of its maximum, In that case the alarm will have to be charged further before it can be locked in position.

Yet another embodiment of the EMP detection and alarm device according to the invention comprises an automatic mechanism for winding up {or charging or arming) the mechanical alarm of the device by means of a stepper motor.

In this embadiment the stepper motor also acts as the locking mechanism for locking the mechanical alarm in the charged position and releasing it upon an electric power failure.

As described above, the invention may especially be embodied in the following embodiments, wherein the embodiments are merely numbered for reference reasons.

1. A method for obtaining confirmation about the occurrence of an EMP event, wherein, the method comprises the steps of: - providing an EMP measuring meter that is protected from damage by an EMP while still being capable of measuring an EMP; - providing a mechanically chargeable alarm that will sound the alarm only after said EMP measuring meter detects the occurrence of a relevant EMP; - providing a back-up power battery or another off-grid back-up power supply for the EMP meter that can ensure continued operation of the EMP meter upon the occurrence of a non-EMP related power failure.

2. A device for the implementation of the method according to embodiment 1, wherein, the device comprises an EMP meter that is enclosed inside a grounded Faraday cage {1} while the EMP meter is conductively connected to a receiver | antenna {2} of which the receiver part is situated outside of said Faraday cage. :

3. A device according to embodiment 2, wherein, the device comprises a mechanical alarm configured to be charged mechanically and an electrical locking mechanism for locking the mechanical alarm in the mechanically charged position. |

4. A device according to embodiment 2 or 3, wherein, the mechanical alarm comprises a wind up type of alarm and the electrical locking mechanism comprises a solenoid {4} with an extendible and retractable plunger (5). 5, Adevice according any of the embodiments 2 - 4, wherein, the solenoid is conductively connected to a heat sink, 6, A device according to any of the embodiments 2 - 5, wherein, the device comprises a manually operated switch for the electrical locking mechanism for locking the mechanical alarm in the mechanically charged position.

7. Adevice according to any of the embodiments 2 - §, wherein, the device comprises a visual indicator {7a} that shows whether the mechanical alarm of the device is in the mechanically charged state.

8. Adevice according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein, the device comprises two or more of the following visual indicators: - an indicator (14) that indicates whether the electricity supply from the power grid is operational; - an indicator {15} that shows whether a power failure has occurred; - an indicator (16, 7a) that reveals whether the mechanical alarm of the device is in the mechanically charged state,

9. A device according to embodiment 8, wherein, at least one of the latter indicators {15,16,7a) comprises a mechanical indicator. The term “comprise” includes also embodiments wherein the term “comprises” means “consists of”. The term “comprising” may in an embodiment refer to "consisting of” but may in another embodiment also refer to "containing at least the defined species and optionally one or more other species”. Use of the verb "to comprise” and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The term “and/or” especially relates to one or more of the items mentioned before and after “and/or”. For instance, a phrase “item 1 and/or item 2” and similar phrases may relate to ong or more of item 1 and item 2. While only certain features of the invention have been described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art, It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention. it should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. The invention further pertains to assemblies comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description.

) 12 The various aspects discussed in this application can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. Further, the person skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be combined, and that also more than two embodiments can be combined.

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Claims (8)

oo 13 CONCLUSIONS A method for obtaining confirmation as to the occurrence of an EMP, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: - providing an EMP meter which is protected against damage due to an EMP while the meter is still able to measure an EMP; - providing a mechanical rechargeable alarm that only sounds when the EMP meter signals the occurrence of a relevant EMP; - providing a battery or other off-grid emergency power supply for the EMP meter which ensures that the EMP meter remains operational during: a power failure not caused by an EMP. A device for applying the method according to claim 1, characterized in that the device comprises an EMP meter placed in a Faraday cage (1) which is electrically connected to a receiver antenna {2} of which at least the receiving part is is outside the Faraday cage {1}. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the device comprises a mechanical alarm which can be charged mechanically and an electrical blocking mechanism for blocking the mechanical alarm in the mechanically charged state. A device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the mechanical alarm {6} comprises a wind-up type mechanical alarm and the electrical blocking mechanism comprises a solenoid (4) with an extendable plunger {5}, 5. Device as claimed in one or more of the claims 2-4, characterized in that the solenoid is conductively connected to a cooling body. Device according to one or more of claims 2-5, characterized in that the device comprises a manually operated switch {6} for operating the electrical blocking mechanism for blocking the mechanical alarm in the mechanically loaded position. st 14 Device according to one or more of claims 2-6, characterized in that the device comprises a visual indicator (7a) which indicates whether or not the mechanical alarm is in the mechanically charged state. ' Device according to one or more of claims 2-7, characterized in that the device comprises at least two of the following visual indicators: - an indicator {14} which indicates whether power supply for the device from the electricity grid is still operational ; - an indicator {15} which indicates whether an interruption in the power supply has occurred; - an indicator 73,16) which indicates whether the mechanical alarm of the device is in the mechanically charged state. A device according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one of the latter indicators {7a,15,16} comprises a mechanical indicator,