Are Andrew's base station antennas aerodynamic?

Andrew’s re-designed base station antennas are crafted to be exceptionally aerodynamic, minimizing the overall wind load imposed on a cellular tower or similar structures. Wind load is the force generated by wind on the exterior surfaces of an object.

How do we reduce wind load in base station antennas?

To reduce wind load in base station antenna designs, the key is to delay flow separation and reduce wake. This equation can be simplified, as only the third term on each side is related to pressure drag. Furthermore, force is related to pressure: How do we reduce wind load for base station antennas?

Which wind direction should be considered in a base station antenna?

In aerospace and automotive industries, only unidirectional wind in the frontal direction is of concern. In the world of base station antennas, wind direction is unpredictable. Therefore, we must consider 360 degrees of wind load. Wind force on an object is complex, with drag force being the key component.

How does wind direction affect base station antennas?

In the world of base station antennas, wind direction is unpredictable. Therefore, we must consider 360 degrees of wind load. Wind force on an object is complex, with drag force being the key component. Drag can be pressure drag, friction drag and/or vortex drag. Pressure drag is usually the most dominant force.

How do enhanced antenna designs reduce wind load?

In the basic formula above, at any given wind speed, the key variable is drag coeficient, Cd. Andrew’s enhanced antenna designs focus on lowering Cd. Using a thorough understanding of the physics and aerodynamics behind wind load, we optimize the antenna design to minimize wind load.

Do aerodynamic solutions reduce wind load in wind tunnel testing?

These aerodynamic solutions show 30 percent overall wind load reduction in wind tunnel testing, compared to the baseline design. These wind load reductions can be very critical at cell sites where tower capacity is at or near its limits.