Preliminary Study on Conversion Model Methods for Hydro-Estimator Rain Rate Integration Time in Malaysia

This research investigates the propagation of radio signals, specifically above 10 GHz, where rain-induced signal degradation due to the influence of hydrometeors, particularly rainfall, leads to a phenomenon referred to as rain fade. Current models from International Telecommunication Union or (ITU) have become guides for rain fade prediction, thereby enabling the allocation of appropriate fade margins in the strategic planning of radio networks. However, the existing models have limitations and exhibit a notably confined scope. This research explores alternative approaches using meteorological data, particularly rain radar data, to gain detailed insights into rainfall patterns. The key focus is to harmonize rain rate data into a 1-minute temporal framework suitable for radio network planning. Four methodologies under scrutiny encompass Burgeuno, Joo, Segal, and ITU-R 837 models are examined, as these models have been used in recent research for rain rate integration time conversion. Rigorous testing is conducted using 2020 Hydro-estimator data with 60 minutes integration time over Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. From the results, ITU-837 and Segal models produce 1-minute integrated rain rate results that are the closest to the actual rain gauge data compared to other models. By conducting this exploratory analysis, the paper aspires to broaden the comprehension of rain fade dynamics and contribute to the refinement of radio network design in Malaysia.