Researchers from the University of Kentucky Develop Gas Sensing System for Environmental Monitoring with Drones

Travis J. Schuyler, Sean Bailey, and Marcelo Guzman Contribute a New Analytical Device for Measurements of Atmospheric Composition with Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing Commercial Drones.

Recent work by members of the Departments of Chemistry and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Kentucky has measured environmental variables during low-altitude flights with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The project goal is to reach a better understanding of composition of greenhouse gases in the atmospheric boundary layer, close to pollution sources that undergo fast transport under turbulent conditions. In order to accurately sample atmospheric composition together with physical variables in the low troposphere, the project has designed a sensor system integrated into either a quadcopter or a small plane UAV.

Travis Schuyler, a Ph.D. candidate working with Professor Marcelo Guzman in the Department of Chemistry, stated "I have built a system for fast sampling of the concentration of methane, ammonia, and carbon dioxide, while measuring temperature, pressure, and relative humidity in the three-dimensional space flown. Part of the challenge, explained Schuyler, involved the laboratory and field calibrations of the instruments to know that the information provided is of value. Marcelo Guzman commented, "we are very excited to share the resulting prototype publically after we validated the drone measurements using a tether balloon."

A project goal was to compare the data collected at different times of the day with high-resolution in the same geographic location to establish the effect of variable temperature and relative humidity in the measurements. This is the first time this kind of atmospheric-sensing equipment has been successfully integrated and flown using both drones and a balloon. The results will enable the evolution of new UAV technology and in-situ observation methodologies. Guzman's closing comment was "this project has provided an amazing opportunity to interface basic science research and the development of applied technology."

More information:
Travis J. Schuyler et al. Monitoring Tropospheric Gases with Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) during the Second CLOUDMAP Flight Campaign, Atmosphere (2019). DOI: 10.3390/atmos10080434

Provided by University of Kentucky