COCAP: a carbon dioxide analyser for small unmanned aircraft systems

Abstract. Unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) could provide a cost-effective way to close gaps in the observation of the carbon cycle, provided that small yet accurate analysers are available. We have developed a COmpact Carbon dioxide analyser for Airborne Platforms (COCAP). The accuracy of COCAP's carbon dioxide (CO2) measurements is ensured by calibration in an environmental chamber, regular calibration in the field and by chemical drying of sampled air. In addition, the package contains a lightweight thermal stabilisation system that reduces the influence of ambient temperature changes on the CO2 sensor by 2 orders of magnitude. During validation of COCAP's CO2 measurements in simulated and real flights we found a measurement error of 1.2 µmol mol−1 or better with no indication of bias. COCAP is a self-contained package that has proven well suited for the operation on board small UASs. Besides carbon dioxide dry air mole fraction it also measures air temperature, humidity and pressure. We describe the measurement system and our calibration strategy in detail to support others in tapping the potential of UASs for atmospheric trace gas measurements.

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COCAP: A carbon dioxide analyser for small unmanned aircraft systems

10.5194/amt-2017-207 ◽

2017 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Martin Kunz ◽

Jost V. Lavric ◽

Christoph Gerbig ◽

Pieter Tans ◽

Don Neff ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Carbon Dioxide ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Unmanned Aircraft ◽

Unmanned Aerial Systems ◽

Temperature Changes ◽

Co2 Sensor ◽

Gas Measurements ◽

Carbon Dioxide Co2 ◽

Aerial Systems ◽

Atmospheric Trace Gas

Abstract. Abstract Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) could provide a cost-effective way to close gaps in the observation of the carbon cycle, provided that small yet accurate analysers are available. We have developed a COmpact Carbon dioxide analyser for Airborne Platforms (COCAP). The accuracy of COCAP's carbon dioxide (CO2) measurements is ensured by calibration in an environmental chamber, regular calibration in the field and by chemical drying of sampled air. In addition, the package contains a lightweight thermal stabilisation system that reduces the influence of ambient temperature changes on the CO2 sensor by two orders of magnitude. During validation of COCAP's CO2 measurements in simulated and real flights we found a measurement error of 1.2 μmol mol−1 or better with no indication of bias. COCAP is a self-contained package that has proven well suited for the operation on board small UAS. Besides carbon dioxide dry air mole fraction it also measures air temperature, humidity and pressure. We describe the measurement system and our calibration strategy in detail to support others in tapping the potential of UAS for atmospheric trace gas measurements.

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Determination Of The Position Of The Optoelectronic Gimbal Using MEMS Sensors

Research Works of Air Force Institute of Technology ◽

10.1515/afit-2015-0020 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 36 (1) ◽

pp. 139-146

Author(s):

Justyna Sokołowska ◽

Janusz Błaszczyk

Keyword(s):

Unmanned Aircraft ◽

Unmanned Aircraft Systems ◽

Mems Sensors ◽

Temperature Changes ◽

Influence Of Temperature ◽

Calibration Process ◽

Aircraft Systems

AbstractThe paper describes the use of MinIMU-9 v3 sensors to determine changes in the position of a cheap, stabilised optoelectronic gimbal for unmanned aircraft systems. The sensors calibration process, the influence of temperature changes on their readings, and recommendations that should be considered during assembly were presented.

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