---

Unmanned aircraft with air pollution measuring system

Air pollution is nothing new. Progressive urbanisation, industrial development and the widespread burning of fossil fuels have caused many negative phenomena, which undoubtedly include poor air quality. We have already managed to deal with industrial pollution to a large extent in our country. The so-called “low emissions”, i.e. mainly pollutants emitted from our homes and means of transport, are now the leading issue.

For many years, a team of scientists at the Department of Climatology and Atmosphere Protection has been measuring air quality using both reference methods and modern solutions that are likely to become standard in the future. The search for new solutions became the basis for cooperation with OPTIMUM-TYMIŃSKI I S-KA, and consequently for the implementation of solutions enabling the measurement of pollutant concentrations with the use of drones. Due to the need to identify emission sources, a solution was developed which enables measurement of pollution concentration in the immediate vicinity of the emission source (chimney) and identification of these sources. For this purpose, a differential method has been applied, in which the measurement takes place from the side of the emission source and on the opposite side of the drone, giving the possibility of identifying individual sources.

The invention consists of a system of two air intakes (sampling systems), which are mounted to the underside of the drone, rotatable about a vertical axis (the position of the intake can be changed). The device consists of a system of two inlets (sampling systems), which are located at a distance from each other so that the air can be sampled undisturbed by the movement of the rotors. By installing two inlets with independent sensors, it is possible to quickly determine the direction of the inflow of pollutants. In addition, the position of the intake vents can be remotely controlled without having to land, which also allows the precise location of the emission source. The modular nature of the solution allows the use of different types of sensors for both dust and gas pollution measurement.