In the initial stage, the Consortium defined qualitative and quantitative requirements for the sensor and the airborne platform. Laboratory spectroscopy was performed, to achieve important baseline knowledge regarding the defined relevant gas species.
The development of the sensor itself comprised of the development of each subsystem and integration into a prototype and its testing. Consortium member NKT provided a short wavelength supercontinuum source for CSEM and RU, for laboratory tests. In addition, a highly compact version of this source was developed and for integration into the finalized prototype at CSEM. The longer wavelength source was designed and development by DTU. RU develop a lab based transportable spectrometer based on the expected specifications of the long wavelength supercontinuum source and validated the source in laboratory conditions.
SA developed a customized low-cost mass-producible multipass cell using a new molding technology. NIT developed a specific uncooled infrared camera. CSEM took care about the data processing algorithms, to extract the concentration of different species from the camera image. In addition, CSEM developed a gas handling system and a power distribution electronic board for the different components of the sensor. For control, a powerful mini PC is used. All components were integrated into the final sensor prototype at CSEM.
For validation, the sensor instrument was evaluated with calibration gases and compared to a calibrated reference instrument at EMPA. The first flying test was performed by CSEM and EMPA at the airfield in Beromünster (CH). The instrument was mounted on a zeppelin and operated during a test flight. Methane was released in a controlled way from a gas cylinder for simulating a significant methane source. As such, the capabilities of the FLAIR instrument for detecting elevated methane concentration were successfully demonstrated. A second flying test was performed in Denmark on a helicopter, by CSEM and the company Explicit. A 3-days flight campaign allowed for observation of 123 ship plumes. Comparison with established technology used by Explicit was successful, and ships with strongly elevated methane emissions were observed. Generally, the enhanced methane concentrations were attributed to liquid natural gas (LNG) engines. This campaign confirmed that the FLAIR sensor could successfully operate on airborne platforms, such as a helicopter.
The communication and outreach aimed for raising awareness of FLAIR objectives, concept and approach. The project webpage and social media page(s) were initiated, keeping the audience updated about the project progress and its results. A newsletter was published on a regular basis and disseminated via the web portal, e-mail subscriptions, conferences, exhibitions and workshops. All members published scientific and academic papers and posters; presenting the FLAIR instrument as a whole and/or its corresponding subsystems. Partner SA has made two series of promotional videos on the FLAIR project for the general audiences.
The Consortium delivered a highly innovative instrument representing a breakthrough in broadband infrared spectroscopy, for better and pervasive environmental sensing, contributing towards securing and reinforcing industrial European leadership in sensing applications.
NKT will generate new markets for the mid-IR supercontinuum sources and strengthen other markets. The low-cost source is interesting for sensing exhaust gases from combustion processes to optimize engine efficiency and minimizing emission. SA and NKT will further develop the sensor system for the chemical or bioreactor industries, where continuous monitoring of chemical compositions is necessary to optimize production. More complex systems, combining IR spectral information with imaging technology, can allow medical diagnostic and sorting of raw materials. NIT, with their unique uncooled focal plane detectors, will extend the marked from imaging applications into infrared spectroscopy.
Built on the successful implementation of the FLAIR project, several members joint the Horizon 2020 project: “Ultra-broadband infrared gas sensor for pollution detection”. Its goal is to develop a smart, compact and cost-effective, air-quality sensor network for the hyperspectral detection of relevant atmospheric pollution gases.
