Skip to main content
Go to the home page of the European Commission (opens in new window)
English en
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS
Content archived on 2024-05-14

Novel use of solid-state sensors for atmospheric composition monitoring instruments

Objective



The primary objective of this proposal is to exploit proven solid state sensor techniques to achieve a dramatic reduction in the cost and weight of balloon-borne ozone sondes, such that incorporation into standard Pressure-Temperature-Humidity (PTU) instruments becomes feasible. The spatial distribution and temporal frequency of ozone measurement as a function of height in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere could be improved by a significant factor over that currently achieved.
The secondary and more challenging objective is to achieve measurement of atmospheric methane within the same constraints. A standard weather balloon could then provide measurement of both ozone and a tracer gas. The increased density of information would revolutionise knowledge of the dynamics and chemistry of the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere.
The proposed development is feasible because of new discoveries, inventions and technological development made by some of the partners in the field of inexpensive solid-state devices for industrial and domestic health and safety monitoring. The feasibility of using this new technology to measure the target gases at the required concentration and to acceptable accuracy has been demonstrated on the ground (eg.
ozone at ppb levels). The project brings atmospheric scientists together with the sensor scientists and SME sensor/instrumentation company which jointly made the technological breakthrough.
The steps in the proposed project are:
- to establish the characteristics of the sensors under conditions oftemperature, pressure and humidity which simulate a balloon flight into thetroposphere and lower stratosphere, and provide the necessary calibrationand validation;
- to demonstrate a miniaturised sensor system package for potential integrationinto existing PTU sondes,
- to test the completed package both in a simulation chamber and on balloonflights.
The project addresses Themes 1 & 2 of the call for proposals: task 2.1.1 instrumentation for high spatial and temporal resolution measurement in the stratosphere, providing the tools for detection of the spatio-temporal extent of perturbations of chemical nature to the lower stratospheric air (task 1.2.1). It links to Item 4.1 Global Change, of the Networking of Activities. The proposed research, in leading to a much improved monitoring of atmospheric distribution of ozone, is of central importance to the objectives of the IPCC, the WRCP and the IGBP Programmes. The improved monitoring methods will also provide important additional input to GCOS.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.

You need to log in or register to use this function

Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

Data not available

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
EU contribution
No data
Address
Gordon Street 20 Christopher Ingold Labs.
WC1 0AJ LONDON
United Kingdom

See on map

Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

No data

Participants (3)

My booklet 0 0