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Content archived on 2024-04-30

Auto Flux - an Autonomous System for Monitoring Air-sea Fluxes Using the Inertial Dissipation Method and Ship Mounted Instrumentation

Objective



This proposal addresses Research Area C - Marine Technology, Research Task 2 - Advanced Systems; specifically the adaptation of sensors and samplers for ships of opportunity in order to measure fluxes relevant to global or climatic change. Within the Global Ocean Observing System, these flux data are required for monitoring the marine environment in the open ocean; thus the project is relevant to MAST priority Theme IV, "Technological Opportunities" with application to priority Theme III, "Operational Forecasting". The objective is to develop an instrumentation system, "AutoFlux", for routine, unattended use on Voluntary Observing Ships. AutoFlux will automatically produce air-sea flux estimates for the wind stress, buoyancy, heat, and water vapour, using high frequency turbulence measurements. This method minimises the effect of the disturbance caused by the ship and represents a major advance over present, conventional flux estimates. New fast response sensors which will be developed include an improved sonic anemometer, a sonic "thermometer", and a new humidity sensor. Methods for routine estimation of C02 fluxes will be identified and developed for later implementation.
Assembling the necessary resources implies European collaboration. The partnership features close collaboration between research organisations and an industrial firm (SME). Together the five scientific partners provide the required range of expertise in turbulence measurement and also the necessary facilities for sensor calibration and field trials. The SME has a successful record in the development, manufacture and international marketing of advanced meteorological sensors and, within the project, will be responsible for the development of the prototype sensors.
The project will be managed as a set of Work Packages each with specific deliverables. A defined "customern/"contractor" relationship between partners will ensure that, within the required project timelines, each Work Package is progressed through the stages of development, testing in laboratory and coastal facilities, and testing at sea.
The exploitation plans include the rapid "pull-through" from research prototypes to commercial manufacture of the new sensors (occurring in parallel with the project execution), the fast dissemination of technical results, and market preparation for AutoFlux. The production, marketing and deployment of complete AutoFlux systems is planned on a time scale to match the expected implementation of GOOS. A major benefit will be increased competitiveness for EU industry in marine environmental sensors and measuring systems.

Call for proposal

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Coordinator

RISOE NATIONAL LABORATORY
EU contribution
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Address
399,Frederiksborgvej 399
4000 ROSKILDE
Denmark

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Total cost
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Participants (6)