Solar Powered Sampling

Hi all!

This week we are taking data using ARTEMIS at Beaver Run to monitor tropospheric ozone and nitrous oxides. The news of the incoming demo version of the MIRA Pico Mobile LDS, Natural Gas Leak Detection System w/GPS brings an important variable and data set of methane: ethane emissions to our campaign, thanks to Aeris technologies. To prepare for this new instrument, we are also preparing a new mobile method of monitoring ozone and methane: ethane emissions on foot using our new Voltaic Array Solar Backpack.

This backpack was chosen to prolong the battery life of the ozone monitor for more reliable sampling. Included in this is a more breathable material to keep the ozone monitor more ventilated. There were some modifications we needed to make for this system to work. First, the sampling line cannot be constrained due to worry for leakage and pump issues. Second, there must be a stable power connection to the battery.

To accomplish this first task, a PVC pipe with a 3-inch radius was cut to be 9-cm from the bottom. This distance gives more flexibility and space for the wires and tubing. Slits were drilled into the sides of the PVC pipe to allow access and an exit for the sampling line and the power cord. When placed in the bag, the stands were able to hold and not shift around due to the weight of the instrument and barrier of the sockets from horizontal movement. The power cord and tubing are able to comfortably be held in place.

The next step was to create a reliable power connection for the ozone monitor. There is the laptop battery that gives out 12 volts in the side pocket of the bag. This side pocket has an entry through for the wire to connect to the ozone monitor in the main compartment. To see if the connection could be relied on for mobile sampling, the backpack was worn and jostled with the connection being maintained.

So far, the backpack systems have been checked and all that is left is to secure the sampling line to the 6-foot stake and have the bottom secured into the back pocket of the backpack. This pocket has a sturdy enough hold to prop the stake vertically.

With much excitement and all of these steps taken for the system to work, the next task is to test this out with the methane: ethane sensor.