Sensor development for in-situ measurements of charge in non-thunderstorm clouds using small UAVs and free balloons
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Bath
Department Name: Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Abstract
Clouds are some of the least well understood phenomena in atmospheric science. This is in part due to the complexity of microphysical processes involved, but also due to the lack of robust data from in-situ measurements which have a high observational difficulty. Previous research has shown that charge is present in most cloud types, but the location, magnitude and generation mechanisms are not well characterized. Current theory predicts a potentially important role for charge in non-thunderstorm clouds in terms of its effects on cloud droplet interactions, and therefore large scale cloud properties such as height, lifetime and even rainfall. However, lack of in-situ charge and cloud measurements have hampered investigation of this problem so far. This project therefore seeks to investigate the role of charge in non thunderstorm clouds by producing new data sets of charge and cloud microphysical measurements through the development of new observational techniques from novel airborne platforms.
Cloud microphysical observations are currently performed from manned aircraft which are costly, limited in terms of spatial sampling achievable and are limited by human life risk factors. In order to obtain the in-situ cloud and charge measurements, this project will utilise the alternative platforms of UAVs and free balloons, which provide opportunities for much more frequent sampling, which is required in order to fully characterise the variability of non-thunderstorm clouds. Due to the limited size and weight constraints of such platforms, design, integration and testing of new charge and cloud sensors is required, which this project will develop. Due to the current lack of such instrumentation in the atmospheric science community the outcome of the research could revolutionize the availability of in-cloud measurements, particularly in respect to the electrical measurements. The work has potential for strong positive impact on the ability to improve the understanding of cloud microphysical processes and thus to allow for more accurate weather and climate modelling.
The main steps of the research are (a) to investigate the design requirements for a suitable small UAV platform for in-cloud electrical measurements (high altitude flight, high payload capacity, low electric noise injections, long range autonomy). (b) development of payload sensor package (most probably an electric field mill, optical techniques for cloud droplet spectra characterization and temperature and humidity sensors for thermodynamic considerations). (c) investigate the effect of the airborne platforms on the electrical measurements and propose mitigation for sensor interference. (d) produce new data sets of in-situ non-thunderstorm charge and cloud microphysical data using the developed sensors and compare results with previous ground based and airborne measurements.
Cloud microphysical observations are currently performed from manned aircraft which are costly, limited in terms of spatial sampling achievable and are limited by human life risk factors. In order to obtain the in-situ cloud and charge measurements, this project will utilise the alternative platforms of UAVs and free balloons, which provide opportunities for much more frequent sampling, which is required in order to fully characterise the variability of non-thunderstorm clouds. Due to the limited size and weight constraints of such platforms, design, integration and testing of new charge and cloud sensors is required, which this project will develop. Due to the current lack of such instrumentation in the atmospheric science community the outcome of the research could revolutionize the availability of in-cloud measurements, particularly in respect to the electrical measurements. The work has potential for strong positive impact on the ability to improve the understanding of cloud microphysical processes and thus to allow for more accurate weather and climate modelling.
The main steps of the research are (a) to investigate the design requirements for a suitable small UAV platform for in-cloud electrical measurements (high altitude flight, high payload capacity, low electric noise injections, long range autonomy). (b) development of payload sensor package (most probably an electric field mill, optical techniques for cloud droplet spectra characterization and temperature and humidity sensors for thermodynamic considerations). (c) investigate the effect of the airborne platforms on the electrical measurements and propose mitigation for sensor interference. (d) produce new data sets of in-situ non-thunderstorm charge and cloud microphysical data using the developed sensors and compare results with previous ground based and airborne measurements.
People |
ORCID iD |
Stefan CHINDEA (Student) |
Publications
Harrison R
(2021)
Demonstration of a Remotely Piloted Atmospheric Measurement and Charge Release Platform for Geoengineering
in Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology
Schön M
(2022)
Fair-Weather Atmospheric Charge Measurements with a Small UAS
in Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
NE/N012070/1 | 30/09/2016 | 30/03/2025 | |||
1943543 | Studentship | NE/N012070/1 | 30/09/2017 | 29/09/2021 | Stefan CHINDEA |
Description | COST action on Atmospheric Electricity CA15211 |
Organisation | Democritus University of Thrace |
Country | Greece |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | I am one of the UK Management Committee representatives for this COST action network. |
Collaborator Contribution | This is an international network with over 40 countries involved. |
Impact | None as yet as the action has just started. |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | EGU General Assembly 2020 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | EGU 2020 conference - Vienna (online due to CV19 travel restrictions) which was attended by hundreds of scientists. The session in which I participated had between 10-50 people present in the live chat, but access to the uploaded presentation was wider. I have received follow-up emails from other researchers requiring further details and expressing interest in my work. This allowed me to enlarge my scientific network and to gain more visibility as an early career researcher. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU2020/EGU2020-7768.html |
Description | University of Bath Three Minute Thesis Final 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | As part of the Three Minute Thesis competition developed by the University of Queensland, a presentation was given in the final local stage of the University of Bath along 6 other PhD students. The Three Minute Thesis requires PhD students to present a compelling spoken presentation on their research topic and the significance in three minutes at most. Members of the general public were invidet to take part and to listen to very concise presentations on current PhD research being undertaken at the University of Bath. One of the most pleasant outcomes of this action was the follow up discussion that happened after the award ceremony. Altough I was not able to receive any award, I was asked for further details about my work by a few members of the audience and also some of the peers from the competition. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.bath.ac.uk/announcements/three-minute-thesis-3mt-final-2019/ |