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I-MUST data evaluation

According to the UK Environment Act 1995, there is a statutory duty in the UK to monitor and tackle air pollution. The Keywish gas sensor will facilitate monitoring of chemicals in the air and assist implementation of Sheffield's air pollution strategies. It can also be used to detect gas leaks from mains gas pipeline distribution centers.

This sensor suite can measure greenhouse gases (CO, CO2, methane), cooking gases (propane, butane), alcohol, smoke, hydrogen, benzene, NH3 and NOx. Being able to remotely detect the humidity and air pressure variation of the urban environment as it changes throughout the season will help not only predict pollutant transportation but also on rainfall. Coupled with knowledge of the local waterways, this could provide advanced warning for flash floods.

A rain sensor and rain gauge will confirm such predictions and allow improvements to the computational model at the Urban Flows Observatory. Wind vector information is supplied with an anemometer and wind vane. Wind affects the free surface flows of open channel flows and an understanding of the wind intensity and direction will help other remote sensors (such as the Microsoft Kinect) which utilise free surface patterns to understand water flows.

An ambient light sensor will also detect sunrise and sunset which could be used to change power modes in the event that the device was to be powered by a solar panel-battery setup, such as those used in satellites or the Mars Weather Station! This can be later rolled out across the UK and overseas in developing economies such as China (where air pollution is being tackled).

"Duplicate sensors which perform with a high fluctuating relative error are deemed unsuitable. This resulted in sensors which are accurate to nearly 1%."

Data