UAV Methane Emission Modeling with Meteorological Data Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods lack efficient and wide-area survey techniques to identify and quantify methane emissions from spatially distributed natural gas production and distribution systems, leading to undue product loss, environmental impact, and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
An unmanned aerial system (UAS) equipped with sensors measures methane concentration along a raster grid flight path downwind of sources, combining data with meteorological information to determine emission rates using an engineering control volume model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ground-based monitoring methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and productivity deteriorate due to inability to efficiently survey wide areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-based two-dimensional monitoring to three-dimensional aerial monitoring using UAVs. The UAV flies through the emission plume in three-dimensional space, collecting concentration data at multiple heights and positions, enabling comprehensive spatial mapping of methane emissions that ground-based methods cannot achieve efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces meteorological data (wind speed, wind direction, temperature, pressure) as intermediary parameters to bridge the gap between measured methane concentrations and emission rate calculations. These intermediary measurements enable the transformation of concentration profiles into quantitative emission rates through mass balance equations.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive meteorological data collection is performed, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and use of energy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV platform serves multiple functions simultaneously: it carries methane concentration sensors, meteorological sensors (anemometer, temperature, pressure), and positioning systems (GPS). This multi-functional platform consolidates what would otherwise require separate ground-based monitoring systems into a single aerial vehicle, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines methane detection sensors with meteorological measurement instruments on the same UAV platform. By merging these measurement systems into a single integrated platform, the patent achieves comprehensive data collection for emission rate calculations without requiring multiple separate complex systems.
3Productivity
If aerial survey methods are implemented, then productivity and measurement precision improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV system is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities using GPS positioning and pre-programmed flight paths. The system can autonomously fly through the emission plume, collect data at specified locations and heights, and return safely without continuous human intervention. This self-service capability reduces operational complexity despite the advanced technology involved.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pre-programmed flight paths and pre-survey meteorological assessments to plan the UAV mission before deployment. By determining optimal flight trajectories and measurement locations in advance based on preliminary wind direction and emission source information, the system maximizes survey efficiency while minimizing complex real-time decision-making requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The UAS provides accurate and efficient quantification of methane emissions by reconciling sensor data with atmospheric conditions, identifying and localizing sources, reducing product loss and environmental footprint.
Implementation Method 1
UAS-Equipped with sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods including a processor having addressable memory, the processor configured to: receive an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) data packet, where the UAV data packet comprises methane concentration data and UAV information from a UAV flight path; receive at least one Meteorological data packet, where the Meteorological data packet comprises weather data; combine the UAV data packet with a nearest Meteorological data packet; and determine a methane emission rate of a methane source based on the combined UAV data packet and the nearest Meteorological data packet.