VTOL UAS Methane Sensor Placement Beyond Propeller Wash
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methane detection methods using manned aircraft are costly and logistically challenging, and existing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) face difficulties in accurately detecting gas leaks due to propeller wash interference, which affects the accuracy and spatial coverage of gas sensors.
Innovation Solution
The development of UAS configured with a mounting apparatus and sensing devices that position the gas sensors in regions unaffected by propeller wash, utilizing an anemometer to adjust flight patterns and minimize environmental effects, and a method for determining the optimal sensor placement through static and dynamic testing, smoke visualization, and flight tests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gas sensors are mounted on UAS for methane detection, then detection capability and spatial coverage are improved, but propeller wash interference reduces measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is positioned in a different spatial dimension relative to the propellers - specifically in the lateral direction away from the propeller wash path. The mounting apparatus extends the sensor laterally from the UAS body to place it outside the rotational influence zone of the propellers, thereby eliminating turbulence interference while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
A mounting apparatus with elongated body acts as an intermediary structure between the UAS body and the gas sensor. This intermediary component physically separates the sensor from the propeller wash zone while maintaining secure attachment, serving as a mediator that resolves the conflict between detection capability and interference avoidance
2Reliability
If anemometer is added to adjust flight patterns, then environmental disturbance effects are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anemometer provides real-time feedback about ambient wind conditions to the flight control system. This feedback loop enables the UAS to dynamically adjust its flight pattern to compensate for environmental disturbances, improving detection reliability by ensuring the sensor operates in optimal conditions while the system remains integrated and manageable
3Measurement precision
If sensor positioning is optimized through extensive testing, then measurement precision is improved, but time and resource investment increases
Solution Approach 1:
Extensive static and dynamic testing, including smoke visualization studies, are performed in advance during the design and development phase to determine the optimal sensor mounting configuration. By completing these tests preliminarily before deployment, the optimal positioning is established upfront, ensuring high measurement precision during actual operations without requiring continuous testing and adjustment in the field
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
Enables cost-effective and logistically proficient methane leak detection, localization, and quantification with increased accuracy by positioning sensors in propeller-wash-free zones, reducing the impact of environmental disturbances and improving data collection.
Implementation Method 1
at least one anemometer connected to the body of the UAS and is configured to utilize data from at least one propulsion control system and at least one sensing device
Data Source
AI summary
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for use in the detection, localization, and quantification of gas leaks are provided. More specifically the use of an in-situ sensor mounted to a UAS such that the sensor is positioned in a region unaffected by prop wash that is relatively undisturbed by the effects of the propeller(s) and other environmental conditions when in use is described. Additionally, methods of determining the optimal placement of the in-situ sensor on any given UAS are also provided.