Methane emissions from near-field sources using an electric model aircraft

Source of Support: Environmental Defense Fund

Award Amount: $46,000

Period Covered: 8/1/2013 – 3/31/2014

Grant:

We propose the use of an electric, zero emissions, remote control model aircraft equipped with a compact methane sensor to quantify CH₄ emissions around near-field gas and oil facilities. The remote control aircraft can sample much closer to local sources than conventional manned craft and higher maneuverability. The research capitalizes on past collaborations between the PIs that merge remote control aircraft with low power trace gas sensors.¹

Scientific objectives of the proposal will address the following questions:

• What are CH₄ plume sizes and magnitudes from gas/oil facilities?
• What are the spatial and temporal characteristics of the CH₄ plumes?
• What are the emissions of methane from these sources?