Leicester, UK, 15 June 2018 – Air quality monitoring technology from EarthSense has provided real time data for trials into the use of low emission vehicles to improve air quality in polluted city centres. The data, collected by both mobile and static EarthSense Zephyr air quality monitoring sensors, was used to automatically activate zero-emission running of hybrid vehicles as they passed through some of the most heavily polluted city streets.
As part of Project ACCRA (Autonomous and Connected vehicles for CleanerR Air), the data was presented at the Clean Smart City Conference; Improving Air Quality Through Vehicle Technology Innovation, held in Leeds on the 14th June 2018.
ACCRA was a twelve month project, led by Cenex, the UKs first Centre of Excellence for low carbon technology, in partnership with Leeds City Council and Transport Systems Catapult. Using parts of Leeds Clean Air Zone, ACCRA used real time air pollution measurements, captured by EarthSense, to trigger zero-emission running mode in a 7.5 tonne Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) when entering a designated control zone.
During the trials, EarthSense sensors were mounted in key locations in the city centre as well as on vehicles travelling through the area. Data from the sensors was used to update an air quality model, in real time, which was then used to regulate the vehicle’s emissions in the most polluted/traffic-dominated areas.
“This is a first – using real time data from both static and mobile sensors to create a dynamic air quality model. This model is then used to define the control zone or geofence, which automatically triggers zero emission running on the truck. This zone can be adjusted, in location, size and time duration, in line with the real time air quality status and in accordance with specific project objectives,” commented Tom Hall, Managing Director of EarthSense. “Project ACCRA has therefore successfully created a combination of technology and proven its potential to transform Leeds City Centre and save lives without additional charges to motorists or businesses.”
The recently completed Project ACCRA has developed the products and communication protocols that enable the transfer of data between plug-in vehicles and air quality sensors. This data is then used by a Decision Making Engine to monitor, manage and control the location and duration of zero emission operation of plug-in hybrid and range-extended hybrid vehicles within a city centre or other designated zone. Other project partners include clean truck technology company Tevva and transportation network system developer Dynniq.
About EarthSense
EarthSense delivers products that enable the world to visualise and solve its air quality issues. A joint venture between aerial mapping company Bluesky and the University of Leicester, EarthSense enables policy makers, planners and those responsible for delivering results to access real world information to support decision making. With a mix of hardware (air quality sensors), software (bespoke modelling), data (derived and complementary) and people, EarthSense is a new leader in air quality monitoring solutions and services, making a difference to people’s lives and delivering high value information to a range of consumers and decision makers. EarthSense has already undertaken a range of air quality monitoring projects, including trials of an airborne air quality mapper, air pollution monitoring equipment on a rocket, and mobile mapping with air quality sensors mounted in electric cars, as well as deploying Zephyr air quality sensors across the UK and overseas. Plans include the establishment of a nationwide network of air quality Zephyr sensors, feeding live data for up to the minute air quality predictions. www.earthsense.co.uk. EarthSense is a joint venture between aerial mapping company Bluesky and the University of Leicester.
About Bluesky
Bluesky is a specialist in aerial survey including aerial photography, LiDAR and thermal data using the very latest survey technology, including two UltraCam Eagles and a Teledyne Optech Galaxy LiDAR system integrated with a PhaseOne camera and thermal sensor. An internationally recognised leader with projects extending around the globe, Bluesky is proud to work with prestigious organisations such as Google, the BBC and Government Agencies. Bluesky has unrivalled expertise in the creation of seamless, digital aerial photography and maintains national “off the shelf” coverage of aerial photography, DTM and DSM through an on-going three-year update programme. The integrated Galaxy LiDAR system, which includes thermal and aerial photography cameras, places Bluesky at the forefront of this technology and in the enviable position of being able to provide customers with unique and extremely cost effective solutions. Bluesky is leading the way in developing innovative solutions for environmental applications, including the UK’s first National Tree Map™ (NTM), solar mapping and citywide ‘heat loss’ maps and is currently developing noise and air quality mapping products. www.bluesky-world.com
About University of Leicester
The University of Leicester is led by discovery and innovation – an international centre for excellence renowned for research, teaching and broadening access to higher education. It is among the top 25 universities in the Times Higher Education REF Research Power rankings with 75% of research adjudged to be internationally excellent with wide-ranging impacts on society, health, culture, and the environment. Find out more: https://le.ac.uk/about