Catalog
From Modelado Foundation
Mission
Deploy high quality low cost air quality sensors along the Powell corridor in advance of significant planned changes to lane use including possible deployment of a bus rapid transit lane. Evaluate the sensors for accuracy and explore particulate and polutent sources and distributions.
Problem
Current DOT approved air quality sensor technology is too expensive for broad deployment. New technology is low cost but of unverified accuracy.
Solution
Identify low cost high quality sensors
- Develop multi-junction deployment plan on Powell
- Deliver transit data, traffic signalization, and air quality sensing data to a portal
- Connect the portal to the data visualization and analytics in the Decision Theater"
Goals
Improve transportation options, public health, economic development and civic engagement.
Metrics
Deliver sufficiently accurate data for transportation informed decision making.
Challenges
Using low cost sensors to measure ambient level concentrations is limited by very high detection limits on these sensors. Need to identify sensors that are sensitive and consistent enough to meet project goals Identify density of sensors needed to adequately inform on spatial distributions of pollutants
Expected Return on Investment
Analysis of sensor accuracy and use
Lessons Learned
- Low cost Metal oxide sensors provided no useful data
- NO2 electrochemical sensors have resolution issues which consumes power
- CO electrochemical sensors show potential
- Potential interferences from NOx and ozone will require quality control algorithm to adjust sensor data based on reference data"
Partners
City of Portland, Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOY), Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Technology Association of Oregon (TAO), Urban.Systems Inc., FIWARE Foundation, Portland State University, Seabourne Consulting, Mobility Cubed, Tosny, Intel, Sera Architects
Description
By deploying a high density of low cost sensors we are able to identify sources and distributions of polutents in the transportation systems.