Optical Unmanned Aerial System for Environmental Air Quality Monitoring in Urban Environments

Authors

  • S. V. Maltsev Vinnytsia National Technical University
  • I. A. Dudatiev Vinnytsia National Technical University

Keywords:

optical sensor, infrared radiation, CO₂, CO, CH₄, SO₂, NO₂, absorption spectroscopy, air monitoring, HITRAN, Beer–Lambert–Bouguer law, environmental control

Abstract

This article presents the results of a comprehensive study, aimed at the development of an innovative optical unmanned aerial system designed for real-time air quality monitoring in urban environments. The main focus is on the application of the infrared optical absorption method, which allows for selective and sensitive detection of key air pollutants — carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH₄), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).

The study thoroughly analyzes the sources, typical concentration ranges, and environmental impacts of these gases in urban air. The optimal absorption bands for each gas were selected based on spectroscopic data from the HITRAN database, which improved the accuracy and selectivity of measurements. A structural diagram of the sensor module is proposed and implemented, including an IR radiation source, photodetector, optical system, and a stabilized anti-vibration platform adapted for installation on a quadcopter-type UAV.

The sensor's mathematical model is based on the Beer–Lambert–Bouguer law and considers the influence of temperature, pressure, altitude, optical path length, and absorption parameters. Special attention is given to the relationship between the output voltage of the photodiode and the gas concentration, enabling precise quantitative analysis.

Experimental studies conducted in Vinnytsia confirmed the stable performance of the device under various atmospheric conditions and the reliability of the CO₂ concentration measurements. The recorded concentrations were within typical urban air levels, indicating the adequacy and practical value of the developed system.

In conclusion, the efficiency of using a mobile optical sensor based on UAV for environmental air monitoring in urban settings is substantiated. Prospects for system enhancement are outlined, including the implementation of multi-gas analysis, wireless data transmission, and integration into smart urban environmental monitoring platforms.

Author Biographies

S. V. Maltsev, Vinnytsia National Technical University

 Post-Graduate Student of the Chair of Information Radioelectronic Technologies and Systems

I. A. Dudatiev, Vinnytsia National Technical University

 Cand. Sc. (Eng.), Associate Professor of the Department of Information Radioelectronic Technologies and Systems

References

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В. Г. Петрук, Спектрофотометрія світлорозсіювальних середовищ. УНІВЕРСУМ-Вінниця: ВНТУ, 2000, 207 с.

І. А Дудатьєв, С. В. Мальцев, і М. О. Притула, «Дослідження коефіцієнта поглинання СО2 у агресивних газових середовищах,» Herald of Khmelnytskyi National University. Technical Sciences, № 351 (3.1), с. 157-162, 2025. https://doi.org/10.31891/2307-5732-2025-351-19 .

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Published

2025-10-10

How to Cite

[1]
S. V. Maltsev and I. A. Dudatiev, “Optical Unmanned Aerial System for Environmental Air Quality Monitoring in Urban Environments”, Вісник ВПІ, no. 4, pp. 195–200, Oct. 2025.

Issue

No. 4 (2025)

Section

Radioelectronics and radioelectronic equipment manufacturing

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