Klaipėda University Researchers to Study Air Pollution with a Modern Drone

The €22,000-worth unmanned aerial vehicle, popularly known as a drone, opens up new possibilities for the research team at the laboratory. "The drone, which is piloted from the ground, can measure particulate matter as well as carbon and sulphur dioxide concentrations at any altitude and in precisely indicated locations. With its help, we plan to continue our research on air pollution from ships. Through remote sensing, we will be able to determine the concentration, composition, and dispersion of the plumes left by ships," says dr Paulius Rapalis. The drone, named SIGEYE, can fly up to 15 km away from the pilot, and attachments will allow researchers to take air or water samples from the desired locations.

The team at the Waterborne Transport and Air Pollution Laboratory has to work hard to get the unmanned air pollution measurement aircraft up and running. According to Paulius Rapalis, he and three other colleagues are learning how to use the equipment and passing the qualification exams needed to pilot this type of unmanned airial vehicle. "We are fortunate to have experienced UAV pilots at the KU Marine Research Institute, with whose help both the training and the process of launching this drone are faster," Rapalis said.

Jevgenij Petrov, CEO of Sigmaris Group, who handed over the gift to the researchers today, highlighted the main goal of the project - that the SIGEYE drone would help both the city and the port to become greener, to meet the latest environmental standards, and to allow the citizens of Klaipėda to enjoy clean air. "I am proud to say that we are true patriots of our country and our city. And that is not just words. This value is recorded in the Group's basic documents. A gift to Klaipėda University, which will benefit society, is perfectly in line with our philosophy," said Jevgenij Petrov.

According to Kristina Petkevičiūtė, Administrative Director of Sigmaris Group, the team was motivated by the opportunity to contribute to monitoring and controlling C0₂ emissions. "We are all aware that the management of C0₂ emissions depends on a well-trained new generation of specialists and on having the capabilities and instruments to do the job. We are happy because we are useful," said Ms Petkevičiūtė, who was delighted with the success of the support project.

"This gift demonstrates the close relationship of Klaipėda University with the business community. Sigmaris Group's contribution to the research carried out at the University is significant and welcome. In this case, the company is investing not only in science, but also in cleaner air in Klaipėda and better health of the city's inhabitants," emphasised prof.dr. Artūras Razbadauskas, Rector of KU, when taking over the equipment.

The donation to the Waterborne Transport and Air Pollution Laboratory is the result of the work of the KU Future Fund with the business community. "It is gratifying that business appreciates the importance of science and that businesses are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the innovations and the strengthening of new opportunities of Klaipėda University", Vytautas Adomaitis, head of the KU Future Fund, was pleased with another successfully implemented support project.

The first flights of the air pollution monitoring drone are captured in this video:

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JUST THE FACTS:

• - The Waterborne  Transport and Air Pollution Laboratory at the KU Marine Research Institute has been functioning since 2017 and is staffed by a team of 2 researchers and 5 laboratory engineers. The laboratory focuses on energy efficiency of ship power plants, ship hydrodynamics and renewable energy use as well as air pollution and pollution from power plants.
• - Sigmaris Group is an international group of companies providing integrated engineering and manufacturing services and products for international projects in the fields of energy, shipbuilding and repair, and industrial and civil construction. It produces high quality, reliable, high-tech boats and catamarans to its own design and delivers them "door to door" to its customers worldwide. The group of companies comprises seven Lithuanian companies: Globalita UAB, Uolus UAB, Sigmaris Projects UAB, Sifab UAB, Gliseris UAB, Twin Boats UAB, and Globalita Projects UAB. An ambitious team with big professional goals, they are also concerned with social and ecological challenges of society.