Measurement systems
In the area of measurement technology, there are numerous different devices that reliably measure and transmit important environmental data (e.g. water levels, climate data, seismic movement or gas and radiation values). In this case, the EFOY Pro provides a reliable, off-grid power supply.References
Although the basic principles of measuring date back to ancient times, the expansion of trade saw significant progression. Measures of weight and area became necessary for bartering goods and allocating plots of land. At the same time, emerging perceptions of scale applied to astronomical observations and the passage of time.
In time, the invention of microscopes, barometers, thermometers and sextants enabled precise analysis, from tiny organisms to distant stars. Nowadays, apart from changes in pressure and variations in temperature, some astonishing advances in measurement technology have enabled widespread data gathering and exact quantification.
Nearly every industry that uses liquids and gases needs measurement technology to monitor temperature, pressure and flow. Measurement technology instruments enable the accurate control of processes in the following sectors, among others:
Research into changing atmospheric, oceanic and polar weather patterns has attracted renewed urgency due to concerns about climate change and the melting of polar ice caps. Here, measurement technology and water level measuring devices enable the ongoing scientific observation of these crucial indicators.
Due to safety regulations, rising raw material prices and supply issues, the need for precise measurement technology is more critical than ever.
Returning to the environmental topic: research ships have been measuring carbon dioxide concentrations in ocean water and temperatures at varying depths for the past three decades. In particular, the World Climate Research Programme has employed measurement technology to collect data for its Climate Variability and Predictability project.
At the outset, oceanographers wanted to confirm whether the oceans were absorbing carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere due to human activity. Instead, they discovered a series of natural cycles in weather and currents whereby the oceans soak up and vent carbon dioxide.
Furthermore, their measurement technology revealed that human-induced atmospheric changes affect the rate at which our oceans absorb gaseous carbon. Clearly, these variations demand painstakingly accurate measurement technology to facilitate reliable conclusions.
More broadly, measurement technology devices can record and transmit essential data relating to:
The latest measuring technology hardware includes devices suitable for land-based, ice-mounted and marine usage. On land, measurement technologies might be necessary to meter supplies from pure drinking water sources or in pipeline systems.
Apart from land-based weather data, measurements of sea conditions, currents and drift require buoys, drifting floats and orbiting satellites. Similarly, climate investigators deploy atmospheric surface flux stations (ASFS) on ice to measure energy transfer from the atmosphere.
Such measurement technology has to operate autonomously for up to two months in extreme conditions in the Arctic and Antarctic. One such Norwegian expedition north of Svalbard investigated winter icing, summer melting and the effects of snowstorms over sea ice. However, the meteorological instruments and particle counters had to operate on metre-thick ice in temperatures well below freezing point.
Oceanographers commonly use CTD (conductivity, temperature and depth recorder) measuring technology. These instrument assemblies descend on a lengthy cable from a ship to collect water samples and record:
Salinity, through electrical conductivity. Temperature at depth. Levels of dissolved carbon.
CTDs have several sizeable water-collecting bottles or Niskins attached, giving the robust device a rosette-like appearance. The Niskins have two lids, one at each end. Initially open, these lids close as the CTD passes through set depths. Thus, the machine collects a series of water samples in the same water column.[1]
Next, after retrieving the CTD rosette from the depths, scientists and researchers open the samples in a shipborne laboratory. There, a coulometer controls sample handling, chemical processing and technological measures to analyse the levels of dissolved CO₂.
Measuring technology devices often need off-grid power systems around the clock to function correctly. However, photovoltaic modules alone cannot guarantee solar power in darkness or cloudy conditions.
EFOY Pro is a reliable solution that uses clean-burning methanol fuel to generate electricity for measurement and control technology. The fuel cells produce power for up to 12 months. [2]
From polar ice caps and the frigid waters of the Arctic to forests and remote mountainous locations, EFOY Pro represents an innovative, reliable and relatively environmentally friendly power supply for advanced measurement technology applications. Additionally, outer cabinets are usually customisable to house bespoke metering equipment.
[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/metrology [2] https://www.efoy-pro.com/en/efoy/efoy-efoypro/
