Measuring balloon rises above the research junction Braunschweig: Combined study of particulate matter and mobility launched at the research junction
On 20 April, Technische Universität Braunschweig launched the first major measurement campaign as part of the KoFeMo research project at Langer Kamp in Braunschweig. What makes these particulate matter measurements unusual is that a measurement balloon, visible from afar and measuring around three metres in diameter in TU colours, will hover at heights of between five and 150 metres above the site near the research junction during the measurement days – weather permitting. The campaign is supplemented by further measurement systems installed directly at the junction.
From 21 to 24 April, as part of the KoFeMo project, a tethered balloon equipped with extensive sensor technology will measure atmospheric parameters such as pressure, temperature, humidity and particle sizes ranging from 10 nanometres to 100 micrometres. Through continuous ascents and descents, the Institute of Flight Control will record vertical profiles of the measured variables. A total of four one-week measurement campaigns are planned, with the first week dedicated to testing the system at low altitudes. Operation within the city centre is considered particularly safe, has been fully authorised and is safeguarded by technical measures and regulatory requirements.
Fine particulate matter and ultrafine particulate matter are regarded as air pollutants with the greatest impact on our health and are also harmful to the climate. In this research project, Technische Universität Braunschweig is investigating the temporal and spatial distribution of particulate matter pollution and its dynamics at the research junction on Braunschweig’s inner city ring road (corner of Hagenring and Rebenring) and the adjacent urban district. This will enable the development of methods to better describe air quality in urban regions and the derivation of measures for improvement through intelligent traffic flow control.
Stationary and mobile measurement data
Based on scalable and mobile air quality measurement systems, horizontal and vertical measurements of particulate matter pollution and influencing environmental factors are being carried out. In addition to the DEUS consortium’s existing continuous measurement systems, around 80 particulate matter sensors from the Institute of Particle Technology (iPAT) at TU Braunschweig will record particulate matter pollution at high resolution in the intersection area, whilst a test vehicle from IAV, also equipped with sensors, will provide additional mobile measurement data during the campaign.
Data to improve traffic flow
Using a simulation framework developed in parallel, the aim is to predict particulate matter dynamics and, in conjunction with traffic flow modelling at the research junction, derive efficient measures for traffic flow control. The recorded and generated data will be made freely available on publicly accessible platforms, such as Mobilithek.
Motor vehicles, with their emissions from exhaust gases, brakes and tyres, are a major contributor to particulate matter pollution, which is also influenced by environmental factors such as wind, temperature stratification, precipitation, etc. There is therefore a great need to monitor this particulate matter pollution and to be able to predict it in relation to traffic and weather conditions.
Project details
The joint research project “Combined Investigation of Particulate Matter and Mobility” (KoFeMo) began on 1 July 2024 and will end on 30 June 2027; it is coordinated by the Institute of Particle Technology at TU Braunschweig. The project team also includes the following institutions: TU Braunschweig – Institute of Flight Control and Institute of Computer-Aided Modelling in Civil Engineering, DLR – Institute of Transport Systems, IAV GmbH and the DEUS Consortium: Füllner & Partner GmbH, Novel Sense UG, Industrieelektronik Brandenburg GmbH. The “KoFeMo” project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport with a total of €2,930,803 as part of the mFUND innovation initiative.
About mFUND:
As part of the mFUND innovation initiative, the BMDV (now BMV) has been funding data-driven research and development projects for the digital and connected mobility of the future since 2016. Project funding is complemented by active professional networking between stakeholders from politics, business, administration and research, and by the provision of open data on Mobilithek. Further information can be found at www.mFUND.de.