Executive Summary
Sparv Embedded recently hosted a collaborative workshop with representatives from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) to advance the design of a novel nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) sensor. This initiative focuses on creating a lightweight, high-resolution sensor capable of detecting NO₂ concentrations down to 1 part per billion (ppb) with a rapid 1-second response time. Given NO₂’s short atmospheric lifespan and strong health impacts, it serves as a reliable indicator of nearby combustion-related pollution. The sensor’s compact size and affordability make it ideal for mobile deployments—whether on drones, balloons, or ground vehicles—enabling detailed mapping of urban air quality. The workshop covered practical design strategies, measurement principles, and future commercialization opportunities, laying the groundwork for a new generation of agile environmental monitoring tools.
Key Learnings
- NO₂ is a short-lived pollutant that signals nearby combustion sources.
- KNMI’s sensor achieves 1 ppb resolution with 1-second response time.
- The sensor’s compact design supports mobile platforms like UAVs and balloons.
- Mobile NO₂ mapping enables high-resolution urban pollution tracking.
- Sparv Embedded contributed expertise in sensor integration and data logging.
- The project opens doors to future commercial and research applications.
Why NO₂ Monitoring Matters
Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a toxic gas primarily emitted from combustion engines, industrial processes, and power plants. It poses serious health risks, especially in urban environments, contributing to respiratory issues and cardiovascular stress. Because NO₂ degrades within minutes to hours and has low background levels, it’s an excellent tracer for pinpointing active pollution sources.
Workshop Highlights: Sparv Embedded & KNMI Collaboration
During the workshop held at Sparv Embedded’s facilities, KNMI and Sparv engineers explored:
- Sensor design principles for compact, high-resolution NO₂ detection
- Measurement strategies for capturing accurate data in dynamic environments
- Project planning for prototype development and field testing
- Commercialization pathways for broader deployment across Europe and beyond
This hands-on collaboration combined KNMI’s atmospheric science expertise with Sparv’s experience in mobile sensor systems and data integration.
Sensor Capabilities and Performance
The KNMI NO₂ sensor under development offers:
- Resolution: ~1 ppb (parts per billion)
- Response time: ~1 second
- Form factor: Lightweight and portable for mobile use
- Cost-efficiency: Designed to be affordable for widespread deployment
These specifications make it uniquely suited for mobile platforms such as:
- Meteorological balloons
- UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles)
- Ground-based mobile stations
Applications in Urban Pollution Mapping
With its fast response and fine resolution, the KNMI NO₂ sensor can:
- Create detailed pollution maps in cities
- Track traffic-related emissions in real time
- Support satellite data validation by profiling vertical NO₂ distributions
- Enable responsive environmental monitoring during industrial incidents
Mobile sensing fills a critical gap between satellite observations and fixed ground stations, offering flexible, high-resolution data where it’s needed most.
Looking Ahead: Toward Deployment and Impact
Once fully developed, this sensor will empower researchers, regulators, and environmental agencies to:
- Conduct targeted air quality studies
- Validate satellite-derived NO₂ data
- Respond quickly to pollution events
- Inform policy decisions with granular, real-world data
The collaboration between KNMI and Sparv Embedded exemplifies how cross-disciplinary partnerships can accelerate innovation in environmental sensing.
Sources:
[2] NO2 sensor design with KNMI | Windsond
About the team
Mattias Wilzén
Head of Finance & Customer Accounts
Oversees financial performance and ensures smooth operations for our customers, from order to delivery and ongoing support.