Design, operation and characterization of a mobile laboratory for hyperlocal atmospheric research

Abstract

Abstract. Mobile laboratories equipped with research grade instrumentation make it possible to accurately observe fine scale (< 10 m) concentration gradients driven by local emissions, chemistry and meteorology. The flexibility afforded in measurement location makes mobile monitoring well suited to local pollution source characterization and rapid response to natural and anthropogenic situations. However, constructing a platform capable of these measurements requires simultaneous consideration of many engineering challenges and previous examples are rarely documented in enough open detail for replication. Here, we present the design process and engineering decisions behind the UC Berkeley Mobile Air Pollution Laboratory (CalMAPLab). Built into a Ford Transit 250 van, the laboratory delivers extensive chemical speciation of air pollution in the gaseous and particulate phases. We characterize the performance of the electrical system, climate control and instrumentation suite for mobile measurements with over 500 h of test driving. In addition, we introduce an open-source data acquisition system with live geospatial visualization that facilitates emissions plume mapping throughout a neighborhood. Our detailed description and open design of each critical component reduces the barrier to entry for high-performance mobile monitoring in hyperlocal atmospheric research.