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An Array of Low-Cost, High-Speed, Autonomous Electric Field Mills for Thunderstorm Research
A Antunes de Sá1, R Marshall1, A Sousa1
1Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences Department University of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO USA.
Earth and Space Science (Hoboken, N.J.)
|December 31, 2020
Summary
This study introduces a new, cost-effective ground-based electric field mill (EFM) design for atmospheric electricity research. The new EFM maintains scientific capabilities while lowering costs for widespread deployment and data collection.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric electricity research
- Geophysics
- Meteorology
Background:
- The atmospheric electric field is crucial for understanding storm electrification and global energy exchange.
- Electric field mills (EFMs) are key instruments for studying atmospheric electric fields, storm dynamics, and cloud electrification.
- Existing EFM designs can be costly, limiting widespread research efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel, ground-based electric field mill (EFM) design.
- To reduce manufacturing and operational costs for EFM arrays.
- To maintain or improve the scientific measurement capabilities of existing EFMs.
Main Methods:
- Description of a new ground-based electric field mill (EFM) design.
- Detailed explanation of the theory of operation, data processing, and calibration procedures.
- Deployment and data collection during the RELAMPAGO campaign in Argentina.
Main Results:
- The new EFM design demonstrates significant cost reductions.
- The instrument maintains high scientific measurement quality and reliability.
- Data from the RELAMPAGO campaign validates the design's cost-effectiveness, autonomy, and longevity.
Conclusions:
- The developed EFM offers a more accessible and affordable solution for atmospheric electricity research.
- This new design facilitates broader deployment for studying phenomena like storm electrification.
- The instrument's performance in the RELAMPAGO campaign highlights its practical advantages for field research.
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