SURF2021: Development of an automatic controlling module for greenhouse gas online measurements

Global warming is driven by greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. The emissions and absorptions in ecosystems are important processes for the balance of ambient GHGs. Recently we have developed new condition-regulated ecological chambers for conducting experiments with controlled air conditions, plant species, and soil types, while we need an automatic controlling module that can work with our gas analyzer for continuous GHG measurement. This project will develop the controlling module, which integrates a microcontroller and multiple solenoid valves for measuring gaseous methane, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. It will be used in further research on the exchange of GHGs between ecosystems and the atmosphere.