A new approach to solid waste landfills aerial monitoring

The Solid Waste Landfilling (SWL) holds a high risk of fire emergencies and represent hazard to people and to environment mainly due to sub-products, odors and volatile and non volatile compounds. In this paper we introduce a new integrated system based on a sensors array carried by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – Lighter Than Air (UAV-LTA; eg. electric powered mini-blimp or tethered balloons). The sensors array permits to detect: thermal emissions (dedicated to prevent fire upfront and to localize ignition points), chemical and physical parameters (CO, NOx, O3, CH4, air temperature, relative humidity, etc.). Moreover the availability of view points at different altitudes allow to enlarge the monitored area with full geometrical resolution using only one camera The project will be introduced in detail following the “iter” that starts from the main objectives and follows the close examination of additional criteria; thereafter it introduces the system specification proposed as natural satisfaction of the presuppositions; finally it ends with the experience gained “on the field” to support the effectiveness of developed system. Currently we are upgrading the system with a new “payload” based on customized “bio-sensors” devices, able to detect specific aromatic compounds in the atmosphere.