Keeping sound in check
SONITUS SYSTEMS:
A SPIN-OUT company from Trinity College Dublin is taking advantage of a
European directive that requires member states to measure and manage
noise pollution.
Sonitus Systems began life in TCD's School of
Engineering as a generic Enterprise Ireland-funded research project
into environmental monitoring.
The introduction of the European
Noise Directive in 2002 and its passing into Irish law four years later
meant the company decided to concentrate on noise pollution.
The company ran pilots using its technology with the National Roads Authority and Dublin City Council.
Its
product includes a central control and monitoring system and robust,
low-cost monitors that can be installed at the site where noise is to
be measured.
Monitors are connected using a GSM modem, meaning
the data produced from each site is available on the internet. The
monitors can be situated near roadways, aircraft approach paths,
concert venues or near factories or construction sites.
Sonitus Systems co-founder Paul McDonald says the technology is designed to allow for long-term monitoring.
The company has sold the system to a number of local authorities, county councils and the Environmental Protection Agency.
It
is also talking to a number of large companies, particularly those near
residential areas that are interested in monitoring the noise impact of
their activities. Dublin City Council has also deployed 10 units.
McDonald
says the Sonitus system is more sophisticated and precise than similar
products in the market and added it has "first mover advantage in
Ireland".
The company has two revenue streams, the initial sale
and follow fees for monitoring and assessing the data. There are five
people involved in the company and it is considering adapting the
technology to measure air quality.
