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Electronics
Air Control Station
The project’s focus was to provide precise air quality measurement with minimal production costs. Another significant parameter of the device is it’s work culture (quiet work, robustness, and efficiency), which makes it an ideal choice for both factory environment and offices or homes.
Quality of the air inhaled every day at home and work has a great impact on well-being, concentration, and health. Contaminants invisible to the naked eye are responsible for causing many unpleasant ailments, including headaches, respiratory diseases, irritation of the mucous membrane and eyes, allergies, and skin problems. In extreme cases, inadequate air quality control can contribute to serious illness ending in heart failure or cancer.
Measured quantities
The device we developed was designed for consumer use in residential areas, but due to the wide range of possible measurements and high resistance to dust, moisture, and temperature, it is also perfect for harsh industrial environment. A wide range of measured values allows you to check the quality of extremely polluted air, and the additional function of controlling the concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide allows you to ensure the safety of combustion processes and preliminary monitoring of exhaust emissions.
Temperature
-20 ° C to + 50 ° C ± 0.5 ° C with resolution: 0.1 ° C
Humidity
0.1 – 99.9% ± 5%
Atmosferic pressure
300-1100 hPa ± 5 hPa
Particulate Matter content (PM10, PM2.5, PM1)
PM: 0-500 µg / m³ ± 10%
Oxygen and CO2 concentration
CO2 measuring range: 0-9999 ppm ± 5%
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) & Formaldehyde
Resolution: 0.1 µg / m³
A broad range of functionalities
The device has option to operate in an intelligent energy-saving mode. Among other things, thanks to the use low-energy of short-range wireless communication technology, power consumption has been reduced, guaranteeing a very long battery life. Air control station reduces the frequency of measurements and goes into sleep mode, while only data selected by the user are sent during data recording. The charging system with μUSB and USB type C connectors is adapted to 5V voltage and current in the range 1-3A.
The measuring station operates in three basic modes of data transmission. Two of them are based on saving measurements in the cloud:
Direct connection – the device connects to the Internet using the integrated WiFi module.
Indirect connection – based on a low-energy short-range wireless communication module communicating with an additional BT-IP access gate, we achieve an effect similar to the above, but we increase energy savings.
Offline mode – built-in SD/USB external memory slot allows you to collect measurement history where there is no internet connection.
In addition to the basic functions, the device provides access to weather forecasts and prediction of outdoor air quality thanks to integration with Weather API extensions. In addition, the station informs the user about current RCB alerts on climate, weather and epidemiological threats.
Configuration of the equipment is carried out from the level of the mobile application (Android/iOS) or desktop (MS Windows) without the need to connect the mobile device/computer to a shared local network. The mobile application also allows you to program your own events to trigger the alarm system with modulated intensity of sound and optical signals. Digital outputs for controlling external active filters, among others for popular systems using HEPA filters, will allow you to react immediately. The algorithm for measuring data analysis developed by us based on the recommended parameters of the expected air quality fully automatically manages the operation of many air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and purification devices available on the market.
240 MHz dual-core microcontroller
Short-range wireless communication v4.2 BR/EDR & Low-energy short-range wireless communication
Wi-Fi protocol in the 802.11 standard
WPA/WPA2/WPS
AES/RSA/ECC/SHA encryption
Network protocols: IPv4, IPv6, SSL, HTTPS/FTP/MQTT
The technology we used
The Air Control Station is built with advanced technology, ensuring precise measurements and robust functionality:
WROOM-32 Module from Espressif:
The central processing unit (CPU) of the device, the WROOM-32, It communicates with a group of systems equipped with air quality transducers via I2C interface and also manages communication with cloud. With integrated Wi-Fi and low-energy short-range wireless communication, it offers seamless wireless communication, easily connecting to mobile devices and networks. The module is also equipped with a PCB antenna adapted for wireless WiFi and BT/BLE communication.
Advanced Sensor Integration:
Equipped with sensors utilizing optical elements, the photoelectric effect, and gas mechanics, the station accurately measures a range of pollutants, including particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10), oxygen, CO2, VOCs, and formaldehyde. This comprehensive monitoring ensures the highest standards in air quality measurement.
Secure Data Transmission:
The device uses the MQTT protocol for secure data transmission to the cloud, keeping user information confidential. For more challenging environments, it also supports LoRa/LoRaWAN, offering long-range, low-power communication where traditional networks like Wi-Fi or GSM are unavailable.
Comprehensive Integration and Control
Designed for ease of use, the Air Control Station can be fully configured via the mobile app (Android/iOS) or desktop application (MS Windows). This means users can manage the device without a shared local network. The app also allows for the programming of custom events that trigger the station’s alarm system, equipped with modulated sound and optical signals for real-time alerts.
Additionally, the Air Control Station integrates with Weather API extensions to provide weather forecasts and outdoor air quality predictions. Paired with the RCB alert system, users receive real-time alerts on climate, weather, and epidemiological threats.
Smart Integration with Air Purification Systems
Thanks to digital outputs, the Air Control Station can control external purification systems, such as those using HEPA filters. This automatic management ensures that air quality remains optimal at all times. The proprietary algorithm of the device interprets air quality data to manage the operation of air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and other purification devices, enabling a healthier indoor environment without user intervention.
Comparative Advantages
When compared to existing solutions, the Air Control Station stands out due to its ability to operate autonomously, collect data without requiring constant connection, and function quietly. These attributes make it ideal for use in office, home, and industrial settings. Affordably priced, the device is accessible to a broad range of users, delivering high-end air quality control at a fraction of the cost of competing systems.
Enhanced Security and Connectivity
In addition to Wi-Fi and BLE, the Air Control Station is equipped with Wired Ethernet and Wireless GSM capabilities (supporting GPRS/3G/4G, and future 5G networks). This ensures robust and stable communication options across various environments, while LoRa/LoRaWAN extends the device’s utility in remote locations. The security of all data transmitted to the cloud is assured by the MQTT protocol, safeguarding user privacy.
Benefits for potential users:
Improved Health and Well-being
Monitors and controls air quality, reducing risks of respiratory issues and allergies.
Energy Efficiency
Intelligent energy-saving modes extend battery life.
Versatile Connectivity
It offers Wi-Fi connectivity, short-range wireless communication, and offline data storage options.
Real-time Alerts and Control
Provides weather forecasts, air quality predictions, and emergency alerts.
Easy Integration
Compatible with various air conditioning and purification devices.
User-friendly Interface
Configurable via mobile and desktop apps without needing a shared local network.
Summary
IDO Electronics’ Air Control Station improves indoor air quality, a vital factor for well-being and health. It measures quantities of various pollutants such as particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10), oxygen, CO2, VOCs, and formaldehyde. The device features intelligent energy-saving mode and multiple data transmission options (WiFi, short-range wireless communication, SD/USB). It is also integrated with weather APIs for forecasts and alerts. The system can be configured via both mobile and desktop apps, which provide control of air purification systems.
