Environmental sensors for automated air quality assurance

22nd April 2021

SENSIRION

Alex Lynn

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Air quality and regular ventilation have become highly relevant in pandemic times. Minute droplets (known as aerosols) are emitted not only when coughing or sneezing, but also during normal breathing and when talking. Viruses can be found in these aerosols. Frequent and effective ventilation and environmental sensors are therefore more important than ever.

The more fresh air, the less exhaled air with possible viruses in a closed room. Optimal air quality also increases concentration and prevents fatigue, headaches or a drop in performance. With the help of s-peers’ concept and the use of Sensirion’s environmental sensors, automated monitoring and control of air quality becomes possible.

If values rise above a critical threshold, the system sends a signal and prompts the windows to be opened, for example. This ensures that ventilation is not forgotten or is not carried out too late. In addition, air quality is documented, thus ensuring a healthier working environment.

Thanks to the sensor data, it is possible to provide forecasts for when the room is occupied and with how many people then, or at what time it is necessary to ventilate or leave the room. This is particularly relevant for schools, events, libraries or open-plan offices.

What works inside, also works outside

The WHO calls air pollution, especially high concentrations of particulate matter, one of the biggest health risks, on a par with smoking. It is therefore of enormous relevance for companies or cities to measure outdoor air data as well. Reliable and cost-efficient sensors provide immediate feedback when air quality deteriorates.

For companies with their own production facilities, early detection of process errors that can lead to environmental pollution is of great interest. It can also increase the safety of production workers. Sensor solutions such as Sensirion’s Nubo Air are already being used in city centers. The Nubo Air enables real-time monitoring of air pollution. Measuring, storing and analysing this data provides policymakers with sound data to make optimal decisions or even optimise air quality for their citizens using intelligent control of traffic lights.

Reserve your seat for the roundtable ‘Breath in - Data out: Get the Most Data out of Your Sensors’ on April 20, 15:00 – 16:00, at SAP NOW – the largest SAP user conference in Switzerland. Matthias Feldle from s-peers AG and Pascal Gerner from Sensirion will jointly present their innovative concept that stores CO2 data, analyses it and uses it for forecasting. They will also discuss how such valuable sets of sensor data can be used to optimise existing business processes and develop new business models.