The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionised various industries by providing innovative solutions for real-time data collection, analysis, and control. One significant application of IoT is in improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) monitoring. As buildings become smarter, ensuring a healthy indoor environment has become a priority. This is particularly important given the alarming statistics regarding air quality and its impact on health.
According to a report from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the total NHS and social care cost of air pollution (PM2.5 and NO2 only) is estimated to be £1.5-5.5 billion in England over the period between 2017 and 2025, increasing to £5.5-18.6 billion up to 2035. The total societal costs of air pollution are estimated at £22.6 billion annually.
In this article we explore how IoT, particularly technologies like LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network), is transforming IAQ monitoring in buildings. We will delve into the benefits of integrating IoT for IAQ management.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the quality of the air within buildings and structures, particularly as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. Poor IAQ can lead to adverse health effects such as allergies, respiratory issues, and even long-term conditions like asthma. Monitoring IAQ involves measuring various parameters such as temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels, and the presence of pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10).
LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) is a communication protocol designed for low-power, wide-area networks (LPWANs). It is specifically tailored for wireless battery-operated devices in regional, national, or global networks. Here’s how LoRaWAN works:
Popular IoT network protocols like WiFi, Zigbee, and Bluetooth are often used for short-range communication. However, these technologies come with limitations such as high energy consumption and limited range, which can be problematic for IAQ monitoring in large buildings or across multiple locations. WiFi, for instance, requires significant power and has a limited range, making it less ideal for battery-operated sensors. Zigbee and Bluetooth, while efficient for short-range communication, also suffer from range limitations and are not as energy-efficient as LoRaWAN.
“LoRaWAN is suitable for transmitting small-size payloads (like sensor data) over long distances. LoRa modulation provides a significantly greater communication range with low bandwidths than other competing wireless data transmission technologies.” (The Things Network)
LoRaWAN overcomes these limitations by providing long-range communication with minimal power consumption, making it a more suitable choice for extensive IAQ monitoring systems. This capability allows for widespread deployment of sensors across large buildings or campuses without the need for frequent battery replacements or extensive infrastructure investments.
LoRaWAN technology offers several benefits for IAQ monitoring, transforming how indoor environments are managed:
The integration of IoT technologies, particularly LoRaWAN, into Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) monitoring heralds a transformative future for smart buildings. IoT has revolutionised how we perceive and manage building environments, offering capabilities in real-time data collection, analysis, and control. LoRaWAN’s role in IAQ monitoring exemplifies this evolution by enabling comprehensive pollutant tracking, efficient data transmission, and scalable deployment across diverse building infrastructures.
As technology continues to evolve, so too will the possibilities for IAQ monitoring and smart building solutions. Embracing IoT and LoRaWAN not only addresses current challenges but also sets a precedent for adaptive, resilient building infrastructures that can meet the demands of tomorrow’s urban landscapes.
Please complete the enquiry form. Our team will contact you within 2 hours.
(please note Tyrrell Products operational hours 9am – 5pm UK time)