Design and Development of Low-Cost Datalogger for Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality Monitoring

TL;DR

This paper presents a versatile, low-cost air quality datalogger capable of operating in diverse environments with multiple power sources and network options, enhancing accessibility for citizens and researchers.

Contribution

It introduces a customizable, energy-efficient datalogger with multi-source power, adaptable MCU, and integrated connectivity for comprehensive indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring.

Findings

Supports various power sources including solar, batteries, and mains

Integrates WiFi, Bluetooth, and LoRaWAN for connectivity

Optimized for low energy consumption while maintaining data accuracy

Abstract

The rising demand for low-cost air quality monitors stems from increased public awareness and interest within the research community. These monitors play a pivotal role in empowering citizens and scientists to comprehend spatiotemporal variations in air quality parameters, aiding in the formulation of effective mitigation policies. The primary challenge lies in the diverse array of application scenarios these monitors encounter. The developed data logging device is exceptionally well-suited for air quality monitoring applications, offering exceptional versatility by seamlessly operating on a range of power sources, including solar energy, batteries, and direct electrical supply. The integration of a built-in battery charger enhances its applicability for deployment in regions with solar power or intermittent electricity availability. To ensure strong network connectivity, the advanced datalogger seamlessly integrates with WiFi, Bluetooth, and LoRaWAN networks. A notable feature is its adaptable MCU system, enabling users to swap the MCU based on specific connectivity, power, and computational requirements. Importantly, the system carefully identifies key parameters crucial for both indoor and outdoor air quality assessment, customizing sensor selection accordingly. Furthermore, optimization efforts have prioritized energy efficiency, enabling the system to function with minimal power consumption while maintaining data integrity. Additional I2C and UART ports facilitate the monitoring of supplementary parameters.