The Internet of things (IoT) has more and more applications in everyday life. Among the issues related to connected objects, indoor air quality is a major challenge. Here are the various IoT issues and solutions related to this important issue.
An economic issue
In the building sector, occupants will need to be provided with better air quality in future years. Connected objects should address key air-related issues. In modern cities, the majority of the population spends most of their time indoors. There is evidence that the air we breathe indoors is of much poorer quality than the air we breathe outdoors.
This is because the air renews itself less efficiently indoors due to multiple factors. Particles, humidity, and cleaning products are among the elements that affect indoor air quality. This has definite economic consequences. Illnesses caused by poor indoor air quality result in several days of absenteeism and considerable health care expenses.
A health issue
Modern building materials and the use of pollutants have made new constructions factors of diseases causing a lot of damage. Symptoms such as nausea, dizziness and headaches show the flaws related to indoor air quality. Several programs have been put in place to remedy these problems. The use of IoT is at the forefront in the search for solutions.
Humidity is one of the main factors causing health problems due to poor indoor air quality. Moisture creates mold and fungus inside buildings. This results in allergies and respiratory problems. Moisture is often present in new buildings. The factors that create health problems are becoming better known, suggesting that better solutions will soon be adopted.
Volatile organic compounds also cause many health problems. They are derived from hydrocarbons and their chemical derivatives. Here again, the effects can be harmful. They cause heart and nervous system disorders as well as reproductive problems. They are present everywhere, for example in paint or insulation.
IoT to the rescue
Increasingly, there is pressure from the government to require manufacturers to integrate connected objects for improved indoor air quality. Sensors are now less expensive, allowing them to be easily integrated into air quality maintenance equipment.
Several companies now offer connected objects that can, among other things, capture air quality measurement components in real time, allowing for a rapid response in the event of significant deterioration.
In places where the IoT is used, the results are very satisfactory. The economic losses related to sick leave have been considerably reduced. It was also found that employee productivity was higher when the air quality inside a building was better. Even life expectancy is better in environments where connected objects are used to control air quality.
Solutions applied include sensors that incorporate ventilation controls that react when unacceptable air quality thresholds are reached. The device can also control temperature to promote better air quality. Very precise control can even be achieved by learning through sophisticated algorithms.
The market is preparing for the massive entry of connected objects. It will even be possible to consult one's smartphone to be kept informed of the level of air quality inside one's home. It will also be possible to let the system manage the air or decide to manually change modes. An under-occupancy mode can be triggered by people going on vacation.
The importance of data
Indoor air quality monitoring must be based on data analysis for the system to remain effective. The data must be stored and processed as required. This analysis allows the system to be constantly adapted so that air quality is maintained despite the action of new factors. Some companies also offer cloud-based platforms to quickly deploy connected objects as needed.
It is now mandatory to measure indoor air quality. The use of connected objects will therefore become essential. In addition to installing sensors inside existing buildings, caution will be required from the outset. For example, it will be necessary to respect the drying time of building materials.
Presence sensors
Presence sensors are part of the arsenal of means increasingly used to monitor indoor air quality. They respond in several areas, including lighting management in addition to air quality. A single sensor can therefore be used in both lighting and ventilation, which implies significant economic benefits.
The adjustment of air flow rates is increasingly precise. It considers not only the humidity but also the CO2 content indoors, which further reduces the health risks of a long presence in a building. Increasingly, air inlets are also filtering. Air quality can of course be monitored in real time and immediate corrective measures can be generated in case of problems.
It is also not uncommon for air quality management to be supplemented by a system of scrubbers. They make the system more efficient and thus allow more sensitive occupants to enjoy an excellent living environment. The system must be adapted to the various types of pollutants in order to manage their possible saturation. Saturation can render scrubbers ineffective.
The building sector is adapting
The reality of the IoT is now an integral part of the actions carried out in the building sector, as much as the choice of materials. Several systems now make it possible to analyze air quality in real time and on a continuous manner. Sensors installed in new buildings automatically trigger alerts in case of deterioration of air quality.
These sensors can now be easily installed in any type of building and for all dwellings. Good air quality allows the necessary adjustments to be made and keeps buildings in good condition for a long period of time. Electronic control dampers also make it possible to adjust flow rates. They can be placed in the central unit, where it is also possible to install a CO2 and humidity sensor.
Increasingly, regulations will make a very precise air control system indispensable. Several companies are on the front line to offer tools that facilitate the control of indoor air quality. The stakes are too high to be neglected since it is both an economic and health issue.
Contact Ryax to improve your air quality by using IoT solutions.
La Ryax Team.