SCHOLARLAB FOUNDATION

Project Details

22 September, 2025 Published By: Dr. Bipul Krishna Saha

Air Quality Monitoring System

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Air Quality Monitoring System

Scholar Lab Foundation proposes the design, development, testing and deployment of an Air Quality Monitoring System comprising one indoor and one outdoor device. The system will integrate advanced gas and particulate sensors, robust edge electronics, local display (indoor unit), and reliable connectivity (Wi-Fi / GSM / 4G / 5G) with MQTT publishing to enable real-time monitoring, local visualization, and cloud analytics.

  • Two Devices: One Indoor device (with front display) and one Outdoor device (no display) tailored to different environmental requirements.
  • Multi-Sensor Integration: NH₃ & NO₂ modules (developed by IIT-Kharagpur supplied by ScholarLab) plus VOC, CO, CO₂, O₂, PM2.5, PM10, humidity and temperature (commercial sensors arranged by DRSTA).
  • Connectivity & Protocols: MQTT publishing over available networks (Wi-Fi / GSM / 4G / 5G) for continuous cloud ingestion and dashboarding.
  • Resilience & Local Storage: On-device cache memory to retain data during network outages with automatic auto-sync when connectivity is restored.
  • Power & Backup: Rechargeable battery system sized for sustained operation and safe shutdown during prolonged outages.
  • Robust Enclosure & Maintenance: IP-rated, ventilated enclosure with automated periodic sensor cleaning/exhaust arrangements and service access.

Technical Scope of Work

  • System design, PCB & enclosure engineering, BOM finalization and procurement of listed sensors and components.
  • Mechanical integration: designed enclosure with proper air flow, sensor mounting and weatherproofing for the outdoor unit.
  • Electronics integration: microcontroller / edge CPU, high-accuracy ADCs, power management, battery charging and protection circuits.
  • Firmware & Edge Software: sensor drivers, calibration routines, denoising, self-calibration, local data logging, and MQTT client implementation.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi & cellular modem integration, SIM/M2M provisioning support, and robust reconnect/queue handling for intermittent networks.
  • Indoor display: fit a clear, readable front display (LCD/OLED) with real-time values, status icons and basic local UI for the indoor device.
  • Automated sensor cleaning: design and integrate an automated periodic cleaning/exhaust mechanism to extend sensor life and data quality.

Deliverables

  • Two fully assembled devices (1×Indoor with display, 1×Outdoor) including enclosures, batteries and required accessories.
  • Firmware & edge software with OTA/upgrade capability, MQTT publisher and local cache/auto-sync logic.
  • Calibration certificates and calibration routine scripts for each gas and particulate sensor.
  • Test reports from lab and field trials (functional, environmental and connectivity tests).
  • Documentation: user manual, installation guide, maintenance schedule and troubleshooting checklist.
  • 1 year warranty and 1 year free maintenance for hardware and embedded software plus 1 year cloud/internet support.

Testing & Commissioning

  • Lab testing: sensor verification, cross-sensitivity checks, calibration against reference equipment and environmental stress testing.
  • Field testing: on-site trials to validate readings, network reliability, battery endurance and automated cleaning effectiveness.
  • Commissioning: concrete mounting / stable mounting plan for outdoor unit, final alignment and handover checklist.

Reliability & Safety Measures

  • Anti-theft and tamper detection (optional alerts and physical cage options).
  • Sensor data anti-pattern detection (edge checks to flag sensor drift/false spikes) and remote diagnostics.
  • Adequate ingress protection (IP65 ), UV-resistant materials for outdoor longevity and vibration padding for mounting.

Maintenance & Support

  • Scheduled preventive maintenance plan including automated cleaning cycles, sensor re-calibration and battery health checks.
  • Remote diagnostics portal for firmware logs, sensor health metrics and alerting.
  • 1 year included maintenance (hardware & embedded software) and cloud support; extended support available as optional SLA.

Project Timeline (Indicative)

  • Phase 1 – Design & Procurement: 3–4 weeks (finalize sensors, enclosure & BOM).
  • Phase 2 – Development & Assembly: 4–6 weeks (PCB, firmware, enclosure fabrication).
  • Phase 3 – Lab Testing & Calibration: 2 weeks.
  • Phase 4 – Field Deployment & Commissioning: 1–2 weeks (site mounting, connectivity setup & final tuning).
  • Phase 5 – Warranty & Maintenance Period: 12 months post-handover.

Site Requirements & Installation Notes

  • Adequate mounting surface (pole/concrete base) for the outdoor unit and sheltered, ventilated location for the indoor unit with easy access to power for periodic charging (if required).
  • Reliable cellular/Wi-Fi signal or SIM provisioning for M2M connectivity; site coordinate & local contact for commissioning.
  • Space & access for automated cleaning exhaust and routine maintenance.

Call to Action / Support

Scholar Lab invites partners, research institutes, deployment sites and funders to collaborate on this air quality monitoring pilot. For technical clarifications, procurement coordination or deployment planning, please contact our project team to arrange a detailed proposal and site survey.