Distributed LoRa based CO₂ monitoring network - A standalone open source system for contagion prevention by...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Sensor Technology
• Public Health

Background:

• The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic highlights the need for effective infection prevention strategies.
• World Health Organization recommends regular ventilation in enclosed spaces to mitigate airborne virus transmission.
• Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels correlate with aerosol content in occupied indoor environments, serving as an indirect measure of potential viral load.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an inexpensive, comprehensive, and modular CO2 monitoring network for indirect aerosol monitoring.
• To enable targeted ventilation strategies in large building complexes.
• To provide a solution for real-time indoor air quality assessment in settings like schools and universities.

Main Methods:

• Utilized low-cost infrared CO2 sensors for aerosol content monitoring.
• Developed a distributed network using readily available components and 3D printing.
• Implemented a long-range communication link (LoRa) for centralized data collection from multiple rooms.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a functional and cost-effective CO2 monitoring network.
• Successfully collected real-time CO2 concentration data from numerous locations.
• Showcased the network's suitability for large buildings lacking extensive WLAN coverage.

Conclusions:

• The developed CO2 monitoring network offers an affordable and scalable method for assessing indoor air quality and potential airborne pathogen risk.
• This system facilitates targeted ventilation, improving safety in communal spaces.
• The LoRa-enabled network provides a practical solution for continuous monitoring in educational institutions and similar facilities.