Industrial IoT Wireless Air Quality CO2 Temperature Humidity Particulate Matter Sensor Brochure

Device Overview

Introducing NCD’s Long Range Industrial IoT Wireless CO2, Temperature, Humidity, and Particulate Matter Sensor for air quality monitoring. It features a range of up to 2 miles using wireless mesh networking, transmitting CO2 concentration, particulate size, mass, temperature, and humidity data at customizable intervals.

The sensor uses CMOSens® Technology for precise CO2 measurement, along with NDIR technology for CO2 detection. It includes a best-in-class humidity and temperature sensor, which compensates for external heat sources without additional components. The dual-channel design ensures long-term stability in CO2 measurement.

The particulate matter sensor measures PM1.0, PM2.5, PM4.0, and PM10.0 particles, which can cause serious health issues like asthma and cardiovascular disease. It uses laser scattering technology for precise measurements and includes a fan for automatic sensor cleaning every 10 transmissions.

The temperature sensor operates from -25°C to 85°C (-13°F to 185°F), while the humidity sensor handles 0-100% RH. Powered by 6 AA batteries, the sensor offers up to 3 years of battery life, with external power options available on request.

Features

  • Industrial Grade Sensor Mass Concentration Range 0-1000 μg/m^3
  • Mass Concentration Resolution of 1 μg/m^3
  • Mass Concentration Size Range PM1.0, PM2.5, PM4.0, PM10.0
  • Number Concentration Range 0 to 3000 1/cm^3
  • Number Concentration Size Range  PM0.5, PM1.0, PM2.5, PM4.0, PM10.0
  • Industrial Grade CO2 Measurement Range 0 – 5’000 ppm
  • CO2 Measurement Accuracy ± (60 ppm + + 5% of reading)(25 °C, 400 – 2’000 ppm)
  • Temperature compensation of CO2 sensor signal
  • Fully calibrated and linearized
  • Unique Long-Term Stability of up to 8 Years
  • Laser-Based Scattering Principle and Advanced Algorithms
  • Built-in Auto Cleaning Feature (internal fan) After Every 10 Transmissions
  • Industrial Grade Sensor with 0 to 90% RH / -25°C [-13°F] to 85°C [185°F])
  • Resolution 0.4% RH/0.1°C Accuracy 6% RH/ 0.8°C
  • Encrypted Wireless Communications up to 2 Mile Range in open environments
Figure 1: Device Overview

Wireless Technology

The NCD Industrial range of sensors utilizes DigiMesh, a proprietary networking technology designed by Digi® International. It is especially suitable for IIoT applications as it provides a number of benefits over conventional wireless stacks:

  • Long range – up to 1000 feet in urban environments and 2 miles+ in line of sight environments with the included antennas
  • Mesh networking topology – no single point of failure, self healing network with high redundancy.
  • Long battery life due to low power consumption – up to 10 years
  • Simplified provisioning – extending the mesh network via repeater at no additional configuration complexity
  • Works in the 868MHz, 900MHz and 2.4GHz bands – worldwide region interoperability.

Battery Life

SpecificationsMinimumNominalMaximumNotes
Batteries266May be Powered by 2 or 6 AA Batteries
Battery Life 1 TPD5 YearsTPD Transmissions per Day
Battery Life 12 TPD2 YearsTPD Transmissions per Day
Battery Life 24 TPD1 YearTPD Transmissions per Day

The Truth About Battery Life

Under the best of circumstances, the best non-rechargeable batteries commonly available today are limited to a 10 year non-working shelf life in a room temperature environment. Factors such as actual usage, temperature, and humidity will impact the working life. Be wary of any battery claims in excess of 10 years, as this would only apply to the most exotic and expensive batteries that are not commonly available. Also note that most battery chemistries are not rated for use in extreme temperatures. NCD only uses the best Non-Rechargeable Lithium batteries available today, which are also rated for use in extreme temperatures and have been tested by our customers in light radioactive environments. Lithium batteries offer a 10 year maximum expected shelf life due to limitations of battery technology. NCD will never rate sensor life beyond the rated shelf life of the best batteries available today, which is currently 10 years.

Applications & Use-cases

The Industrial IoT Wireless Air Quality CO2, Temperature, Humidity, Particulate Matter Sensor is capable of monitoring key environmental metrics like CO2 levels, temperature, humidity, and particulate matter (PM) in real-time. Such a sensor can be useful in various industries and sectors due to its ability to wirelessly transmit critical environmental data for analysis and decision-making.

Air Quality CO2, Temperature, Humidity, Particulate Matter Sensor Applications

Smart Building Automation

This sensor can be integrated into smart buildings for continuous monitoring of indoor air quality. By providing real-time feedback on CO2 levels and particulate matter, it can help optimize HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems to maintain a healthy and energy-efficient indoor environment.

Industrial Air Quality Monitoring

Factories and manufacturing plants often produce various types of particulate matter and CO2. This sensor can help track air quality within industrial environments to ensure compliance with safety regulations and to protect the health of workers.

Environmental Monitoring in Smart Cities

Smart cities can use this type of sensor for outdoor environmental monitoring to track air quality across different areas of a city. It can be deployed to measure pollution levels and help city officials make informed decisions regarding pollution control strategie

Agricultural and Greenhouse Management

The sensor can monitor the environmental conditions inside greenhouses or farming areas, such as CO2 concentration and humidity levels. Maintaining the right balance of these parameters is essential for crop growth and yield optimization.

Air Quality CO2, Temperature, Humidity, Particulate Matter Sensor Use-cases

Office Building Air Quality Control

In an office building, this sensor could be installed to monitor air quality in real-time. If CO2 levels rise or particulate matter increases due to external pollution, the building’s HVAC system could automatically adjust to bring in fresh air or increase filtration. This improves employee health, productivity, and comfort.

Factory Compliance and Safety Monitoring

In a chemical or manufacturing facility, air quality sensors could be used to continuously monitor harmful particulate emissions and CO2. This data could be used to ensure that the facility stays within regulatory limits for emissions and to alert managers if worker safety is compromised by poor air quality.

Smart City Pollution Tracking

A network of these sensors could be deployed in various parts of a city to track pollution levels caused by traffic or industrial activities. Real-time data could be used by city planners to identify pollution hotspots and enforce temporary restrictions like limiting traffic during peak pollution hours.

Greenhouse Gas Monitoring for Optimized Plant Growth

Farmers using greenhouses could install this sensor to continuously monitor CO2 and humidity levels, which are critical for plant growth. By automating ventilation and humidity control systems, the greenhouse environment could be optimized, improving crop yield and reducing the need for manual monitoring.