New modular options for AQMesh air quality monitoring systems

The AQMesh small sensor air quality monitoring system already offers flexibility of monitoring location - through independent power and communications - as well as high data quality and traceability. Now the platform is even more flexible offering up to 20 different data channels. The wide range of sensors, including gases such as NO2, particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5 and PM10) wind and noise can be specified, from a single sensor to a ‘fully loaded’ mini air quality monitoring station.

The small, post-mounted monitoring pod sends raw sensor output to the AQMesh server using the mobile phone network and readings can be accessed by a secure login or API connection. Cloud data management allows settings to be changed online and makes a high level of remote support possible – ideal for monitoring in distant or hard-to-reach locations. Recent developments for 2019 mean that AQMesh offers an increased level of modularity unrivalled by any other small-sensor air quality monitoring system.

The full range of sensors includes gases NO, NO2, O3, CO, SO2, H2S and CO2. Recent work has shown the value of measuring a targeted combination of gases for a given application. For example, H2S and SO2 is popular with the oil and gas industry and measurement of CO2 is valuable as an indicator of combustion to calculate an index. The new wind speed and direction module means local pollution source apportionment can be carried out. All AQMesh pods measure environmental conditions – temperature, atmospheric pressure and RH% - in the same compact unit.

New pods can be built to almost any configuration and modifications can be and are carried out to existing pods returned to the factory. Some modifications are also possible in the field, such as adding extra gas sensors.

Most AQMesh pods are now powered using solar power and the new AQMesh solar module allows the pod and solar pack to be mounted on the same post, using the standard clips supplied, with the power cable simply connected together to start monitoring. The updated solar pack comes as a complete package with a 20W panel, more efficient charging, an additional port for powering two pods, and is now a smart system with a Bluetooth mobile app for checking the output of the panel and running basic diagnostics. Battery and direct (9-24V DC) power options are available.

AQMeshData.net is the AQMesh server which performs secure data processing using carefully developed, unique correction algorithms which compensate for cross-gas effects and environmental factors. AQMesh algorithms are fixed by version and completely traceable, with no use of machine learning or artificial intelligence. Continual development of these algorithms, using datasets from around the world which compare AQMesh readings with co-located reference data, allows AQMesh to demonstrate outstanding, accurate and repeatable performance when co-located against certified reference or equivalent methods, in any part of the world.

AQMesh pods require very little ongoing maintenance, meaning the cost of ownership remains low. Sensor replacement is recommended every 2 years and the demonstrated data stability is very high. AQMesh users also benefit from dedicated, global support from its UK base, where it is designed, developed, manufactured and distributed, as well as a network of trained distributors. See www.aqmesh.com for more information.