Breathe Easy: Mutelcor’s Smart CO₂ LoRa Sensor for Indoor Air Quality

During the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers discovered a notable link between CO₂ levels and the spread of the virus. They found that higher CO₂ concentrations were associated with faster transmission of the virus, as elevated CO₂ indicated poor ventilation and a higher likelihood of inhaling exhaled air containing the virus.

Further studies revealed that CO₂ levels exceeding 1000 ppm could lead to symptoms such as drowsiness, loss of concentration, and fatigue. As CO₂ levels rise to 2500 ppm, headaches may occur. Prolonged exposure to high CO₂ levels can also result in serious health conditions like Hypercapnia.

In many European countries, CO₂ sensors are mandatory in classrooms and other indoor spaces. This requirement stems from the need to manage indoor air quality without compromising heating efficiency. Steering the ventilation with devices like the Mutelcor Smart CO2 LoRa Sensor can ensure the air quality remains safe without the need for constant ventilation, helping maintain indoor warmth and reduce energy expenses.

LoRa (Long Range) Technology

LoRa is a wireless technology that operates on license free sub-gigahertz radio frequencies. It is designed to enable long-range transmissions with low power consumption, making it ideal for Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

What is the Mutelcor Smart CO₂ LoRa Sensor?

The Mutelcor Smart CO₂ LoRa Sensor leverages NDIR (Non-Dispersive Infrared) technology to measure carbon dioxide levels accurately. This advanced device also monitors temperature and humidity, delivering real-time data through a dedicated web dashboard.

The sensor measures CO₂ levels automatically every 2 seconds, and users can customize the interval for sending updates to the dashboard. This flexibility allows for tailored monitoring suited to specific needs.

Visual indicators on the device provide immediate feedback on CO₂ levels: a green light signals levels below 800 ppm, a yellow light indicates levels between 800 and 1000 ppm, and a red light warns of levels above 1000 ppm. If CO₂ levels exceed 1500 ppm, the red light begins to flash, signaling a critical threshold.

All collected data is recorded on the CO₂ sensor dashboard, accessible with various filter options for detailed review. In residential and office settings, the sensor’s thresholds for changing LED color can be adjusted to meet specific requirements.

For example, in environments like mushroom farming, where CO₂ levels may reach as high as 16,000 ppm, the sensor can be configured to display a green light within this range. A red light would then indicate levels falling below the threshold, while a yellow light might signal slightly elevated levels beyond the optimal range.

This level of customization ensures that the Mutelcor Smart CO₂ LoRa Sensor effectively meets diverse operational needs, maintaining safety and efficiency across various applications.

Key Features of Advanced CO₂ LoRa Sensors

Automatic LED Alerts: Activates visual indicators when CO₂ concentrations surpass predefined threshold levels.
Configurable Delay Function: Includes a programmable timeout feature to prevent inadvertent LED alerts.
Real-Time Data Acquisition: Provides continuous, real-time CO₂ measurements for precise monitoring.
Adjustable Measurement Interval: Allows for configuration of data transmission intervals to suit operational needs.
Encrypted Data Transmission: Utilizes secure, encrypted communication protocols to protect data integrity.
Seamless Integration: Offers a plug-and-play setup with straightforward integration via a JavaScript decoder.

Use case applications of Smart CO₂ LoRa Sensors

Residential Applications: Residential spaces with poor or limited ventilation can greatly benefit from the Mutelcor LoRa Wireless CO₂ Sensor. This device can alert residents when air quality deteriorates, helping to prevent symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, drowsiness and nausea caused by exposure to high levels of CO₂. By providing real-time data and alerts, the sensor aids in maintaining a healthier indoor environment and ensures that air quality remains within safe limits.
Commercial Spaces: Commercial spaces, such as offices, schools, and shopping malls, can significantly benefit from the Mutelcor LoRa Wireless CO₂ Sensor. In these environments, the sensor provides alerts when air quality drops, ensuring a healthier atmosphere for employees, customers, and visitors. By monitoring CO₂ levels in real-time, the device helps maintain optimal indoor air quality, enhancing productivity, comfort and overall well-being.
Educational Institutions: Educational institutions, including schools and universities, can greatly benefit from the Mutelcor Smart CO₂ LoRa Sensor. In classrooms and lecture halls, the sensor provides immediate alerts when air quality declines, ensuring a healthier learning environment for students and staff. By continuously monitoring CO₂ levels, the device helps maintain optimal indoor air quality, which can improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and enhance overall academic performance.
Healthcare Facilities: Healthcare facilities can significantly benefit from the Mutelcor Smart CO₂ LoRa Sensor . In patient rooms, waiting areas, and operating theaters, the sensor provides immediate alerts when air quality deteriorates, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for patients, staff, and visitors. By continuously monitoring CO₂ levels, the device helps maintain optimal indoor air quality, which is crucial for patient recovery, reducing the risk of airborne infections, and ensuring a comfortable atmosphere for everyone in the facility.

Enhancing Indoor Air Quality

CO₂ Level Management: In smart homes and automated buildings, CO₂ sensors are strategically placed at various locations to maintain optimal CO₂ levels.
Humidity and Temperature Control: Since the Mutelcor Smart CO₂Sensor also measures humidity, it helps maintain ideal indoor conditions. For optimal comfort, indoor temperature should be 20°C to 22°C and humidity should be maintained between 40% and 60%.
Automated Adjustments: The Mutelcor Smart CO₂ LoRa Sensor helps maintain these conditions by monitoring CO₂ levels and can with HVAC systems. This ensures a comfortable, healthy environment while optimizing energy use.

Conclusion

The Mutelcor Smart CO₂ LoRa Sensor is an innovative device designed to enhance indoor air quality and comfort. Utilizing non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) technology, it accurately measures CO₂ levels, temperature, and humidity, providing real-time data and alerts for effective indoor management. Its versatility makes it suitable for various environments, including residential, commercial, educational, and healthcare settings, helping to prevent harmful CO₂ exposure and optimize energy usage. As awareness of air quality’s health impacts increases, this sensor’s precise measurements and secure data transmission are vital for fostering safer, more efficient indoor spaces.