Intelligent system to monitor and detect thermal sensation, environmental quality, and noise in interior and exterior spaces

Abstract

The present invention relates to detecting, analyzing, and qualifying environmental quality with an LCD screen to visualize the measurements. Specifically, it relates to low-cost monitoring devices, consisting of 1) identifying and measuring with sensors the values of chemical contaminants, suspended particles and gases, and comfort variables, 2) obtaining the collected data remotely with the adjacent use of wireless communication, and 3) generating a monitoring system with easy access, even for non-specialists. Also, it includes 4) setting off an alarm when exceeding the environmental quality levels recommended by the applicable regulations and 5) activating or deactivating the window opening action according to environmental conditions and an adaptive comfort model. Said devices can measure variables that influence ecological quality, such as carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), suspended particles (PM1, PM2.5, PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and ozone (O); and the comfort variables, such as temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind speed, and noise pollution. Said measurements allow storing them in databases by sensors sent to remote devices via Bluetooth and the internet, thus taking action on the opening or closing windows.

Description

INTELLIGENT SYSTEM FOR MONITORING AND DETECTING THERMAL FEEL, ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND NOISE IN INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SPACES FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention pertains to the fields of energy efficiency engineering, human health, and the environment. Specifically, it relates to the monitoring and detection of environmental quality elements, thermal sensation, and noise pollution. It can be used in indoor and / or outdoor spaces where it is necessary to detect environmental pollutants. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Globally, chemical compounds, particulate matter, heat index, and even noise contribute to 25% to 33% of illnesses, primarily affecting children [1]. However, exposure to sulfur dioxide and other pollutants is a public health problem affecting the entire population and impacting the respiratory system [2]. Quantifying the main environmental pollutants, as well as the comfort levels experienced by users in outdoor and / or indoor spaces, is a fundamental human need. In response to this problem, various monitoring systems have been developed to bridge the knowledge gap in controlling environmental conditions in indoor and outdoor spaces under different contexts. The following section presents recently developed patents on this topic. Low-cost environmental monitoring system for determining air quality MX / a / 2019 / 015610 This patent determines the degree of air pollution by calculating an environmental quality index in urban environments, using the following variables: Ozone (Os), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Particulate Matter (PM2.5), temperature, and humidity. It is designed for public spaces in open areas. The data is sent to a remote database. The indicator promotes community collaboration regarding user health. Method for the dynamic assessment of air quality MX / a / 2015 / 007322 This patent proposes a dynamic air quality assessment using the following variables: ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter between 5 and 10 microns, targeting urban areas. A process was used to evaluate the measurements by transforming real values ​​into fuzzy values ​​using input functions. The results are analyzed with inference rules, which determine the situations affecting air quality. The results of the dynamic calculation are mapped to indicate the degree of environmental pollution based on instantaneous and historical measurements. Portable mobile air quality monitoring station MX / u / 2022 / 000040 This patent utilizes sensors for meteorological and air quality variables in urban areas, with the capacity to transmit the collected data to a cloud via a mobile station. The variables measured by the mobile station are: PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and volatile organic compounds. The system uses a module with GPS, a battery, and sensors. Multi-parametric environmental diagnostics and monitoring sensor node W02015171920A1 This patent includes a base for environmental sensors and a controller. It features an external photovoltaic cell and an internal photovoltaic cell with an energy storage module. A node with multi-parameter environmental monitoring and diagnostic sensors was used, powered by multiple renewable energy sources. Variables: carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), temperature, relative humidity, chlorine levels in the air, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and nitrogen monoxide. Networked air quality monitoring US10890350B2 A patent developed for the residential sector presents computer-readable systems, methods, and means for monitoring air quality and providing trend-based analysis of various air pollutants. The system comprises an air quality monitor located in a dwelling, configured to measure the level of air pollutants. A networked system was used to measure the following environmental pollutants: particulate matter, temperature, relative humidity, volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, and combustible gas. Controlling method of an indoor air environment quality coordination and control system based on multiple-parameter evaluation US11268724B2 This patent describes an indoor air quality control method that includes detecting occupancy levels to determine when to turn the air conditioning on or off according to a comfort model, as well as an outdoor pollutant purification system. The system is capable of activating an air renewal system. An environmental quality monitoring system was used, which includes an infrared array to detect occupancy levels, as well as temperature and humidity sensors, and sensors for indoor and outdoor pollutants. The pollutants are formaldehyde and PM2.5. Method and system for air quality analysis, diagnostics, and environmental control US20190346417A1 qj ¡ / nn / eznz / e / YiAi This patent describes a method and system for controlling an intelligent HVAC system. It features multi-sensor devices and networked personal health devices. The system monitors indoor lighting, temperature, air quality, and HVAC data. Data can be accessed via a controller, along with reports on occupant status, analysis, and diagnostics. Reports can be sent via email or web applications. The variables measured include: light (LUX), temperature, humidity, PM2.5 particles, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, sound (audible or ultrasonic), light intensity, smoke, and similar pollutants. The key difference between the patents developed with the proposed invention lies in integrating a greater number of pollutants into a single system and including measurements not previously considered, such as noise pollution levels and PM1 particulate matter. The invention proposes the monitoring and detection of environmental quality variables: carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and ozone (O2); and variables related to thermal comfort: temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind speed, and noise pollution levels, rated under an adaptive comfort model.The invention integrates a user-friendly system for users who do not necessarily possess a high level of expertise in the subject, featuring an LCD screen and a monitoring system with a wireless communication interface; as well as a visual and audible alarm system that illuminates a red light and emits a sound when pollution levels are detected outside of recommended ranges. Finally, the invention can be used in both outdoor and indoor spaces, an essential aspect for effective monitoring and habitability. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention consists of a monitoring system for indoor and / or outdoor use, focused on detecting environmental quality elements, thermal sensation, and noise and light pollution, with the ability to communicate remotely with the user via mobile devices. Figure 1 shows the diagram of the components that make up the intelligent monitoring system, which is composed of: Measurement system (100), actuator elements (200), server (300), mobile device for remote communication (400), and cloud-based storage system for measured information (500).The measurement system may consist of a microcontroller (110), a set of measuring devices (120), a physical user interface (130), a local storage system for the measured information (140), a power supply block (150) to power the measurement system by various alternatives, a wireless communication module (160) and an alarm system block (170). Figure 2 describes the measuring devices that can be incorporated into the measuring system (120). These correspond to sensors interconnected to a microcontroller (110) to detect the presence in the environment of the surrounding air temperature (Ta (121a)), relative humidity (RH (121b)), wind speed (V (121c)), noise level (R (121e)), and luminosity (L (121f)), as well as air pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO (121g)), carbon dioxide (CO2 (121h)), nitrogen dioxide (NO2 (121i)), hydrogen sulfide (H2S (121j)), ozone (O3 (121k)), and particulate matter (PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10.0 (1211)). Figure 3 describes the physical user interface (130) integrated into the measurement system (100). It consists of a backlit display (131) and a keypad (132). The backlit display (131) is used to show the measurements captured by each sensor (Figure 2). The backlit display (131) can be an LCD, GLCD, OLED, or touchscreen. The keypad (132) is used to select the variables of interest to be displayed and to manually select the storage interval for the measurements, both in the local storage block (140) and in cloud storage (500). The keypad (132) can be an array of buttons, capacitive interaction modules, or touchscreens. Figure 4 shows the components of the local storage (140) of the measurement system (100), consisting of a real-time clock (141) and a memory card adapter (143). The local storage (140) allows the measurement system to be used as a standalone device to store the measured data, or it can be used as a backup system independent of the server (300). The real-time clock (141) is equipped with an auxiliary power supply (142), which can be a battery. Data is stored using a memory card, which can be a USB flash drive, SD card, or microSD card, and is inserted into the memory card adapter (143). Figure 5 shows the power supply block (150) for the measuring system (100). The power supply can be provided in three ways: a photovoltaic module (151) which can enable sustainable operation, (152) electrical power which can be supplied by a charging hub, adapter cable, or DC generator, and (153) a battery adapter (153) which can incorporate conventional or rechargeable batteries. Figure 6 shows the integrated alarm system (100), which consists of a visual indicator (red light) (171) and a buzzer module (172). The visual indicator (172) can be a light, an LED, or a display, which can be activated when the sensors detect pollution levels outside the recommended ranges. The buzzer module (172) can be a horn, buzzer, or audio playback module, which can be activated when the sensors detect levels outside the recommended ranges. Under indoor measurement conditions, the measuring device (100) can interact with an actuator module (200) integrated by a controller (210) which can instruct via wireless communication by bluetooth, infrared, zeegbee, wifi, an HVAC system (220) and a window actuator (230) to turn on / off or open / close, respectively when the criteria determined by the calculations of the server (300) are met. The interaction between the measurement system (100) and the server (300) is carried out through the wireless communication module (160), which can use communication protocols or technologies such as Bluetooth, infrared, Zeegbee, or Wi-Fi. Figure 7 shows the block diagram of the tasks, actions, and calculations assigned to the server device (300). The first stage is the reception of measurements from all sensors (501) to build the database with the measured information (502) and store it in the cloud (503) for remote access from any mobile device (503). Subsequently, the process moves to the block where pollution levels are compared according to the established regulations (504). The server (300) can send an alert signal to the measurement system (100) to activate the alarm system (170) upon detecting pollution levels above the permitted limit.In block (505) the comfort temperature is determined from Equation 1 [3], where (Tobs) is the temperature measured by the ambient temperature sensor. Tcomf = 0.31 Tobs + 17.8 1 The two satisfaction percentages proposed by ASHRAE Standard 55-2020 [4], 80% and 90%, with ranges of 7°C and 5°C respectively, were chosen. Under indoor operating conditions, the server (300) can send an instruction to activate the window opening / closing actuator (230) and / or the HVAC system (220) on / off, according to the adaptive thermal comfort ranges obtained. In block (508), the server can send a message via various communication protocols (Wi-Fi, MQTT, MSN, among others) to the mobile device to report pollution and comfort levels, allowing the user to take actions to benefit their health. Figure 8 shows the components of the mobile device (300) that allows the user to interact remotely with the system. This can be any device with internet access, such as computers, laptops, cell phones, tablets, and others. It consists of a screen (301) and a virtual user interface (302). The screen (301) can be an LCD, GLCD, OLED, or touchscreen. The user interface (302) can be a keyboard or touchscreen. Through the mobile device (300), the user can view the measurement history for each sensor and real-time data (Figure 9), and remotely configure the measurement storage interval (Figure 10). Figure 9 shows the block diagram for requesting and viewing measurements on the mobile device.The visual interface (302) is used to request information from the server (605) regarding real-time measured data (602), historical data collected by the sensor (603), and / or air quality data and actions performed by the actuator system (604). The request is then processed by the request block (606) and the information display block (605). Information can be displayed individually and / or in parallel via the user interface (302). Figure 10 illustrates the use of the user interface (302) for remotely configuring the information storage time. First, the user accesses the virtual interface (701) and selects the sampling interval (702), where they can choose the measurement interval.Block (703) corresponds to the process of sending information to the server, which then wirelessly transmits the modifications to the microcontroller (110) located in the measurement system (100). The virtual user interface can be contained on a mobile device (400). The invention features sensors interconnected with a microcontroller and a real-time clock to determine measurement values ​​and assign them a timestamp. This system acquires data at adjustable frequencies and can store it in local memory and in the cloud. qj} znn / eznz / B / YiAi The invention allows monitoring of gases, suspended particles and chemical compounds that pollute the indoor and / or outdoor environment, as well as variables that influence user comfort such as temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, atmospheric pressure and noise pollution. The invention features a safety system that turns on a red light and emits a sound when the sensors detect pollution levels outside the range permitted by regulations. The invention is integrated into an easy-to-handle plastic enclosure that houses and organizes the sensors, real-time clock, alarms, and microcontroller for ease of use. It also features an LCD screen for displaying measurements. Furthermore, it can operate in modules that allow for the addition or removal of measuring elements according to operational needs. The invention is capable of generating its own energy through solar cells and rechargeable batteries, and can also utilize the conventional electrical grid as an alternative. Finally, the invention can activate a window opening or closing mechanism when ambient conditions fall outside an adaptive comfort range designed to satisfy 80% to 90% of users, based on predetermined needs. The two satisfaction percentages used in the comfort model correspond to the adaptive comfort model of the ASHRAE 55-2020 standard [4], 80% and 90%, with a range of 7 °C and 5 °C, respectively. Once the measurements are taken, the system triggers an alarm according to each user's needs, at either 80% or 90%. This activates the opening or closing of windows, taking into account the external environmental conditions. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The main objective of this invention was to provide a low-cost system that integrates sensors (for hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10) to measure environmental quality, as well as variables that influence comfort (temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, air velocity, and noise pollution). This system allows for the acquisition of real-time data that can be stored at adjustable frequencies. It also has the capability to transmit data to a remote base using the internet and Bluetooth. This system addresses the need to understand environmental conditions (indoors and / or outdoors) in built environments across all sectors, expanding both the scope and availability of systems for assessing environmental quality to a wider range of researchers and the general public. p;} / nn / eznz / e / YiAi DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1. Block diagram of the components that make up the intelligent monitoring system for air quality and thermal comfort. Figure 2. Block diagram of the sensors added to the intelligent monitoring system. Figure 3. Diagram of the components of the physical user interface. Figure 4. Diagram of the components of the local storage system for census data. Figure 5. Diagram of the components that make up the power supply. Figure 6. Diagram of the components that make up the alarm system. Figure 7. Diagram of the operation of the calculations and actions performed on the server. Figure 8. Diagram of the components of the remote user interface integrated into a mobile device. Figure 9. Operational diagram of the process of requesting and viewing data remotely using a mobile device. Figure 10. Operational diagram of the remote configuration of the sampling time using a mobile device. Figure 11. Diagram of the actions and operations performed by the microcontroller.

Claims

1. A low-cost intelligent system for detecting and monitoring thermal sensation, environmental quality and noise pollution in indoor and / or outdoor spaces, integrating the following sensors: temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, air speed, noise pollution, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and suspended particles PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10.

2. A low-cost intelligent system for detecting and monitoring thermal sensation and environmental quality, containing a sensor that measures noise pollution in indoor and / or outdoor spaces.

3. A low-cost intelligent system for detecting and monitoring thermal sensation, environmental quality and noise pollution in indoor and / or outdoor spaces, with an LCD screen for displaying the measurements.

4. A low-cost intelligent system for detecting and monitoring thermal sensation, environmental quality and noise pollution in indoor and / or outdoor spaces, which also contains a real-time clock.

5. A low-cost intelligent system to detect and monitor thermal sensation, environmental quality and noise pollution in indoor and / or outdoor spaces, with visual and auditory support of a red light alarm, when any measured variable is detected outside the levels recommended for a healthy environment.

6. A low-cost intelligent system to detect and monitor thermal sensation, environmental quality and noise pollution in indoor and / or outdoor spaces, capable of generating its own energy, powered by a photovoltaic panel and / or rechargeable batteries, and / or the alternative of power from the conventional electrical grid.

7. A low-cost intelligent system for detecting and monitoring thermal sensation, environmental quality and noise pollution in indoor and / or outdoor spaces, characterized by modular operation, which allows removing or attaching measuring elements according to the needs of the operation.

8. A low-cost intelligent system to detect and monitor thermal sensation, environmental quality and noise pollution in 5 indoor and / or outdoor spaces, capable of triggering the closing or opening of windows according to environmental conditions and an adaptive comfort model to satisfy 80% or 90% of users.