Q&A – How Smart City Solutions Turn Air Quality Data into Profit

In our last blog post, we summarized the most important findings and posts from Airly’s recent webinar on air quality monitoring, its advantages, and ways to unlock new revenue streams. As demonstrated during the panel, Airly’s unique approach to AQ measures revolves around community and cooperation. So, naturally, an open Q&A discussion was the only way to close out our panel. Below, you’ll find all the key questions that were posed and answered during the event.

Watch the full recording here.

Key points

• Real-Time vs. Static Data: The webinar highlights that real-time sensors provide a massive operational advantage over static methods (like diffusion tubes) by eliminating lab wait times and providing constant visibility.
• Anticipating Stricter Standards: With the upcoming Ambient Air Quality Directive, EU standards are expected to become much stricter, making high-fidelity monitoring essential for legal compliance.
• Calibration for Accuracy: The reliability of sensor measurements is maintained through periodic recalibration against reference sensors, ensuring data remains accurate throughout the device’s lifespan.
• Strategic Collaboration: While monitoring companies do not directly “clean” the air, they provide the essential data that allows organizations to implement effective pollution-reduction actions.

Key questions from the webinar How Smart City Solutions Turn Air Quality Data into Profit

Q: Can the use of diffusion tubes, a low-cost option, be considered a regulatory method for air quality monitoring?

A: Diffusion tubes are not typically used for regulatory monitoring purposes. Nonetheless, they are popular in the UK as a cost-effective option for indicative measurements. In contrast to AQ Sensors, diffusion tubes do not offer real-time data; they provide only one measurement point per month and can generate significant operational expenses. Acquiring data from diffusion tubes involves sending them to an external laboratory to analyze the measurements.

Q: Does Airly have low-cost sensors as a solution for air quality monitoring that can be used in other cities?

A: Airly has 2 types of devices in its portfolio. PM-only sensors measure particulate matter of different sizes and THP (temperature + humidity + pressure), while PM + GAS have an add-on sensing module for 1 pair of gases. The former option is more cost-effective and usually can be deployed in higher numbers.

Q: How often do you have to refresh the AQ sensors? Or do they last a very long time?

A: The longevity of AQ Sensors is on the rise, thanks to advancements in compensation algorithms and techniques that enhance signal stability throughout their lifespan. The lifespan of these sensors varies by technology: electrochemical sensors typically last about two years, while particulate matter sensors can last between four and five years. However, these durations can fluctuate based on environmental conditions. The accuracy of sensor measurements can also be enhanced through periodic recalibration in conjunction with a reference sensor. Furthermore, if a sensor requires servicing, Airly can replace the sensing components.

Q: What are the EU standards on AQ data?

A: The latest EU standards for air quality can be accessed via the following link: EU Air Quality Standards: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/air/air-quality/eu-air-quality-standards_en. Additionally, the introduction of the new Ambient Air Quality Directive, which is expected to be implemented next year, will likely result in stricter pollution targets compared to the current standards.

Q: In case the air quality exceeds the WHO standards, what are the solutions you offer for reduction?

A: As an Air Quality Monitoring provider, we do not offer direct solutions to lower air quality. However, we are committed to collaboration and recommend effective actions that can significantly reduce overall air pollution levels.

Q: If a sensor is clogged, it’s providing erratic data. What can one do in this case?

A: If the sensor is clogged we would recommend replacing sensing component. Using compressed air can damage internal components. What is worth mentioning is that Particulate Matter sensors are designed for years of operation in very dusty environment and dust shouldn’t accumulate in the areas that are responsible for the measurement (i.e. photo diode or laser).

Q: Do you have or plan to add noise sensors?

A: Airly air quality data can be integrated with sound and vibration data, as in the case of the SvanNet platform delivered by Svantek, a manufacturer of S&V sensors. When it comes to hardware integration, such sensors cannot be easily integrated into air quality sensors as the installation conditions and size differ. We don’t exclude this possibility for the future, though.

Watch the recording here.