Global Case Study: IOT-Based IAQ monitoring in Educational Institutions

Executive Summary
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is crucial for healthy learning environments. This case study examines an IoT-
based IAQ monitoring system in schools, which effectively detected and reported air quality
parameters, leading to improved student health and academic performance. It highlights the benefits
and challenges of using IoT for real-time air quality management in educational Institutions. Deploy an
IoT-based IAQ monitoring system in educational institutions to track PM2.5, PM10, CO2, CO, VOCs,
temperature, and humidity. Use the collected data to improve indoor air quality, optimize ventilation,
and enhance environmental conditions.
Literature Review
IoT technologies offer effective solutions for real-time IAQ monitoring and management, with previous
studies highlighting their efficiency in maintaining optimal air quality, further contribution to the
characterization of the indoor air quality in Italian schools [7-12].Instead, in recent years, the Internet
of Things (IoT) technology and Single Board Computers (CBC) are commonly used to monitor air
quality using various low-cost sensors including recently for IAQ monitoring [13]. Krystallia et al. [14]
examine the IAQ by using IOT technology of three schools for two seasons and found that ambient air
through ventilation of rooms and seasons have significant effects on indoor air pollutants and student's
health.

The Internet of Things (IoT)

The use of Internet-connected devices connected to ordinary objects for the purpose of gathering and
sending data – is now used to monitor all sorts of variables affecting commercial buildings. The use of
automated monitoring systems using multiple IoT devices results in huge sets of data—often referred
to as “big data”—that can then be analyzed for trends and patterns. Advanced analytics can reveal
problems, provide valuable insights, and suggest pragmatic solutions. Research on IAQ using the IoT
is evolving and discusses exciting topics for research since 2014 and continues to increase every year.
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Data parameters of air quality can be accessed through internet, hence, faster and efficient to access.

Fig. 1 General architecture of Internet of Things (IoT)-based IAQ monitoring systems ( Saini, J.,et
al.,2020)

Today, deploying an indoor air quality monitoring system using IoT and analytics is one of the best
ways to create safer and more comfortable buildings while still promoting energy efficiency. A few
years later, researchers from the University of Birmingham studying the chemical composition of indoor
air found that fine lead and sulfate particles penetrated buildings from sources outside the building.
Additionally, environmental phenomena, such as dust storms and wildfires, can drastically reduce
indoor air quality as outdoor air finds its way into the building’s ventilation system through intake vents.

Big Data & Analytics

Smart sensors are crucial for tracking indoor air quality, but without advanced analytics, the large
amount of data they generate can be hard to manage and use effectively. Tools like onPoint turn this
data into useful insights by analyzing it in real-time to spot potential problems early. This proactive
approach, powered by machine learning, helps predict and prevent future issues, ensuring building
systems run efficiently. By combining IoT sensors with analytics, problems such as HVAC
malfunctions or air recycling issues can be addressed before they become serious, and objective data
can guide maintenance and upgrades.
IOT MODULE
The IoT process involves collecting data from various environments through devices (Data Ingestion),
sending it to the cloud (Data Transmission), analyzing it with algorithms (Data Processing), presenting
the results to users through interfaces or alerts (Data Visualization), and using accumulated data to
identify trends and make future predictions (Data Prediction).
CASE STUDIES
This case study provides a comprehensive overview of how IoT can be effectively used to monitor and
improve indoor air quality in educational buildings, offering valuable insights for similar
implementations. The following are two case studies on IoT-based indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring
systems in educational buildings and their findings.
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1. Maplewood High School, Blue Valley 2. Green Valley High School

School
IAQ affects health, comfort, and academic IAQ is critical for health and performance. IoT
performance. IoT technology is used for solutions are adopted for real-time management.
continuous monitoring.
Urban location with high pollution; symptoms Densely populated urban area with high traffic
included headaches and fatigue, especially in emissions; reports of headaches and discomfort.
winter.
IoT-based IAQ monitoring system similar to IoT-based IAQ monitoring system including
Greenfield, addressing specific symptoms sensors for key pollutants and environmental
reported. factors.
Enhanced air quality, health, and comfort; better Significant improvements in air quality and
resource management and regulatory compliance. comfort; better regulatory compliance and
resource management.
IoT systems proved beneficial in enhancing IAQ The implementation of IoT for IAQ monitoring
and comfort, serving as a model for other significantly improved environmental conditions
institutions. and compliance.
This table provides a consolidated view of the objectives, implementation, challenges, and outcomes of
the IoT-based IAQ monitoring systems across three educational institutions.

3. On-Site Monitoring of Indoor Air Quality in Schools (Elisa Zagatti et al. (2020).

A Real-World Investigation to Engage High School Science Students. This research involved
monitoring indoor air quality (IAQ) in school classrooms and laboratories, where students actively
participated using low-cost IAQ sensors. The project, a collaboration between schools and
universities, provided lessons, equipment, and support, serving as a model for involving students in
real-world science research. Results revealed two critical issues: elevated levels of fine particulate
matter (PM2.5) primarily from polluted outdoor air and high CO2 levels due to classroom crowding
and poor ventilation. Students analyzed and discussed their data, focusing on indoor PM2.5 and
CO2 concentrations. Key tasks included:

• Evaluating indoor air quality in relation to Italian legal thresholds.

• Comparing IAQ levels between different classrooms and schools.
• Analyzing the correlation between indoor and outdoor PM2.5 levels.
• Assessing CO2 concentration in relation to student occupancy.
• Hypothesizing the influence of outdoor PM2.5 pollution on indoor levels.
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Fig. 2: Graphical Abstract of On-Site IAQ Monitoring in Schools (Elisa Zagatti et al., 2020)

CASE STUDY-4
Mohamed Marzouk et al.,2022 studied on Assessment of Indoor Air Quality in Academic Buildings
Using IoT and Deep Learning An academic building was used to test the IoT application, where 13
stations were prepared and positioned in rooms to cover the entire floor. After the experiment was
conducted, the readings were prepared and labeled for modeling using Tensor Flow, a machine learning
library to predict the indoor environment of rooms over time.
The IoT-based monitoring system effectively identified IAQ issues, particularly with CO2 levels. The
data indicated that ventilation improvements were needed to address high CO2 concentrations. The
system provided actionable insights that enabled the school to take corrective measures, such as
increasing ventilation and implementing regular air quality assessments.

Table 2. IAQ readings for the academic building rooms.

Interpretation of Results &Findings by Mohamed Marzouk
Table 2 details the indoor air quality of academic building rooms. Room R7 had the highest temperature
at 31.7°C, while R2 was the coldest and had the highest CO2 concentration at 475.3 ppm, indicating
poor ventilation. R3 had the fewest fine particles, contrary to expectations for R9. CO levels peaked at
5 ppm in R1, R4, R7, R121, and R122. Overall, CO and particulate matter levels were acceptable, but
CO2 levels varied based on ventilation. R8 and R11 showed low temperatures and high humidity.
System Design and Implementation: Sensors measuring key air quality parameters deployed throughout
classrooms, libraries, labs, and common areas. These sensors will transmit data in real-time via a Wi-
Fi network to a centralized IoT platform, where it will be stored in the cloud and analyzed using machine
learning algorithms to predict trends. A user-friendly dashboard will allow facilities managers to
monitor metrics and receive automated alerts for parameter deviations, while integration with HVAC
systems will enable automated and manual control of air quality settings.
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Benefits: The system is expected to reduce health complaints, improve indoor comfort, enhance
decision-making with data-driven insights, and optimize energy use by adjusting HVAC operations. It
will also ensure compliance with local air quality regulations.

CASE STUDY-5:A Review on Indoor Air Quality Monitoring using IoT at Campus Environment by
Anindya Ananda Hapsari et al.,2018.The purpose of this study is to investigate IAQ monitoring
systems, summarize existing studies, and to recommend research on IAQ monitoring that using the
Internet of Things (IoT). In this systematic review the author analyzes and summarizes articles about
IAQ using IoT, obtained from three databases. The relevant past research was reviewed and provided
discussion material on monitoring systems, sensors, devices used, and Internet of Things for Indoor Air
Quality.
IAQ At Campus Environment
Various places needed IAQ monitoring. Many researchers from various countries are interested in the
topic of IAQ as shown in Figure 3. Researchers on IAQ were from all the continents of the world, from
America, Europe, to Asia. One of IAQ monitoring system in educational facilities is done on a research
in Seoul, South Korea. The researcher placed a monitoring device in selected classrooms [21]. Based
on data from selected studies, Korea and United States of America (USA) are the countries with the
highest contribution of research on IAQ. A large number of researchers from various countries indicate
the IAQ is becoming an important topic for discussion.
The method of conducting continuous monitoring at a low price is by using an Arduino microcontroller
and low-cost sensors were proposed by [19]. Evaluation and comparison were also made to IAQ
monitoring tools, to know the efficiency and performance of the sensors used in the monitoring system
[20]. The system applied to the building at that operates 94 smart sensors and is called Brescia Smart
Campus Demonstrator. Sensor networks at campus-area forming an integrated system, and allows in
obtaining information around the campus area and proved to be a healthy environment. [22]

Fig.3 Countries used IAQ and IOT tools Fig.4 Number of IAQ studies by location and year

Fig.5 Type of pollutant utilized for IAQ using IOT Fig.6 Studies of IAQ using IoT over the year

A smart campus system can be measured, monitored by controlling the comfort of IAQ and HVAC
parameters such as thermal, humidity, CO2, Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) and other IAQ
parameters [23]
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the IoT-based IAQ monitoring system in educational buildings provides continuous, real-
time tracking of indoor air quality, which enhances student health and performance by identifying and
mitigating issues such as high PM2.5 and CO2 levels. This system not only supports proactive
intervention and compliance with IAQ standards but also offers valuable insights through historical data
access.
Future Work:
Further research is recommended to explore the long-term impact of IoT-based IAQ systems on
educational outcomes and to refine the technology for even greater precision and cost-effectiveness.
Additionally, expanding the study to include a wider range of environmental conditions and building
types could provide further insights into the adaptability and effectiveness of these systems. Future
developments in IoT-based IAQ monitoring should integrate advanced modeling techniques that
account for both real-time data and outdoor environmental variables. This would enhance the accuracy
of predictions and provide a more comprehensive understanding of indoor air quality dynamics.

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