Impact of Sensor Placement on Indoor Air Quality Monitoring: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of sensor placement on the accuracy and responsiveness of indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring focusing on particulate matter concentrations. Measurements were conducted in a controlled environment using three intercalibrated sensors positioned at different locations: a wall-mounted sensor installed at 1.2 meters above the ground, a sensor placed at the inlet of an air purifier, and a sensor located at breathing height in the center of the room. A particle source was introduced at four different points within the room to simulate varying pollution scenarios. The results revealed that the wall-mounted sensor exhibited delays of up to 200 seconds in detecting peak pollutant concentrations compared to the sensor near the air purifier. Additionally, the wall-mounted sensor consistently recorded lower pollutant levels compared to the other two sensors. The findings underscore the critical importance of strategic sensor placement for accurate and real-time IAQ monitoring. Placing sensors closer to breathing zones and pollution sources provides data that more accurately reflects human exposure risks. The study concludes that wall-mounted sensors may not provide real-time air quality data in dynamic indoor environments. Further research, including computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, is recommended to optimize sensor placement strategies.

Personal PM2.5 Exposure Using Time-Weighted Average Scenarios in the Seoul Metropolitan Area

“…First, PM 2.5 concentrations in homes were measured by installing IoT-based light-scattering sensors (IAQ-C7, K-weather, Seoul, Republic of Korea) in the living rooms or bedrooms of the 93 study participants’ households. The sensors were installed approximately 1 m away from the floor and walls to minimize the potential impact of indoor airflow and particle diffusion on the measurements [ 34 ].…”

Personal PM2.5 Exposure Using Time-Weighted Average Scenarios in the Seoul Metropolitan Area

“…First, PM 2.5 concentrations in homes were measured by installing IoT-based light-scattering sensors (IAQ-C7, K-weather, Seoul, Republic of Korea) in the living rooms or bedrooms of the 93 study participants’ households. The sensors were installed approximately 1 m away from the floor and walls to minimize the potential impact of indoor airflow and particle diffusion on the measurements [ 34 ].…”

Personal PM2.5 Exposure Using Time-Weighted Average Scenarios in the Seoul Metropolitan Area

“…First, PM 2.5 concentrations in homes were measured by installing IoT-based light-scattering sensors (IAQ-C7, K-weather, Seoul, Republic of Korea) in the living rooms or bedrooms of the 93 study participants’ households. The sensors were installed approximately 1 m away from the floor and walls to minimize the potential impact of indoor airflow and particle diffusion on the measurements [ 34 ].…”

Personal PM2.5 Exposure Using Time-Weighted Average Scenarios in the Seoul Metropolitan Area

“…First, PM 2.5 concentrations in homes were measured by installing IoT-based light-scattering sensors (IAQ-C7, K-weather, Seoul, Republic of Korea) in the living rooms or bedrooms of the 93 study participants’ households. The sensors were installed approximately 1 m away from the floor and walls to minimize the potential impact of indoor airflow and particle diffusion on the measurements [ 34 ].…”