CA2717981A1

CA2717981A1 - Wireless-enabled air quality monitoring and control

Info

Publication number: CA2717981A1
Application number: CA2717981A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Xing Liu
Original assignee: KWANTLEN POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY
Current assignee: KWANTLEN POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY
Priority date: 2010-07-09
Filing date: 2010-10-19
Publication date: 2012-01-09

Abstract

The present invention provides a wireless-enabled air quality monitoring and control system, apparatus and associated method. One or more sensor input modules provide input signals representative of one or more aspects of indoor air quality, such as CO2 level, temperature, and humidity, to be processed by a control module. The control module is configured to provide control signals based at least in part on the input signals in accordance with a control scheme. The one or more control signals control one or more indoor air quality control devices, such as fans, heaters, and gas burners. A wireless communication module is configured to facilitate communication with one or more remote interface devices, such as portable wireless devices. An information system such as an expert system may support operations such as data analysis, fault diagnosis, and data storage and retrieval

Description

WIRELESS-ENABLED AIR QUALITY MONITORING AND CONTROL
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention pertains in general to indoor air quality monitoring and control and in particular to a wireless-enabled air quality monitoring and control system, apparatus and associated method.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Indoor air quality may significantly affect occupants, such as humans, animals or plants, of an enclosure, such as a residence, public or private building, greenhouse, or other indoor space. For example, one factor that affects indoor air quality is carbon dioxide (C02) concentration. Organizations such as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning (ASHRAE) have standards that specify recommended CO2 levels in indoor airs.
However, many residential home owners are not aware of the standards and frequently do not turn on their ventilation fans when CO2 levels are too high. Even in ventilated office buildings, conference or meeting rooms, restaurants, theatres, or supermarkets, constantly running fans may not reduce the CO2 concentration to acceptable levels when the buildings are heavily populated. Other factors affecting air quality are temperature, humidity, dust or particulate matter, concentrations of other gases such as 02, CO, and the like, and other factors.

[0003] Current portable and wall-mount home-use CO2 monitoring devices on the market primarily provide visual information to indicate the CO2 levels. A user is typically required to manually monitor the sensors and react to changes in CO2 levels. Several products on the market provide an interface via a relay to control alarms and ventilation fans. However, the relays are activated based on simple control strategies such as thresholds, much like a simple thermostat.

[0004] Portable and wall-mount CO and CO2 sensors for residential indoor air quality monitoring are provided by companies such as SenseAir AB and CO2 Meter. These companies provide several lines of products of portable and wall-mount CO and CO2 meters.
These products are primarily for CO and CO2 monitoring and use simple thresholding algorithms for relay control. These products are designed to offer limited outputs for control, typically one line for a relay or alarm, or a continuous voltage line.

[0005] Therefore there is a need for an indoor air quality monitoring and control apparatus and associated method that is not subject to one or more limitations of the prior art.

[0006] This background information is provided for the purpose of making known information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention.
No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a wireless-enabled air quality monitoring and control system, apparatus and associated method. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air quality monitoring and control system operatively coupled to two or more indoor air quality control devices, the system comprising:
one or more remote interface devices accessible to a user and configured to convey information related to air quality monitoring and control; and an air quality monitoring and control apparatus comprising: one or more sensor input modules configured to provide one or more input signals representative of one or more aspects of indoor air quality; a control module operatively coupled to the one or more sensor input modules, the control module configured to generate one or more control signals based at least in part on said one or more input signals, the one or more control signals configured to control one or more of the indoor air quality control devices; and a wireless communication module operatively coupled to the control module, the wireless communication module configured to facilitate communication with one or more of the remote interface devices.

[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air quality monitoring and control apparatus comprising: one or more sensor input modules configured to provide one or more input signals representative of one or more aspects of indoor air quality; a control module operatively coupled to the one or more sensor input modules, the control module configured to generate one or more control signals based at least in part on said one or more input signals, the one or more control signals configured to control one or more indoor air quality control devices; and a wireless communication module operatively coupled to the control module, the wireless communication module configured to facilitate communication with one or more remote interface devices, the one or more remote interface devices accessible to a user and configured to convey information related to air quality monitoring and control.

[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for monitoring and controlling indoor air quality, the method comprising: receiving, from one or more indoor air quality sensors, one or more input signals representative of one or more aspects of indoor air quality; providing one or more control signals based at least in part on said one or more input signals in accordance with one or more control schemes, the one or more control signals for controlling one or more indoor air quality control devices;
and wirelessly communicating data indicative of the one or more input signals to one or more remote interface devices, the one or more remote interface devices accessible to a user and configured to convey information related to air quality monitoring and control.

[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program product comprising a memory having embodied thereon statements and instructions for execution by a computer, thereby causing the computer to perform a method for monitoring and controlling indoor air quality, the method comprising:
receiving, from one or more indoor air quality sensors, one or more input signals representative of one or more aspects of indoor air quality; providing one or more control signals based at least in part on said one or more input signals in accordance with one or more control schemes, the one or more control signals for controlling one or more indoor air quality control devices; and wirelessly communicating data indicative of the one or more input signals to one or more remote interface devices, the one or more remote interface devices accessible to a user and configured to convey information related to air quality monitoring and control.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0011] These and other features of the invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 illustrates a wireless-enabled air quality monitoring and control apparatus and system, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0013] Figure 2 illustrates a wireless-enabled air quality monitoring and control apparatus and system, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0014] Figure 3 illustrates a built-in user interface of a wireless-enabled air quality monitoring and control apparatus, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0015] Figure 4 illustrates a wireless-enabled air quality monitoring and control system, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0016] Figure 5 illustrates an information system of a wireless-enabled air quality monitoring and control system, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0017] Figure 6 illustrates a wireless-enabled air quality monitoring and control system as implemented for a residential home, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0018] Figure 7 illustrates a wireless-enabled air quality monitoring and control system as implemented for an office building, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0019] Figure 8 illustrates a wireless-enabled air quality monitoring and control system as implemented for a greenhouse, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0020] Figure 9 illustrates a wireless-enabled air quality monitoring and control system as implemented for an underground mine, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0021] Figure 10 illustrates a wall-mountable wireless-enabled air quality monitoring and control apparatus, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Definitions

[0022] As used herein, the term "about" refers to a +/- 10% variation from the nominal value. It is to be understood that such a variation is always included in a given value provided herein, whether or not it is specifically referred to.

[0023] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0024] The present invention provides an air quality monitoring and control apparatus and system, operatively coupled to two or more indoor air quality control devices.
For example, an indoor air quality control device may be a fan, a gas burner, a heater, a humidifier or dehumidifier, or an air filter. The air quality monitoring and control apparatus comprises one or more sensor input modules configured to provide one or more input signals representative of one or more aspects of indoor air quality. For example, a sensor input module may comprise a CO2 sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a gas sensor, a particulate sensor, or other sensor for measuring an aspect of air quality and generating input signal data representative thereof. The air quality monitoring and control apparatus further comprises a control module operatively coupled to the one or more sensor input modules.
The control module is configured to provide one or more control signals based at least in part on said one or more input signals in accordance with a control scheme. The one or more control signals are configured for controlling the one or more indoor air quality control devices. For example, a control signal may be associated with a relay configured to switchably supply power to the indoor air quality control device, or other digital or analog control signal. The air quality monitoring and control apparatus further comprises a wireless communication module operatively coupled to the control module, the wireless communication module configured to facilitate communication between the air quality monitoring and control apparatus and one or more remote interface devices, such as computers, laptops, PDAs, or the like.

[0025] The air quality monitoring and control system comprises an air quality monitoring and control apparatus and one or more remote interface devices, which may be directly or indirectly accessible to a user, for example via a user interface, computer network, or the like, or a combination thereof. A remote interface device may be configured to convey information related to air quality monitoring and/or control operations from the air quality monitoring and control apparatus to the user, and/or from the user to the air quality monitoring and control apparatus. For example, the remote interface device may be configured to convey current air quality measurements to a user, to transmit modifications to the control scheme, or to facilitate manual control, or the like, or a combination thereof. The air quality monitoring and control system, or component thereof, may further comprise an information system, for example configured to store and retrieve information related to air quality monitoring and control, analyze information, provide assistance, advice, tutorials, expert system functionality, fault diagnosis, or a combination thereof.
Components of the air quality monitoring and control system may be provided in different locations and operatively coupled via wired, wireless, and/or networked communication channels.

[0026] Aspects of the present invention provide for a method for monitoring and controlling indoor air quality, and a computer program product comprising a memory having embodied thereon statements and instructions for execution by a computer, or for coordinated execution by plural computers, thereby causing the computer or computers to perform such a method. The method comprises receiving, from one or more indoor air quality sensors, one or more input signals representative of one or more aspects of indoor air quality. The method further comprises providing one or more control signals based at least in part on said one or more input signals in accordance with one or more control schemes, the one or more control signals for controlling one or more indoor air quality control devices.
The method further comprises wirelessly communicating data indicative of the one or more input signals to one or more remote interface devices, the one or more remote interface devices accessible to a user and configured to convey information related to air quality monitoring and control.

[00271 Embodiments of the present invention may provide one or more features not available in some other current systems. For example, the present invention may use advanced control algorithms to act predicatively and intelligently to changes in CO2 levels.
The present invention may be capable of wireless connectivity, and/or be Internet and Web enabled. Embodiments of the present invention may provide information over and above simple visual indicative information. Embodiments of the present invention may provide on-unit educational and advisory information to home owners regarding air-quality control and emergency handling procedures. Embodiments of the present invention may be configured for monitoring more than only CO and CO2 gases. Embodiments of the present invention may comprise embedded and remote information systems to support the operations of the devices. Other desirable features of the present invention will become apparent from the description herein.

[00281 Figure 1 illustrates an air quality monitoring and control system comprising an air quality monitoring and control apparatus 100 and remote interface device 150 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The apparatus 100 comprises a sensor input module 110, such as a CO2 sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, gas sensor, particulate matter sensor, or other sensor, or an input port configured for operative coupling to such a sensor. The sensor input module 110 is configured to provide an input signal to the control module 120 of the apparatus 100. The control module 120 is configured to generate and provide control signals for control of one or more air quality control devices, such as device 130, based on inputs from one or more sensor input modules, such as sensor input module 110. Air quality control device 130 may be a fan, heater, gas burner, or other device.
For example, control of the device 130 may comprise operation of a relay which switchably connects power to the device 130, thereby switching on the device 130; or regulation of the amount of power supplied to the device 130, thereby varying the operative status of the device 130 (such as speed of fan). The apparatus 100 further comprises a wireless communication module 140 operatively coupled to the control module 120, and communicatively coupled to one or more remote interface devices, such as remote interface device 150, via a wireless radio communication channel. In some embodiments, a web server 145 may be provided for facilitating communication with the remote interface device 150 via one or more web-based protocols. The apparatus 100 further comprises a power module 160, which is configured to connect to an external power source, such as an AC or DC power source, and to provide power to the control module, wireless communication module, and optionally to the sensor input modules and air quality control devices. In some embodiments, power from the power module is switchably or regulatably supplied to one or more air quality control devices via one or more relays or power lines operable by one or more control signals. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may further comprise a local user interface 170, for example comprising one or more alarms, annunciators, pushbuttons, keypads, LCD displays, or the like.

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention comprise an integrated air quality monitoring and control apparatus. The apparatus may provide a number of monitoring control functions in a compact, portable and/or wall-mountable package. The monitoring and control apparatus may comprise on-board sensors, on-board microcomputer, on-board controllers, on-board wireless networking interface, on-board web server and information system, and the like. The apparatus may be configured as a stand-alone device for performing air quality monitoring and control tasks, or it may be operatively coupled with other devices, such as additional air quality monitoring and control apparatuses, central computer systems or databases, or the like, as part of a larger air quality monitoring and control system. Such a larger system may be decentralized or it may utilize a central computer/controller. The integrated air quality monitoring and control apparatus may further be connectable to a local area network, or even larger computer networks.

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention comprise plural interacting web servers.
For example a first embedded web server may be provided on an air quality monitoring and control apparatus, and a second, central web server may be provided on a remote computer system. The first embedded web server and the second central web server are configured to interact with each other to provide monitoring and control services. The first embedded web server may enable sensed data to be browsed by a standard computing device with wireless connection to the monitoring and control apparatus, for example via standard protocols, thereby facilitating interoperability with a range of computing devices. In some embodiments, the air quality monitoring and control apparatus may be networked and readily incorporated into, and accessible via, the World Wide Web. In some embodiments, the remote computer system can be accessible via the World Wide Web, and may therefore be hosted by a computer or computers situated in one or more of a wide variety of locations.
Communication with the remote computer system and the air quality monitoring and control apparatus, as well as communication between same, may be based on standard web technologies and communication protocols.

[00311 In embodiments of the present invention, the air quality monitoring and control apparatus is provided as a compact unit, which may be readily and simply installed, for example by an electrician. For example, in some embodiments, only a few wiring changes are required to integrate the air quality monitoring and control apparatus, for example by connecting same between a power supply and one or more vent fans. The power supply and vent fans, or other indoor air quality control devices, or the like, may previously exist, making retrofitting of an existing system to incorporate the present technology convenient.

[00321 In some embodiments, the air quality monitoring and control apparatus comprises on-board monitoring and control capability, local data storage and a local web server. The air quality monitoring and control apparatus may thus be capable of working alone and independently of a remote information system.

[00331 An air quality monitoring and control apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may be configured for relatively easy retrofitting of existing buildings or structures which do not currently have an air quality monitoring and control system. In addition, the air quality monitoring and control apparatus may be networked and communicatively coupled to the World Wide Web thereby facilitating remote management.

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention, comprising a local air quality monitoring and control apparatus as well as a central database associated with a remote system, may comprise memory for data storage on both the air quality monitoring and control apparatus and the central database. Data stored in one memory may be transferred to another memory as needed, with or without processing or filtering. In some embodiments, the local air quality monitoring and control apparatus comprises an integrated local expert system, and the remote system comprises a central expert system. This provides for distributed expert system resources, for example with differing support and/or redundancy or reliability. For example, the local expert system may be configured to support monitoring and control tasks and in some embodiments at least some advisory and educational tasks. The central expert system may be configured to support further advisory and educational tasks, and in some embodiments monitoring and control tasks. In some embodiments, the local expert system may be configured to perform most essential or routine tasks without needing the support of the central expert system. This facilitates reliable operation even during an emergency or network outage. The local expert system may further be configured to contact and draw on resources of the central expert system when necessary.

[0035] Some embodiments of the present invention may thus provide for an air quality monitoring and control apparatus having an "all-in-one" design, with embedded information system and embedded web server. In some embodiments, the air quality monitoring and control apparatus may be configured for stand-alone operation, without the need to communicate with the central computer, although a central computer may in some embodiments be used for increased functionality. This arrangement may be particularly suitable for residential homes where one such apparatus is sufficient for air quality monitoring and control.

[0036] In some embodiments, an air quality monitoring and control apparatus, or a remote interface device, sensor input module, control module, or the like, operatively coupled thereto, may be provided in a form factor or package which can be fitted into a standard structure, for example thereby facilitating ease of retrofitting of an existing structure by repurposing existing standard structures. For example such an apparatus or module may be sized and shaped for installation into an existing wall recess of a residential or office building, the recess shaped to accommodate a standard wall-mounted light switch, fan control switch, electrical outlet, thermostat, light socket, or the like. The apparatus or module may be operatively coupled to existing wiring in such a wall recess, for example for drawing power from, controlling power flow through, and/or sending and receiving signals through such existing wiring. The apparatus or module may be further configured to provide one or more standard functions related to the recess it is configured to occupy. For example the apparatus or module may be further configured to operate as a light switch, manual fan control, thermostat, light, power outlet, or the like. Such embodiments facilitate ease of installation, since existing wall mounting points, and possibly existing wiring, may be used for installation of the appropriate apparatus or module, for example at a conveniently accessible location.

Sensor Input Modules [0037] An air quality monitoring and control apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises one or more sensor input modules, each configured to provide one or more input signals representative of one or more aspects of indoor air quality. For example, a sensor input module may comprise an integral sensor or be operatively coupled an external sensor, such as a CO2 sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a sensor for detecting concentrations of one or more predetermined gases or combinations of gases, a sensor for detecting levels of suspended particulate matter, a combination sensor, or the like. The sensor may measure a corresponding aspect of air quality, which may be represented by a corresponding input signal.

[0038] In some embodiments, one or more sensors may be pre-fabricated, purchased off-the-shelf, custom made, custom ordered, or the like. Various sensor technologies for providing input signals such as analog or digital electrical signals representative of one or more predetermined aspects of indoor air quality may be utilized, as would be readily understood by a worker skilled in the art.

[0039] In some embodiments, a sensor module may be operatively coupled to a power supply and configured to convey power for operation of one or more sensors. In some embodiments, one or more sensors may be self-powered, for example by a battery, energy harvesting technology, or the like.

[0040] In some embodiments, the one or more input signals provided by the one or more sensor modules may be digital electrical signals or analog electrical signals, configured to convey information in accordance with a predetermined standard or proprietary format.
Input signals may be provided substantially continuously, periodically in accordance with a schedule, intermittently, or in response to one or more events, such as a change in gas concentration or temperature.

[0041] For example, input signals provided by a CO2 gas sensor, K30-STA by SenseAir AB, can be a linear DC voltage between OV and 4V when CO2 concentrations are between Oppm and 2,000ppm, or digital codes from a UART serial port, communicated with the ModBusTM protocol.

[0042] As an example of sensors, the CO2 sensor K30-STA of SenseAir AB, which can be purchased off-the-shelf, is based on the non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) technology. K30-STA generates ranged linear DC voltage output or digital output coded with a communication protocol. On the other hand, the LM35 temperature sensor from National SemiconductorTM, also available off-the-shelf, provides ranged linear DC
voltage output only. Humidity sensor HIH-4000 by HoneywellTM, also provides ranged linear DC
voltage output.
Control Module [0043] An air quality monitoring and control apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a control module configured to provide one or more control signals based at least in part on said one or more input signals in accordance with a control scheme.
The control module may comprise a computer such as a microprocessor operatively coupled to memory, a microcontroller, or the like. Memory may be RAM, ROM, magnetic, solid-state, optical, or other electronic computer memory. The control module may further comprise input hardware configured to receive input signals from the one or more sensor modules, such as one or more analog-to-digital converters, digital input ports, buffers, optical isolators, or the like. Input signals provided to the input hardware are then conveyed as input to the computer, microprocessor or microcontroller for processing in accordance with the control scheme. The control module may further comprise output hardware for providing the one or more control signals, such as one or more digital or analog output ports, digital-to-analog converters, relays, buffer circuits, amplifier circuits, optical isolators, current or voltage drivers, or the like.
[0044] In some embodiments, input hardware, output hardware, or a combination thereof, may be configured to facilitate customizable connection with desired sensor input modules and air quality control devices, respectively. The present invention may thereby be modular, expandable, and customizable for operation in a predetermined scenario by connection of appropriate hardware. Additionally, the control scheme may also be programmable for a particular predetermined scenario. In some embodiments, the present invention may be pre-configured with integral sensor input modules and air quality control devices or outputs for operation of predetermined air quality control devices. For example, the apparatus alone may be incorporated into a fan or an existing ventilation system. Input hardware modules which provide current, voltage or digital signals can be interfaced with the apparatus.
Configurations can be readily done to accommodate the additions.

[0045] The control scheme may be stored in memory, and may operate to provide a mapping from input signals to control signals in accordance with a mapping, look-up table, mathematical function, input-output rule or algorithm, or the like. In some embodiments, the control scheme may operate to trigger one or more predetermined control signals when a predetermined condition of one or more input signals occurs. For example, the control scheme may be configured to transmit a control signal for turning on a fan when an input signal indicative of CO2 levels above a predetermined threshold is received.
The control scheme may provide combinations of control outputs in response to combinations of input signals in various ways, which are programmable or selectable from a plurality of preset control schemes. In some embodiments, the control scheme may operate in accordance with a proportional control scheme, PID control scheme, linear or nonlinear control scheme, a learning or intelligent control scheme, or the like. Additionally, the control scheme may operate based on filtered or unfiltered input signals, and may be based on other factors such as time of day, user preferences, or the like.

[0046] In embodiments of the present invention, the control scheme may be stored as software instructions in memory of the air quality monitoring and control apparatus, or the control scheme may be stored in firmware, hardware, or the like. The control scheme may correspond to instructions for operating the control module written in a programming language such as an appropriate assembly language, C, C++, C#, Java, BASICTM, or the like. In some embodiments, the control scheme may be implemented at least in part as ladder logic, as a computer program structure, as an interaction of real or virtual relays, Boolean logic expressions, or the like.

[0047] In embodiments of the present invention, the control scheme may be configured to facilitate feedback control of one or more aspects of air quality, such as CO2 levels. For example, if the CO2 concentration in indoor air, as detected by a CO2 sensor, rises above a predetermined threshold specified in a control scheme, for example 1000ppm, a fan may be switched on to exchange indoor air with outdoor air in an attempt to stabilize or reduce CO2 concentration in the indoor air. As another example, if the CO2 concentration in indoor air, as detected by a CO2 sensor, falls below a predetermined threshold specified in the control scheme, for example 700ppm, the fan may be switched off, or a gas burner may be switched on, or a combination thereof, in an attempt to stabilize or increase CO2 concentration in the indoor air. High CO2 levels may be associated with high occupancy of an enclosure. Low CO2 levels may be undesirable for optimal growth of plants, for example.

[0048] In some embodiments, automatic feedback control of air quality, via the control scheme, may facilitate a reduction in energy costs. For example, by running fans, heaters, or other air quality control devices only when required, instead of continuously, energy costs may be reduced. A control scheme may further be configured to be energy-aware, such that one or more air quality control objectives may be balanced against energy cost metrics.
[0049] In some embodiments, the control scheme may be directed toward concurrent control of plural air quality control objectives. For example, the control scheme may be configured to control both CO2 gas concentration and temperature. In the case of conflicting objectives, the control scheme may be configured to automatically balance plural objectives.
For example, when outside air is cold, ventilation may be limited so as to reduce excessive temperature reductions inside.
[0050] In some embodiments, the control scheme may be user-programmable, for example by a user of a remote device via the wireless communication module, or via a local user interface. For example, the user can configure the control scheme based on his/her work schedule so that a fan/heater is turned on only during the time period in which the enclosure is occupied. This configuration of a control scheme can be done via the local user interface or over the Internet via the remote device under unexpected circumstances.

[0051] In some embodiments, the control module is configured to facilitate storage of data indicative of input signals, control signals, or a combination thereof, in memory. For example, time-stamped data indicative of indoor air quality may be stored in memory, in accordance with a schedule, or in response to predetermined events such as a sensor signal crossing a predetermined threshold. Time-stamped control signals may also be stored in memory, thereby retaining a log of control activity history. In some embodiments, data may be transmitted and stored on a remote interface device, for example in accordance with a schedule or upon request. Data stored in memory may be retrieved upon request via built-in user interface, remote interface device, or the like.

[0052] In some embodiments, the control module is configured to perform control from "learned experience", in which case the control module will automatically determine a control scheme based on the analysis of stored data. For example, in some circumstances, due to increased occupancy of an enclosure, the CO2 concentration level may reach a threshold level. The air quality monitoring and control system may be configured to detect this CO2 concentration level and take action to lower the CO2 concentration level by turning on a ventilation fan, or the like. There is quite often an overshoot in the CO2 concentration level, even after the fan is turned on, and this overshoot lasts for a certain period of time before the ventilation fan brings the CO2 concentration level below the threshold. By working out observable phenomena such as the amount of overshoot, or the relationship between the amount of the overshoot and the rate of change of the CO2 concentration level before it reaches the threshold, the control module can configure itself for future operation, for example to turn on the ventilation fan at an appropriate time before the CO2 level reaches the threshold. For example, the control scheme may be configured to turn on a ventilation fan when CO2 concentration levels reach a value equal to the threshold minus the overshoot, in a simple case; or at a value determined by correlating the overshoot and the detected rate of change of the CO2 concentration. This arrangement may facilitate control of concentration levels to avoid the CO2 concentration levels rising to and remaining above the threshold for extended time periods. Similar control approaches may be applied to other factors such as temperature, various gas concentrations, humidity, and the like.

Indoor Air Quality Control Devices [0053] An air quality monitoring and control apparatus in accordance with the present invention is configured to provide one or more control signals for controlling one or more indoor air quality control devices, such as fans, heaters, gas burners, air filters, humidifiers, or the like.

[0054] In some embodiments, one or more indoor air quality control devices may be integral to the air quality monitoring and control apparatus. For example, the air quality monitoring and control apparatus may be embedded in an air quality control device such as a ventilation fan, a heater, a gas burner, and an air filter and becomes part of the air quality control device.

[0055] In some embodiments, the air quality monitoring and control apparatus may be configured having one or more interfaces, such as output hardware, for operatively coupling the air quality monitoring and control apparatus to one or more separately provided indoor air quality control devices. For example, the air quality monitoring and control apparatus may comprise pairs of power terminal blocks connectable to AC or DC power inputs of indoor air quality control devices for providing power thereto. Power may be switchably or regulatably applied to the pairs of power terminal blocks via one or more relays or wires operable by control signals of the control module.

[0056] In some embodiments, an indoor air quality control device may be controllable by an analog or digital control signal provided by the air quality monitoring and control apparatus. For example, a fan may vary its speed in response to a control input operatively coupled to the apparatus. In some embodiments, variable control may be achieved by varying the amount of power supplied to the indoor air quality control device, for example by switchably applying power in accordance with pulse-width modulation or other digital or analog control method. In some embodiments, variable control may be provided by sending a control message to the indoor air quality control device, in accordance with a predetermined protocol accepted by the device, to a control input thereof. For example, a fan, heater, humidifier, or the like, may be configured to vary operation in response to a digital signal in accordance with a protocol such as 12C, GPIB, USBTM, or the like.

[0057] In the case that the indoor air quality control device is a ventilation fan which is turned ON and OFF by a relay, the control signal from the air quality monitoring and control apparatus can be a DC voltage at 0 volts and 10 volts, with the contacts of the relay to pass the main power of up to AC 230 volts to the ventilation fan. The control signal for the indoor air quality control device can be also PWM (pulse-width modulation, for example, found in a Cirrus fan speed controller). Solid state relays such as the AD-70S2 series also use low DC
power as control signals (several DC volts or milli amperes) to turn on/off large AC load (for example, 120 volts AC at a current of 25 amperes). Figure 2 illustrates such control signals in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 2, air quality monitoring and control apparatus 200 provides two different control signals to two different air quality control devices. In the first case, the main power 210 of air quality control device 220 is directly turned ON or OFF by relay 240. In this case, air quality monitoring and control apparatus 200 provides an ON/OFF control signal to relay 240. In the second case, air quality monitoring and control apparatus 200 is configured to provide signal 250 because air quality control device 230 requires a PWM type control signal, for example, for continuous speed adjustment of a ventilation fan.
[0058] In some embodiments, an off-the-shelf fan may be controlled. Many residential ventilation fans employ single-phase AC motors and take power directly from the main power supply. Currently popular off-the-shelf ventilation fans for residential homes are manufactured by Panasonic Canada Inc. whose WhisperTM- series products typically use a single-phase AC motor rated 120V and 60Hz, allowing them to be directly controllable by a relay. NuToneTM Inc. manufactures a line of bath fans with similar power ratings. FantechTM
also supplies a full line of ventilation fans for residential and commercial buildings.

[0059] In some embodiments, an air quality monitoring and control apparatus may output a variable voltage or current to control variable-speed fans or other indoor air quality control devices. Voltage or current may be varied via a controllable analog voltage or current source, a controllable pulse-width modulated voltage or current source, or the like. In some embodiments, a variable voltage or current may be applied to facilitate speed adjustment of a fan, for example according to the number of occupants of an appropriate room or building region. A fan my thus be controllably driven at a continuum of speeds, or a discrete number of different speeds, for example between three and ten different speeds. This feature of the apparatus may be particularly useful for conference rooms, classrooms, hospital reception areas, and residential homes, where fan speed may be adjusted in accordance with the number of occupants, or other factors influencing air quality.
Apparatus Interface [0060] Embodiments of the present invention may be directed toward a local or remote user or machine interface for monitoring one or more aspects of air quality, such as CO2 levels, for influencing control of air quality, for example by adjusting the control scheme, or a combination thereof. For example, the air quality monitoring and control apparatus may comprise a built-in user interface, a wireless communication module configured to facilitate interfacing with a remote interface device, or a combination thereof.

[0061] In some embodiments, a built-in user interface may comprise one or more indicators, such as one or more LEDs or an LCD display, configured to display one or more measures of air quality, indicators of air quality measures out of a predetermined range, alarm indicators, or the like. The built-in user interface may also comprise one or more relay outputs for connection to external alarms, annunciators, or the like, the relays operating on predetermined alarm conditions specified in the control scheme. The built-in user interface may further comprise one or more user input devices such as pushbuttons, switches, reset buttons, ON/OFF switch, keypads, communication ports for connection to a device such as a laptop, memory stick, diagnostic equipment, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a substantially minimal built-in user interface is provided. In some embodiments, a substantially fully functional built-in user interface is provided, via which air quality may be monitored by a local user, the control scheme adjusted, the indoor air quality control devices may be manually controlled, or a combination thereof.

[0062] Figure 3 illustrates a built-in user interface 300. The built-in user interface 300 comprises a visual alarm 310 and an audio alarm 315. The built-in user interface 300 also comprises a LCD display 320, pushbuttons 330, keypad 340, and communication ports 350.
Having both visual alarm 310 and audio alarm 315 is potentially beneficial to users with disability. A stand-alone embodiment of the present invention would require LCD display 320, pushbutton 330, and optionally keypad 340 and communication ports 350.
Integrated application of the air quality monitoring and control apparatus of the present invention into other equipments would typically require only visual alarm 310, audio alarm 315, pushbutton 330, and communication ports 350.

[0063] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a wireless communication module of the wireless-enabled air quality monitoring and control apparatus is provided. The wireless communication module may be configured to communicate with one or more remote interface devices, for example to transmit data indicative of indoor air quality as detected by the one or more sensor input modules, data indicative of control signals provided by the control module, or a combination thereof. The wireless communication module may further be configured to receive adjustments to the control scheme and communicate such adjustments to the control module for implementation. The wireless communication module may further be configured to facilitate communication between an information system embedded within the air quality monitoring and control apparatus and a remote interface device. Communication may be performed in accordance with a schedule, upon machine-generated or user-generated requests, or the like.

[00641 In some embodiments, the wireless communication module may be configured to operate in accordance with one or more standard protocols, such as IEEE
802.11, BluetoothTM, cellular communication protocols such as CDMA, GSM, or the like.
In some embodiments, the wireless communication module may include wireless security features such as WPA-PSK, WPA2, IEEE 802.lx/RADIUS, WDS, WEP, TKIP, or CCMP (AES) encryption.

[0065] In some embodiments, the wireless communication module comprises or is operatively coupled to an embedded web server module. The embedded web server module may be configured to deliver content, such as presented as a web page, using hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) or other web-based protocol. HTTP may further be supported by TCP/IP protocols, or other applicable protocols. Request for information by a remote interface device, updates to the control scheme, interaction with an information system, or the like, may be facilitated via the embedded web server module, for example by a series of messages passed between the web server and an appropriately configured remote interface device. The embedded web server module may also be configured to deliver air quality data to the remote device at regular intervals or send messages to the remote interface device or other networked devices and equipment when alarm signals occur.

[00661 In some embodiments, the present invention provides for one or more remote interface devices, such as a computer, server, PDA, cell phone, laptop, portable digital device, or the like. A remote interface device may be accessible to a user and configured to convey information related to air quality monitoring and control. A remote interface device may further be configured to wirelessly communicate with the air quality monitoring and control apparatus. The present invention thereby provides for an air quality monitoring and control system, which comprises one or more air quality monitoring and control devices communicatively coupled with one or more remote interface devices.

[0067] In some embodiments, a remote interface device, such as a server, is configured to automatically interface with the air quality monitoring and control apparatus, for example to periodically download data indicative of a history of aspects of air quality, control events, or a combination thereof. The data may be stored as database records, for example. The remote interface device may then be used as a resource for retrieving said database records for processing, analysis, presentation to a user, or the like.

[0068] In some embodiments, a remote interface device, such as a mobile device or PDA, is configured to interface with the air quality monitoring and control apparatus under direction of a user, via a user interface. For example, the remote interface device may comprise a wireless interface and web browser or other computer program configured to access the wireless communication module and web server of the air quality monitoring and control apparatus. The user may then input commands to retrieve stored data indicative of a history of aspects of air quality, control events, or a combination thereof, transmit instructions for manually controlling one or more indoor air quality control devices, retrieve, adjust, or replace the current control scheme, or the like.

[0069] Figure 4 illustrates an air quality monitoring and control system comprising an air quality monitoring and control apparatus 400 communicatively coupled to two remote interface devices 420 and 450, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
The air quality monitoring and control apparatus 400 may comprise an information system 410, or the remote interface device 420, which may be a server, may comprise an information system 430, or both. The remote interface device 450 may communicate with either the air quality monitoring and control apparatus 400 or the remote interface device 420, thereby accessing the information systems 410 and 430, respectively. The air quality monitoring and control apparatus 400 and/or information system 410 may further comprise an embedded server 415 such as a web server. For example, the information system 410 may be a relatively simple information system accessible via an embedded web server of the air quality monitoring and control apparatus 400, whereas the information system 430 may be a relatively complex information system, accessible via a web server of the remote interface device 420. In some embodiments, the remote interface device 420 periodically retrieves data indicative of a history of aspects of air quality, control events, or a combination thereof from the air quality monitoring and control apparatus 400, which may be stored in a database and used to support operation of the information system 430.
100701 In some embodiments, the present invention provides one or more information systems, such as an expert system, advisory system, help files, educational system, data analysis system, database or data storage and retrieval system, or a combination thereof. The information system may be part of an air quality control and monitoring system comprising one or more air quality monitoring and control apparatuses, for example. In some embodiments, an information system may reside substantially on hardware of the air quality monitoring and control apparatus, accessible by a built-in user interface thereof, wireless communication module thereof operatively coupled to a remote interface device, or both. In some embodiments, an information system may reside substantially on a remote interface device, such as a server, which is accessible via a user interface such as a user interface of another remote interface device. The server may retain data indicative of a history of aspects of air quality, control events, or a combination thereof, this data usable in operation of the information system. In some embodiments, the air quality monitoring and control system may comprise a networked system of air quality monitoring and control apparatuses and remote interface devices.

[00711 In some embodiments, computer instructions, for example provided by a computer program product, are provided for facilitating operation of the information system. The computer instructions may be stored in memory of a computer device such as a remote interface device or air quality monitoring and control apparatus, for example as software or firmware. The information system may comprise a computer system such as a built-in computer, server, or the like, configured for operation with a user interface such as a keyboard and monitor, touchscreen, or the like. The user interface may comprise menus, graphical or numerical representations of data, information sources such as text files, multimedia files, and the like.

[00721 Figure 5 provides further details of the information systems of the air quality monitoring and control system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
The information system is located on the air quality monitoring and control apparatus. This on-apparatus information system 500 comprises a simple operation instruction module 510 which guides the user to setup the apparatus and to connect to the rest of the overall system when the apparatus is powered up; an emergency handling advice module 520 which supplies advisory information when abnormal and dangerous conditions are detected by the apparatus; a basic fault diagnosis module 530 which gives diagnostic information when the system malfunctions or unusual gas concentrations and other abnormal conditions are observed; and a gateway module 540 which facilitates interactions with an information system if the user hopes to obtain further information stored on the Remote Interface Device (Server). Figure 5 also shows the Information System 550 on the Remote Interface Device.
Information System 550 comprises the complete operations manuals module 560 for the air quality monitoring and control apparatus and the air quality monitoring and control system, the complete tutorials module 570 for overall indoor air quality monitoring and control system, the expert system module 580 which infers causes of poor indoor air quality based on various measurements of gas concentrations, humidity and temperature, as well as creates/selects suitable control rules/schemes based on stored expert knowledge, the trend predictor module 590 which forecasts temperature, humidity and gas concentrations based on measured current and historical data, and the operation advisor module 595 which conveys operational information via displayed texts, email or instant messaging.

Applications [00731 Embodiments of the present invention may be configured for use in a predetermined building type such as a residence, office building, warehouse, industrial environment, underground mine, meeting room, indoor parking lot, classroom, shopping mall, theatre, greenhouse, or the like. Embodiments of the present invention may be used in other applications in addition to those addressed herein. The control scheme may be modified for the particular building or environment type with respect to which the invention is implemented.

[0074] For example, temperature, humidity and gas concentrations in air in a residential, commercial or office environment may be monitored and controlled primarily for comfort.
ASHRAE (The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) guidelines advise that indoor temperatures in the winter be maintained between 68 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with relative humidity between 30 percent and 60 percent.
Temperatures in the summer should be maintained between 73 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit, with relative humidity also between 30 percent and 60 percent. ASHRAE guidelines state that typical office carbon dioxide (CO2) levels be under 1,000ppm, preferably in the range of 600 to 800ppm. ASHRAE also advises that the 8-hour average exposure limit for carbon monoxide (CO) not exceed 9ppm in office environment. Moreover, organizations such as the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) advise that, formaldehyde, an emitted gas from building materials, be under 0.03ppm; nitrogen dioxide (NO2) produced during the incomplete combustion of natural gas or other fuels, be under 0.05ppm over a 24-hour period; and hydrogen sulphide, a normal constituent of sewer gas, be kept at less than O.Olppm in indoor environment. IDPH also specifies that particulates of 2.5 to 10 micrometers in diameter be maintained at less than the l50Ag/m3 (micrograms of particulates per cubic meter of air) and particulates of 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter be maintained at less than 65pg/m3 during a 24-hour time period.

[0075] For example, in a greenhouse, concentrations of gases such as CO, CO2, NO2, SO2 and the like should be kept in a predetermined range for optimum desired plant growth. In greenhouse environment, carbon monoxide (CO) levels should be kept below IOppm, carbon dioxide (CO2) levels between 300ppm and 1000ppm with different suitable levels during the day and during night, nitrogen dioxide (CO2) levels less than 0.5ppm, and sulphur dioxide (CO2) levels less than 0.3ppm.

[0076] As another example, gas concentrations in air in an industrial facility, parking garage or mine may be monitored and controlled with safety as a significant concern. For example, the present invention may be configured to monitor concentrations of potentially toxic gases, and to control said concentrations, trigger an alarm when said concentrations rise above a predetermined threshold, or a combination thereof. For example, in underground mines, normal ambient carbon monoxide concentrations are measured first (normally at the level of several ppms). Then alarms are set to go off when higher concentration levels (usually 1Oppms higher than normal) are detected. On the other hand, in a parking garage, exhausts from internal combustion engines contain C02, CO, NO, and NO2. Diesel engines also generate substantial amount of particulate matter (smoke) and considerably higher concentrations of NO2. Typical quantities of exhaust gas components for an internal combustion engine at idle are: CO2 =11% (110,000ppm); CO= 0.12% (1200ppm, converted to CO2 in a catalytic converter); C6H14=0.08% (800ppm; hexane C6H14 is a hydrocarbon that is converted to CO2 and H2O in a catalytic converter); NO=0.06% (600ppm;
Nitric Oxide);
NO2=0.007% (70ppm); The Threshold Limit Values (TLV; the maximum recommended exposure for an 8 hour period) for the above gases in a parking garage are:
C02=0.5%
(5000ppm); hexane=500ppm (hexane is one of the hydrocarbon components of fuel);
CO=50ppm; NO=25ppm; NO2=5ppm. A final example is in pulp and paper mills where is used in the digester and needs to be monitored for leak detection and safety.
[0077] The invention will now be described with reference to specific examples. It will be understood that the following examples are intended to describe embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

EXAMPLES
EXAMPLE 1:

[0078] Figure 6 illustrates an implementation of an embodiment of the present invention in a residential home. Module 610 is the wireless-enabled air quality monitoring and control apparatus on which the various sensors and the control module are resided. The sensors substantially constantly monitor the temperature, the humidity, the gas concentrations and particulates. The control module on the apparatus turns on/off the fan 640, the fireplace and the furnace (650 and 660), and the humidifier/dehumidifier 670 correspondingly. The apparatus 610 displays monitored signals and delivers them to server 630 wirelessly when requested or at regular intervals. Users can use wireless mobile device 620 to access recorded data directly on apparatus 610, or indirectly on server 630. Server 630 can contact mobile device 620 when alarms are triggered. Server 630, also provides home owners the platform and tools to analyze data and change settings locally o remotely. In a residential home, humidity, temperature, CO, C02, methane and particulates may be monitored.

EXAMPLE 2:

[00791 Figure 7 illustrates an implementation of an embodiment of the present invention for an office building. In this implementation, there are multiple mobile devices 710, one central server 720, one main vent fan 730, one main heater 740, one main humidifier/dehumidifier 750, multiple apparatus 760, and multiple local fans 770 and multiple local heaters 780. Each apparatus 760 monitors an area or zone and controls a local fan 770 and local heater 780. The central server 720 communicates with all apparatuses and controls the main vent fan 730, main heater 740, and main humidifier/dehumidifier 750. The mobile device 710 can access the system anywhere in the building. The central server 720, apparatuses 760, and mobile device 710 all belong to the same wired and wireless local area network. In an office building, humidity, temperature, CO, CO2 and particulates may be monitored.

EXAMPLE 3:

[00801 Figure 8 illustrates an implementation of an embodiment of the present invention in a greenhouse. In this implementation, there are multiple air quality monitoring and control apparatuses 810, one remote interface device (central server) 820, mobile device 830, blower 840, window opener 850, gas burner 860, and humidifier/dehumidifier 870. Each apparatus monitors an area or zone. The central server 820 communicates with all apparatuses 810 and controls the blower 840, the window opener 850, the gas burner 860, and the humidifier/dehumidifier 870. The mobile device 830 can access the system anywhere in the greenhouse. The central server 820, apparatuses 810, and mobile device 830 all belong to the same wired and wireless local area network. In a greenhouse, humidity, temperature, CO, CO2, NO2 and SO2 may be monitored.

EXAMPLE 4:

[00811 Figure 9 illustrates an implementation of an embodiment of the present invention in an underground mine. In this implementation, there are multiple local alarms 910, multiple local fans 920, multiple air quality monitoring and control apparatuses 930, central server 940, multiple mobile devices 950, main alarm 960, and main vent fans 970. Each apparatus 940 monitors an area or zone and controls a local alarm 910 and a local fan 920. The central server 940 communicates with all air quality monitoring and control apparatuses 930 and controls the main vent alarm 960 and the main vent fan 970. Mobile devices 950 can access the system anywhere in the mine. The central server 940, air quality monitoring and control apparatuses 930, and mobile device 950 all belong to the same wired and wireless local area network. Monitored gases in an underground mine are CO and methane.

EXAMPLE 5:

[00821 Figure 10 illustrates a wall-mountable wireless-enabled air quality monitoring and control apparatus 1000, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The apparatus 1000 is configured having size, shape, and mounting point locations 1004, 1006 corresponding to a standard wall mounted power/light switch, as may be commonly found in offices and residences. The apparatus 1000 may thus be installed in a standard wall recess configured to accommodate a common power/light switch. Such switches may be found in rooms where the main circulation and/or ventilation fans are located. The apparatus 1000 comprises a first push button 1010 configured for light control, for example on/off control and/or dimming level control. The apparatus 1000 comprises a second push button 1015 configured for fan speed control, for example on/off control and/or speed control. The first and second push buttons 1010, 1015 may be configured similarly to those of a standard power/light switch for manual control. The apparatus 1000 may further be configured to monitor the state of the first and second push buttons 1010, 1015 for integration into control monitoring and control operations thereof. The apparatus 1000 further comprises a CO2 Display 1020 and a two-position slide-switch 1025 for manually setting the mode of

27 operation in either a manual or an automatic mode. In the automatic mode, the fan on/off state and/or speed are controlled automatically based on a detected CO2 level or other indicator of monitored air quality in a relevant indoor area. For example, the fan may activate when a CO2 level exceeds a predetermined threshold. In the manual mode, a user such as a home owner manually controls the fan, for example via the second push button 1015. A manual or automatic mode may be selected by the user via the switch 1025, for example a desired mode may be selected when the owner will leave home for holidays. The physical size and shape of the control apparatus 1000 facilitates ease of installation in new or existing buildings, for example since a home builder or installer can use existing wall mounting points, apertures or fixtures for installation of the apparatus 1000.
In some embodiments, a remote interface device operatively coupled to an air quality monitoring and control apparatus may be similarly provided in a wall-mountable form factor.

[00831 It will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, it is within the scope of the invention to provide a computer program product or program element, or a program storage or memory device such as a solid or fluid transmission medium, magnetic or optical wire, tape or disc, or the like, for storing signals readable by a machine, for controlling the operation of a computer according to the method of the invention and/or to structure its components in accordance with the system of the invention.

100841 In addition, while portions of the above discuss the invention as it can be implemented using a generic OS and/or generic hardware, it is within the scope of the present invention that the method, apparatus and computer program product of the invention can equally be implemented to operate using a non-generic OS and/or can use non-generic hardware.

[00851 Further, each step of the method may be executed on any general computer, such as a personal computer, server or the like and pursuant to one or more, or a part of one or more, program elements, modules or objects generated from any programming language, such as C, C++, Java, PI/l, or the like. In addition, each step, or a file or object or the like

28 implementing each said step, may be executed by special purpose hardware or a circuit module designed for that purpose.

[00861 It is obvious that the foregoing embodiments of the invention are examples and can be varied in many ways. Such present or future variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

29

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. An air quality monitoring and control system operatively coupled to two or more indoor air quality control devices, the system comprising:
a. one or more remote interface devices accessible to a user and configured to convey information related to air quality monitoring and control; and b. an air quality monitoring and control apparatus comprising:
i. one or more sensor input modules configured to provide one or more input signals representative of one or more aspects of indoor air quality;
ii. a control module operatively coupled to the one or more sensor input modules, the control module configured to generate one or more control signals based at least in part on said one or more input signals, the one or more control signals configured to control one or more of the indoor air quality control devices;
and iii. a wireless communication module operatively coupled to the control module, the wireless communication module configured to facilitate communication with one or more of the remote interface devices.

2. The air quality monitoring and control system according to claim 1, wherein the air quality monitoring and control apparatus further comprises an embedded web server module operatively coupled to the wireless communication module, the embedded web server module configured to facilitate communication with one or more of the remote interface devices via one or more web-based protocols.

3. The air quality monitoring and control system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication module is further configured to provide data indicative of the one or more input signals to one or more of the remote interface devices.

4. The air quality monitoring and control system according to claim 1, wherein the control signals are generated in accordance with one or more control schemes, and wherein the wireless communication module is further configured to receive and implement instructions from one or more of the remote interface devices for modifying the one or more control schemes.

5. The air quality monitoring and control system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more sensor input modules comprises a sensor selected from the group consisting of: a CO2 sensor, a temperature sensor, a gas sensor, a particulate sensor, and a humidity sensor.

6. The air quality monitoring and control system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more indoor air quality control devices is selected from the group consisting of: a fan, a gas burner, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, an air filter, and a heater.

7. The air quality monitoring and control system according to claim 1, further comprising an information system configured to operate as one or more systems selected from the group consisting of an expert system, an advisory system, a help system, an educational system, a data analysis system, a fault diagnosis system, and a database system.

8. The air quality monitoring and control system according to claim 7, wherein the embedded information system is contained within the air quality monitoring and control apparatus.

9. The air quality monitoring and control system according to claim 7, wherein the information system is contained within one or more of the remote interface devices.

10. The air quality monitoring and control system according to claim 1, wherein the air quality monitoring and control apparatus is configured for fitting into a standardized wall recess.

11. The air quality monitoring and control system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more remote interface devices are configured for fitting into a standardized wall recess.

12. An air quality monitoring and control apparatus comprising:
a. one or more sensor input modules configured to provide one or more input signals representative of one or more aspects of indoor air quality;
b. a control module operatively coupled to the one or more sensor input modules, the control module configured to generate one or more control signals based at least in part on said one or more input signals, the one or more control signals configured to control one or more indoor air quality control devices; and c. a wireless communication module operatively coupled to the control module, the wireless communication module configured to facilitate communication with one or more remote interface devices, the one or more remote interface devices accessible to a user and configured to convey information related to air quality monitoring and control.

13. The air quality monitoring and control apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising an embedded web server module operatively coupled to the wireless communication module, the embedded web server module configured to facilitate communication with one or more of the remote interface devices via one or more web-based protocols.

14. The air quality monitoring and control apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the wireless communication module is further configured to provide data indicative of the one or more input signals to one or more of the remote interface devices.

15. The air quality monitoring and control apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the control signals are generated in accordance with one or more control schemes, and wherein the wireless communication module is further configured to receive and implement instructions from one or more of the remote interface devices for modifying the one or more control schemes.

16. The air quality monitoring and control apparatus according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the one or more sensor input modules comprises a sensor selected from the group consisting of: a CO2 sensor, a temperature sensor, a gas sensor, a particulate sensor, and a humidity sensor.

17. The air quality monitoring and control apparatus according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the one or more indoor air quality control devices is selected from the group consisting of: a fan, a gas burner, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, an air filter, and a heater.

18. The air quality monitoring and control apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising an information system configured to operate as one or more systems selected from the group consisting of: an expert system, an advisory system, a help system, an educational system, a data analysis system, a fault diagnosis system, and a database system.

19. The air quality monitoring and control apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the embedded information system is contained within the air quality monitoring and control apparatus.

20. The air quality monitoring and control apparatus according to claim 12, the apparatus configured for fitting into a standardized wall recess.

21. A method for monitoring and controlling indoor air quality, the method comprising:

a. receiving, from one or more indoor air quality sensors, one or more input signals representative of one or more aspects of indoor air quality;

b. providing one or more control signals based at least in part on said one or more input signals in accordance with one or more control schemes, the one or more control signals for controlling one or more indoor air quality control devices; and c. wirelessly communicating data indicative of the one or more input signals to one or more remote interface devices, the one or more remote interface devices accessible to a user and configured to convey information related to air quality monitoring and control.

22. The method according to claim 21, further comprising processing the data indicative of the one or more input signals using an information system.

23. The method according to claim 21, further comprising wirelessly communicating data to the one or more remote interface devices via one or more web-based protocols.

24. The method according to claim 21, wherein the control signals are generated in accordance with one or more control schemes.

25. The method according to claim 21, wherein at least one of the one or more air quality sensors is selected from the group consisting of: a CO2 sensor, a temperature sensor, a gas sensor, a particulate sensor, and a humidity sensor.

26. The method according to claim 21, wherein at least one of the one or more indoor air quality control devices is selected from the group consisting of: a fan, a gas burner, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, an air filter, and a heater.

27. The method according to claim 21, further comprising providing an information system selected from the group consisting of: an expert system, an advisory system, a help system, an educational system, a data analysis system, a fault diagnosis system, and a database system.

28. A computer program product comprising a memory having embodied thereon statements and instructions for execution by a computer, thereby causing the computer to perform the method according to claim 21.