DE102018207009A1 - Device for detecting an air condition and sensor network - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for detecting an air condition, comprising: a weatherproof housing (2), at least one sensor (3) for detecting a property of ambient air, a photovoltaic cell (4) for generating electrical energy, an accumulator ( 5) for storing the electrical energy, a controller (6), wherein the controller (6) is adapted to control and ensure a power supply of the device (1) via the photovoltaic cell (4) and the accumulator (6) a data processing device (7), wherein the data processing device (7) comprises a data memory (8), a communication interface (9) and a communication module (10), wherein the communication module (10) is detachably connected to the communication interface (9), and wherein the data processing device (7) is set up to store measured values (19) acquired by the at least one sensor (3) in the data memory (8) and to communicate via the interchangeable communication module (10) at regular intervals to a receiver, wherein the device (1) occupies a volume which is smaller than 0.125 m ² . Furthermore, the invention relates to a sensor network (11).

Description

The invention relates to an apparatus for detecting an air condition and a sensor network.

For the measurement and recording of an air quality, large and expensive measuring devices are operated in cities, which detect an air condition with the aid of various sensors. Due to the high investment costs, however, these facilities are only sporadically installed in certain areas and therefore can not make a detailed, that is large-scale and close-meshed, statement about the actual degree of air pollution. Furthermore, although there are smaller, but still cabinet-sized measuring devices, but also expensive to purchase and still need a footprint in public space. Even with these measuring devices, the high investment costs make it unattractive to install these measuring devices nationwide and in particular at short distances from each other. In addition, the measuring devices described have the disadvantage that when setting up usually costly follow-up measures must be performed to allow an external power supply and to establish a communication link.

The invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide an apparatus for detecting an air condition and a sensor network, in which an application is more flexible and in particular an installation at the site can be performed easier.

The object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1 and a sensor network with the features of claim 8. Advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

In particular, there is provided an apparatus for detecting an air condition comprising a weatherproof case, at least one sensor for detecting a property of ambient air, a photovoltaic cell for generating electric power, an accumulator for storing the electric power, a controller, the controller adapted thereto in order to control and ensure a power supply of the device via the photovoltaic cell and the accumulator, a data processing device, wherein the data processing device comprises a data memory, a communication interface and a communication module, wherein the communication module is detachably connected to the communication interface, and wherein the data processing device is arranged to store measured values acquired by the at least one sensor in the memory and at regular intervals via the exchangeable communication module Receiver, the device occupies a volume that is smaller than 0.125 m ³ .

Furthermore, a sensor network is provided, comprising at least two of the devices according to the invention and a data server, wherein the data processing devices of the devices are adapted to transmit detected measured values of the respective sensors via the respective communication module to the data server as a receiver.

The advantage of the invention is that the communication module is detachably connected to the communication interface and a fitting and replacement is therefore possible without much effort. In particular, a communication module for a specific type of communication and / or a special transmission method can always be selected and installed thereby. For example, depending on the application scenario and the location of existing communication infrastructure, the following types of communication or procedures can be used: Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Long Range (LoRa), Sigfox or any other suitable communication method , Since the communication module is detachably connected to the communication interface, it can be easily exchanged, even on-site during installation of the device, and adapted to the communication infrastructure. As a result, the device is flexible in a variety of application scenarios and can be used anywhere.

Furthermore, the photovoltaic cell and the accumulator allow an operating location to be selected independently of a power supply infrastructure. Since the device is independent of an external power supply, thereby installing the device at the site without major follow-up measures is possible.

Since the volume occupied by the device is below 0.125 m ³ , which corresponds, for example, to a cube of 50 cm edge length, the device is extremely compact. Volume here is not to be understood in terms of a volume resulting from a maximum width, a maximum height and a maximum depth of the device, but rather in the sense of a volume "displaced" by the device. Since the volume is smaller than 0.125 m ³ , the device is particularly suitable for large-area and close-meshed use even in places which are inaccessible for control cabinet sized measuring devices. Furthermore, the device can thereby also be used on roofs or other places without direct contact with the ground and be attached to existing components or buildings, for example.

Preferably, the volume is formed as small as possible. In particular, in a preferred embodiment, the volume of the device is less than 0.0625 m ³ . Particularly preferably, the volume of the device is less than 0.015625 m ³ , which corresponds for example to a cube of 25 cm edge length.

As sensors, for example, sensors for detecting a carbon dioxide content, a nitrogen dioxide content, a fine dust content (for example PM10 or PM2.5), a temperature, a humidity and / or an air pressure can be used. In addition, however, a rain sensor or a wind sensor, etc. may also be provided in addition.

Suitable sensors are, for example, CO ₂ sensors from Wuhan Cubic, in particular of the CM1106 type, particulate matter sensors from Nova Fitness, in particular of the SDS011 type, and combination sensors for temperature, humidity and air pressure from Bosch, in particular of the BME280 type.

By way of example, hardware based on the Arduino platform in MKR format can be used as the data processing device. The Arduino can be equipped with appropriate communication modules at its communication interface. Of course, another hardware can be used.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the weatherproof housing has at least one fastening means with which the weatherproof housing can be mounted to a street lamp, a traffic signal or other component of a traffic infrastructure. As a result, the device can be installed and used in a particularly flexible manner at a location of operation. Since there are usually a variety of street lights, traffic lights or other components of the transport infrastructure in the cities, such as piles on which traffic signs are mounted, this creates a variety of suitable Aufstell- or operating locations where the device to simple and inexpensive way can be installed. Since the power supply of the device is self-sufficient, apart from mounting the device and aligning the photovoltaic cell, no further installation measures are necessary. As a result, an effort and costs can be saved. This in turn allows a large-area and especially close-meshed use of the device.

In the sensor network is then provided accordingly that the devices are mounted on street lights or traffic lights or other components of a transport infrastructure.

Of course, a device can also be mounted on other devices or be, for example, on building facades, building roofs or electricity pylons, etc.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the at least one sensor operates on the basis of an optical measuring method. This has the advantage that the sensors become more independent of heat, for example due to solar radiation.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the individual components of the device are designed and / or selected such that a total mass of the device is less than 8 kilograms. This has the advantage that the device has only a very small mass and the street lamp, the traffic signal or the other component of the transport infrastructure is thus only very little statically claimed. Static calculations to ensure stability of the components of the transport infrastructure can therefore be dispensed with. In addition to the self-sufficient power supply of the device, which makes related follow-up unnecessary, this also allows easier and therefore faster approval procedures for installation in public spaces. As a result, the cities can be retrofitted or retrofitted quickly and easily with the devices or the sensor network.

In this case, the mass of the device is preferably as small as possible. In particular, in a further preferred embodiment, the mass of the device may be less than 5 kilograms, in a particularly preferred embodiment less than 3 kilograms.

In an embodiment, it is provided that the exchangeable communication module is a wirelessly communicating communication module. This makes it possible to dispense with subsequent measures with regard to the communication, since only a suitable communication module has to be selected and installed. The installation of the device at the site can thus be done even more time-saving.

In one embodiment, it is further provided that an electrical power of the photovoltaic cell and a capacity of the rechargeable battery are selected in dependence on an operating location such that the device can be operated autonomously from an external power supply throughout the entire year. This allows in particular a use even in equatorfernferneren widths, ie in places where sunlight is lower. As a result, a maintenance effort and consequently the operating costs can be reduced.

In a further embodiment it is provided that an electrical power of the photovoltaic cell and a capacity of the accumulator are selected such that always a sufficient state of charge of the accumulator is ensured to operate the device over a period of at least even in case of failure of the photovoltaic cell to ensure a week. As a result, the maintenance effort can be further reduced because, for example, in the event of a breakdown or contamination of the photovoltaic cell, more time is available to carry out a repair or cleaning.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung zum Erfassen eines Luftzustandes;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer Außenansicht einer Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung zum Erfassen eines Luftzustandes;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform des Sensornetzwerkes;
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung einer Anordnung der Vorrichtungen an Straßenlaternen.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments with reference to the figures. Hereby show:

• 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the device for detecting an air condition;
• 2 a schematic representation of an external view of an embodiment of the device for detecting an air condition;
• 3 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the sensor network;
• 4 a schematic representation of an arrangement of the devices to street lamps.

In 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the device 1 shown for detecting an air condition. The device 1 includes a weatherproof housing 2 , at least one sensor 3 for detecting a property of ambient air, a photovoltaic cell 4 , an accumulator 5 , a controller 6 and a data processing device 7 ,

The individual components of the device 1 are formed and / or selected such that the device 1 occupies a volume of less than 0.125 m ³ . This ensures an extremely compact design. More preferably, the volume is made as small as possible.

The individual components of the device 1 are further preferably formed and / or selected such that a total mass of the device 1 is less than 8 kilograms.

The control 6 is set up to power the device 1 over the photovoltaic cell 4 and the accumulator 5 to control and ensure. This also includes a charge control of the accumulator 5 , The control 6 In the illustrated embodiment, it is also configured to control the sensor 3 perform. This is what the controller does 6 For example, a necessary supply voltage for the sensor 3 ready, reading a sensor voltage at the sensor 3 and, after an analog-to-digital conversion, forwards them to the data processing device as a digital measured value 7 further.

The data processing device 7 includes a data store 8th , a communication interface 9 and a communication module 10 on. The communication module 10 is solvable with the communication interface 9 connected so that it can be easily fitted and replaced. The data processing device 7 is set to by the sensor 3 recorded and then by the controller 6 to store converted measured values and via the exchangeable communication module 10 at regular intervals to a receiver, such as a data server to transmit.

The communication module 10 is, for example, a GSM module that can be used to communicate with the receiver via GSM. In particular, measurement data can be transmitted to the receiver via the GSM module.

As a data processing device 7 For example, hardware based on the Arduino platform can be used in MKR format. The Arduino can be equipped with appropriate communication modules at its communication interface. Of course, other suitable hardware can be used.

The weatherproof housing 2 may be fasteners 20 have, for example in the form of fixable clamps, with which the housing 2 to a stake 21 a street lamp, a traffic signal or other component of a traffic infrastructure can be arranged and fixed.

In a preferred embodiment, a sensor comes 3 used, which works on the basis of optical measuring methods, as it is less sensitive to heat. This allows the sensor 3 even when exposed to heat, for example when the device 1 join in heated by strong sunlight, work reliably.

In 2 is a perspective view of an external view of an embodiment of the device 1 shown, wherein the photovoltaic cell is not shown. Shown is the weatherproof housing 2 , At a bottom 13 the weatherproof housing 2 are an air intake 14 for a particulate matter sensor, a combination sensor 15 for temperature, humidity and air pressure, a CO ₂ sensor 16 and an air outlet 17 to see the particulate matter sensor. The CO ₂ sensor 16 is for example of the type CM1106 Wuhan Cubic, the particulate matter sensor is for example of the type SDS011 Nova Fitness and the combination sensor 15 for temperature, humidity and air pressure is for example the type BME280 from Bosch. The device 1 is extremely compact and has a mass of about 3 kg.

In 3 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the sensor network 11 shown. The sensor network 11 has three devices 1 on which are prescribed in different places, for example, at different locations in a city. Furthermore, the sensor network points 11 a data server 12 on. The data processing devices of the devices 1 are in the sensor network 11 set up, acquired measured values 19 the respective sensors of the devices 1 via the respective communication module to the data server 12 as a consignee. The data transmission can take place, for example, via Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Long Range (LoRa) or Sigfox. Accordingly, a respective compatible communication module in the devices 1 installed. Depending on the availability of the respective communication methods at the individual operating locations of the devices 1 can the communication modules in the devices 1 of the sensor network 11 also different from each other. For example, in some of the devices 1 GSM modules are installed in others, in whose place of operation a GSM reception is not possible, for example, a LoRa or Sigfox module. When installing the sensor network 11 It is particularly advantageous that the communication modules are detachably connected to the communication interface of the data processing device, so that the data processing device can be quickly equipped with a communication module or such can be quickly exchanged for another. This allows flexible adaptation to a respectively at the operating location of a device 1 existing communication infrastructure.

In 4 is a schematic representation of an arrangement of the devices 1 at street lamps 18 shown. The devices 1 For this purpose, with the help of fasteners in the upper region of the piles 21 the street lamps 18 arranged and fixed. The photovoltaic cells of the devices 1 be on each of the street lamps 18 oriented towards the south (in the northern hemisphere). As the devices 1 Even with energy supply and can communicate wirelessly in a choice of a wirelessly communicating communication module, further follow-up measures are not necessary. The installation of the devices 1 on the piles 21 the street lamps 18 This can be done time-saving without much effort. The function of the street lamp 18 is through the device arranged and fixed thereto 1 not limited. As a result, a large-scale and close-meshed sensor network, even with hundreds and thousands of devices, can be created cost-effectively, which enables improved detection of the air condition.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

contraption

2

weatherproof housing

3

sensor

4

photovoltaic cell

5

accumulator

6

control

7

Data processing device

8th

data storage

9

Communication Interface

10

communication module

11

Sensor network

12

data server

13

bottom

14

air intake

15

Kombisensor

16

CO ₂ sensor

17

air outlet

18

street lamp

19

readings

20

fastener

21

stake

Claims (9)

An apparatus (1) for detecting an air condition, comprising: a weatherproof case (2), at least one sensor (3) for detecting a property of ambient air, a photovoltaic cell (4) for generating electric power, an accumulator (5) for storage the electrical energy, a controller (6), wherein the controller (6) is adapted to control a power supply of the device (1) via the photovoltaic cell (4) and the accumulator (6) and to ensure a data processing device ( 7), wherein the data processing device (7) has a data memory (8), a communication interface (9) and a communication module (10), wherein the communication module (10) is detachably connected to the communication interface (9), and wherein the data processing device (7 ) is arranged to store measured values (19) detected by the at least one sensor (3) in the data memory (8) and via the exchangeable one Communication module (10) at regular intervals to a receiver, wherein the device (1) occupies a volume that is smaller than 0.125 m ² . Device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the weatherproof housing (2) has at least one fastening means (20) with which the weatherproof housing (2) to a street lamp (18), a traffic signal or other component of a traffic infrastructure can be mounted. Device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the at least one sensor (3) operates on the basis of an optical measuring method. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the individual components of the device (1) are designed and / or selected such that a total mass of the device (1) is less than 8 kilograms. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the replaceable communication module (10) is a wirelessly communicating communication module (10). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an electrical power of the photovoltaic cell (4) and a capacity of the accumulator (5) are selected depending on a location of operation such that the device (1) over the whole year self-sufficient from an external power supply can be operated. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an electrical power of the photovoltaic cell (4) and a capacity of the accumulator (5) are selected such that always a sufficient state of charge of the accumulator is ensured to even in case of failure the photovoltaic cell (4) to ensure operation of the device (1) over a period of at least one week. Sensor network (11), comprising: - at least two devices (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7 , - a data server (12), wherein the data processing means (7) of the devices (1) are adapted to measured values (19) of the respective sensors (3) via the respective communication module (10) to the data server (12) as a receiver to transfer. Sensor network (11) to Claim 8 , characterized in that the devices (1) are mounted on street lamps (18) or traffic signal systems or other components of a traffic infrastructure.

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