BYU Master Thesis: Deploying and Analyzing Air Quality Sensors in Mongolian Gers - Apr 5, 2021
BYU Master Thesis: Deploying and Analyzing Air Quality Sensors in Mongolian Gers - Apr 5, 2021
The purpose of this research is to develop best practices for deploying air quality sensors in a remote location such as Mongolia. I discussed the architecture and design constraints when collecting remote air quality sensors data, the challenges that emerge while implementing a sensor-based network in a remote location such as Mongolia. The tradeoffs of using different architectures are described. I observed the usage of electrical heaters in modified gers in remote locations and conclude how effective they are in reducing PM2.5 levels by analyzing air quality data and go through the process of cleaning up the data and removing humidity from low-cost sensors used to deploy in a remote location such as Mongolia so that the PM2.5 reading is more accurate. In order to help many humanitarian efforts dealing with better air quality in developing countries, an air quality sensor was designed to keep low cost as much as possible. The cost is about $200 to build, which is cheaper than other low-cost sensors, yet provides more functionality (e.g., CO2 sensing) and used cellular connectivity to upload data in real-time. This sensor has implications beyond Mongolia. The sensor can be used anywhere WiFi connectivity is not available, such as parks, bus stops, and along roadways, breaking the constraints that other low-cost sensors have. Removing the need for WiFi is a necessary step in allowing ubiquitous air quality sensing. The contributions in this thesis are: First, I presented the challenges one should consider while deploying air quality sensors in developing countries. Second, since Mongolia offers a unique environment and constraints, I shared experiences in deploying sensors in a remote location like Mongolia. This experience goes beyond air quality sensors and can inform anyone who is deploying sensors in remote areas. Third the analysis of the PM2.5 on the modified gers if it makes a difference in regards to better air quality in the gers.
The purpose of this research is to develop best practices for deploying air quality sensors in a remote location such as Mongolia. I discussed the architecture and design constraints when collecting remote air quality sensors data, the challenges that emerge while implementing a sensor-based network in a remote location such as Mongolia. The tradeoffs of using different architectures are described. I observed the usage of electrical heaters in modified gers in remote locations and conclude how effective they are in reducing PM2.5 levels by analyzing air quality data and go through the process of cleaning up the data and removing humidity from low-cost sensors used to deploy in a remote location such as Mongolia so that the PM2.5 reading is more accurate. In order to help many humanitarian efforts dealing with better air quality in developing countries, an air quality sensor was designed to keep low cost as much as possible. The cost is about $200 to build, which is cheaper than other low-cost sensors, yet provides more functionality (e.g., CO2 sensing) and used cellular connectivity to upload data in real-time. This sensor has implications beyond Mongolia. The sensor can be used anywhere WiFi connectivity is not available, such as parks, bus stops, and along roadways, breaking the constraints that other low-cost sensors have. Removing the need for WiFi is a necessary step in allowing ubiquitous air quality sensing. The contributions in this thesis are: First, I presented the challenges one should consider while deploying air quality sensors in developing countries. Second, since Mongolia offers a unique environment and constraints, I shared experiences in deploying sensors in a remote location like Mongolia. This experience goes beyond air quality sensors and can inform anyone who is deploying sensors in remote areas. Third the analysis of the PM2.5 on the modified gers if it makes a difference in regards to better air quality in the gers.
Publication Link
IEEE: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Successful Remote Sensing Deployments in Mongolia - Oct 2, 2020
IEEE: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Successful Remote Sensing Deployments in Mongolia - Oct 2, 2020
The health hazard of air pollution in developing countries poses a significant threat of cardiovascular, respiratory, and other diseases. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia is among cities with the worst polluted air in the world due to the use of coal as the primary heating source in the traditional Mongolian gers where most of the local population resides. Humanitarian groups are looking for ways to improve air quality, but are unable to measure the effects of their solutions. We build a low-cost air quality sensor that can upload data in real-time in remote locations. This newly developed sensor allows for real-time air quality monitoring and tracking that was not possible before in such locations. We present the implementation and deployment of this system and share experiences and lessons learned from deploying the sensors in such a unique location.
The health hazard of air pollution in developing countries poses a significant threat of cardiovascular, respiratory, and other diseases. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia is among cities with the worst polluted air in the world due to the use of coal as the primary heating source in the traditional Mongolian gers where most of the local population resides. Humanitarian groups are looking for ways to improve air quality, but are unable to measure the effects of their solutions. We build a low-cost air quality sensor that can upload data in real-time in remote locations. This newly developed sensor allows for real-time air quality monitoring and tracking that was not possible before in such locations. We present the implementation and deployment of this system and share experiences and lessons learned from deploying the sensors in such a unique location.
Publication Link
BYU EC EN: Improving the Health of Mongolia One Sensor at a Time - Sep 9, 2019
BYU EC EN: Improving the Health of Mongolia One Sensor at a Time - Sep 9, 2019
Doctor Phil Lundrigan, a Computer Engineering professor, has been studying air quality sensors for years. Elder Joe Kwan, the full-time missionary leading the modified ger project in Mongolia, asked Dr. Lundrigan and his team of students– Sam (Batsaikhan) Ariun-Erdene, Joseph Meira, and Lehi Alcantara – to work through those difficulties and create a sensor that will provide them the needed data.
Doctor Phil Lundrigan, a Computer Engineering professor, has been studying air quality sensors for years. Elder Joe Kwan, the full-time missionary leading the modified ger project in Mongolia, asked Dr. Lundrigan and his team of students– Sam (Batsaikhan) Ariun-Erdene, Joseph Meira, and Lehi Alcantara – to work through those difficulties and create a sensor that will provide them the needed data.
Publication Link
