Session: 15-01-01: ASME International Undergraduate Research and Design Exposition

Paper Number: 143064

143064 - Automoated Dual-Intake Air Quality Monitoring Device: Design and Testing 

Low-cost air quality monitoring devices have increased the accessibility for individuals to monitor the air quality in their own homes. This study evaluates the performance of a prototype air quality measuring device designed and built to allow two input streams to a small air quality monitoring system. To date, few articles mention the testing of both indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring using a single device. The prototype is unique in that it switches between testing indoor and outdoor air samples. Experiments were developed to determine the transit time of air in the device and found to be accurate for cycles of approximately 20 minutes. Through multiple experiments, the device was found to reliably measure air quality data under a variety of different air quality conditions. When compared to the regional air quality measurements the device closely followed the same trends as another sensor during a short smoke evening in August 2023. Problems emerged when testing the upper limits of what the onboard sensors are capable of measuring. The findings of this study may be used to inform future prototype development of a low-cost automated dual-mode air quality monitoring device. 

Presenting Author: Heather Dillon University of Washington Tacoma

Presenting Author Biography: Dr. Heather Dillon is Professor of Mechanical Engineering.

Authors:

Rick Zhang University of Washington Tacoma
Heather Dillon University of Washington Tacoma
Casey Quinn NSG Engineering Solutions