AirNode
Air Quality Measurement
Monitor pollution, act on intelligence
We know what causes air pollution, but where does it go and where does it concentrate?
Effects from the weather and ‘the canyon effect’ from buildings in urban environments, leave some places with high levels and others, just a street or block away, with lower levels. Air pollution is hyper-local and ‘spikey’.
We need to be able to see and understand this, so that we can do something about it; at policy, operational and behavioural levels. It is also important to understand where air pollution levels are lower to promote and enjoy outdoor activities such as walking and cycling.
The AirNode is a low-cost, low-power, compact ambient air monitoring device. It is designed to work as part of a dense sensor network that provides high-precision air quality readings, in different environmental conditions, with little onsite support.
Winner of the Best Accuracy Award for outdoor PM2.5 at the 2021 Air Parif Microsensors Challenge
About AirNode
Developed in our Research Lab in Copenhagen, the AirNode is designed to meet the stringent requirements of the CEN /TC 264 “Air Quality Measurement” standard.
Highly accurate measurement of urban pollution
High-quality measurements of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, CO, and O3 as well as temperature and humidity. Expansion options for carbon dioxide (CO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and other pollutants are available.
Low-cost, dense network configuration
Low total cost of ownership plus high performance enables a dense network of sensors reporting in real time at neighbourhood and street level.
Real-time air quality intelligence
Use data with AirScape visualisation, or proprietary platforms via open APIs.
Wireless
connectivity
Compatible with a variety of wireless communication protocols including WiFi, GSM, NB‑IoT and LoRa. 
Flexible mounting options
Designed to be conveniently mounted to street lighting columns, building facades and other street furniture at the optimal position of 2.5–3 meters above street level.
Long life, high performance
Combines best in class components and self-calibration mechanisms. State-of-health monitoring for long-term, low-maintenance operation.Frequently Asked Questions
The AirNode employs a best-in-class electrochemical (EC) sensor developed, manufactured and calibrated in the UK to measure ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The EC cell is integrated with our digital sensor electronics board that delivers improved signal-to-noise and stability compared to off-the-shelf digital individual sensor boards (dISBs). The detection limit for the EC + ALEC system at 1/min sampling frequency is 1 ppb for both NO2 and O3.
The AirNode measures total particulate mass in a specified size range (PM2.5 and PM10) with a precision of 10% using an actively sampled optical sensor.
For CO2 it is equipped with a non-dispersive infrared sensor with an accuracy of 3% of the measured value or +/- 30 ppm. In addition, the AirNode employs micro-electromechanical sensors (MEMS) for temperature and humidity, with an accuracy of 3%, providing local observational data and improved compensation for environmental variability.
Depending on local requirement, the standard AirNode can be fitted with additional electrochemical sensors, such as sulphur dioxide (SO2) and carbon monoxide (CO).
The AirNode has a variable sampling frequency (from 1/minute to 1/hour) that can be adapted to environmental conditions and client needs.
The AirNode measures 220 mm x 105 mm x 67 mm including the shield that protects the sensor from the outdoor elements. The AirNode weighs less than 1kg.
Our comprehensive installation guide can be downloaded here.
The AirNode can be applied in many different settings. Some examples include:
Smart cities: air quality monitoring in cities and urban environments
Smart buildings: well-being in the workplace, at school, in hospitals, retail, restaurants and hotels
Public transport infrastructure: demonstrate healthy air for the travelling public
Geofencing: of ports, mines, construction and industrial sites
The AirNode network and sophisticated analysis algorithms of AirScape’s data platform capture, identify and report pollution hot spots, at a localised level. They provide comprehensive analysis and visualisation to enable deployment, management and optimisation of pollution lowering initiatives.
As a premium feature, the data will be available for export in different formats (CSV, XLS) within any specified time window.
An access token can be set up for API level data access, enabling the live measurements to be incorporated into other platforms.
The AirNode benefits from a comprehensive 2-year manufacturer warranty, applicable from the date of installation. To get support, please contact our Operations team here.
Our Solutions in Action
Badung, Indonesia: Bali Clean Air Program
AirNodes in multiple strategic locations provide tourists and residents access to the AirScape platform, making informed decisions and promoting sustainable tourism. The initiative aims to enhance Bali's appeal as a cleaner and healthier destination.
Crema, Italy: Safeguarding school children
This small network of AirNodes monitors environmental pollutants in and around schools, promoting environmental consciousness and safeguarding the well-being of students. We are working to expand this initiative to cover more schools in Italy, contributing to a sustainable and healthier future for communities and young generations.
Denmark: The green construction site of the future
Utilising real-time monitoring of air quality and noise, alongside the adoption of alternative fuels and CO2-reducing energy systems, the project seeks to achieve low-impact construction practices. Results will offer valuable insights into effective green initiatives by December 2023.
Westminster, London: Demonstrating the benefits of pedestrianisation
In London Westminster, an estate owner aimed to improve air quality by pedestrianising a street. To gain support, they used air quality monitoring sensors from AirScape to compare pollutant levels between the pedestrianised street and nearby roads, leading to ongoing consideration for permanent pedestrianisation.
Camden, London: Street-level air quality data in real time
AirScape, in partnership with Camden Clean Air Initiative and Camden Council, installed 229 real-time air quality sensors in Camden borough. The world's densest sensor network positively impacts air quality awareness and demonstrates the potential of community-driven data initiatives and serve as a model for other communities.
Staffordshire, UK: Discovering the value of data
This deployment of a dense AirNode sensor network is helping the authority to fully understand air quality in an urban centre. The project successfully attributed air pollution to vehicular traffic while observing long range pollution and identifying specific locations for mitigation solutions.
Brent, London, UK: Street-level solution to air pollution
This ‘before and after’ assessment explored the pollution reduction in a residential street following its closure to traffic. The project was funded by Brent’s Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL).
Copenhagen (Denmark)/Rotterdam (Holland): Proving the impact of dense sensor networks
We conducted several co-location studies to validate the accuracy of its AirNode sensor by installing devices close to reference stations and comparing the results. In all studies, the AirNode sensors tracked pollution measurements in line with the reference stations proving their accuracy.
Cork, Ireland: A major step in making Cork a more sustainable city
AirNodes were installed at five locations across the city to show that there’s measurable improvements in air quality where there are no cars, diesel and petrol engines. The success of Cork’s award winning pedestrianisation project is also being hailed as a major step in making the city a much safer and healthier environment.
Dublin Port, Ireland: Quantifying the port's impact on air quality in Dublin
We are working with University College Cork, the Dublin Port Authority and the irish Environmental Protection Agency to monitor air pollution at the Port of Dublin. 85% of all shipping to and from Ireland goes through this port. Immediately after installation the AirNodes stood up to a severe test of heavy storms including Danielle with horizontal rain. The initial test period will conclude later in 2022.