A method of monitoring radon in an area, comprising: acquiring a series of radon measurements for the area; obtaining a characteristic value relating to ventilation in the area; and calculating a weighted average from the series of radon measurements. Using a characteristic of the ventilation to calculate the weights allows some knowledge of the ventilation rate to be used in the averaging process so as to improve the quality of the averaged data. With a high ventilation rate, the radon level drops rapidly, with the removal of radon by ventilation dominating any radon source, and so an average can be more strongly weighted towards the current value. With a low ventilation rate, the removal of radon slows and so the noise in the data is taken into account. Combining the actual radon measurements with knowledge of the ventilation rate allows the averaging function to provide better time resolution.
G01T 1/178 - Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular type of detector for measuring specific activity in the presence of other radioactive substances, e.g. natural, in the air or in liquids such as rain-water
2.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOVAL OF CO2 FROM INDOOR AIR
A system, and corresponding method, for removal of CO2 from indoor air, including a fan (103), at least one electrochemical cell (104) the airflow path, and configured to absorb CO2 from the air when a voltage VA is applied across the electrochemical cell (104) and to release previously absorbed CO2 when a voltage VB is applied across the electrochemical cell (104). A control system (106) adjusts at least one of the speed of the fan (103) and the voltage across the at least one electrochemical cell (104) based on information from at least one of i) a sensor (105) selected from the group consisting of: an air quality sensor and a human occupancy sensor, and ii) a timer configured to determine whether the current time is inside a period of time with high demands on air quality or inside a period of time with low demands on air quality.
F24F 7/06 - Ventilation with ducting systems with forced air circulation, e.g. by fan
F24F 8/192 - Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering by electrical means, e.g. by applying electrostatic fields or high voltages
F24F 11/61 - Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication using timers
F24F 11/64 - Electronic processing using pre-stored data
F24F 11/72 - Control systems characterised by their outputsConstructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure
F24F 11/77 - Control systems characterised by their outputsConstructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure for controlling air flow rate or air velocity by controlling the speed of ventilators
F24F 8/108 - Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering using dry filter elements
A method of estimating occupancy of a room, comprising: acquiring a plurality of measurements of an aspect of air quality in the room; and estimating the occupancy of the room based on the plurality of measurements and a room ventilation rate parameter. By estimating the occupancy of the room based on aspects of air quality, it is possible to detect occupancy based on data from sensors which may already be present for other purposes (e.g. for measuring air quality). Combining measurements of air quality with knowledge related to ventilation rate results in information indicative of the occupancy. Estimating the number of people in the room allows detailed analysis and control to be undertaken. Such occupancy data can also be used to control other services, e.g. to control the ventilation or to provide information about the number of people present.
A radon gas sensor comprising: a diffusion chamber; a photodiode positioned inside the diffusion chamber; and a photomultiplier positioned inside the diffusion chamber; wherein a scintillating material is provided on at least a part of an inner surface of the diffusion chamber. The photomultiplier detects more alpha particles, but cannot distinguish the energies of different alpha particles. On the other hand, the photodiode can distinguish different decays because the magnitude of the signal generated by the photodiode is proportional to the kinetic energy of the alpha particle striking it. Thus, the photodiode produces spectral data. The spectral data is used to estimate the amount of Polonium that is adhering to aerosols. This is used to apply a correction factor to the data to provide a better estimate of the true Radon concentration in the chamber. This can be combined with the count data of the photomultiplier for overall improved data.
G01T 1/167 - Measuring radioactive content of objects, e.g. contamination
G01T 1/178 - Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular type of detector for measuring specific activity in the presence of other radioactive substances, e.g. natural, in the air or in liquids such as rain-water
G01T 1/24 - Measuring radiation intensity with semiconductor detectors
5.
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A VENTILATION SYSTEM TO PREVENT INFILTRATION OF POLLUTANTS THROUGH A BUILDING ENVELOPE
Methods and systems for controlling ventilation in a building based on measurements of air pressure differences between inside and outside of the building envelope in order to prevent infiltration of pollutants in general. The system is particularly suited to prevent infiltration of radon from the ground. Air pressure is measured on both sides of the building envelope and the building's ventilation system is controlled in order to ensure that the air pressure inside the envelope is at least a minimum threshold higher than the air pressure on the outside of the building envelope.
F24F 11/77 - Control systems characterised by their outputsConstructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure for controlling air flow rate or air velocity by controlling the speed of ventilators
F24F 11/64 - Electronic processing using pre-stored data
A sensor, comprising: a printed circuit board; a detector mounted on the printed circuit board; an inner dome that is electrically conductive and is mounted on the printed circuit board so as to form a diffusion chamber around the detector; and an outer dome that is electrically conductive and surrounding the inner dome. The dual dome construction allows a stronger electric field to be generated inside the inner dome. The strength of the electric field is determined by the voltage of the detector, the voltage of the inner dome and the distance between them. The detector has a maximum voltage that can safely be applied to it without damaging the detector. With the dual dome design, the inner dome can be biased to a higher potential, thereby increasing the strength of the electric field inside the inner dome, while still shielding that high voltage via the outer dome.
G01T 1/178 - Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular type of detector for measuring specific activity in the presence of other radioactive substances, e.g. natural, in the air or in liquids such as rain-water
G01N 33/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups
H05K 1/18 - Printed circuits structurally associated with non-printed electric components
A sensor comprising: a printed circuit board; a photosensor mounted on a first side of the printed circuit board; and a light source mounted on a second, opposite side; wherein the light source is arranged to transmit light through at least a portion of the printed circuit board, which is impermeable to air. Positioning of the light source on the opposite side of the printed circuit board from the photosensor means that the bulk of the printed circuit board lies between the light source and the photosensor, obstructing direct transmission of light from the light source to the photosensor. However, light can be transmitted through the printed circuit board itself without drilling a hole through the printed circuit board. In this way, the light source can be mounted on the opposite side of the printed circuit board from the photosensor while still transmitting light to the photosensor.
G01T 1/178 - Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular type of detector for measuring specific activity in the presence of other radioactive substances, e.g. natural, in the air or in liquids such as rain-water
G01N 33/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups
H05K 1/18 - Printed circuits structurally associated with non-printed electric components
8.
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A VENTILATION SYSTEM TO PREVENT INFILTRATION OF POLLUTANTS THROUGH A BUILDING ENVELOPE
Methods and systems for controlling ventilation in a building based on measurements of air pressure differences between inside and outside of the building envelope in order to prevent infiltration of pollutants in general. The system is particularly suited to prevent infiltration of radon from the ground. Air pressure is measured on both sides of the building envelope and the building's ventilation system is controlled in order to ensure that the air pressure inside the envelope is at least a minimum threshold higher than the air pressure on the outside of the building envelope.
F24F 11/62 - Control or safety arrangements characterised by the type of control or by internal processing, e.g. using fuzzy logic, adaptive control or estimation of values
F24F 11/72 - Control systems characterised by their outputsConstructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure
Methods and systems for estimating energy loss or controlling ventilation in a building based on measurements of air pressure differences between inside and outside of the building envelope. The measured differences may be used to calculate air leakage and corresponding energy loss, or to control a ventilation system in order to minimize air pressure difference and thereby the energy loss.
Energy loss may be calculated by obtaining an estimate of a correspondence between air flow through a building envelope and a difference in air pressure on respective sides of the envelope, obtaining a measurement of a current difference in air pressure on respective sides of the envelope, calculating a current flow of air per unit time through the envelope based on said correspondence and said current difference in air pressure, and providing a representation of the calculated current flow of air per unit time through the envelope.
G01M 3/32 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for containers, e.g. radiators
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
35 - Advertising and business services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Data processing equipment, data communications equipment,
computers, computer software and firmware; application
software; electronic publications; scientific, surveying,
optical, measuring and signalling apparatus and instruments;
measuring, detecting and monitoring instruments, indicators
and controllers; dosimeters; computer software, hardware and
mobile applications for displaying, transmitting, recording
and/or analysing data from scientific, surveying, optical,
measuring and signalling apparatus and instruments;
electronic sensors, detectors, dosimeters, indicators,
devices, apparatus and instruments for environmental
monitoring of radon, radiation, gases, humidity,
temperature, air pressure, mould, bacteria and/or air
quality; radiation detectors; air quality detectors; radon
detectors; radon sensors; electrical monitoring apparatus;
remote monitoring apparatus; smart electronic devices for
environmental measuring, detecting, monitoring, analysing,
indicating and control; component parts for all of the
aforesaid goods. Retail services, electronic shopping retail services and
mail order retail services, all connected with data
processing equipment, computers, computer software and
firmware and electronic publications; retail services,
electronic shopping retail services and mail order retail
services, all connected with scientific, surveying, optical,
measuring and signalling apparatus and instruments; retail
services, electronic shopping retail services and mail order
retail services, all connected with electronic sensors for
environmental monitoring, radon detectors, radiation
detectors and air quality detectors; data processing; online
data processing; collection and collation of data;
compilation, systemisation and management of computerised
databases; collection of data in the field of environmental
monitoring of radon, radiation, gases, humidity,
temperature, air pressure, mould, bacteria and air quality;
compilation, systemization and management of computerized
databases; information advice and consultancy in relation to
all the aforesaid services. Scientific and technological services and research and
design relating thereto; technical data analysis services;
computerised analysis of data; scientific testing services;
scientific advisory services; provision of scientific
information; maintenance of databases; data warehousing;
computerized data storage; remote monitoring of computer
systems and scientific apparatus via the Internet or other
telecommunications networks; measurement services;
measurement evaluation services; preparation of technical
and scientific reports; expert reporting services relating
to technology; design and development of computer hardware
and software; design and development of scientific apparatus
and instruments; rental of data processing equipment,
computers and computer software; rental of scientific
apparatus and instruments; leasing of data processing
software; leasing of application software; providing
temporary use of online applications and software tools;
software as a service; providing online information in the
field of science, technology, environmental monitoring, air
quality and radon gas; providing information on science and
technology via a website; technical data analysis services
in the field of environmental monitoring of radon,
radiation, gases, humidity, temperature, air pressure,
mould, bacteria and air quality; computerized analysis of
data in the field of environmental monitoring of radon,
radiation, gases, humidity, temperature, air pressure,
mould, bacteria and air quality; scientific testing services
in the field of environmental monitoring of radon,
radiation, gases, humidity, temperature, air pressure,
mould, bacteria and air quality; scientific advisory
services in the field of environmental monitoring of radon,
radiation, gases, humidity, temperature, air pressure,
mould, bacteria and air quality; measurement services in the
field of environmental monitoring of radon, radiation,
gases, humidity, temperature, air pressure, mould, bacteria
and air quality; measurement evaluation services in the
field of environmental monitoring of radon, radiation,
gases, humidity, temperature, air pressure, mould, bacteria
and air quality; design and development of scientific
apparatus and instruments, namely radon detectors,
dosimeters, electronic sensors for monitoring, measuring,
recording and analysing of radon, radiation, gases,
humidity, temperature, air pressure, mould, bacteria and air
quality, and component parts therefor; information, advice
and consultancy in relation to all the aforesaid services.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Radon detectors; electronic-based instruments for measuring environmental parameters including radon, humidity and air quality; electronic devices for monitoring and measuring air quality; computer hardware and software for displaying, transmitting, recording, and analyzing air quality data Technical air quality monitoring services; scientific and technological services, namely, compilation, analysis and reporting of quality data collected by air quality monitoring devices
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
35 - Advertising and business services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Data processing equipment, computers, computer software and firmware; application software; scientific, surveying, optical, measuring and signalling apparatus and instruments; computer software and hardware for displaying, transmitting and/or recording data from scientific, surveying, optical, measuring and signalling apparatus and instruments; component parts for all of the aforesaid goods. Retail services, electronic shopping retail services and mail order retail services connected with data processing equipment, computers, computer software and firmware; retail services, electronic shopping retail services and mail order retail services connected with scientific, surveying, optical, measuring and signalling apparatus and instruments; data processing; collection of data; compilation, systemisation, management of computerised databases; information, advice and consultancy in relation to all the aforesaid services. Scientific and technological services and research and design relating thereto; technical data analysis services; computerised analysis of data; scientific testing services; scientific advisory services; provision of scientific information; maintenance of databases; data warehousing; remote monitoring of computer systems and scientific apparatus via the internet or other telecommunications networks; measurement services; measurement evaluation services; preparation of technical and scientific reports; expert reporting services relating to technology; design and development of computer hardware and software; design and development of scientific apparatus and instruments; rental of data processing equipment, computers and computer software; rental of scientific apparatus and instruments; information, advice and consultancy in relation to all the aforesaid services.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
[ Scientific, geodetic and optical apparatus and instruments, namely, radiation detectors, radiation measuring devices, and components therefore; ] radon detectors; [ temperature sensors; temperature indicators; temperature monitors not for medical use; measuring apparatus for humidity levels in gases and solid substances; devices for measuring aerosol levels that affect indoor air quality; electronic-based devices for detecting fungus and/or mold that affects indoor air quality; air quality measuring apparatus, namely, particle counters; and ] electronic-based instruments for measuring environmental parameters including radon, humidity, [ mold, bacteria ] and air quality
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Scientific, geodetic and optical apparatus and instruments; apparatus and instruments for measuring, signalling, checking, life-saving and training; apparatus and instruments for managing, distributing, transforming, accumulating, regulating or controlling electricity and indoor air quality; data processing equipment and computers.
A sensor comprising: a printed circuit board; a photosensor mounted on a first side of the printed circuit board; and a light source mounted on a second, opposite side of the printed circuit board; wherein the light source is arranged to transmit light through at least a portion of the printed circuit board, said portion being impermeable to air. Positioning of the light source on the opposite side of the printed circuit board from the photosensor means that the bulk of the printed circuit board lies between the light source and the photosensor, obstructing direct transmission of light from the light source to the photosensor. However, light can be transmitted through the printed circuit board itself without drilling a hole through the printed circuit board. In this way, the light source can be mounted on the opposite side of the printed circuit board from the photosensor while still transmitting light that can reach the photosensor and also not providing an air path across the printed circuit board.
G01T 1/178 - Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular type of detector for measuring specific activity in the presence of other radioactive substances, e.g. natural, in the air or in liquids such as rain-water
H01L 25/16 - Assemblies consisting of a plurality of individual semiconductor or other solid-state devices the devices being of types provided for in two or more different subclasses of , , , , or , e.g. forming hybrid circuits
A method of estimating occupancy of a room includes acquiring a plurality of measurements of an aspect of air quality in the room and estimating the occupancy based on the plurality of measurements and a room ventilation rate parameter. Such an approach makes it possible to detect room occupancy based on data from sensors which may already be present for other purposes, such as monitoring the air quality. Combining measurements of air quality with knowledge related to ventilation rate in the room provides information indicative of the occupancy of the room. Estimating the number of people in the room allows much more detailed analysis and control to be undertaken, such as for instance analysing which parts of a building or floor of a building are most used and which are least used. The occupancy data can also be used to control, e.g. the ventilation of the room.
F24F 7/06 - Ventilation with ducting systems with forced air circulation, e.g. by fan
F24F 8/108 - Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering using dry filter elements
F24F 8/192 - Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering by electrical means, e.g. by applying electrostatic fields or high voltages
F24F 11/61 - Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication using timers
F24F 11/64 - Electronic processing using pre-stored data
F24F 11/72 - Control systems characterised by their outputsConstructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure
F24F 11/77 - Control systems characterised by their outputsConstructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure for controlling air flow rate or air velocity by controlling the speed of ventilators
Methods and systems for controlling ventilation in a building based on measurements of air pressure differences between inside and outside of the building envelope in order to prevent infiltration of pollutants in general. The system is particularly suited to prevent infiltration of radon from the ground. Air pressure is measured on both sides of the building envelope and the building's ventilation system is controlled in order to ensure that the air pressure inside the envelope is at least a minimum threshold higher than the air pressure on the outside of the building envelope.
F24F 11/62 - Control or safety arrangements characterised by the type of control or by internal processing, e.g. using fuzzy logic, adaptive control or estimation of values
F24F 11/72 - Control systems characterised by their outputsConstructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure
A radon gas sensor comprising: a diffusion chamber; a photodiode positioned inside the diffusion chamber; and a photomultiplier positioned inside the diffusion chamber; wherein a scintillating material is provided on at least a part of an inner surface of the diffusion chamber. This arrangement recognises that the two sensors provide different information. In particular, the photomultiplier detects more alpha particles, but cannot distinguish the energies of different alpha particles. On the other hand, the photodiode can distinguish different decays because the magnitude of the signal generated by the photodiode is proportional to the kinetic energy of the alpha particle striking it. In other words, the photodiode produces spectral data (an energy spectrum). The spectral data can be used to estimate the amount of Polonium that is adhering to aerosols and therefore provides an indication of the level of aerosols in the chamber. This can be used to apply a correction factor to the data to provide a better estimate of the true Radon concentration in the chamber. This can be combined with the count data of the photomultiplier for overall improved data.
A sensor, comprising: a printed circuit board; a detector mounted on the printed circuit board; an inner dome that is electrically conductive and is mounted on the printed circuit board so as to form a diffusion chamber around the detector; and an outer dome that is electrically conductive and is mounted on the printed circuit board, surrounding the inner dome. The dual dome construction allows a stronger electric field to be generated inside the inner dome, i.e. between the inner dome and the detector. The strength of the electric field is determined by the voltage of the detector, the voltage of the inner dome and the distance between them. Therefore, for a given size/shape of diffusion chamber (i.e. a given size/shape of inner dome), the relative voltages determine the electric field strength. The detector normally has a maximum voltage that can safely be applied to it without damaging the detector. In previous sensors, the dome has been held at ground potential. However, with the dual dome design, the inner dome can now be biased to a much higher potential, thereby increasing the strength of the electric field inside the inner dome, while still shielding that high voltage via the outer dome.
G01T 1/178 - Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular type of detector for measuring specific activity in the presence of other radioactive substances, e.g. natural, in the air or in liquids such as rain-water
