This project is a smart air filter system. What we are trying to achieve with this project is clean air for anyone who uses this product. This will allow the users to have peace of mind knowing that they have clean air that will not cause them any harm.
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Team FAN
Innovation Fest 2025
About Team FAN
UN SUSTAINABILITY DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Empowered and Driven:
Delivering Solutions for Global Issues
This project will allow users to have clean air in their homes allowing them to have a healthy and clean lifestyle without ever having to worry about whether the air that they are breathing is harmful to them or not.
THE STORY BEGAN
DESIGN STORY
Challenges
1. Hardware Challenges Sensor accuracy issues – Some air quality sensors can be unreliable or need frequent calibration. High power consumption – Keeping the system running continuously drains power quickly. Filter maintenance – Users may forget to change the filter, reducing effectiveness. HVAC integration – Connecting the system to existing air systems can be tricky. Cost limitations – High-quality sensors and filters can be expensive. 2. Software & Connectivity Challenges Complex data processing – Air quality readings can fluctuate, making analysis tricky. Security risks – Data transmission needs protection from hacking. 3. User Experience & Maintenance Challenges Noisy operation – Fans can be loud, making the device annoying in quiet spaces. Low user engagement – People may ignore the system if it doesn’t seem useful. Difficult maintenance – If replacing filters is complicated, users won’t do it. 4. Environmental & Compliance Challenges Regulatory compliance – The system must meet air quality standards. Waste from filters – Used filters create waste and need proper disposal.
Solution
1. Hardware Solutions Use reliable sensors (like PM2.5, CO2, VOC sensors) and calibrate them occasionally. Choose energy-efficient parts (e.g., ESP32 for WiFi and low power). Pick a HEPA filter for dust and allergens; add activated carbon for odors. Ensure easy filter replacement and notify users when it’s dirty. Keep it affordable by using off-the-shelf components and 3D printing parts. 2. Software & Connectivity Show real-time air quality with simple indicators (Good, Moderate, Bad). Send alerts when air quality worsens or the filter needs changing. Use basic encryption to keep data secure. 3. User Experience & Maintenance Keep it quiet by adjusting fan speed based on air quality. Make the app simple & user-friendly with easy-to-read data. Let users control settings manually if needed.
Use Case
The purpose of this project is to improve indoor air quality in small environments such as a house or apartment. This product will monitor, purify and provide real time data and information on the air quality of the home and whether it is good or requires improving. Target Users Students & Faculty: Ensures clean air in classrooms, dorms, and libraries, reducing health risks from pollution and allergens. University Facilities Management: Helps monitor air quality across campus buildings and optimize HVAC efficiency. How It Works Air Quality Monitoring – Sensors detect pollutants (PM2.5, CO2, VOCs) and assess indoor air conditions. Smart Filtration – The system automatically adjusts fan speed based on detected air quality. Real-time Notifications – Users receive alerts via an app when air quality worsens or the filter needs replacing. Data Insights – The system logs air quality trends to help universities improve ventilation policies. Key Benefits Health & Productivity – Reduces allergens and pollutants, leading to better focus and fewer respiratory issues. Energy Efficiency – Optimizes air filtration usage, saving power when the air quality is already good. User Awareness – Provides students and staff with actionable insights to maintain healthier indoor environments.
TECHNOLOGIES
List of Essential Tools and Technologies
THE PROCESS
PROTOTYPE DESIGN
The product will have a compact, box-like design with an integrated screen in the middle to show live air quality readings. This makes it easier for portability, it will be compact enough to place on desks, shelves, or nightstands, perfect for classrooms, dorms, offices, and various small indoor areas.
Fitted with accurate air quality sensors, the device will identify pollutants like PM2.5, CO2, and VOCs, offering immediate insights into air conditions. The screen will utilize straightforward visuals and color signals (e.g., green for healthy air, yellow for average, red for unhealthy) to guarantee quick comprehension at a glance.
The air filtration system will function silently, using a fan that varies its speed according to air quality. An intelligent filtration system will eliminate harmful contaminants, guaranteeing purer air while enhancing energy efficiency.
Online Marketing
Creative agency
Web development
PLEDGE
Impact on the market
1. Health & Well-being Impact
- Reduces Respiratory Issues – Helps students and faculty avoid allergies, asthma, and airborne diseases by improving indoor air quality.
- Enhances Productivity – Clean air has been linked to better concentration and cognitive performance, benefiting students and workers.
- Supports Public Health Initiatives – Universities and institutions focusing on wellness can integrate this system into their health and safety plans.
2. Smart Home & IoT Market Impact
- Expands the Smart Air Quality Market – Can be integrated into existing smart home ecosystems (Alexa, Google Home).
- Encourages IoT Adoption – Universities and offices will see the value of real-time air monitoring, potentially driving demand for more IoT-based solutions.
- Differentiates from Traditional Filters – Unlike standard air purifiers, your system offers real-time data, automation, and AI-driven insights.
3. Sustainability & Energy Efficiency Impact
- Optimizes Energy Use – Smart fan control reduces unnecessary energy consumption compared to always-on air purifiers.
- Encourages Sustainable Practices – Promotes responsible filter replacement and encourages eco-friendly product design.
- Helps Green Building Certifications – Universities aiming for LEED or WELL certification can benefit from smart air monitoring systems.
4. Potential Market Growth & Adoption
- Higher Demand Post-Pandemic – Increased awareness of airborne diseases means more schools, offices, and public spaces are investing in air quality solutions.
- Scalable to Other Sectors – Beyond universities, this could be used in offices, hospitals, hotels, and public transportation.
- Potential for Partnerships – Can collaborate with HVAC companies, smart home brands, or government health initiatives.
RESULTS
FINAL PRODUCT
The development of the smart air filter system began with planning and research, focusing on the following main objectives: portability, effective filtering, real-time air monitoring, and user-friendliness. Finding essential components, such as air quality sensors, a digital screen, and smart connection, was made easier with the help of market research.
The design phase then focused on creating a compact, box-shaped prototype with a central display to show air quality readings.
To improve air purification effectiveness, key components such as PM2.5, CO2, and VOC sensors were integrated with a HEPA filter and a variable-speed fan during the hardware development stage. For data processing and communication, a low-energy microcontroller was chosen, and a USB power source made it easy to deploy in various locations.
The software was developed to evaluate sensor data and provide real-time feedback through a mobile application and the screen. To improve user experience, features including colour-coded air quality indicators and filter replacement notifications were added.
During the evaluation phase, noise levels in real-world settings, fan performance, and sensor accuracy were all measured. Changes were made to improve energy performance, filtration efficiency, and user interface design.
Finally, the final prototype was assembled, confirming that all the components worked as intended. The result is a small, smart air filtration system that is ideal for small indoor spaces since it offers efficient air cleaning, real-time monitoring, and easy maintenance.
