Macnica develops a new type of air quality sensor that incorporates next-generation technology "perovskite solar cells" and "semi-solid battery" - New type of air quality sensor installed at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building -

Macnica (Headquarters: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, President: Kazumasa Hara, hereinafter Macnica) has developed a new type of air quality sensor using next-generation technologies "perovskite solar cells" and "semi-solid batteries". We are announcing today.

"Perovskite Solar Cells ("PSCs")" are a technology that is attracting attention as a promising next-generation solar cell because they are thin, light, bendable, and can be made translucent depending on the material. Since it can generate electricity even with a small amount of light, it is now possible to obtain independent power sources in a variety of places, including small electronic devices around us, the walls of buildings where it was previously impossible to install solar panels, and outer space. Significant cost reductions are expected through large-area coating technology.

Macnica, which has a track record of research and implementation in AI, IoT, etc. with semiconductors as its core, will develop an air quality sensor that uses "perovskite solar cells" from EneCoat Technologies Co.,Ltd. startup from Kyoto University, starting in 2022, Since June 2017, we have been conducting an indoor perovskite solar cell effectiveness demonstration project ^{* 1} in our office in Tokyo. Through this demonstration project, we have demonstrated that the technology will become a sustainable energy source in the future, including use under low illumination, the need for wireless communication at regular intervals, restrictions on installation locations, and a housing design that will not look out of place in an office space. We have acquired various issues and knowledge toward the practical application of "perovskite solar cells."

Now, Macnica has leveraged the knowledge gained from this demonstration project to develop a new type of air quality sensor. This sensor successfully increases the amount of power generated by implementing a large-area perovskite solar cell, which has even higher power generation efficiency than conventional products. Additionally, in order to ensure the long life and safety required for IoT sensors, we have adopted a "semi-solid battery" manufactured by NGK Insulators, Inc. and installed it inside the sensor. "Semi-solid batteries" are capable of detailed charging and discharging with weak electric power, and have long lifespan (high reliability), and are being evaluated as a next-generation energy storage technology that is ideal for IoT products. To go. Furthermore, the exterior design symbolically appeals to the characteristics of perovskite solar cells, which are ``light'' and ``bendable.''

In future social life, countless sensors will be placed around us, but securing power for each sensor will become a major issue. Macnica uses "perovskite solar cells" that can efficiently generate electricity even under low indoor illumination, "semi-solid batteries" that can efficiently store weak electricity, and high-performance semiconductors that can operate with low power consumption to create a sustainable IoT. We will continue to aim to realize energy harvesting sensors.

The new air quality sensor was installed in late February in an office at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, where a demonstration project has been underway since last year, and measurements of air quality (CO2, temperature, humidity, and illuminance) have begun. The sensor is planned to be incorporated in the future as part of Indoor air quality monitoring solution "AiryQonnect ^{* 2}," which Macnica has launched, and will work to improve the quality of life by improving air quality.

■Developed new type of air quality sensor
·size
Length: 88mm Width: 161mm Height: 58.5mm
・Sensor group
Photoacoustic method CO2, temperature and humidity, illuminance
·communication
Bluetooth Low Energy
*Product specifications are as of the time of announcement and are subject to change without prior notice.

*1: Please see the website for details.
https://www.macnica.co.jp/public-relations/news/2023/143766/

*2: What is AiryQonnect?
AiryQonnect is Indoor air quality monitoring solution proposed by Macnica. In addition to high-precision sensors necessary to measure the air environment such as temperature and humidity, CO2, TVOC gas, and PM2.5, wireless communication functions of LTE SIM/BLE routers, dashboards that visualize acquired data, and external collaboration using APIs, etc. We provide a total of the elements necessary for air quality monitoring.
Please see the website for details. https://www.macnica.co.jp/go/airyqonnect.html

■ AiryQonnect: Indoor air quality monitoring solution

*Company names and product names mentioned in the text are trademarks or registered trademarks of Macnica and the respective companies.
*Information published in news releases (including product prices, specifications, etc.) is current as of the date of announcement. Please note that it may be subject to change without prior notice.