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Key Concepts

Understanding AirChain's core concepts and architecture.

System Architecture

AirChain consists of three main layers:

1. Sensor Network Layer

  • 1,000+ PMS5003 air quality sensors
  • Raspberry Pi Pico-based edge devices
  • 4G cellular connectivity (A7670SA modules)
  • Solar + battery powered for off-grid operation

2. Data Pipeline Layer

  • MQTT message broker for real-time data ingestion
  • FastAPI backend with PostgreSQL database
  • Keycloak OAuth authentication
  • Real-time WebSocket updates to dashboard

3. Blockchain Layer

  • Cardano blockchain for immutable data anchoring
  • Merkle tree proofs for data integrity
  • AIRQ token rewards for sensor operators
  • Smart contracts for automated payouts

Core Components

Sensors

Each sensor measures: - PM2.5 - Fine particulate matter (≤2.5 micrometers) - PM10 - Coarse particulate matter (≤10 micrometers) - CO2 - Carbon dioxide concentration - Temperature - Ambient air temperature - Humidity - Relative humidity percentage

Readings taken every 5 minutes, 24/7.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

AQI is calculated from PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations:

  • 0-50: Good (Green)
  • 51-100: Moderate (Yellow)
  • 101-150: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Orange)
  • 151-200: Unhealthy (Red)
  • 201-300: Very Unhealthy (Purple)
  • 301-500: Hazardous (Maroon)

Learn more about AQI

Blockchain Verification

Every hour, all sensor readings are:

  1. Hashed - Each reading gets a SHA-256 hash
  2. Merkle Tree - Hashes organized into a binary tree
  3. Merkle Root - Single hash representing all readings
  4. Cardano Transaction - Root anchored on-chain
  5. Proof Generated - Individual proofs for each reading

This allows anyone to cryptographically verify any reading's authenticity.

AIRQ Token

  • Total Supply: 1,000,000,000 AIRQ
  • Blockchain: Cardano (Native Asset)
  • Purpose: Reward sensor operators
  • Earning Rate: ~10 AIRQ per day per sensor
  • Distribution: Automated via smart contracts

Data Flow

Sensor → MQTT → Backend → Database
                    ↓
              Merkle Tree
                    ↓
            Cardano Blockchain
                    ↓
              Verification API
  1. Sensor takes reading every 5 minutes
  2. Published to MQTT broker via 4G
  3. Backend validates and stores in PostgreSQL
  4. Every hour, batch processed into Merkle tree
  5. Merkle root submitted to Cardano
  6. Operators earn AIRQ tokens
  7. Anyone can verify via API

Access Tiers

Free Tier

  • 100 API requests/day
  • Real-time dashboard access
  • Mobile app (Android/iOS)
  • SMS alerts (1 location)
  • Historical data (7 days)

Premium Tier (₦5,000/month)

  • 10,000 API requests/day
  • Webhooks for real-time alerts
  • Historical data (1 year)
  • Bulk CSV downloads
  • Priority support

Upgrade to Premium

Geographic Coverage

Current deployment: - Victoria Island - Lekki - Uyo

Target: 100% coverage of Lagos metropolitan area by Q2 2026.

Trust Model

AirChain is trustless - you don't need to trust us:

  • All sensor readings are public
  • Blockchain anchors are immutable
  • Anyone can verify authenticity
  • Open-source verification code
  • Transparent operator payouts

Next Steps