Environmental Monitoring & Control
It takes a wide range of sensors to capture various environmental data—and equally capable hardware to utilize it. ControlByWeb® IoT controllers offer a flexible and powerful solution for environmental applications through an intuitive no-code UI.
IoT for Environmental Monitoring & Control
When you think of the Internet of Things (IoT), the first thing that comes to mind may be an industrious space such as a wastewater processing facility or automated factory line. But IoT devices and sensors are utilized across every edge data application imaginable: natural springs, far-off weather towers, open fields, even in the soil where crops are grown.
Environmental monitoring has come a long way from the days of manually recording—and later collecting—data. ControlByWeb® IoT controllers bring near-real-time monitoring to remote locations, allowing for robust data capture through a variety of digital and analog input configurations, data logging, logical control at the edge, and integration with larger systems thanks to an open REST API. They’re designed to meet the diverse needs of environmental applications. Here are some of the key benefits of using our controllers:
- Share from anywhere: Certain models are capable of LTE-M cellular and WiFi connectivity, in addition to Ethernet, for data transfer. This allows for physically remote devices to operate without the need for hardwiring.
- Reliable: Devices can be programmed to share historical data logs at regular intervals, and that data can always be viewed through the embedded UI using any standard web browser. Local logical functions can also continue to operate even if there’s a networking issue.
- Capable: Environmental edge data applications involve a diverse range of sensors collecting different types of data. ControlByWeb modules support many I/O configurations and expansion modules to fit the task.
- Intuitive: Our devices include a browser-based Task Builder where it’s easy to configure I/O and logic without the need for Ladder Logic or advanced programming skills.
- More than a gateway: Our devices bring logic to the edge, allowing you to send timely notifications, control motors, initiate remote reboots, toggle gates, and much more, all independent of any third-party system.Flexible integration: We support popular protocols such as HTTP, MQTT, and Modbus to ensure that our controllers can work in conjunction with other IoT devices and platforms you’re using.
- Flexible integration: We support popular protocols such as HTTP, MQTT, and Modbus to ensure that our controllers can work in conjunction with other IoT devices and platforms you’re using.
🏔️ A Sherpa-certified station.
Installed at an altitude of 28,904 feet (8,810 meters), the weather station on Mount Everest is the highest in the world. It was set up by a team of Sherpas and scientists for the National Geographic ‘Return to Everest Expedition’ in May 2022.1
Remote Edge Data Gateways & Controllers
Not even a century ago, scientists relied on analog methods to measure weather data, water level, and other environmental elements. Human involvement was often necessary to physically transport data logs back and forth. Things look quite different now thanks to the Internet of Things.
Environmental monitoring encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at assessing and managing the quality of air, water, soil, and other natural resources. Modern I/O technology provides real-time analytics. An IoT-enabled environmental monitoring systems consist of sensors, controllers or gateways, and communication networks that work together to collect, transmit, and analyze data. These systems can monitor various environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, air quality, water quality, and soil moisture.
By providing continuous, real-time data, IoT solutions enable proactive decision-making and timely interventions to address environmental issues.
Controller or gateway—what’s the difference?
IoT gateways act as a bridge, facilitating communication between IoT devices and the cloud or other networks that handle data processing. In contrast, IoT controllers directly manage and automate connected devices and sensors with built-in logic and control functions. ControlByWeb modules are more than capable as either a gateway or logical controller.
Common Flow Monitoring Applications
Water Quality
Track pH, turbidity, or dissolved oxygen in water bodies in real time to proactively respond to changing conditions.
Air Quality
Monitor air quality in industrial and commercial environments to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
Soil Moisture
Optimize irrigation systems by monitoring soil moisture levels, ensuring efficient water use.
Greenhouse Climate
Maintain optimal temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels to enhance plant growth and productivity.
Industrial Emissions
Monitor emissions from industrial processes to comply with regulatory requirements.
Weather Station
Collect a comprehensive range of data such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and rainfall.
ControlByWeb® IoT Controller Features
Remote I/O Monitoring
Capture real-time data in remote locations and share wirelessly through WiFi or LTE-M cellular connectivity.
Custom Alerts
Set user-defined thresholds to receive timely email and text alerts when environmental abnormalities are detected.
Open REST API
Our controllers easily integrate into other systems and SCADAs using common protocols like HTTP, MQTT, and Modbus.
Environmental Data Logging
Track and store historical data over time. Logs are easily viewable through the embedded UI and can be shared via FTP.
No-Code Logic
Use the browser-based Task Builder to create conditional and scheduled logic in an intuitive, if-this-then-that flow—no code necessary.
Wirelessly Expandable I/O
ControlByWeb modules can share I/O through peer-to-peer connectivity, ideal for physically distant endpoints.
Test the Platform
We’re confident that you’ll find our embedded UI simple to navigate and program. Click the button below to access a live controller running here at our office in northern Utah. You can set up I/O, create logic, see the state of relays and inputs, and more.
X-410™ Live Demo
Take a self-guided tour of the built-in firmware included with our best selling X-410.
Use the Setup Page to set up I/O, change settings, and create logic with intuitive dropdown menus.
Use the Control Page to see and change the state of relays and inputs at a glance.
*Setup page login information: Username: admin Password: webrelay
Schedule A Guided Walkthrough
Want a little extra guidance? Schedule a 15-minute guided demo with our sales engineers. They’ll show you how it works for your application.
We offer free demo units to qualified integrators and OEMs, ensuring our controllers are the perfect fit for your application. To be considered, submit a sample unit form for review. We’ll collaborate to determine the best device for your needs.
Environmental Monitoring & Control Case Studies
Agricultural Temperature & Humidity Control
Server Room Temperature Monitoring
Smart Greenhouse Automation System
Grain Handling Systems: Monitoring & Control
Smart Greenhouses & The Green Rush
7 Key Aspects of Server Room Monitoring and Control
Tailor-Made Solutions
At ControlByWeb, we’re happy to work with you to choose the right I/O for your application. If you’re looking for an environmental monitoring and control solution, to bring logical control to the edge, or to develop a personalized solution like white labelling, please contact us.
References
- Guinness World Records. (2023, February). How the world’s highest weather station was installed atop Everest. Guinness World Records. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2023/2/how-the-worlds-highest-weather-station-was-installed-atop-everest-738278