Environmental conditions have a major impact on our well-being, comfort, and productivity. Air quality in particular plays a key role for human health and the environment. Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can cause respiratory diseases and lead to chronic cardiovascular diseases or cancer.
Humans breathe out carbon dioxide (CO₂) and breathe in oxygen (O₂). Poor ventilation can cause CO₂ levels to rise rapidly in occupied spaces, possibly exceeding unhealthy limit values (over 2,000 ppm). Indoor air pollution is exacerbated by microscopic particles that enter from outdoors, originating from vehicles, industrial or forest fires. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), emitted during various activities and often partially harmful to both humans and the environment, are ubiquitous. A particularly harmful volatile organic compound is formaldehyde (HCHO), which can cause eye irritation and even cancer in high concentrations. Moreover, nitrogen oxides (NOx), primarily generated during combustion processes in vehicles or ovens, can harm the human respiratory system when present in high concentrations.
It is, therefore, essential to monitor and improve air quality. Accurately assessing air quality, however, demands a comprehensive, multifaceted approach. Since the detection of CO₂, particulate matter or VOCs varies greatly due to the differing physical and chemical properties of these pollutants.
Multifunctional sensor platform
SEN6x from Sensirion combines multiple sensor technologies in one compact package and can measure up to nine environmental parameters – particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM4, and PM10), humidity (relative humidity, RH), temperature (T), VOC index, NOx index, CO₂, or HCHO (Fig. 1). The humidity and temperature components provide precise measured values for a healthy and pleasant indoor climate. Additionally, integrated compensation mechanisms help offset temperature and humidity fluctuations that impact the measuring accuracy.
SCD4x in SEN6x utilizes a sensor that combines the principles of photoacoustic spectroscopy and NDIR techniques (non-dispersive infrared sensor) to monitor CO2 values. The VOX and NOx values are measured using a metal-oxide gas sensor element (MOX). An electrochemical sensor is used to detect the formaldehyde values. These various elements enable the prompt initiation of air purification measures, such as demand-driven ventilation control, to ensure safe and efficient air quality management.
At the core of the platform is the particulate matter sensing component SPS6x. It integrates all the necessary building blocks for measuring PM1, PM2.5, PM4, and PM10. The measurement of particulate matter relies on light scattering, i.e. when particles in the air pass through the beam of an integrated laser, the light is scattered, which is then captured by photodetectors. Onboard algorithms analyze the scattered light to determine the size distribution and mass concentration of the particles. Thanks to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), no external processing is needed, and SPS6x provides fully processed values through I²C communication.
Due to the combination of sensors, compensation algorithms, and acceleration motors, the combined module is ready for immediate use. Opting for SEN6x saves development time and costs, resulting in a short time-to-market with simplified development processes.
Further, the design of SEN6x complies with leading IAQ standards, such as Reset, Well Building Standard, and California Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency. As such, the sensor can be simply integrated into smart building projects. SEN6x provides a detailed insight into air quality parameters, thereby enabling a better understanding and control of the indoor climate. This maximizes the potential of air quality monitoring for use in smart building management.
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