Four Key Indoor Environmental Parameters for Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated in resonse to the high standards expected from end users. Users now expect indoor air quality to be to at a high standard, and for the indoor environment to be comfortable.

Studies have shown that the quality of indoor environment impacts productivity and stress levels, meaning offices should be doing their utmost to make sure that this is achieved. However, it's not practical to measure every environmental parameter, of which there are hundreds. Instead, air conditioning systems and HVACs should focus on the four key indoor environmental parameters.

Four Key Environmental Parameters

Ambient Humidity and Temperature

One of the key environmental parameters in climate control systems is thermal comfort. What conditions make a person feel comfortable, when does a person feel discomfort, and at what point do conditions harm human health?

Relative temperature and humidity have a crucial role to play in this context, and therefore personal well-being can be enhanced by the use of temperature and humidity sensors.

Particulate Matter (PM2.5)

PM2.5 and PM10 are two air quality parameters that refer to particulate matter with particle diameters  up to 2.5 µm and 10 µm, respectively, and are amongst the most hazardous of air pollutants.

The small size of the PM2.5 particles enables them to travel deep into the human lung and cause various health issues; for example, by contributing to cardiovascular disease or triggering asthma attacks. Sensirion’s new PM2.5 sensor solution will enable the implementation of advanced air quality monitoring devices that prevent air pollution damage.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

The extensive use of new products and building materials has caused increased concentrations of indoor pollutants, especially volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

A number of these compounds are known to harm well-being and productivity; for instance, through headaches, dizziness, or eye irritation. Sensirion gas sensor solutions monitor these indoor air pollutants and thereby help manufacturers in the development of new HVAC and smart home applications.

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is an important indicator for indoor air quality. As a result of new energy standards and better insulation, houses have become increasingly energy-efficient, but the air quality can decline rapidly.

Active ventilation is required to maintain a healthy and comfortable indoor environment, and enhance the productivity and well-being of the occupants. Sensirion sensor solutions provide an accurate and stable monitoring of CO₂ in the air, as well as humidity and temperature.

This enables its customers to create new solutions that boost energy efficiency and simultaneously support the well-being of everyone.

Sensirion as a Complete Solutions Provider

With over 15 years of experience in the development and supply of environmental sensor solutions, Sensirion leads the leader in sensor technology innovation. It provides the sensor hardware and supports its customers during the design-in, the development of advanced algorithms and the industrialization right up to mass production.

Besides providing unmatched performance, it also concentrates on main characteristics such as ultra-low power consumption, size, completely calibrated digital output, and compatible supply voltages.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Sensirion Inc.

For more information on this source, please visit Sensirion Inc.