Benefits of virtual sensors for air quality monitoring in humid conditions
Guillem Domènech-Gil, Donatella Puglisi
Abstract
The gas sensing mechanisms, response, and behaviour of a real and a virtual solid-state chemical gas sensor operating either in static or in dynamic mode have been compared. The analysis was done by exposing simultaneously both sensors to different concentrations of various volatile organic compounds diluted in dry, as well as humid, synthetic air. The results revealed similar responses and behaviours for both types of measurement modes when the sensors were exposed towards single gas compounds, but a sensitivity enhancement in measurements comprising mixtures of gases when the sensors were operated in dynamic mode. The method used is able to overcome surface saturation problems and is beneficial for applications where mixtures of gases diluted in relative humidity are present.