Session: VIB-06-01 MEMS, NEMS and Control of Vibration, Shock and Noise

Paper Number: 74847

Start Time: August 19, 11:10 AM

74847 - Exploring the Influence of Temperature and Humidity on a Resonant Mass Co2 Sensor for Buildings 

With an increase in understanding of how carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels affect indoor air quality (IAQ), there is a growing need for reputable and capable forms of indoor CO₂ measurement. Several different forms of CO₂ sensors have successfully been presented to date, such as non-dispersive infrared (NDIR), photoacoustic, electroacoustic, and electrochemical sensors; however, few of these are suitable for precision tasks while remaining low-cost and low-power. In recent years, there has been a progressive increase in understanding of the use of small-scale resonant gas sensors, creating a low-cost, low-power, alternative to these previously mentioned technologies. Such sensors utilize small-scale resonators, functionalized to have a chemical affinity for select gas analytes. This attraction induces a change in the resonant frequency of the device, which indicates the presence of the analyte.

This work presents research on a resonant mass CO₂ sensor, functionalized with a blend of (poly)ethylenimine (PEI) and (poly)ethylene oxide (PEO). For relevance in IAQ monitoring and building applications, a variety of testing scenarios are required. Among these, a comprehensive understanding of how temperature and humidity affect sensor behavior is non-negotiable as modern building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are capable of managing a vast array of environmental conditions. Thus, the resonant mass sensors presented herein were exposed to an array of temperatures and relative humidity conditions that simulate a building environment.

Presenting Author: Zachary Siefker Purdue University

Authors:

Abhi Boyina Purdue University
Eugenio Frias Miranda Purdue University
Zachary Siefker Purdue University
John Hodul Purdue University
Bryan Boudouris Purdue University
George Chiu Purdue University
James Braun Purdue University
Jeffrey F. Rhoads Purdue University