The CO2 sensor along to the humidity sensors and temperature sensors belongs to the most important sensors that are used to ensure the quality of the air. The heavy industry was the first to become aware of the CO2 saturation in the working environment decades ago. Today CO2 sensors are mandatory in industry. Nowadays, the co2 sensor, such as Andivi’s indoor CO2 sensor ANDRACO2 or duct CO2 sensor ANDKACO2, has become a constant solution of new buildings. Heat pumps, air conditioners, ventilation systems, etc. are just some of the modern products that capture the measurements from the carbon dioxide sensor and adjust the recording to it. With this approach of implementing CO2 sensors as an industry standard, the working environment has improved significantly which means that working is safer and our living spaces more healthy. To sum up, the CO2 sensor helps us to live and work in the most optimal living and working conditions possible.
1. What is a CO2 sensor and what purposes is it used for?
Andivi’s CO2 sensor is available in several variants. The first variant which is used inside the room is the indoor CO2 sensor ANDRACO2 (wall mounted) and the second variant is duct CO2 sensor ANDKACO2 (duct mounted). The biggest difference between the sensors is in the housing since the housings have different protection classes. The indoor sensors are less resilient and therefore their housings have IP20 protection class, while the external sensors are exposed to a variety of weather conditions, so their housing is protected by IP65 protection class.
A CO2 sensor is also used in our homes alongside industry. Room ventilation systems, cooling or heating devices and any other new and modern energy-saving systems use many different sensors. Among the other sensors, even CO2 sensors are used to automatically control the air quality in the rooms. Today’s modern systems create the best possible environment and air quality for us with the help of the latest technology. A lot of new systems can be controlled remotely. Some of them have that function integrated but on the other hand, we can also make them smart with a custom web building management system. Waking up in the morning in the good air means that during the day we will have more energy and strength that will allow us to make the correct decisions easier.
The air conditioner or heat pump etc. is a unique product and they differ greatly in characteristics between them. With the implemented CO2 sensor we took the performance of those systems to a higher level since they are completely adapted to the received sensor measurements of the CO2. Our CO2 sensor allows you to define a different measuring range with an integrated DIP switch. Indoor CO2 sensor ANDRACO2 and duct CO2 sensor ANDKACO2 allow to set the measuring range from 0 to 2000 ppm (parts per million molecules) or from 0 to 5000 ppm (particles per million molecules). The output signal of both sensors are standard and are 0-10V or 4-20mA. Our CO2 sensors are also designed to meet all industry standards. They can also be integrated into custom solutions, e.g. a comprehensive Central Control System and the most importantly, all our sensors, including CO2 sensors, are fully compatible with all third-party products.
2. How to measure the level of CO2 in the air using a CO2 sensor?
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a common gas that is present in our atmosphere. The mixture of gases in our is measured by a standardized unit PPM which means particles per million molecules. If one million molecules were captured from dry atmospheric air they will have approximately the following number of molecules:
- 780,840 molecules of Nitrogen = 78.08%
- 460 molecules of Oxygen = 20.90%
- 93,400 molecules of Argon = 0.93%
- 400 molecules of Carbon Dioxide = 0.04%
- There are also some molecules of Methane, Helium, Hydrogen, etc.
You are probably wondering what is the human-friendly CO2 concentration and what are the best possible working and living conditions? The measurement of CO2 can be divided into the following stages:
- 250 to 400 PPM = Standard CO2 concentration in our atmosphere.
- 400 to 1,000 PPM = Concentration in occupied indoor areas (offices, living rooms,…) with good ventilation.
- 1,000 to 2,000 PPM = People start complaining about bad air and drowsiness.
- from 2,000 to 5,000 PPM = Drowsiness, headaches, suffocated air, stagnation, loss of attention, poor concentration, slight nausea and also increased heart rate.
- 5,000 PPM = Represents the occupational exposure limit in most European countries (8 working hours).
- more than 40,000 ppm = Exposure to such extremely bad air causes severe oxygen deficiency, which can lead to permanent brain damage, coma or even death.
A CO2 sensor is therefore indispensable for controlling air quality. Companies with advance technology have had put a lot of their time, effort and money to their top-class infrastructure and creation of custom Central Control System. Those systems automatically manage several different components simultaneously, like for example with the measurements from the CO2 sensor Central Control System can automatically activate ventilation devices, open ventilation flaps, open or close windows, control air conditioning, and therefore prevent the air in the room from deteriorating so much that it is hazardous to humans.
In general, CO2 sensors provide additional security for the best possible air quality in our working or living areas. With implementation of our sensors, indoor CO2 sensor ANDRACO2 and duct CO2 sensor ANDKACO2, you will have the best possible air quality. We would also like to mention that even upgrading the existing system is a possibility. All our products are compatible with any 3rd party system, brand, product. With the implementation of the CO2 sensor, you will undoubtedly increase the productivity of your company. The employees will feel better which leads to better productivity and better business results.
3. CO2 sensor integrated in Central Control System – Case Study Kindergarten Kamnitnik
The Central Control System or Web Building Management System is actually a control unit, or in other words, the brain of an automaton that fully controls all processes and functions of different systems. A comprehensive Central Control System can control the following devices: air-conditioning systems, lighting systems, windows and blinds, ventilation systems, heat pumps and stations, machine houses, etc. Alongside the CO2 sensors, there can also be installed temperature sensors, humidity sensors, pressure sensors,… To understand the CCS better we would like to present you with the case study of kindergarten Kamnitnik.
Kindergarten Kamnitnik – Case Study
With the cooperation of Menerga d.o.o. company we have jointly developed a comprehensive solution for their Central Control System. This system allows efficient management, regulation, and control of the entire building. The entire system can be reached with a computer, tablet or mobile phone remotely. The manager can always manually adjust the settings of the system, check the current status of the devices, monitor and regulate temperature, CO2 content,… This remote information and access give them the opportunity to ensure that every kindergarten room is optimized for the best living conditions (optimal temperature, optimal air quality,…). Kamnitnik kindergarten is also fully automated. The CCS itself can make smart decisions at the right time and regulate all the systems even without the control of a human.
Kindergarten Kamnitnik
Modern Kindergarten Kamnitnik
The CO2 sensor in conjunction with Central Control System thus helps to reduce building management costs, save energy and provide the ability to operate the system remotely, allow nonstop upgrades and extensions which can be expanded or integrated at any time.
Comprehensive Central Control System is intended for anyone who is aware of the importance of energy efficiency. This applies even for small projects and households as well as large projects and industrial buildings. Technology has allowed us to make these seemingly unimaginable and expensive solutions a permanent feature in our homes.
