Moisture and humidity sensors
Humidity sensors monitor and measure the humidity
thatisin the ar
Humidity sensors normally use capacitive measurement
both the moisture and temperature in the air. The
percentage of moisture present in the ar at a certain
temperatures expressed as the level of humidity.
This type of measurement uses two electrical conductors
Bi that have a non-conductive film separating them.
Moisture collects on the film and changes the level
of voltage between the electrical conductors. The
measurement of the change in voltage is converted into a
measurement of humidity.
Humidity sensors can be used both in the home and
the workplace to monitor and control humidity levels,
including:
+ Wine cellars. The humidity level in the atmosphere of
a wine cellars very important. Too much or too little
humidity can cause the wine to spoil. The humility level
needs to be kept at a constant and correct level in order
to keep the wine at its best.
+ Meteorological stations, They are used to help monitor
and predict weather conditions by measuring humidity
levels
+ Controlling allergies. An atmosphere that is high in
humidity can encourage the growth of bacteria and
mould. This can trigger allergies. Humicity sensors can
be used to monitor and control the level of humidity in
aroom.
+ Manufacturing, In the manufacturing of many products
the level of moisture in the atmospheres very
important. IF humidity is too high or too low it could
adversely aflect the product:
+ Agriculture and farming. Humidity and moisture
sensors can be used to prow and farm crops in the best
conditions possible. By monitoring and controling
the conditions in which the crops are grown, the most
perfect conditions can be created, producing the best
crops. The level of moisture in the sil can be kept
constant to help the crops grow.
‘Temperature sensors
Temperature sensors monitor and measure the
temperature of an environment. They do this by
measuring how much heat is present. Temperature
sensors are used in a great number of control
systems, many of them in our home appliances. These
include:
+ Washing machine and dishwasher. A temperature
sensor is used in a washing machine and a dishwasher
tomeasure the temperature ofthe water. A
microprocessor in the washing machine or dishwasher
will receive the data sent by the temperature sensor and
can trigger an action to heat up or cool down the water
ifnecessary,
+ Dryer. temperature sensors used in a dryer to
measure the temperature of the hot ar flowing into the
dyer. A microprocessor in the dryer will receive the data
sent by the temperature sensor and can trigger an action
toheat up or cool down the airif necessary.
+ Refrigerator and freezer. Aternperature sensor is used
ina refrigerator or freezer to measure the ambient
temperature inside. A microprocessor in the refrigerator
or freezer will receive the data sentby the temperature
‘sensor and can trigger an action to heat up or cool down
the air ifnecessary.
TASK
Canyou think of any ather appliancesin your home that
‘may use a temperature sensors part of a monitoring
‘and control system?
Light sensors
Light sensors monitor and measure light. There are
different types of light sensor and they measure light in
different ways. The most common type of light sensor is a
photoresistor. This type of light sensor will change
its resistance when light shines on and is normally used
to measure the intensity of light. This is important in