How Does a Humidity Sensor Work?
Quick Answer
Humidity sensors work by detecting changes that alter electrical currents or temperature in the air, according to Sensors Online. There are three basic types of humidity sensors: capacitive, resistive and thermal. All three types of sensors monitor minute changes in the atmosphere in order to calculate the humidity in the air.
Continue Reading
Full Answer
A capacitive humidity sensor measures relative humidity by placing a thin strip of metal oxide between two electrodes. The metal oxide's electrical capacity changes with the atmosphere's relative humidity. These types of sensors are used for weather, commercial and industrial applications.
Resistive humidity sensors utilize ions in salts to measure the electrical impedance of atoms. As humidity changes, so does the resistance of the electrodes on either side of the salt medium. State-of-the-art resistive humidity sensors use ceramics to overcome areas where condensation occurs.
Thermal conductivity sensors measure changes in heat to detect humidity. Two thermal sensors conduct electricity based upon the humidity of the surrounding air. One sensor is encased in dry nitrogen as a comparison to the other sensor which measures the ambient air. The difference between the two measures the humidity.
The reason these detection methods work is that humidity changes with air temperature, according to Tech-FAQ. Humidity sensors are vital to weather stations, industrial processes and HVAC systems.
Learn more about Weather & TidesRelated Questions
-
Q:
What Factors Affect the Temperature?
A: The factors that affect the temperature in an area are the latitude, height above sea level, distance from the sea, ocean currents and prevailing winds. Th... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Are the Different Types of Automobile Sensors?
A: Most cars have a throttle position sensor, manifold pressure sensor, engine coolant temperature sensor, mass air flow sensor, camshaft and crankshaft posit... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Are the Seven Weather Elements?
A: The seven weather elements are temperature, air pressure, cloud formation, humidity, precipitation, sunshine and wind velocity. These are the weather eleme... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Is Considered High Humidity?
A: High humidity is generally regarded as the dew point temperature being at or only a few degrees below the measured air temperature. Dew point is the temper... Full Answer >Filed Under:
