09,18,2026 11 views
Are all CO2 sensors the same?
We have seen that optimized ventilation systems can improve health conditions, increase productivity, and reduce energy consumption, while optimizing DCV systems requires accurate CO2 sensors. In this regard, you need to recognize that the quality of sensors on the market varies and not all are the same.
To accurately measure CO2, you need high-quality sensors, otherwise the measurement results will drift over time, resulting in inaccurate measurement results. Low cost sensors do not have reference measurements, but instead use a method called automatic background calibration. This method uses software algorithms instead of real reference measurements to deal with drift.
Automatic background calibration is not only based on assumed correction factors, but also has other issues. It is based on the assumption that low CO2 values will be regularly recorded. This low value is assumed to be 400 ppm - this is the global average atmospheric CO2 concentration from a few years ago. Unfortunately, this method is only applicable to buildings with very stable ventilation rates and high predictability of personnel flow, and is not suitable for buildings with people living around the clock. Therefore, relying on automatic calibration of standard CO2 sensors may affect their accuracy, leading to low ventilation efficiency and poor indoor air quality.
Using Vaisala Carbocap technology to create excellent performance:
If you are looking for precise and stable CO2 sensors in the market, sensors using Vaisala Carbocap technology are all capable and offer multiple advantages.
Its main features include:
1. Built in reference measurement based on proprietary infrared filters, ensuring good accuracy and long-term stability
2. Temperature and pressure compensation to ensure reliable readings in both indoor and outdoor environments
3. Micro glow light source technology can reduce energy consumption and extend the lifespan of sensors to over 15 years
4. Lower self heating to protect adjacent sensors (such as humidity and temperature sensors) from common sources of error
5. The protective cover can maintain accuracy and stability even under harsh conditions of high humidity or dust
The Vaisala Carbocap sensor is a precision solution that can also promote intelligent building automation by supporting digital twin technology - a technology that utilizes real-time CO2 data to accurately simulate building performance. These systems can predict airflow patterns, identify areas of interest, and provide improvement suggestions before making actual modifications.
Please note that even good sensors require regular calibration, and Vaisala provides calibration services in all directions. Vaisala has also released complete accuracy and performance specifications.
Building a healthier and more sustainable future:
The close relationship between carbon dioxide, indoor air quality, productivity, and perceived health is now beyond doubt. When evaluating the air quality and ventilation inside buildings, there are various data available, but CO2 measurement technology is mature and reliable.
As we spend more and more time indoors, the environmental challenges we face become increasingly severe, making it increasingly important to maintain a healthy indoor environment while reducing energy consumption. Accurate CO2 measurement provides the necessary data to achieve this balance. By investing in reliable measurement solutions, building operators can create healthier and more efficient spaces while achieving sustainable development goals, which is a great combination for both residents and operators.
