Enhancing Automotive Comfort: Winsen Innovative Gas Sensors for Air Quality

It is generally accepted internationally that air pollution in cars is one of the major air pollution problems that endangers human health after indoor furniture, decoration pollution, and atmospheric environment (PM2.5) pollution. The World Health Organization even lists it as one of the top ten threats to human health along with hypertension and AIDS.

Sources of odor and air pollution in cars

（Main sources of air pollution inside modern cars）

1. Vehicle decoration

Various harmful gases such as formaldehyde, benzene, toluene and TVOC are emitted from car interiors and floor coverings, later decorative accessories, as well as seats, steering wheels, pipeline, etc. The harmful gas release is especially significant with new cars and can last several months or years. This problem commonly exists in the automotive industry including high-end cars which may have more components increasing the pollutant source.

2. Engine Exhaust gas

The gasoline smell and carbon monoxide produced by the engine, exhaust gas from exterior will reduce the air quality in the car.

3. Pollutant from Human

The gas exhaled by people includes carbon dioxide, breath smell gathered in the limited space for long time will reduce the air quality. In addition, all kinds of food, dirt left, and pet smell in the car will also cause air pollution.

4. Internal circulation of Air conditioner

Many car owners are accustomed to setting the air conditioner to circulate internally at all times. When the windows are closed, the pollutant gases emitted from the interior remain in the closed space and increase in short time.

Realizing the impact of air pollution in the vehicle

In early back to twenty years ago, some governments and associations have found the impact of air pollution in the vehicles, issued standards to regulate the pollutant levels, and gradually updated the detecting methods of pollutants in the countries of America, Japan, German, Korea, Russia, Australia. Some vehicle suppliers have added air purification devices in the cars to break down harmful gases to carbon dioxide and water; air sterilization devices are installed to kill the virus for a healthy space; some high-end cars are equipped with AQS air quality sensor for automatic detection and circulation control.

Winsen Automotive Comfort Product Line: Air Quality Sensor Solutions

Winsen, a renowned leader in sensor technology, has developed a comprehensive product line dedicated to enhancing automotive comfort. By incorporating cutting-edge technologies, such as Air Quality Sensor (AQS), Carbon Dioxide Sensor (CO2),  PM2.5 Single/Dual Channel Laser Dust Sensor, and All-in-one Air Quality Sensor, Winsen offers diversified solutions that can be widely utilized in both traditional and new energy vehicles. 

Air Quality Sensor (AQS)

ZM102 AQS module is a low-power, miniaturized, digital module to detect harmful gases of exhaust coming from exterior circulation and ventilation including CO/HC, NOx, and NH3. It can be used for automotive air conditioning to detect air pollution levels inside and outside the automotive environment in real time.

The module uses MOS semiconductor gas sensors, MEMS manufacturing processes, and high-performance microprocessors with features of high sensitivity, stable and reliable performance, ultra-low power consumption, anti-electromagnetic interference, etc.

Integrated with vehicle ventilation systems for optimal air circulation and purification. Through real-time monitoring and intelligent control of circulation, the system also helps to achieve optimal energy save.

Target:	CO/HC、NOx、NH3
Model:	ZM102
Detection principle:	Semiconductor, MEMS technology
Characteristics:	low power consumption, miniaturized module, Intelligent Algorithm, for vehicle HVAC, air ventilation
Notes:	IATF16949 compliant

Carbon Dioxide Sensor (CO2)

MH-V1512A is a general purpose, miniaturized sensor that uses non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) principle to detect CO2 in the car. It has good selectivity, high sensitivity, low power consumption, no oxygen dependence, long life and other characteristics. It’s designed used to monitor the CO2 concentration in the car and integrated with circulation system to avoid fatigue driving, headache, and dizzy experience caused by elevated CO2 level which helps to avoid safety accidents and create a comfortable space for drivers and passengers.

Target:	CO2
Model:	MH-V1512A
Detection range:	400~10000ppm optional
Detection principle:	non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) principle
Characteristics:	Lin interface. Extremely low power consumption, excellent for for in-car air quality, vehicle HVAC and ventilation.
Size:	33.02x22x9.33mm (LxWxH)
Working conditions:	DC(5.0±0.1)V
Measurement range:	400～5000 ppm 400～10000ppm
Resolution and accuracy:	1ppm±(50ppm+5% reading value)
Response time:	T90 < 60s
Notes:	IATF16949 compliant

Single/Dual Channel Laser  PM Dust Sensor

ZH30/ZH32 use laser principle to accurately detect dust particles from 0.3 to 10um inside/outside the vehicle in real time. It is processed through professional algorithms and calibration detection processes, and has good consistency and stability. It can output CAN or LIN signals according to customization request. More features of low power consumption, low noise, small size, and easy to integrate. There are single channel type ZH30 and dual channel type ZH32 to choose. The sensor can be integrated with air filtration systems to ensure clean cabin air and promote respiratory health and overall comfort.

Target:	PM1.0,PM2.5,PM10
Model:	ZH30/ZH32
Detection range:	0-1000μg/m³
Detection principle:	Mie scattering principle
Characteristics:	Lin interface, good accuracy and real time response; 0.3µm Minus resolution. For automotive air conditioner, in-vehicle air quality
Size:	74.6×53×27mm(L×W×H)
Notes:	IATF16949 compliant

All-in-one Air Quality Sensor

ZMHS10 is an integrated, miniaturized sensor module used in automotive air conditioners to simultaneously detect and output PM2.5, CO2, AQS (CO, NOx, NH3), temperature, relative humidity and other parameters. It uses cutting-edge manufacturing technology, high-performance microprocessor, and integrates the functions of a variety of sensors to detect the composite air quality of the internal and external environment of the vehicle and make comprehensive judgments. ZMHS10 is excellent choice to achieve centralized air quality monitoring and intelligent control for simplified and pleasant user experience.

Target:	PM2.5, CO2, AQS, Temperature and humidity
Model:	ZMHS10
Detection range:	PM2.5：0～1000μg/m³ CO2：400～10000ppm AQS：CO: 1～5000ppm, NOx: 0～10ppm, NH3: 1～300ppm Temperature：-40～125℃ Humidity：0～100%RH
Detection principle:	Mie scattering principle, NDIR, MOS, Temperature sensing circuit, humidity sensing material and so on
Output signal:	CAN/LIN（Customizable）
Response time:	T90＜15s
Notes:	IATF16949 compliant

Winsen has been awarded with IATF16949 for it automotive sensor products. Its air quality product line revolutionizes the automotive industry by providing intelligent monitoring and ensuring a healthier and more comfortable environment for passengers. By integrating these sensors into vehicles, Winsen contributes to the well-being and satisfaction of passengers, making every journey a pleasant and enjoyable experience.