Build smarter demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) systems with Winsen NDIR and photoacoustic CO₂ sensor modules. Support occupancy-responsive ventilation strategies, VAV control systems and building automation equipment with reliable environmental measurement inputs.
Measure indoor CO₂ concentrations to inform ventilation demand.
Adapt HVAC operation to changing building use and occupancy conditions.
Support ventilation strategies that avoid unnecessary overventilation.
Choose embedded NDIR or PAS CO₂ modules for HVAC controllers.
Demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) is a ventilation control strategy that adjusts outdoor-air delivery according to changing ventilation needs. In suitable occupied spaces, indoor CO₂ measurements can provide useful information for determining how ventilation demand changes over time.
Offices, classrooms, conference rooms and multipurpose spaces may have very different occupancy levels throughout the day. A fixed ventilation schedule does not always reflect these changes.
CO₂ sensors provide a continuously measurable input that can be used in occupancy-responsive ventilation algorithms. For equipment manufacturers, sensor stability, measurement range, response characteristics and electrical integration are important selection factors.
CO₂ levels can reflect the balance between indoor CO₂ generation and outdoor-air ventilation under suitable operating conditions.
Consistent CO₂ measurement supports repeatable control decisions over changing operating conditions.
Embedded CO₂ modules provide digital or model-specific outputs for integration into HVAC electronics.
Temperature-related effects and other operating conditions should be considered during sensor and controller design.
Sensor calibration, drift management and maintenance planning help support dependable long-term ventilation monitoring.
Winsen provides both NDIR and photoacoustic CO₂ options for different embedded HVAC monitoring designs.
Winsen CO₂ sensor modules provide concentration measurements to the host controller. The HVAC manufacturer or system integrator defines control algorithms and how ventilation equipment responds to changing measured conditions.
The sensor measures indoor CO₂ concentration at the designated sampling location.
The controller evaluates concentration changes against the programmed ventilation strategy.
The HVAC system adjusts compatible fans, outdoor-air dampers or airflow control equipment as designed.
Updated measurements provide feedback for ongoing control and system monitoring.
Conventional fixed-airflow operation and demand-controlled ventilation use different control strategies. DCV can help reduce unnecessary ventilation when demand is lower, while still requiring the system to meet its applicable outdoor-air and indoor environmental requirements.
Ventilation may operate at a predefined airflow or according to a fixed operating schedule.
Ventilation airflow is adjusted according to suitable demand indicators and programmed building control requirements.
Winsen offers NDIR and photoacoustic CO₂ sensor modules for embedded indoor environmental monitoring and ventilation controller applications. Select the appropriate module according to range, size, electrical interface and system requirements.
Compact NDIR CO₂ module for indoor environmental monitoring, HVAC controllers and ventilation demand sensing applications.
NDIR carbon dioxide sensor with temperature compensation and UART/PWM output options for ventilation and HVAC monitoring equipment.
H101-CO2-Z8S-U-40kP photoacoustic CO₂ sensor for compact embedded environmental monitoring and ventilation controller designs.
DCV equipment may also require temperature and relative humidity measurements for indoor climate monitoring or other HVAC control functions. ZS13A offers calibrated digital temperature and humidity sensing with a standard I²C output.
Both non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) and photoacoustic sensing (PAS) can be used for CO₂ measurement. The choice should be based on actual module specifications and the requirements of the target HVAC product.
| Selection Item | MH-Z1911A | MH-Z19E | PAS CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detection Principle | NDIR | NDIR | Photoacoustic (PAS) |
| Target | CO₂ | CO₂ | CO₂ |
| Detection Range | 400–10000 ppm optional | 400–10000 ppm optional | 400–5000 ppm, expandable to 40000 ppm |
| Output | UART / PWM | UART / PWM | UART (TTL 3.3 V) |
| Dimensions | 32.9 × 19.7 × 8.6 mm | 32.9 × 19.7 × 8.6 mm | 20 × 15 × 7.8 mm |
| Typical Selection Direction | Embedded HVAC and room CO₂ monitoring | HVAC and ventilation controller platforms | Compact CO₂ monitoring electronics |
| Product Details | View MH-Z1911A → | View MH-Z19E → | View PAS CO₂ → |
Demand-controlled ventilation is particularly relevant where occupancy and ventilation requirements change during the day. Winsen CO₂ modules can be evaluated as sensing components within suitable HVAC and building automation products.
CO₂ monitoring provides data for ventilation strategies in spaces with intermittent and changing occupancy.
Integrate CO₂ sensing into office HVAC control equipment for ventilation demand evaluation.
Indoor CO₂ monitoring can support classroom ventilation control, subject to applicable building requirements.
Monitor CO₂ in spaces with scheduled sessions and varying occupancy throughout the day.
Environmental sensing can provide useful inputs for ventilation control where building occupancy varies.
Integrate embedded CO₂ sensors into control electronics for compatible variable-air-volume and building ventilation systems.
Developing a CO₂-based ventilation controller involves sensor selection, signal processing, environmental measurement and appropriate HVAC control design.
Select a sampling location that represents the intended monitored zone. Avoid assuming that every duct or room position provides identical readings.
Indoor CO₂ interpretation may require consideration of outdoor background concentration and changes in building operating conditions.
Consider warm-up time, measurement response and signal filtering when implementing controller algorithms.
Follow model-specific calibration recommendations and consider the actual exposure environment throughout the product lifetime.
Demand-controlled operation must maintain the applicable ventilation requirements even during periods of low measured demand.
Define suitable responses to sensor faults, communication interruptions and abnormal measurements at the equipment-controller level.
Winsen provides sensors for CO₂-based ventilation control and a wider range of HVAC, fresh-air and indoor air quality monitoring applications.
Common questions about CO₂-based ventilation control, NDIR and photoacoustic sensors, VAV applications and HVAC OEM integration.
Demand-controlled ventilation is a control strategy that adjusts outdoor-air ventilation according to changing demand. CO₂ concentration is one possible input for occupancy-responsive ventilation strategies.
CO₂ measurements can provide useful information about changes in ventilation demand in occupied spaces. A compatible controller interprets these measurements together with other system and building inputs.
No. A CO₂ sensor measures carbon dioxide concentration, not the exact number of occupants. CO₂ measurements may be used to infer changes in ventilation demand under suitable conditions.
No. A single CO₂ concentration value does not determine ventilation compliance for every building. The relevant ventilation requirements and control criteria depend on building use and design.
NDIR sensors use infrared absorption to measure CO₂, while photoacoustic sensors detect an acoustic response associated with absorbed modulated light. Model selection should consider the required range, size, output and overall measurement specifications.
Winsen's embedded CO₂ modules provide model-specific electrical interfaces. Building Management System communication may be implemented through a compatible HVAC controller or gateway. Native BACnet or Modbus should not be assumed for the sensor module.
CO₂ measurements can serve as inputs to compatible Variable Air Volume (VAV) and HVAC control strategies. The VAV system controller implements airflow regulation and required ventilation limits.
DCV may reduce unnecessary ventilation and associated conditioning loads when appropriately designed. Actual energy performance depends on occupancy patterns, climate, system operation and required outdoor-air rates.
Winsen provides NDIR and photoacoustic CO₂ sensor modules and supports model selection, electrical interface discussions and application-level technical communication for equipment manufacturers.
Tell us your HVAC or ventilation controller application, required CO₂ measurement range, module dimensions, electrical interface and operating conditions. Winsen can help evaluate suitable NDIR and PAS CO₂ sensor options for your OEM development project.
