Design of a Calibration System for Miniature Carbon Dioxide Sensors

Mengna Li, Heming Hu, Jing Zhang

Abstract

Anthropogenic activities such as combustion of fossil fuel and changes in land use release carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere which impacts climate. Cities, with high energy consumption, are main emitters of CO2 .Therefore, acquiring the concentration and movement of CO2 in cities is the key to the mitigation of CO2 emission and the implementation of policies designed for climate change adaption. To quantify the CO2 emission from cities and investigate its contribution to the regional carbon budget, it is necessary to employ a multi-point observation method. The miniature non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor, which is inexpensive, stable and can provide with high spatial and temporal resolution data, is preferable. However, the emission status of CO2 can not be well researched without high-quality observed data. It is important to correct the sensors’ outputs to enhance the accuracy. Focusing on this, we develop a calibration system of the NDIR CO2 sensors (Senseair K30). A theoretical transmission model is established based on the Beer-Lambert law. Observed signals of K30 sensor and high-precision Picarro CO2 analyzer are recorded, along with temperature and pressure obtained by BME sensor, and then theoretical transmission using the experimentally observed variations is calculated. Finally, the theoretical transmission is fitted to the experimental data using a polynomial function, and a reasonable correction formula is established. In this study, we explore the measurement principle of NDIR sensors and develope a feasible methodology for the calibration of miniature CO2 sensors. This paper provides a reference for improving the accuracy of miniature CO2 sensors, which is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the CO2 emission status.

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IMEKO TC

TC9 - Flow Measurement

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