Dew Point Sensor Using Galvanic Current Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dew point measurement methods are either bulky due to the need for optical systems or lack responsiveness in humidity measurement, making them inconvenient and less accurate.
Innovation Solution
A dew point measuring device with a water droplet sensor featuring thin wires of dissimilar metals on an insulating substrate, which detects dew condensation by controlling temperature and supplying measuring gases, allowing for direct dew point measurement without optical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a relative humidity sensor is used to measure humidity and calculate dew point, then the measurement is easy to perform, but the time responsiveness is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional humidity sensing mechanism (capacitance change due to moisture absorption) with a direct condensation detection mechanism using a mirror surface. Instead of measuring humidity indirectly through material absorption, the system directly detects the physical phenomenon of dew condensation forming on the cooled mirror surface, achieving both ease of measurement and fast response.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the phase transition of water vapor to liquid water (condensation) as the core detection mechanism. By cooling the mirror surface below the dew point temperature, water vapor in the air condenses into liquid droplets on the mirror surface, and this phase change is detected optically to determine the dew point.
2Measurement precision
If an optical system is incorporated to directly detect dew condensation, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the device becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes only the essential optical component (mirror surface) needed for condensation detection, eliminating the need for complex optical systems. The mirror serves dual purposes: as the cooling surface for condensation and as the reflective surface for optical detection, thereby achieving accurate dew point measurement without increasing device bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror surface performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the cooling surface where dew condensation occurs, the surface upon which condensation is detected, and the reflective element for optical measurement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, keeping the device compact while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables compact, high-sensitivity dew point measurement with improved accuracy and responsiveness, capable of detecting dew points in low humidity environments and achieving fast measurement times.
Implementation Method 1
dew condensation is allowed to be actually generated by changing the temperature, and this dew condensation itself is detected
Implementation Method 2
water droplet sensor for detecting that a water droplet is attached between thin wires of dissimilar metals
Implementation Method 3
temperature control means for controlling a temperature of the water droplet sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to realize a dew point measurement in which the generation of dew condensation is directly detected and the detection can be performed without using any optical system. In particular, the purpose of the present invention is to realize a dew point measuring device that is compact and has a high sensitivity. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a sudden change in current values before and after the dew point is detected by detecting the dew condensation to detect a galvanic current that flows due to a water droplet attached onto a surface of an insulating substrate on which thin wires of dissimilar metals are juxtaposed, and by controlling the temperature on the surface of the substrate. In this way, the dew point measurement in which the dew point can be directly measured and a measurement with simple configuration and high accuracy can be performed can be realized.