Gas Detector Storage Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochemical gas measuring devices with liquid electrolytes face sensitivity degradation and short storage times under harsh ambient conditions due to evaporation and changing properties, especially at varying humidity and temperature.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a temperature control system that uses a Peltier element or heat pump to maintain the electrochemical sensor at a predefined storage temperature, allowing for controlled cooling and heating to protect the electrolyte and ensure the sensor's operability, even under harsh conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the gas measuring device is stored under harsh ambient conditions (high temperature, low humidity), then the device can be kept at the location of use for immediate availability, but the electrolyte evaporates rapidly and sensor sensitivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device performs preliminary cooling of the electrochemical sensor before the device is needed for operation. By pre-cooling the sensor to a lower temperature (e.g., 5°C to 25°C below ambient), the electrolyte evaporation is slowed down during storage, preserving sensor sensitivity while allowing the device to be kept at the location of use for immediate availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temperature parameter of the electrochemical sensor during storage by actively cooling it to a lower temperature than ambient. This temperature parameter change reduces the vapor pressure of the electrolyte and slows down evaporation, thereby maintaining sensor reliability while the device remains accessible at the location of use.
2Reliability
If the gas measuring device is stored away from the location of use to avoid harsh ambient conditions, then sensor sensitivity is maintained, but response time increases when the device is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device performs preliminary heating of the electrochemical sensor before the device is removed for operation. By pre-heating the sensor to a higher temperature (e.g., 5°C to 25°C above ambient), the sensor reaches optimal operating temperature faster, reducing the warm-up time and response delay when the device is needed, while the device remains stored in a controlled environment that maintains sensitivity.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a liquid electrolyte with low vapor pressure is used to reduce evaporation, then storage time is extended, but ion conductivity and wetting properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the chemical composition of the electrolyte, the invention changes the temperature parameter of the electrochemical sensor during storage. By cooling the sensor to a lower temperature, the vapor pressure of the electrolyte is reduced, slowing down evaporation and extending storage time, while the electrolyte retains its original ion conductivity and wetting properties.
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
This solution extends the long-term operability of gas measuring devices by maintaining the electrochemical sensor's performance and reducing the need for frequent replacements, while allowing for cost-effective and energy-efficient storage and operation.
Implementation Method 1
the storage device has a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the electrochemical sensor
Implementation Method 2
A storage device with a temperature control system that uses a Peltier element or heat pump to maintain the electrochemical sensor at a predefined storage temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device (20) stores a gas measuring device (10). The gas measuring device (10) has at least one electrochemical sensor (11) for measuring the concentration of a gas. The storage device (20) has a temperature control device (21) for controlling the temperature of the electrochemical sensor (11). A system (40) includes such a storage device (20) and a gas measuring device (10) that is stored therein. The temperature control device (21) is arranged at the storage device (20) such that the temperature control device (21) is located opposite the electrochemical sensor (11) of the gas measuring device (10) during the temperature control. A process for storing a gas measuring device (10) in such a storage device (20) includes controlling the temperature of the electrochemical sensor (11) of the gas measuring device (10) by the temperature control device (21) during the storage.