Temperature and Humidity Sensors in Building Management Systems

Introduction

Temperature and humidity sensors are essential components of building management systems (BMS). They play a critical role in controlling the indoor environment, ensuring comfort, energy efficiency, and safety. BMS temperature and relative humidity sensor collect data on the indoor environment and send it to a central controller. The controller then uses this data to adjust the HVAC system and other building systems to maintain the desired temperature and humidity levels.

Benefits of using temperature and humidity sensors in BMS

There are many benefits to using temperature and humidity sensors in BMS, including:

• Improved comfort: Temperature and humidity sensors help to ensure that the indoor environment is comfortable for occupants. By monitoring and adjusting the temperature and humidity levels, BMS can help to reduce complaints about discomfort and improve employee productivity.
• Energy savings: Temperature and humidity sensors can help to reduce energy consumption by optimizing the operation of the HVAC system. For example, BMS can use temperature and humidity data to determine when to turn on and off the HVAC system, and to adjust the setpoint temperatures.
• Improved safety: Temperature and humidity sensors can also help to improve safety by detecting and responding to potential hazards. For example, BMS can use temperature and humidity data to detect fire, smoke, and mold.

Types of temperature and humidity sensors

There are many different types of temperature and humidity sensors available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common types of sensors used in BMS include:

• Resistive temperature detectors (RTDs): RTDs are temperature sensors that measure the electrical resistance of a metal wire as the temperature changes. RTDs are highly accurate and reliable, but they can be expensive.
• Thermistors: Thermistors are temperature sensors that measure the electrical resistance of a semiconductor material as the temperature changes. Thermistors are less expensive than RTDs, but they are not as accurate or reliable.
• Capacitive humidity sensors: Capacitive humidity sensors measure the change in capacitance of a material as the humidity changes. Capacitive humidity sensors are accurate and reliable, but they can be sensitive to dust and other contaminants.
• Psychrometric sensors: Psychrometric sensors measure the temperature and humidity of the air using two thermometers. One thermometer is dry, and the other thermometer is wet. The difference in temperature between the two thermometers is used to calculate the humidity. Psychrometric sensors are accurate and reliable, but they can be expensive and difficult to maintain.

Selecting temperature and humidity sensors for BMS

When selecting temperature and humidity sensors for BMS, there are a number of factors to consider, including:

• Accuracy and reliability: The sensors should be accurate and reliable enough to meet the needs of the application.
• Range: The sensors should have a range that covers the temperatures and humidity levels that are expected to be encountered in the application.
• Response time: The sensors should have a response time that is fast enough to meet the needs of the application.
• Environmental conditions: The sensors should be able to withstand the environmental conditions of the application, such as temperature, humidity, and vibration.
• Cost: The sensors should be affordable within the budget for the project.

Installing and maintaining temperature and humidity sensors

Temperature and humidity sensors should be installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. It is important to install the sensors in locations where they will provide accurate readings and where they are not susceptible to damage. The sensors should also be calibrated regularly to ensure that they are providing accurate readings.

Case studies

The following are two case studies that illustrate the benefits of using temperature and humidity sensors in BMS:

• Case study 1: A large office building was experiencing high energy consumption and complaints about discomfort. The building manager decided to install a BMS with temperature and humidity sensors. After installing the BMS, the building manager was able to reduce energy consumption by 15% and improve the comfort of the building occupants.
• Case study 2: A manufacturing plant was experiencing problems with mold growth. The plant manager decided to install a BMS with temperature and humidity sensors to monitor the indoor environment. After installing the BMS, the plant manager was able to identify the areas of the plant where mold was growing and take steps to remediate the problem.

Conclusion

Temperature and humidity sensors are essential components of building management systems. They play a critical role in controlling the indoor environment, ensuring comfort, energy efficiency, and safety. When selecting temperature and humidity sensors for BMS, it is important to consider the accuracy, reliability, range, response time, environmental conditions, and cost of the sensors.