New sensor monitors air quality in the passenger compartment and optimizes control of air conditioning systems

February 04, 2006

Bosch has designed a robust and reliable sensor for measuring the amount of carbon dioxide in the interior compartment of a car. The Climate Control Sensor provides a demand controlled circulating-air mode of air-conditioning systems. It guarantees a supply of fresh air to the passengers and allows for a more efficient operation of the system. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a colorless, non flammable and odorless gas which occurs in nature in very low quantities. It is an essential part of the air and plays an important role in the environment - for instance in photosynthesis. If people sit in close proximity, they will deplete the available oxygen, which increases the CO2 content in the air. This results in decreased concentration.

The new Bosch sensor uses a spectroscopic method to selectively measure the air's CO2 content. It is possible to identify even small concentrations below 0.02 percent by volume. The robust and compact two-channel radiation detector enables a reference measurement. The sensor can be easily modified for measuring concentrations of other gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) or natural gas.

Variety is one of the big assets of the Bosch sensor with the dimensions of a cigarette pack. In further upgrades, the Climate Control Sensor also acts as a multi sensor for automatic air conditioning systems. It supplies information on temperature and humidity inside the passenger compartment, thus helping to improve comfort and safety. In future vehicle air conditioning systems using CO2 (R 744) as a coolant, the new Bosch sensor can also be used to monitor a leakage in case of malfunction. The sensor is, moreover, also of service in facility management: the carbon dioxide concentration increases usually in meeting and conference rooms and participants will easily tire. With the new Bosch Climate Control Sensor it would be easy to supply fresh air through the building's ventilation system.

-Ends-

Editors Note:
The Bosch Group is one of the world's leading suppliers of automotive equipment. The Bosch Automotive Aftermarket business division (Bosch AA) deals with the global supply of replacement parts and information for Bosch products and systems, the distribution of shop and auto accessories, and worldwide customer service. Bosch AA delivers to 132 countries through regional companies, foreign representatives, or customer service centres. Its distribution centre warehouses more than 150,000 different items:

Diesel and petrol injection parts, sparkplugs, filters, starters, generators, brakes, headlights, and many other automotive supplies. Bosch Automotive has been operating in the Middle East for almost 40 years. Since then, the Automotive after sales business has maintained a significant presence in Middle East markets.  

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© Press Release 2006