Improving the Efficiency of Measurements of Combustible Gases Concentration by a Thermocatalytic Sensor

Thermocatalytic sensors are widely used in gas analysis systems and have high reliability and low cost. However, errors in measuring the concentration of combustible gases related to the non-linearity of the conversion characteristic and the influence of ambient temperature fluctuations significantly limit the scope of their application.

Purpose of reseach. Development of a method for measuring gas concentration by thermocatalytic sensors, which allows reducing measurement errors by tuning out due to ambient temperature influence and linearization of the conversion characteristic.

Problems. They are as follows: to develop a method for temperature stabilization of a thermocatalytic sensor; to make a structural and functional scheme for the sensor activation; to obtain a mathematical description of the method and substantitation for tuning out as a result of temperature influence; to experimentally confirm the possibility of linearization of the sensor conversion function in the thermal stabilization mode.

Methods. The mathematical description of the method applies the theory of heat transfer and the theory of electrical circuits with discrete signals. When analyzing existing solutions and synthesizing the device, methods for calculating circuits with nonlinear elements and the theory of measurement systems have been used. The real conversion function has been obtained through an experimental method.

Results. A method for measuring gas concentration by a thermocatalytic sensor with the use of a microcontroller and PWM has been developed. It allows reducing errors due to tuning out as a result of ambient temperature influence. A mathematical description of the method has been given. An experiment has been performed. It demonstrates the effectiveness of using temperature stabilization to linearize the conversion characteristic.

Conclusion. The paper proposes a method for temperature stabilization of thermocatalytic gas sensors. The method makes it possible to increase the accuracy of measurements by tuning out due to the influence of temperature fluctuations and linearization of the conversion function. The possibility of linearization of the sensor function has been experimentally confirmed. It characterizes the dependence of the output signal on the concentration of combustible gas. Using this method allows you to reduce the cost of the sensor, improve the quality factors of the sensor, such as the reliability and stability of parameters.

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