Advantages Disadvantages humidity sensor-Capacitive, Psychrometric, Hygrometric
This page covers advantages and disadvantages of humidity sensor. It mentions humidity sensor advantages or benefits and humidity sensor disadvantages. It covers Capacitive, Psychrometric and Hygrometric air humidity measurement methods.
Definition: The sensor which measures humidity is known as humidity sensor. Moisture refers to water content in any material such as liquids and solids. Humidity refers to water vapor content in gases.
There are various methods of humidity measurements based on substance used for measurement,
their accuracy and long term measurement suitability.
• Capacitive air humidity measurement
• Psychrometric air humidity measurement
• Hygrometric air humidity measurement
The figure-1 depicts capacitive type of humidity sensor.
Refer basics of humidity sensor types >> for more
information.
The advantages and disadvantages of humidity sensor depend on mechanism used in its construction as listed above.
Advantages of humidity sensor | Disadvantages of humidity sensor | Capacitive, Psychrometric, Hygrometric
Following table lists the advantages of humidity sensor and disadvantages of humidity sensor of different types.
| Humidity sensing method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Capacitive | ➨Can withstand below temperature of 0oC ➨It does not require any maintenance for longer periods ➨Flexibility to use ➨atm. pressure independent, it works when pressure is being applied |
➨ It has limited long term stability. ➨ It is sensitive to dewing and certain aggresive substances. |
| Psychrometric | ➨Higher accuracy ➨Higher quality ➨It is usable without any issues upto 100% R.H. (in all substances). ➨No ageing effect except when wick is contaminated |
➨It is difficult to use below temperature of 0oC and with lower
humidities. ➨Long term measurement is limited due to required water reserve and wick maintenance |
| Hygrometric | ➨It is easy to clean. ➨It is simple in construction. ➨It is lower in cost. ➨It is usable in contaminated environments. |
➨It is limited accuracy. ➨It has limited measurement range. ➨It is slow in measurement. |
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