The air quality inside a car is crucial for the health and comfort of passengers, and in-car air quality sensors play a key role in this. Below, we will detail the working principle of in-car air quality sensors and methods to improve air quality inside vehicles.
In-car air quality sensors mainly include types such as infrared particle sensors and laser particle sensors. The infrared particle sensor has a built-in infrared light-emitting diode and a high-sensitivity photoelectric receiving sensor. When particles encounter the light, they produce reflected light, and the photoelectric sensor detects the intensity of the reflected light, reflecting the concentration of particulate matter, which can directly output a PWM signal or output concentration values through the IIC serial port signal. The laser particle sensor can continuously collect and calculate the number of suspended particles of different sizes in a unit volume of air, i.e., the particle concentration distribution, and then convert it into mass concentration for digital output. It utilizes laser illumination on suspended particles to generate light scattering, and the photoelectric detector collects the intensity of the scattered light, which is processed by a data processing system to obtain the equivalent particle size and the number of particles of different sizes in a unit volume.
Taking the AQS sensor equipped in the Wenjie M7 as an example, its working principle is that when it detects poor air quality outside the vehicle, it automatically switches the air conditioning to recirculation mode to prevent polluted air from entering the cabin. Additionally, some sensors can also detect the levels of harmful gases such as CO, CO2, NOx, as well as environmental temperature and humidity.
- Use the Air Conditioning System Wisely: On days with good air quality, open the windows for ventilation to let fresh air in and expel stale air. However, on days with poor air quality or high temperatures, use the air conditioning system and ensure that its recirculation mode is set to recirculation to reduce the entry of external pollutants. However, it is important to note that prolonged use of recirculation may lead to stale air inside the vehicle, so it is necessary to switch to outside air circulation periodically.
- Regularly Replace the Air Conditioning Filter: The main function of the air conditioning filter is to filter the air entering the cabin, preventing dust and pollutants from entering. Over time, the filter accumulates a large amount of dust and dirt, affecting its filtering effectiveness. It is recommended to replace the air conditioning filter every 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers to maintain optimal performance.
- Use a Car Air Purifier: A car air purifier can filter and purify the air inside the vehicle, removing harmful substances such as PM2.5, formaldehyde, and benzene. Different brands and models of air purifiers vary in performance and price, so you can choose based on your needs and budget. For example, some air purifiers use a combination of activated carbon filters and HEPA filters, effectively filtering various pollutants; others use photocatalytic technology, which not only filters pollutants but also decomposes harmful gases.
- Keep the Interior Clean: Regularly clean the seats, carpets, and interior to avoid the accumulation of food residues and garbage, which can reduce the growth of bacteria and mold. You can use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris from carpets and seats, and for seats and interiors, use a damp cloth to wipe off surface stains and odor-absorbing substances.
- Use Natural Fragrances or Air Fresheners: Choose natural plant-extracted fragrances or essential oils that not only provide a pleasant aroma but can also purify the air to some extent. Avoid using products containing harmful chemicals to prevent negative impacts on in-car air quality.
Generally, if the sensor is functioning normally, it does not need to be replaced regularly. However, if there are faults or inaccurate detections, it should be replaced promptly.
Car air purifiers can effectively remove some odors, but for stubborn odors, other methods may need to be combined, such as cleaning the interior or using activated carbon bags.
If the airflow from the air conditioning is significantly reduced, there are odors, or the cooling effect worsens, it may indicate that the air conditioning filter needs to be replaced.
Prolonged use of recirculation may reduce the oxygen content inside the vehicle, but it generally does not lead to oxygen deficiency. However, to ensure air quality, it is still recommended to switch to outside air circulation periodically.
Natural fragrances generally do not negatively impact air quality and can provide some purification effects, but it is important to choose reliable quality products.
The replacement time for filters in car air purifiers varies by brand and model. It is generally recommended to follow the user manual, typically around every 3 to 6 months.
It is recommended to perform at least a simple cleaning once a week and a deep cleaning once a month, including cleaning seats, carpets, and interiors.
Photocatalytic technology can effectively decompose harmful gases, but its effectiveness is also influenced by various factors such as lighting conditions and the quality of the catalyst.
You can choose based on the size of the vehicle space, purification needs, budget, etc., while considering product filtering efficiency, CADR values, and other indicators.
You can also place activated carbon bags or green plants inside the car, which can help improve air quality to some extent.
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