Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM
Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM
© Ilja Mašik/Fotolia
In the passenger compartment, excessive concentrations of certain harmful gases have a negative effect on the well-being and performance of the occupants. We develop measuring systems for monitoring air quality in and around automobiles.

Small sensor – good climate

We develop measuring systems for monitoring indoor air quality – in buildings as well as in vehicles.

© Ilja Mašik/Fotolia

Indoor air monitoring

Fraunhofer IPM develops measurement technique for monitoring air quality in a variety of applications. The spectrum ranges from complex spectroscopic systems to miniaturized sensors. The range of applications extends from security technology and environmental monitoring to medical applications, industrial process control, and indoor air monitoring.

Compliance with emission limits

From factories and conference halls to cars or trains, the ability to monitor indoor climates is important wherever large numbers of people gather together in an enclosed environment.

For many pollutants there are legally defined limits of environmental impact, meaning that the concentration of a substance in a given space – for example in the passenger compartment of a car or in office building – may not exceed a certain value. This requires special, compact measurement technique that is sensitive to concentrations of certain substances down to the ppb range. In addition, ever stricter worldwide regulations and standards demand new technologies to monitor compliance with these regulations.

Miniaturized gas measurment systems: small, low-power, cost-efficient

Monitoring air quality in small spaces requires small and lightweight sensors that use little energy. Most commercial sensors, however, are comparatively large and heavy – and they consume a lot of energy, making them unsuitable for mobile applications such as air quality monitoring in passenger compartments. 

Fraunhofer IPM boasts many years of experience in the development, design, characterization and production of miniaturized sensors and systems for measuring gases. As part of various projects, compact, energy-saving, and cost-effective gas sensor systems have been developed with measuring ranges from a few ppb to the percentage range. Thanks to their use of sophisticated technology, the sensors can also collect reliable, precise measurements in challenging conditions.

In our state-of-the-art laboratories, we have extensive measurement technology at our disposal, enabling us to test and ensure the measurement accuracy and reliability of gas sensors and systems under various conditions.