HUMIDITY-SENSING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF SENSING ABSOLUTE HUMIDITY OF GAS

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a heating type humidity sensor.;SOLUTION: The method and apparatus are described for sensing the absolute humidity of gases while the relative humidity of gases are measured, the humidity transducer is heated, and the resulting temperature is measured and the absolute humidity is calculated based on the humidity and the relatively humidity of the transducer for heating the transducer. In further embodiments, the humidity transducer may be heated to a pasteurization temperature, to substantially kill any common pathogens present on the humidity transducer. The flow rate may be determined to estimate a more instantaneous value of humidity. The operation of the sensor may be continually monitored for correct operation and various constructions are disclosed for improving the efficiency of operation.;COPYRIGHT: (C)2002,JPO