PhD Candidate Boosts Airflow Sensor Accuracy by 511%
Twente, Monday, 23 December 2024.
Thomas Leigh Hackett from the University of Twente developed a method to enhance air velocity measurements, potentially improving sensor precision in horticulture and data centers.
Breakthrough in MEMS Technology
In a significant advancement for semiconductor technology, Thomas Leigh Hackett has developed an innovative flow sensor using MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology that dramatically improves air velocity measurements [1]. The sensor, developed at the University of Twente in the Netherlands, integrates sensing and data processing capabilities on a single CMOS chip, marking a departure from traditional bulk micromachining approaches [1]. This integration enables the sensor to capture multiple parameters simultaneously, including temperature and humidity, while achieving a remarkable 511% improvement in air velocity measurement accuracy [1].
Technical Innovation and Practical Applications
The sensor’s capabilities are particularly impressive in detecting subtle air movements, with sensitivity ranging from 0 to 1 meter per second [1]. This precision is crucial for applications in controlled environments such as greenhouses and vertical farms, where proper airflow is essential for preventing mold and disease [1]. The sensor’s enhanced accuracy also makes it valuable for data center operations, where it can help identify and prevent ‘dead zones’ that risk equipment overheating [1]. Hackett recently presented these findings at the IEEE Conference in Japan on December 1, 2024, highlighting the University of Twente’s leadership in flow sensors and MEMS technology [1].
Industry Impact and Future Prospects
The integration of sensing and processing capabilities on a single chip represents a significant cost reduction potential for the industry [1]. ‘Now the brain power is on the sensor itself,’ explains Hackett, describing how the system processes data directly on the sensor [1]. This advancement comes at a time when the sensor industry is seeing rapid innovation, as evidenced by recent developments such as Posifa Technologies’ introduction of their new MEMS anemometer sensor [2], indicating a growing market demand for precise airflow measurement solutions. The research team is currently working on implementing real-time airflow measurement capabilities, with sensors that can be strategically placed throughout facilities to optimize cooling system performance [1].