SENSIndoor Work Packages

Sensor component development Definition ofproject priorities PLD deposition processfor nanostructured gas-sensitive layers MOS sensor with nano-structured gas-sensitivelayer SiC GasFET with nano-structured gas-sensitivelayers Pre-concentrator basedon nanostructuredMIPs/MOFs Sensor system operation andread-out electronics System operating mode anddata processing Sensor systemintegration Efficientsensor systemcalibration Evaluation andtesting Dissemination Management

Click to learn more about the individual work package.

Work Package 1: Definition of project priorities and requirements

The first task of WP1 is to identify, categorize and rank possible application scenarios according to their health impact and energy saving potential.

Based on the identified priority applications, scenario-specific VOC target gases and typical interfering gases plus suitable test schemes for elements and systems will be defined in work package 1. In addition, the sensor system components and their interfaces as well as requirements for hard- and software are agreed between the partners. Thus, WP1 lays the basis for focused parallel development of the sensitive layer deposition technique (WP2), of the two sensor platforms (MOS in WP3 and GasFET in WP4) and of the pre-concentrator elements (WP5), electronics for sensor system operation and signal read-out (WP6) and targets for the dynamic operating mode to achieve the required sensitivity and selectivity (WP7).

Work Package 2: PLD deposition process for nanostructured gas-sensitive layers

In WP2, a novel deposition technique based on pulsed laser deposition (PLD) is developed for novel nanostructured gas sensitive layers as specified by the gas sensor manufacturers. These materials are optimized for high sensitivity and selectivity to the defined target VOCs (WP1).

In addition, the PLD deposition process itself is adapted to allow efficient manufacturing processes for low cost gas sensor mass production. UO-FETF and Picodeon are working closely together to allow a transfer of the developed deposition technology into production.

Work Packages 3 and 4: MOS sensor (WP3) and SiC GasFET (WP4) with nanostructured gas-sensitive layers

The new gas sensitive layers (WP2) are integrated onto microstructured platforms for MOS and GasFET sensors in WP3 and WP4 respectively. The two industrial partners, SGX and SenSiC, each focus on one sensor technology. Both are supported by academic partners, LiU, USAAR-LMT and UO-FETF, specialized in sensor element and sensitive layer development as well as gas sensor operation and characterization. Gas sensitive layers are optimized for both sensor types independently and tested vs. the target gases.

Work Packages 3 and 4: MOS sensor (WP3) and SiC GasFET (WP4) with nanostructured gas-sensitive layers

The new gas sensitive layers (WP2) are integrated onto microstructured platforms for MOS and GasFET sensors in WP3 and WP4 respectively. The two industrial partners, SGX and SenSiC, each focus on one sensor technology. Both are supported by academic partners, LiU, USAAR-LMT and UO-FETF, specialized in sensor element and sensitive layer development as well as gas sensor operation and characterization. Gas sensitive layers are optimized for both sensor types independently and tested vs. the target gases.

Work Package 5: µ-pre-concentrator based on nano MIP/MOF layers

In WP5, a pre-concentrator approach is developed by integrating selective gas adsorption layers defined using chemical nanotechnology to further boost sensitivity and selectivity. Both molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) and metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are designed and adapted to the target VOCs. The layers are optimized for the defined application scenarios (WP1) and evaluated in test measurements. The deposition process is transferred from an academic partner, FhG-ICT, to an industrial partner, SGX, within the project to ensure later mass production capability.

Work Package 6: Sensor system operation and read-out electronics

In WP6 the necessary hard- and software for temperature controlled operation of the sensor elements as well as the pre-concentrator and for the sensor signal read-out are defined and developed. These are based on existing, complementary platforms from NanoSense and 3S and will be used for testing of the sensors elements, for development of the improved operating modes and integration of the multisensor system.

Work Package 7: System operating mode and data processing

Dynamic system operating modes, primarily temperature cycled operation, are developed in WP7 specifically for the new sensors and pre-concentrators to achieve the required scenario specific sensitivity and especially selectivity. USAAR will lead this WP and support the integration of the novel nanosensor elements into sensor systems bringing together the expertise of the sensor manufacturers and the sensor systems integrators. Operating modes for combined operation of the gas sensors and the pre-concentrators will be devised and tested for maximum sensitivity and selectivity vs. the target gases.

Work Package 8: Sensor system integration

Based on the three building blocks sensor components, electronics and dynamic operation, sensor systems will be integrated in WP8, which not only addresses prototype system integration for evaluation within the project but also strategies for later mass production, especially concerning packaging of sensors and pre-concentrators to achieve best performance at low production cost.

Work Package 9: Efficient sensor system calibration

Parallel to WP8, WP9 will focus on sensor element and sensor system calibration, which is another key for later cost-efficient mass production. The objectives here are to recommend and provide cost-efficient calibration methods for sensor elements integrated in the manufacturing processes as well as end-of-line calibration of the integrated sensor systems. In addition, the WP will recommend calibration intervals and develop a strategy for efficient on-site re-calibration during sensor system life-time.

Work Package 10: Evaluation and testing

The sensor system performance achieved will be demonstrated in WP10, both in lab evaluation referring to the priority application scenarios defined in WP1 as well as in field tests in real world test scenarios. The demonstration effort will be shared primarily between USAAR, responsible for the lab evaluation, and the sensor system integrators NanoSense and 3S, responsible for the field tests, with support from SGX and SenSiC concerning test conditions for the sensor elements. In the field tests, the performance will be evaluated by reference measurements with state-of-the-art lab equipment and standardized test methods and demonstrated for demand controlled ventilation. In this final demonstration, the industrial members of the AB will be assisting the partners both in defining the final test scenarios as well as in their evaluation.

Work Package 11: Dissemination and Exploitation

All partners will continuously disseminate project goals to increase awareness towards indoor air quality and the demand for novel sensor solutions, and results. A joint dissemination and exploitation strategy will address both the general public, i.e. the demand side for novel solutions, as well as HVAC systems integrators, i.e. the supply side. One target application scenario is demand controlled ventilation in schools, which will help the project to achieve high public visibility.

A business plan is to be established based on the new combined VOC sensor system technologies. The main target markets will be new low energy consumption buildings and refurbishing of existing buildings to reduce energy consumption while maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

Work Package 12: Project Management

WP12 will implement and maintain an efficient management structure in order to coordinate different project activities, ensure a smooth workflow to achieve the project objectives and assess the results made in SENSIndoor.