Table of Contents

Hygrometer

Summary

Introduction

Humidity is defined as the water vapour content in air or other gases. Humidity is usually measured in terms of absolute humidity (the ratio of the mass of water vapour to the volume of air or gas), dew point (the temperature and pressure at which a gas begins to condense into a liquid), and relative humidity, or RH (the ratio of the moisture content of air compared to the saturated moisture level at the same temperature or pressure). (Wilson, 2005)

A hygrometer is an instrument used to sense humidity. Simple hygrometers are usually of the “wet bulb” or hair varieties. A “wet bulb” hygrometer contains two thermometers, with the bulb of one thermometer kept wet so that evaporation lowers its temperature - for temperatures above freezing, comparing the output of the two thermometers yields information on the ambient humidity. Relative humidity is computed from the ambient temperature as shown by the dry-bulb thermometer and the difference in temperatures as shown by the wet-bulb and dry-bulb thermometers. Relative humidity can also be determined by locating the intersection of the wet and dry-bulb temperatures on a psychrometric chart.

A “hair” hygrometer measures the relative length of a stretched human or animal hair, which changes relative to the ambient humidity.

Capacitive humidity sensors sense water by measuring the change in capacitive between two plates. An example is the BCcomponents 2322 691 90001, in which a non-conductive foil is covered on both sides with a layer of gold. The dielectric constant of the foil changes as a function of ambient humidity, altering the capacitance value of the sensor. (BCcomponents) The incremental change in the dielectric constant of a capacitive humidity sensor is nearly directly proportional to the relative humidity of the surrounding environment. The change in capacitance is typically 0.2–0.5 pF for a 1% RH change.

Resistive humidity sensors use membranes that change conductivity in relation to water absorption. The impedance change is typically an inverse exponential relationship to humidity. The sensor absorbs the water vapour and ionic functional groups are dissociated, resulting in an increase in electrical conductivity.

Humidity sensors with integrated circuits for measuring relative humidity are available - in increasing order of durability - as SIP (Single Inline Package), SMD (Surface Mount Device), and TO-5 can devices. Additionally, there are analog and capacitive outputs as well as sensors measure both humidity and temperature. With regards to interchangeability of sensors, Honeywell reports 5% accuracy error. [source: Honeywell International 2008]

Humidity sensors have been used to detect finger contact at shakuhachi holes (Kanamori et al. ICMC 1993).

Devices

BCcomponents 2322 691 90001
Sources Digikey CAN$ 15.08
Description 10-90%RH Capacitive Atmospheric Humidity Sensor
Datasheet PDF
Resources
Notes
Variants
Infusion Systems Hot&Humid v1.1
Sources Infusion Systems CAN$ 108.25
Description 10-95%RH Capacitive Atmospheric Humidity and Temperature Sensor
Datasheet Hot&Humid v1.1
Resources
Notes
Variants
Honeywell Sensing and Control HCH-1000-001
Sources Digikey CAN$ 7.31
Description Capacitive humidity sensor
Datasheet | Resources | [[http://www.honeywell-sensor.com.cn/prodinfo/sensor_humidity_moisture/datasheet/HCH-1000.pdf|Installation instructions
Notes
Variants HCH-1000-002
Dallas Semiconductor DS1923-F5#
Sources Digikey CAN$ 128.13
Description temperature and humidity sensor
Datasheet
Resources
Notes minimum order 5 units
Variants
Honeywell Sensing and Control HIH-4000-001
Sources Digikey CAN$ 28.85
Description Capacitive humidity sensor SIP
Datasheet HCH-4000 series
Resources Digikey Catalogue page
Notes
Variants HIH-4000-001,HIH-4000-003,HIH-4000-005
Honeywell Sensing and Control HIH-4030-001
Sources Digikey CAN$ 20.49
Description 5.8V 3.5% SMD humidity sensor
Datasheet HIH-4030,31 Series
Resources Photos
Notes
Variants HIH-4030-003, HIH-4031-001, HIH-4031-003
Honeywell Sensing and Control HIH-4602-C
Sources Digikey CAN$ 77.46
Description 5.8V 3.5% TO-5 humidity sensor
Datasheet HIH-4062A,C Series
Resources Digikey catalogue page
Notes
Variants
Sensirion SHT11
Sources Newark US$ 25.19
Description digital humidity sensor - surface mount (SMD, SMT)
Datasheet SHT1x
Resources Sensirion info page
Notes 0 to 100% RH, sensing accuracy 3%
Variants SHT15(sensing accuracy 2%)
Sensirion SHT71
Sources Newark US$ 30.24
Description digital humidity sensor - Through Hole
Datasheet SHT7x
Resources Sensirion info page
Notes 0 to 100% RH, sensing accuracy 3%
Variants SHT75(sensing accuracy 1.8%)

Media

References