Rika best ambient sensor solution provider for atmospheric environmental quality monitoring

Dear customers, The Mid-Autumn Festival holiday is approaching. Our holiday notice is as follows.If any questions or support is needed, please contact us at info@rikasensor.com or sales@rikasensor.com. We will get back to you as soon as possible.Warmest Regards,Rika Sensor

Dear Customers and Partners, We are very excited that RIKA SENSOR's sensors will be unveiled in North America! news-Rika Sensors-RE+2024 INVITATION-img The RE+2024 will take place September 10-12, 2024, and we can't wait to show you our latest environmental monitoring solutions! news-Rika Sensors-imgLooking forward to seeing you at the Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California, USA, Hall E, Booth E17090!

Did you know your body's ability to cool itself from the environment depends on temperature and humidity? Whether it's humans, plants, or food, using an environmental temperature and humidity sensor is essential to maintaining comfort. Temperature and humidity control indoor conditions and are critical to detecting weather conditions. Similarly, the agriculture industry uses them to detect plant fungal or disease growth.The relationship between temperature and humidity helps us understand the inner workings of the sensor. Depending on the type of sensor we choose, there are several ways to sense the environmental condition. In this blog, we will discover how these sensors work and their applications in various domestic or commercial applications. Moreover, we will explain the output of these sensors and their calibration process.Temperature and Humidity RelationshipTemperature and humidity are directly related to the habitability of humans and plants. However, they are critical in controlling process parameters in industrial applications. Let's have a look at the science behind temperature and humidity, as it's essential to build an understanding of how sensors work:◀ Temperature: Hot or Cold?Temperature is a quantitative assessment of the environment's degree of hotness and coldness. At the atomic level, it represents the average kinetic energy of the atoms vibrating and colliding with each other. Temperature sensors are used daily for cooking, refrigeration, air conditioning, and weather detection.◀ Temperature and HeatHeat transfer always occurs from a hot object to a cold object. The fast-moving atoms in a hot object collide with the slow-moving ones in a cold object, causing heat transfer. Temperature is critical in understanding heat transfer modes such as conduction, convection, and radiation.◀ Temperature ScalesQuantitatively measuring the temperature depends on the scale that we choose. There are mainly three scales to measure temperature:● Celsius (°C)● Fahrenheit (°F)● Kelvin (K)       ◀ Humidity: Water in the AirHave you ever taken a steam bath? Or did you feel like you were taking one in dense fog conditions? In either case, the humidity in the environment reaches 95% to 100%. By definition, humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. The increased air humidity or dense fog formation can result from sudden environmental temperature changes.     ◀ Types of HumidityMeasuring humidity depends on the type. There are two main ways to measure humidity, and each type has its applications. ● Absolute Humidity: The mass of water in a specific volume of air. Its measurement unit is g/m3.● Relative Humidity: The maximum amount of water vapor the air can hold at a specific temperature is relative humidity. It is the standard unit for humidity measurement, represented in percentage (RH%).    ◀ Perception of Temperature Based on HumidityHumans, animals, and plants perceive humidity and temperature in different ways. Humans rely on the perspiration process to keep their bodies cool. Animals use other methods to cool down, such as panning and the presence of fur. Plants use transpiration to keep them cool. However, the process of perspiration and transpiration is directly affected by the air's humidity level. If the humidity is 100%, the heat exchange process stops.To incorporate this effect, we have devised a scale called humidity index. It is a threshold determined by scientists beyond which heat stress starts to occur. It is the primary reason why temperature and humidity sensors are always present together in air conditioning systems.Role of Temperature and Humidity SensorsTemperature and humidity sensors, in combination, detect, measure, and report the dampness and degree of hotness or coldness. Multiple types of temperature and humidity sensors are available, and their usage depends mainly on the application.▍Different Types Of Temperature Sensors● NTC ThermistorsNTC stands for Negative Temperature Coefficient. As the temperature increases, the resistance decreases across the thermistor. Due to their non-proportional behavior, NTC accuracy and precision were challenging to manage. However, modern digital circuits overcame the problem, and now NTC provides a better temperature sensitivity coefficient, around 10 times that of the popular RTDs. The measuring range of NTC thermistors is between -55 and +200C. ● Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs)RTD is a temperature sensor that uses resistance to measure temperature. The resistance in RTDs is directly proportional to the environment's temperature. It consists of a thin wire wrapped around a glass or ceramic core. Depending on the accuracy of the detectors, the RTD can have three or four wires of platinum wrapped around a core. We continuously measure the resistance across this wire, which increases with temperature. RTDs can respond to the changing temperature within 0.5 to 5 seconds, which makes them ideal for wide-scale applications. The measuring range of RTDs is between -200 to 600°C.● ThermocouplesThermocouple sensors use the Seebeck effect to measure temperature. Two different metals join at one end, which is heated. The other end of the metals connects to a cold junction maintained at a reference temperature. A voltmeter measures the change in voltage between the two wires, representing the temperature. There are many types of thermocouples, such as K, J, N, R, S, B, T, and E-type. Each of them has a specific tolerance range and color coding. Some types can measure 0 to 1600°C.● Semiconductor-Based SensorsTemperature sensors that use semiconductors rely on the P-N junction. When a circuit applies forward bias to the PN junction, the semiconductor sensor works at its heart. It causes a current to flow directly proportional to the temperature, making these temperature sensors ideal for electronics. Their range is typically between –55ºC to +150ºC.▍Different Types Of Humidity Sensors ● Capacitive Humidity SensorsCapacitance is the property of a material to store electric current. However, the ability to store current may change depending on the moisture content in the air. Materials that change capacitance with humidity are called hygroscopic dielectrics. A capacitive humidity sensor uses a sandwich biscuit-like configuration. The dielectric sits between two electrodes. One electrode is porous to allow moisture to pass through. The voltage difference across the element and the charge stored within the dielectric represent its capacitance. It can provide RH in percentage. ● Resistive Humidity SensorsA hygroscopic material, such as salt, is placed between two electrodes to form a resistive humidity sensor. As the humidity increases, the circuit's resistance changes, directly providing the relative humidity in the air.  ● Thermal Humidity SensorsAbsolute humidity, the total presence of water in the air irrespective of temperature, is calculated using thermal humidity sensors. Two temperature sensors collectively form a thermal humidity sensor. One temperature sensor is directly exposed to moisture, while the other is kept dry. The comparison in thermal conductivity of dry and wet sensors provides absolute humidity.How Temperature and Humidity Sensors Work?The output of all sensors is either voltage, current, or capacitance. These values are just numbers until processed, filtered, and amplified until the signal quality is good for the data acquisition. To understand, we can divide the whole workings of temperature and humidity sensors into 5 steps:1. CalibrationCalibration and standardization go hand in hand. Every sensor can give a unique output depending on the manufacturing process and material characteristics. It becomes vital to ensure that the sensor is reading accurately. A highly accurate instrument or device is a benchmark for all temperature and humidity sensors under production. The device is traceable to national or international specifications to ensure accuracy and consistency.2. Signal ConditioningHere, filtration, amplification, or all other signal processing techniques are applied to ensure the accuracy of the output result.3. Analog to Digital ConversionThe output of a humidity or temperature sensor is either current, voltage, or capacitance. It is essential to convert this into a digital signal, which can then go into the processing system. ADCs are sometimes embedded in the sensor or inside the data processing device.4. Data ProcessingA microprocessor or computational device converts the data into perceivable temperature and humidity values.5. Unit ConversionFinally, the system converts the values into the user's desired units, such as Fahrenheit, Celsius, Kelvin, Relative Humidity (%), or absolute humidity (g/m3).Industries that Utilize Temperature and Humidity Sensors♦ Applications of Temperature and Humidity Sensors● Agriculture (crop monitoring, irrigation)● Healthcare (patient comfort, drug storage)● HVAC systems (energy efficiency, comfort)● Meteorology (weather forecasting)● Food Industry (quality control, storage)♦ Types of Sensors Based on Application➔ Leaf Wetness SensorCapacitive humidity sensors are essential to the agriculture industry, providing critical data for optimizing crop management and preventing disease outbreaks. The sensor is in the shape of a leaf. The dielectric constant changes as moisture or water collects on the leaf's surface. The change in the dielectric capacity directly converts into humidity values that can help in disease prevention, irrigation management, frost prediction, and spray timing selection. ➔ Atmospheric Temperature and Humidity SensorThese sensors mainly target the meteorology industry but can sometimes be used in other manufacturing industries. They primarily consist of a protective material with an ingress protection (IP) rating. The protective shell can house multiple sensors, such as temperature, humidity, and pressure. The detection range for temperature is between -40 to 60ºC. Humidity is between RH0-100%, and pressure is between  10-110kPa. They are handy for weather detection and prediction. ➔ HVAC Temperature & Humidity SensorIn air conditioning systems, temperature, and humidity sensors play a vital role in maintaining habitability for the residents. Humans feel comfortable at 22 °C to 27 °C and a relative humidity of 40% to 60%. HVAC temperature and humidity sensors ensure that the ventilation system adjusts to the demand for cooling and heating or increases moisture content based on their detection. ConclusionThe invention of computers and microprocessors has led to a significant global shift. Modern temperature and humidity sensors use digital technology to enhance their detection capability and provide accurate results. From agriculture and healthcare to industrial processes and environmental monitoring, these sensors play a pivotal role in ensuring optimal conditions and safeguarding human health. As technology advances, we expect changes in these technologies that will only improve further.

Are you looking for a device that gathers the necessary data for accurate site weather predictions? The device is called a weather station. It consists of multiple sensors that collect data from atmospheric conditions to generate reliable weather reports. Weather parameters are vital for research analysis in agriculture, hydrological monitoring, and industrial applications.Understanding these parameters and their importance can help you decide what sensors you need. A typical weather station can detect wind speed, atmospheric temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure. However, depending on the application, the parameters can become complex. We aim to help you understand these parameters and find their utilization in your usage scenario. So, let's dive deep into the world of weather stations, starting from the basics to the complex data transmission and processing methods.Purpose Of Weather StationWeather stations gather meteorological data from the lowest layer, the troposphere. Metrologists can use this data to predict weather and issue warnings accurately. Depending on the application, weather stations can feature a variety of sensors. Let's look at some weather stations to understand their various purposes. Later, we will explain each sensor and its role in weather stations.⋆ General Weather Station: Predict Weather or Climate ConditionsThese weather stations are ideal for gathering information about weather conditions across geographical features. A single weather station can be enough to predict localized conditions in open areas like agricultural fields. However, the complex city system that varies in land use, altitude, and topology is unpredictable on small scales with a single weather station. For urban weather forecasting, a network of general weather stations must gather the key parameters to paint a whole image. These stations consist of the following sensors:➔ Wind Speed➔ Wind Direction➔ Atmospheric Temperature➔ Atmospheric Humidity➔ Atmospheric Pressure➔ Rain Fall➔ Solar Radiation ⋆ Agricultural Weather Station: Enhance Growth and ProductionKnowing the environmental conditions is vital to ensuring high yields in farming. Modern technologies use advanced sensors mounted on the agricultural weather station that provide an in-depth analysis of solar and soil conditions. We need temperature, rainfall, and sunlight data that can directly affect crop growth. Similarly, predicting weather conditions can help the agricultural sector take necessary actions to avoid crop devastation. A farming weather station consists of the following unique sensors in addition to the general weather station sensors that detect wind, atmosphere, solar, and rain conditions:● PAR Sensor● Soil Temperature● Soil Moisture● Carbon Dioxide● Soil pH● Soil Salinity● Soil EC⋆ Scenic Area Weather Station: Emergency Preparedness and ExperienceAreas that are hard to reach have some of the most scenic views. Scenic area weather stations play a vital role in ensuring the safety of the tourists and preparing necessary emergency measures. Tourism management can analyze the conditions based on the data received from the field. It can enhance the tourist's experience by providing them with the ideal window for a visit. Here are the sensors besides the general weather station sensors:● UV Radiation● Ground Temperature ⋆ Greenhouse Monitoring Station: Comprehensive ControlConsidering the controlled environment inside the greenhouse, manufacturers include additional sensors to monitor plant growth and production in the greenhouse comprehensive monitoring station. It analyzes the weather conditions inside the greenhouse to allow better control over the greenhouse environment. ➔ Atmospheric Temperature, Humidity and Pressure➔ Carbon Dioxide➔ Illuminance➔ Soil Temperature and Moisture➔ Soil pH, Salinity, and EC➔ PAR Sensor➔ Solar Radiation⋆ Photovoltaic Power Generation Weather StationAs the name suggests, it's a weather station that does not require external power. It can utilize photovoltaic cells to generate electricity for its operation. They can continue sending data and their healthiness through different communication means to the owner. Based on its health, the owner can visit and perform necessary maintenance if it malfunctions. These types of weather stations are ideal for long-term independent operations. The additional sensors, in comparison to the general weather stations, are:● Solar Radiation● Hall Current Sensor● Hall Voltage Sensor● Photovoltaic Panel TemperatureUnderstanding Weather Station ParametersNow that we know the parameters that various weather stations measure, we can dive deeper into the details of each parameter and its significance. Here are all the parameters that weather stations measure:✦ Weather Monitoring Parameters➔ Wind Speed and Direction: These are vital parameters in aviation, forecasting, and industrial stack release calculations. They measure the speed and direction of the wind and generate output signals using motors and resistive circuits. 0-45m/s is a typical wind speed measuring capability of modern devices.➔ Atmospheric Temperature: It is measured using thermoresistive devices that change their resistance and voltage based on atmospheric temperature. The measurement capability is usually between -40 to 60°C. Temperature is one of the fundamental parameters for weather measurement.➔ Atmospheric Humidity: Humidity is a vital parameter in predicting cloud formation and precipitation in weather. Humidity sensors feature metal oxide in the center of two electrodes, forming a capacitor. When humidity changes, metal oxide's capacity changes, indicating a change in humidity. ➔ Atmospheric Pressure: Measuring pressure helps predict weather conditions. Silicon capacitive pressure sensors are the most popular choice in weather station sensors. They use a flexible and fixed metal plate with silicon in the middle—the capacity of silicon changes with pressure.➔ Rainfall: A tipping bucket rainfall sensor is a reliable measurement method. It has a bucket with a fixed volume. The rain fills the bucket and tips it over. The number of tips gives the rainfall quantity. It is excellent for measuring the effect of rain on land. ➔ Solar Radiation: Measuring solar radiation helps predict ground temperature, evaporation rates, crop water usage, and air pollution. The solar radiation sensor uses a simple photovoltaic converter to predict radiation levels.✦ Agricultural Monitoring Parameters➔ PAR Sensor: Photosynthetically Active Radiation detects the range of light that initiates photosynthesis in plants. It's vital for agricultural applications where a wavelength of light between 400 and 700 nm is required. A weather station specific to agricultural applications or eco studies features a PAR sensor.➔ Soil Temperature and Moisture: These are vital parameters to monitor in greenhouses and plants. A soil temperature and moisture sensor comprises probes that go into the soil. Thermistors and capacitance-based sensors provide these data from the soil.➔ Carbon Dioxide: CO2 is the lifeline of plants, and monitoring its level allows farmers to increase or decrease greenhouse ventilation proactively. Nondispersive infrared sensors are popular in carbon dioxide monitoring. It uses an infrared chamber at one end and a filter-detector combination at the other.➔ Soil pH: 5.5-6.5 pH is ideal for most plants. In horticulture, monitoring soil pH using probes buried underground by the owner can enhance yield. Pen-type pH monitors are the most popular detectors for soil.➔ Soil EC and Salinity Sensor: Measuring the conductivity can directly indicate the salinity in the soil. Higher salinity means it conducts more current. Low salinity is preferred to enhance germination and plant growth.➔ UV Radiation: UV-B rays can stunt or slow plant growth. Monitoring them to ensure plant health is vital. Farmers can take various measures to maintain safe levels for crops.✦ Scenic Site Condition Parameters➔ Ground Temperature: A recent World Economic Forum highlights how tourism is being affected by rising temperatures at scenic spots. Finding the perfect time for tourism can involve monitoring atmospheric and ground temperatures as they directly affect human body temperatures. 25-30°C is the ideal temperature for barefoot walks.➔ Illuminance: Lighting conditions can make a scenic site stand out. Similarly, light pollution can disrupt wildlife and ecosystems. Monitoring and maintaining lighting in areas where uneven terrain can cause injury is also important.✦ Self-Powered Weather Station Monitoring Parameters➔ Hall Current Sensor: These sensors can monitor a photovoltaic cell's or battery's health and provide live statistics without invasive methods.➔ Hall Voltage Sensor:  Voltage is another representation of battery healthiness. If the battery can maintain its voltage, it's considered healthy. These sensors provide battery health for self-powered weather stations.➔ Photovoltaic Panel Temperature: The temperature of a photovoltaic panel can directly affect its output power. Monitoring the temperature helps the owner understand the panel's output power.Working Principal of Weather StationsThe working principle of weather stations is primarily dependent on the manufacturer's design. A typical design approach involves sensors generating analog signals, which convert to digital signals using analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). The microcontroller or computer within the weather stations gathers the data after calculations, filtration, formatting, and storage.Later, the data is transferred to the central control computer or database using a cellular network, satellite link, or WiFi. The central computer can then use various codes and algorithms to predict weather. Or, in the case of applications other than weather tracking, it can provide the site with statistical data for the user. So, in a glimpse, the weather stations do the following:● Sensor Data Collection● Conversion of Analog Data to Digital● Raw Data Processing● Transmission of Data to Central System● Data Analysis and ObservationArtificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Weather ForecastThe use of AI and ML codes is increasing the accuracy of modern weather forecasting systems. In research, scientists can use machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms to predict weather conditions accurately. One good example is GraphCast by Google. It can predict a 10-day forecast in advance and accurately compared to the older High-Resolution Forecast (HRES) produced by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF).Rika Sensor is specialized in professional weather station for over 13 years, welcome to contact us to get further products information and tell us your demand, we provide aquaculture / weather / environmental monitoring solution. FAQ1. Do I need a Weather Station for my farm?Protecting crops against disease and pests is critical. Weather stations provide detailed temperature, humidity, rainfall, and important soil characteristics that can help timely take action to enrich germination and plant growth. Installing a weather station at your farm will provide valuable data available 24/7, compared to physical visits for monitoring.2. How to find the perfect weather for tourism?The best time to visit a scenic spot depends on weather conditions such as humidity, temperature, wind speed, and illuminance. Popular destinations have weather stations that provide live data and predictions of conditions on site for visits on official government or organizers' website pages. Thanks to AI and machine learning, modern weather predictions can be accurate for up to 10 days.3. What is the purpose of a weather station system?The purpose of the weather station is to provide live statistics of the on-ground atmospheric, soil, and equipment conditions. Weather stations have numerous sensors, such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, rainfall, soil characteristics, solar radiation, PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation), and various other sensors. They can help in agriculture, highways, tourism, weather, and other applications.