CO2 Concentration Detector

Team Members

Zhao Yun A0295128X

Xie Zihan A0295111M

Zhang Wenbo A0307226L

Introduction

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a critical greenhouse gas whose concentration monitoring is essential for various applications, including environmental protection, industrial process control, and indoor air quality management. One effective method for detecting CO₂ concentrations relies on the molecule's specific absorption characteristics in the infrared region.

CO₂ exhibits a strong absorption peak at a wavelength of 4.26 μm, which corresponds to its fundamental vibrational mode. By exploiting this property, we can design an optical detection system that measures the intensity attenuation of infrared light at this wavelength as it passes through a gas chamber containing CO₂. According to the Beer–Lambert law, the degree of light absorption is directly related to the concentration of the absorbing gas, enabling quantitative analysis:

$A={\log }_{10}\left(\frac{I_0}{I}\right)=\epsilon cL$

In this project, we aim to develop such a detection apparatus. The system comprises an infrared light source centered at 4.26 μm, a gas chamber, and an infrared detector. By monitoring the reduction in light intensity after it traverses the gas chamber, the CO₂ concentration can be inferred. This method offers non-invasive, real-time measurement capabilities and has the potential for high sensitivity and specificity.

Procedure

The experiment aimed to quantify the CO₂ concentration by monitoring the voltage output from a photodetector, which corresponds to the transmitted infrared light intensity at the characteristic wavelength of 4.26 μm. A broadband infrared light source was used, and a narrow-band filter isolated the desired wavelength. The gas chamber used for the measurements had a fixed volume of 80 mL. The procedure was as follows:

1. System Setup

• A broadband infrared light source was used to emit light through the gas chamber (volume: 80 mL).
• A narrow-band optical filter centered at 4.26 μm was placed before the photodetector to ensure only light at this wavelength reached the sensor.
• A photodetector (light intensity sensor) was connected to a data acquisition system, which recorded the output voltage corresponding to the detected light intensity.

System Setup

1. Initial Measurement

• With ambient air (approximately 400 ppm CO₂) in the gas chamber, the initial sensor output voltage V₀ was measured and recorded as the baseline.

1. CO₂ Injection and Voltage Recording

• Controlled increments of CO₂ gas were introduced into the 80 mL gas chamber, gradually increasing the CO₂ concentration.
• After each increment, the output voltage V from the photodetector was measured and recorded.
• The process was repeated for multiple concentration levels to establish the relationship between CO₂ concentration and sensor voltage output.

1. Data Recording and Analysis

• The voltage outputs V₀ (initial) and V (at each CO₂ level) were systematically recorded.
• A calibration curve was plotted with CO₂ concentration on the x-axis and photodetector output voltage on the y-axis, representing the detection characteristic.