Moisture and humidity sensors Humidity sensors monitor and measure the humidity thatisin the ar Humidity sensors normally use capacitive measurement both the moisture and temperature in the air. The percentage of moisture present in the ar at a certain temperatures expressed as the level of humidity. This type of measurement uses two electrical conductors Bi that have a non-conductive film separating them. Moisture collects on the film and changes the level of voltage between the electrical conductors. The measurement of the change in voltage is converted into a measurement of humidity. Humidity sensors can be used both in the home and the workplace to monitor and control humidity levels, including: + Wine cellars. The humidity level in the atmosphere of a wine cellars very important. Too much or too little humidity can cause the wine to spoil. The humility level needs to be kept at a constant and correct level in order to keep the wine at its best. + Meteorological stations, They are used to help monitor and predict weather conditions by measuring humidity levels + Controlling allergies. An atmosphere that is high in humidity can encourage the growth of bacteria and mould. This can trigger allergies. Humicity sensors can be used to monitor and control the level of humidity in aroom. + Manufacturing, In the manufacturing of many products the level of moisture in the atmospheres very important. IF humidity is too high or too low it could adversely aflect the product: + Agriculture and farming. Humidity and moisture sensors can be used to prow and farm crops in the best conditions possible. By monitoring and controling the conditions in which the crops are grown, the most perfect conditions can be created, producing the best crops. The level of moisture in the sil can be kept constant to help the crops grow. ‘Temperature sensors Temperature sensors monitor and measure the temperature of an environment. They do this by measuring how much heat is present. Temperature sensors are used in a great number of control systems, many of them in our home appliances. These include: + Washing machine and dishwasher. A temperature sensor is used in a washing machine and a dishwasher tomeasure the temperature ofthe water. A microprocessor in the washing machine or dishwasher will receive the data sent by the temperature sensor and can trigger an action to heat up or cool down the water ifnecessary, + Dryer. temperature sensors used in a dryer to measure the temperature of the hot ar flowing into the dyer. A microprocessor in the dryer will receive the data sent by the temperature sensor and can trigger an action toheat up or cool down the airif necessary. + Refrigerator and freezer. Aternperature sensor is used ina refrigerator or freezer to measure the ambient temperature inside. A microprocessor in the refrigerator or freezer will receive the data sentby the temperature ‘sensor and can trigger an action to heat up or cool down the air ifnecessary. TASK Canyou think of any ather appliancesin your home that ‘may use a temperature sensors part of a monitoring ‘and control system? Light sensors Light sensors monitor and measure light. There are different types of light sensor and they measure light in different ways. The most common type of light sensor is a photoresistor. This type of light sensor will change its resistance when light shines on and is normally used to measure the intensity of light. This is important in