New kitchen gas sensor module for automatic control of range hoods and ventilation equipment

     Ams AG, the world's leading provider of high-performance sensor solutions, has announced the launch of a new version of its iAQ-Core module, a low-power gas sensor for detecting steam, odor and smoke in kitchen environments.

     The iAQ-Core K is the latest addition to AMS 'iAQ-Core family of advanced MEMS gas sensing modules, also in a rugged, small (18mm x 15mm) package. The module can withstand air pollution from water vapor, dirt or grease, and still operate reliably when exposed to high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and humidity commonly found in kitchens.

     This latest module in the iAQ-Core family not only has the functionality of previous modules, but also uses new algorithms to detect steam, cooking fumes and kitchen odors. The iAQ-Core K can send relative concentration measurements of VOCs and vapors to the host controller, and its architecture can automatically control fan speeds in a range hood or kitchen ventilation system.

     In either application, the sensors reliably detect the rapid changes in humidity and gas composition characteristic of the cooking process. The module's new algorithm provides fast response capabilities, so the range hood or ventilation system allows the kitchen to automatically maintain good indoor air quality at all times and only activate the ventilation when needed, helping to save energy.

     Stefan Crijns, Head of the Environmental Sensors Division at AMS, said: "The compact and robust MEMS technology enables many end products to integrate gas sensing technology for the first time. With the newly introduced iAQ-Core K module, range hood manufacturers can easily integrate reliable gas sensing devices into their products with minimal development, while delivering increased product application value to consumers by providing automatic operation capabilities. This means that the range hood can automatically detect humidity or odor, and can increase or decrease the fan speed when the user is away from the stove for other operations."