Electro-galvanic oxygen sensor

Electro-galvanic oxygen sensor‏‎, also known as an oxygen sensor or O2 sensor, is a device that measures the proportion of oxygen (O2) in the gas or liquid being analysed. It is a key component in combustion systems and plays a crucial role in maintaining the optimal air-fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine.

History

The electro-galvanic oxygen sensor was first developed in the 1960s by the Robert Bosch GmbH company, as a response to the increasing environmental concerns and the need for more efficient fuel use in vehicles.

Function

The primary function of an electro-galvanic oxygen sensor is to produce a voltage proportional to the amount of oxygen in the gas or liquid being measured. The sensor operates on the principle of galvanic cell, where a potential difference is created between two electrodes immersed in an electrolyte due to the chemical reactions occurring at the electrode-electrolyte interface.

Types

There are two main types of electro-galvanic oxygen sensors: zirconia sensors and titania sensors. Zirconia sensors, also known as "narrow-band" sensors, generate a voltage based on the difference in oxygen concentration between the exhaust gas and the ambient air. Titania sensors, also known as "wide-band" sensors, vary their resistance based on the oxygen concentration.

Applications

Electro-galvanic oxygen sensors are widely used in various applications, including automotive emissions control, industrial gas detection, and medical devices. In automotive applications, they help to maintain the optimal air-fuel mixture in the engine, reducing harmful emissions and improving fuel efficiency. In industrial applications, they are used to monitor the oxygen levels in various processes to ensure safety and efficiency. In medical applications, they are used in devices such as ventilators and anaesthesia machines to monitor the oxygen levels in the patient's bloodstream.

See also

• Lambda sensor
• Air-fuel ratio
• Catalytic converter