Research on Dust Effect for MEMS Thermal Wind Sensors

This communication investigated the dust effect on microelectromechanical system (MEMS) thermal wind sensors, with an aim to evaluate performance in practical applications. An equivalent circuit was established to analyze the temperature gradient influenced by dust accumulation on the sensor's surface. The finite element method (FEM) simulation was carried out to verify the proposed model using COMSOL Multiphysics software. In experiments, dust was accumulated on the sensor's surface by two different methods. The measured results indicated that the output voltage for the sensor with dust on its surface was a little smaller than that of the sensor without dust at the same wind speed, which can degrade the measurement sensitivity and accuracy. Compared to the sensor without dust, the average voltage was reduced by about 1.91% and 3.75% when the dustiness was 0.04 g/mL and 0.12 g/mL, respectively. The results can provide a reference for the actual application of thermal wind sensors in harsh environments.

Automated summary

This study investigates the impact of dust on microelectromechanical system (MEMS) thermal wind sensors and evaluates their performance in practical applications. An equivalent circuit is established to analyze the temperature gradient influenced by dust accumulation on the sensor's surface. Finite element method (FEM) simulation is used to verify the proposed model. Experimental results show that the presence of dust on the sensor's surface slightly decreases the output voltage compared to the sensor without dust, leading to a reduction in measurement sensitivity and accuracy. With dustiness levels of 0.04 g/mL and 0.12 g/mL, the average voltage is reduced by approximately 1.91% and 3.75%, respectively. These findings provide guidance for the application of thermal wind sensors in harsh environments.