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Air Sensor Performance: Testing, Targets, and Recent Evaluations
Citation:
Clements, A., R. Duvall, AND W. Mui. Air Sensor Performance: Testing, Targets, and Recent Evaluations. Environmental Council of the States/Environmental Research Institute of the States State Science Chairs Webinar, Research Triangle Park, NC, September 14, 2023.
Impact/Purpose:
The Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) and the Environmental Research Institute of the States (ERIS) requested this webinar to assist State Science Chairs in learning more about how to utilize and interpret air sensor performance test results. During this webinar, held September 14th, 2023, ORD scientists Andrea Clements and Rachelle Duvall and Wilton Mui, program manager for the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (SCAQMD) Air Quality Sensor Performance Evaluation Center (AQ-SPEC), discussed the value of common sensor performance testing approaches, EPA’s work to establish sensor performance testing metrics and targets, AQ-SPEC’s recent sensor evaluation results. They described how data from sensor evaluation reports can be interpreted and utilized to make informed purchasing decisions and support users in interpreting the data collected.
Description:
Some air sensors on the market today fail to deliver the performance expected and/or advertised. Thus, there is still a role for performance testing in both field and controlled laboratory environments to better inform consumers of their likely real-world performance capabilities and limitations. This information can help users make informed purchasing decisions and better interpret the data being collected. There are several resources available to support evaluation and interpretation efforts. EPA's Enhanced Sensor Guidebook describes the evaluation approaches, details where to find test reports, and provides guidance for interpreting the results. EPA's Performance Testing Protocols and Targets Reports gives step-by-step instructions for conducting performance testing and presenting results. The Air Quality Sensor Performance Evaluation Center (AQ-SPEC) is a popular domestic resources where uses can find evaluation results for more than 210 air sensor devices as well as other supporting resources. This presentation will discuss the value of performance testing and introduce each of these valuable resources.