How your car can protect you from invisible danger

1st November 2016

Prodrive

Alice Matthews

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When thinking about vehicle safety, reducing the number of road traffic victims often comes to mind first. But something less visible and noticeable causes more than double the amount of deadly victims each year. Air pollution is a serious threat to human health. According to the World Health Organisation, more than 90% of people breathe poor quality air.

The fact that it is not visible does not mean it is not harmful. As a matter of fact, the smaller the particles in the air, the further these end up in the body, potentially causing lung and cardiovascular diseases. Your car can protect you and inform you about the level of fine particles in the air inside and outside your car.

Prodrive Technologies has developed a PM2.5 sensor which measures fine particles in the air, not only inside, but also outside the car. Based on real-time simultaneous measurements, a comparison is made between the level of fine particles inside and outside the passenger compartment. These measurements enable car manufacturers to optimise control of fresh air intake, filtering and recirculation to minimise the level of fine particles inside the vehicle. In addition to improving the air quality while driving, the system also enables cleaning of the cabin air prior to the scheduled departure. This way passengers enter into a clean environment when stepping inside their car, without being exposed to poor air quality outside.

The sensor combines measurement accuracy similar to expensive lab equipment with competitive pricing and automotive quality. As a result the device is also suitable for buildings, medical and numerous other applications.

This PM2.5 sensor will be introduced in a passenger car in the first quarter of 2018. The sensor system is available to all parties interested in measuring air quality and protecting people from the harmful effects of fine particles.