With the increasing severity of air pollution, indoor air quality is receiving increasing attention, and local governments are paying closer attention to it. Underground parking garages, as densely populated underground spaces, have a direct impact on public health. Because vehicle exhaust cannot be effectively discharged, this can significantly impact the air quality and the lives of users. In recent years, some cities have incorporated (CO) carbon monoxide sensors into underground parking garage air quality monitoring systems.

    The primary source of carbon monoxide in underground parking garages is when vehicles' engines are idling, causing incomplete combustion of gasoline, resulting in the production of exhaust containing large amounts of CO. Parking garages are enclosed underground environments with poor air circulation, and with frequent vehicle traffic, each vehicle generates a certain amount of CO during starting and stopping. This accumulation of CO makes it difficult to naturally expel CO. As a colorless and odorless toxic gas, CO is difficult to detect. Excessive inhalation can cause poisoning and even life-threatening conditions.

    CO sensors are used in underground parking garages to monitor carbon monoxide concentrations, determine if the environment is comfortable, and provide feedback to ensure safety. Different carbon monoxide concentrations can cause different hazards, as shown in the table below:

    In underground parking lots, when cars are left running, they produce large amounts of toxic and harmful carbon monoxide gas. What measures can be taken?

    The main purpose of installing a CO monitoring system in underground garages is to prevent excessive CO concentrations from causing poisoning. The system primarily consists of a gas controller and gas detectors. The entire system aims to provide real-time monitoring, alarms for exceeding limits, and interlocking ventilation. Once the sensor detects excessive CO levels, the ventilation system automatically activates to ensure ventilation and personal safety in the parking lot. High-precision sensors are required. For CO detection in underground parking lots, Tensensor recommends the following electrochemical carbon monoxide sensors for CO detection.

MQ-E2-CO-φ20 Electrochemical CO Sensor

    The CO sensor MQ-E2-CO-φ20 is an electrochemical sensor with the advantages of high sensitivity, good selectivity, filter membrane, smoke resistance, and good low-concentration output linearity. The range is 0~1000ppm (2000ppm max), the working environment is -20~50℃, 15~90%RH, and the resolution is 0.5ppm. It is mainly used in commercial especially civil field for CO concentration monitoring. It is a good choice for detecting CO gas concentration and leakage.