AirAdvice, Inc., maker of technology for measuring and analyzing building performance and indoor environment parameters, received a new patent pertaining to sensor drift. The effort of AirAdvice’s Co-founder and Vice President of Engineering, Meindert Kleefstra, AirAdvice’s latest patent illustrates the company’s expansive knowledge of environmental sensors and how to effectively implement them into successful products, according to the manufacturer.

Typically, sensor technologies that quantify environmental parameters are prone to drift causing them to be inaccurate. AirAdvice’s latest patent (Patent #7,499,821 B2) is for a method of measuring sensor drift characteristics, including the data acquisition system, sensor conditioning system, and acceptance criteria system, and it helps to understand this sensor phenomenon. This pioneering way of tracking sensor performance allows AirAdvice to use only the best performing sensors in their product lines and to calibrate only those that will meet their high standard of performance in the field. It is also used as an R&D tool as part of ongoing product development to work with sensor industry partners to improve the long-term performance of their sensor technology.

Especially in commercial buildings, sensors drift out of calibration, leading to inaccurate readings, and thus, incorrect energy usage data. With this patent, AirAdvice says it ensures that its diagnostic systems provide a level of accuracy that will lead to increased energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and improved occupant comfort.