Precision Temperature and Humidity Sensor

Accurate temperature and humidity data underpins every aspect of environmental monitoring — from correcting gas sensor readings and validating particulate matter measurements to assessing thermal comfort and supporting meteorological analysis. The Sensorbee Precision Temperature and Humidity Sensor combines a ±0.1°C temperature element with a ±1.5% RH capacitive humidity sensor inside an integrated solar radiation shield, delivering measurement-grade accuracy in a weatherproof IP67 package that connects to the Air Pro 2 and Air Lite platforms via the M8 connector interface.

How It Works

The sensor uses two distinct sensing elements within a single weatherproof housing:

• Temperature sensing — a precision resistive element measures ambient temperature from -40 to +80°C with ±0.1°C accuracy and 0.01°C resolution. The 0.01°C resolution exceeds what most environmental monitoring applications require, but provides the headroom for accurate temperature compensation of co-deployed gas and particulate sensors
• Humidity sensing — a capacitive polymer element measures relative humidity from 0 to 100% RH with ±1.5% accuracy and 0.1% RH resolution. Capacitive humidity sensors offer excellent long-term stability and resistance to contamination compared to resistive alternatives

Both sensors respond to ambient changes in under 8 seconds, enabling the system to track rapid environmental transitions — important during weather fronts, sunrise/sunset thermal transitions, and HVAC system cycling in indoor applications.

Integrated Solar Radiation Shield

The solar radiation shield is the critical design element that distinguishes a precision outdoor temperature measurement from a basic temperature reading. Direct sunlight striking a temperature sensor can elevate readings by several degrees above true ambient temperature — an error that cascades through every data product that depends on accurate temperature input.

The multi-plate louvred shield design:

• Blocks direct solar radiation from reaching the sensing elements while maintaining free airflow around the sensors
• Prevents radiative heating from ground surfaces and nearby structures that would bias temperature readings upward
• Protects against precipitation — rain, snow, and condensation are diverted away from the sensing elements without restricting airflow
• Maintains natural ventilation — the shield geometry ensures adequate air exchange so the sensors measure true ambient conditions rather than stagnant air trapped within the housing

This passive shielding approach requires no fans, heaters, or power beyond what the sensor itself draws — keeping power consumption minimal for solar-powered remote installations.

Why Precision Temperature and Humidity Data Matters

Temperature and humidity are not just standalone measurements — they are correction factors for virtually every other environmental parameter:

• Gas sensor accuracy — electrochemical gas sensors are temperature-sensitive. Accurate ambient temperature data enables the base station to apply precise temperature compensation to NO2, SO2, O3, CO, H2S, and other gas measurements
• Particulate matter correction — humidity affects light-scattering particle counters. Co-located humidity data supports correction algorithms that improve PM measurement accuracy, particularly above 70% RH where hygroscopic particle growth becomes significant
• Noise measurement context — sound propagation varies with temperature and humidity. Meteorological data alongside noise measurements provides the context needed for accurate environmental noise assessment
• Dispersion modelling — atmospheric temperature and humidity profiles drive pollutant dispersion calculations. On-site meteorological data improves the accuracy of dispersion models used in environmental impact assessments
• Comfort and wellbeing — indoor temperature and humidity directly affect occupant comfort, productivity, and health. Building management systems use these parameters for HVAC control and environmental quality reporting

IP67 All-Weather Protection

The IP67 waterproof rating means the sensor withstands complete temporary immersion in water — far exceeding the requirements for outdoor environmental monitoring where rain, condensation, and wash-down exposure are the primary moisture challenges. Combined with the -40 to +80°C operating range, the sensor performs reliably across all seasons and climatic conditions without protective enclosures or seasonal maintenance adjustments.

Integration With Sensorbee Platforms

The sensor connects to the Air Pro 2 and Air Lite via the standard M8 connector. The base station reads temperature and humidity data and makes it available through the Sensorbee Cloud for visualisation, download, and integration with third-party systems.

When deployed with the Air Pro 2, temperature and humidity data is automatically used by the platform's correction algorithms for co-deployed gas and particulate sensors. This integrated approach means adding the precision temperature and humidity sensor improves the accuracy of the entire monitoring station — not just the temperature and humidity readings themselves.

For complete meteorological capability, combine the temperature and humidity sensor with:

• Wind sensor (SB3611) — wind speed and direction for dispersion analysis
• Wind and rain combo (SB3602) — wind plus precipitation for full weather monitoring
• Pyranometer (SB3662) — solar radiation for energy balance and photochemical context

Deployment and Installation

Mount the sensor in an open, representative location away from heat sources, air conditioning outlets, and reflective surfaces. The solar radiation shield should be oriented vertically with clear sky exposure above and unobstructed airflow on all sides. The M8 connector cable routes to the Air Pro 2 or Air Lite base station.

For standard environmental monitoring stations, mount the sensor at approximately 1.5–2 metres height — consistent with meteorological measurement conventions and representative of the breathing zone for air quality assessment. At construction sites and industrial facilities, position the sensor where it measures conditions representative of the area being monitored.

The sensor requires no maintenance beyond periodic inspection to ensure the radiation shield louvers remain clear of debris, cobwebs, or bird nesting material that could restrict airflow.

Applications

• Environmental monitoring stations — precision temperature and humidity as part of complete meteorological datasets supporting air quality assessment, dispersion modelling, and regulatory compliance
• Gas sensor correction — co-deployed temperature and humidity data improving the accuracy of electrochemical gas sensors and optical particle counters on the same monitoring platform
• Construction site monitoring — ambient condition measurement for environmental management plans, dust suppression trigger points, and working condition assessment
• Building management — indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity monitoring for HVAC optimisation, occupant comfort assessment, and energy efficiency analysis
• Agricultural monitoring — precision temperature and humidity for crop management, frost warning, and greenhouse control
• Environmental research — high-resolution meteorological data for atmospheric studies, microclimate analysis, and long-term climate monitoring

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the solar shield matter so much for temperature accuracy?

Without shielding, direct sunlight can heat a temperature sensor 5–10°C above true ambient temperature. This error is not just a temperature problem — it cascades into inaccurate gas sensor corrections, incorrect humidity calculations (relative humidity is temperature-dependent), and unreliable environmental assessments. The radiation shield eliminates this systematic error.

Can I use this sensor indoors?

Yes — the sensor measures temperature and humidity accurately indoors without the solar shield's radiation protection being needed. The shield does not impair indoor performance; it simply becomes unnecessary. The ±0.1°C accuracy and fast response make the sensor suitable for demanding indoor applications like server room monitoring and clean room environmental control.

How does this compare to the EnviroSense module's temperature and humidity?

The EnviroSense module (SB4502) includes temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure sensing built into the Air Pro 2 station body. The Precision Temperature and Humidity Sensor (SB3104) is an external sensor with its own solar radiation shield, providing higher temperature accuracy (±0.1°C vs the EnviroSense) and representative ambient measurement protected from the thermal influence of the monitoring station housing.

Does humidity affect the temperature reading?

The temperature and humidity sensing elements are independent. Humidity does not affect the temperature measurement. However, the temperature reading is used to calculate relative humidity from the capacitive sensor's absolute humidity measurement — which is why temperature accuracy directly supports humidity measurement quality.

What cable length is supported?

The M8 interface supports standard sensor cable lengths. For long cable runs between the sensor mounting location and the base station, consult the sensor cable specifications (SB7002/SB7003) for maximum recommended distances.