Complying with Title 24: Advanced CO2 Sensor for Demand Control Ventilation System

When working with demand control ventilation (DCV) systems, it is essential to comply with Title 24, California's Building Energy Efficiency Standards. Title 24 sets various requirements for building design and construction to reduce energy consumption and improve indoor air quality (IAQ). Title 24 mandates the adoption of DCV systems for new and renovated buildings in California, drawing significant attention to DCV implementation. This article provides insights into Title 24 and offers solutions for compliance.

What is CO₂-based Demand Control Ventilation?

When it comes to DCV, the fresh air system will come first. A fresh air system is a system for indoor air treatment and ventilation, with the main function of introducing fresh air, discharging indoor dirty air, filtering and conditioning the air to provide good indoor air quality, and creating a comfortable environment.

DCV is an effective control system used in fresh air systems to improve indoor air quality and achieve energy savings by automatically adjusting the ventilation rate. Typically, one of the most popular and widely available applications is a CO₂-based DCV system.

CO₂-based DCV system adopts CO₂ sensors strategically placed in specific indoor spaces to continuously and accurately monitor indoor CO2 concentration levels in real-time. CO2 sensors will transmit the captured CO₂ concentration data to the control unit of the ventilation control system, where the data is processed and analyzed. Usually, before the CO₂-based DCV system starts running, the corresponding indoor CO₂ concentration threshold is set in advance, and the set thresholds are generally in accordance with ASHRAE standards. When the CO₂ concentration exceeds a set threshold, the control unit will send a control signal to the fresh air system to increase ventilation. Once the CO2 concentration drops below
the set CO₂ threshold, the fresh air system will reduce indoor ventilation. By applying CO₂ sensors, the DCV system can better control ventilation based on actual demand.

The benefits of a CO₂-based DCV system

CO₂-based DCV systems could achieve significant energy savings and improve indoor air quality.

Achieving Energy Savings

DCV is an effective method for achieving energy savings. Taheri and Razban (2021) conducted an experiment to discuss the difference in total energy consumption between the ventilation system (Current) and the CO₂-based DCV system. As is shown in Table 1., a CO2-based DCV system at a CO₂ setpoint of 1000 ppm could save 51.4% of energy compared to a ventilation system (Current) with an average fan flow rate of 0.90 m3/s.

The reason why the DCV system achieves more energy savings is simply because the system regulates the ventilation volume by adjusting the fan speed. When there is a need for large ventilation volumes, the fans will operate at high or full speed to meet the demand. Conversely, when only a small amount of ventilation is required, the fans can be operated at low speed or at part load to minimize energy consumption.

Improving Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is essential in closed spaces with high occupancy levels. When the indoor CO₂ concentration increases, the indoor air quality will be substandard, and occupants will gradually experience physical discomfort if the condition of high CO₂ concentration continues. As shown in Table 2, especially when indoor CO₂ concentration exceeds 1000ppm, it indicates an indoor environment that deviates from the fresh air conditions, and people will feel uncomfortable. Therefore, a CO₂-based DCV system is fundamental, as it could help maintain a comfortable indoor air environment.

Title 24 Requirements for high precision CO₂ sensors in DCV system

Title 24 mandates the application of the DCV system in certain spaces and presents specific requirements for the CO2 sensors incorporated within the DCV system. 

“CO2 sensors shall be certified by the manufacturer to be accurate within plus or minus 75 ppm at a 600 and 1000 ppm concentration when measured at sea level and 25℃ factory calibrated, and certified by the manufacturer to require calibration no more frequently than once every five years. Upon sensor failure detection, the system shall provide a signal that resets to supply the minimum quantity of outside air to levels required by Section 120. 1(b)2 to the zone serviced by the sensor at all times that the zone is occupied.”

Based on the rules outlined in Title 24, CO₂ sensors should meet the following five key points:

1. CO₂ sensors in the DCV system should be highly accurate, meeting the accuracy requirements within the concentration range of 600 ppm to 1000 ppm, with a deviation not exceeding +/- 75 ppm.
2. CO₂ sensors in DCV should be free from frequent calibration and maintain stability for at least five years.
3. CO₂ sensors should have a long lifespan, consistent with a fresh air system.
4. CO₂ sensors should provide continuous monitoring and measurement capabilities.
5. CO₂ sensors should be cost-effective to be integrated into the DCV system on a large scale.

Selection of CO₂ sensors for DCV

CO₂ sensors, integrated into the DCV system, play a crucial role in achieving energy efficiency and maintaining indoor air quality. Based on the requirement from Title 24 about the CO₂ sensor in the DCV system, it is essential to select the appropriate CO₂ sensor used in the DCV system.
 

Three widely known technical technologies for measuring CO₂ concentration are NDIR (Non-Dispersive Infrared) Technology, PAS (Photoacoustic Spectroscopy) Technology, and Electrochemical Technology.

• NDIR technology relies on the principle of infrared absorption by CO₂ based on Lambert-Beers Law: the higher the CO₂ concentration, the more infrared energy will be absorbed. The infrared source directly emits the infrared light and passes through the gas chamber to the optical filter before reaching the detector. The filter allows only the 4.26μm wavelength, corresponding to the absorption peak of CO₂ gas, to pass through it. The detector measures the intensity of infrared light and converts it into an electrical signal. As the CO₂ concentration in the gas chamber increases, less infrared intensity reaches the detector, resulting in a weaker electrical signal. CO₂ concentration can be calculated based on the electrical signal.

• In a PAS CO₂ sensor, an infrared light source works periodically and emits light. The optical filter only allows 4.26μm wavelength light to pass and reach the chamber with CO₂ gas. CO₂ molecules periodically absorb the infrared light, which causes additional molecular vibrations, resulting in a pressure wave inside the chamber. The higher the CO₂ concentration, the more light is absorbed; thus, the greater the amplitude of this acoustic wave. A microphone inside the gas chamber measures the acoustic wave and transfers it to an electrical signal, from which the CO₂ concentration can be calculated.

• Electrochemical sensors for CO₂ detection employ a sensing electrode coated with an electrolyte. When CO₂ comes into contact with the electrolyte, a reaction occurs, generating ions that move to the other electrode, thus producing an electric current in the circuit. According to Nernst’s Theory, the higher the CO₂ concentration, the faster the reaction speed and the larger the current so that the CO₂ concentration can be calculated according to themeasured current.

According to the abovementioned principles, Table 3 has summarized the essential cons and pros of NDIR, PAS, and electrochemical sensors. After conducting a comprehensive comparison of three distinct methods for measuring CO₂ based on different technological principles and considering the specific high-precision requirements mandated by Title 24 regulations, it becomes evident that the NDIR CO₂ sensor represents the most optimal solution. The NDIR CO₂ sensors remarkable performance positions it as the ideal choice for meeting the stringent demands of accuracy in compliance with the regulations.

Why NDIR CO₂ sensor is the best selection for a DCV system？

Based on the advantages of the NDIR technology, the reason the NDIR CO2 sensor is the optimal selection for a DCV system under Title 24 requirements can be further illustrated from below five dimensions below.

NDIR CO₂ Sensor Meets High Accuracy at ± (30 ppm+3% of reading) @ -10°C~50°C

NDIR CO₂ sensor perfectly meets precision requirements in Title 24, as Title 24 requires CO₂ sensors in the DCV system to demonstrate high accuracy within plus or minus 75 ppm at a 600 and 1000 ppm concentration at 25°C. NDIR CO₂ sensors can achieve high accuracy of ± (30 ppm+3% of reading) @ -10°C~50°C, 0-85%RH, by precisely designing the light source, filters, and optical path. Current commercial CO₂ sensors based on PAS typically achieve accuracy up to ± (50 ppm +5%), which cannot fully satisfy the accuracy requirements of Title 24.

Based on the NDIR principle, NDIR CO₂ sensors exhibit high selectivity to accurately measure CO₂ concentrations without interference by other gases. At the same time, NDIR CO₂ sensors demonstrated the superior performance of being unaffected by vibration. CO₂ sensors used for DCV systems are usually placed near ventilation pipelines, where vibration cannot be avoided. It may be challenging for PAS CO₂ sensors due to their susceptibility to vibrations, which would affect the accuracy of CO₂ concentration measurements.

Auto-zero-Calibration Mechanism Reduces Frequent Manual Calibration

Title 24 also specifies that CO₂ sensors in DCV systems should maintain stability for at least five years. NDIR CO₂ sensors adopt an auto-zero-calibration mechanism, which detects and corrects sensor drift or deviations during calibration. The automated calibration approach ensures accurate measurements over the lifetime of CO₂ sensors and enables NDIR CO₂ sensors to maintain long-term stability without frequent manual calibration within five years.

NDIR CO₂ Sensor Achieves Long Lifespan, Indispensably Consistent with Fresh Air System Requirement

CO₂ sensors’ lifespan should be consistent with the DCV system lifespan for at least 15 years. The optical elements of NDIR sensors are typically made of durable materials with excellent stability for long-term performance. Therefore, NDIR CO₂ sensors can easily achieve lifespans exceeding 15 years. In contrast, electrochemical sensors have a short lifespan (often months) and must be replaced frequently, which is not well-suited for fresh air systems.

NDIR CO₂ Sensor Enables Continuous Monitoring to Provide Real-Time CO₂ Concentration Data

NDIR CO2 sensors could provide continuous monitoring and real-time feedback on indoor CO2 concentration levels. The capability of timely response is vital for the DCV system, as the adjustment of indoor ventilation strongly relies on changes in CO2 concentration levels.

Cost-effectiveness of NDIR CO₂ Sensor Realizes Large-scale Application in DCV Systems

The demand for CO₂ sensors used in DCV systems has increased, especially with the regulatory pressure of adopting DCV systems in multiple indoor spaces under Title 24 requirements. Opting for cost-effective CO2 sensors that meet the requirements becomes crucial. In the past years, NDIR CO₂ sensors have been widely applied in IAQ monitoring and HVAC systems, and the annual global market NDIR CO₂ sensors volume has surpassed millions. These increasing market demands have led to a continuous cost reduction for NDIR CO₂ sensor core components and manufacturing expenses., which creates impetus to enable NDIR CO₂ sensor low-cost advantage to be widely adopted in DCV systems. Additionally, due to the auto-zero-calibration mechanism, NDIR CO₂ sensors could save time and maintenance costs without manual calibration.

With the advantages of high accuracy, long lifespan, auto-zero-calibration mechanism, and continuous monitoring capability, NDIR CO₂ sensors are ideal for DCV systems in compliance with Title 24. Harnessing the real-time CO₂ concentration data provided by CO₂ sensors, the DCV system dynamically adjusts ventilation rates to meet optimal indoor air quality requirements and achieve energy savings.

Cubic Advanced CO₂ Sensor for Demand Control Ventilation

Specializing in smart gas sensors and superior gas analyzers, Cubic has established a gas sensing technology platform based on NDIR technology to provide CO₂ sensors with the advantages of high accuracy, long lifespan, auto-zero-calibration mechanism, and continuous monitoring capability. In compliance with Title 24 regulations and requirements for fresh air systems, Cubic has specially designed the NDIR CO₂ Sensor, CM1106H-NS, which can be used in DCV systems to realize meticulous control to improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency.

CM1106H-NS, developed from NDIR technology, is ideal for the DCV system, which stands at the forefront of technological innovation. It is designed with specific infrared wavelengths and exhibits the critical advantage of high accuracy at ± (30ppm+3% of reading) @ -10°C~50°C, 0-85%RH), ensuring excellent performance in diverse environments. 

CM1106H-NS sensor is developed from NDIR technology, leveraging Cubic's extensive 20-year expertise in the field. Adopted with matrix calibration at low (-10℃), normal (25℃), and high (40℃) temperatures and multiple points of CO₂ concentration, the CM1106H-NS sensor ensures high accuracy across a wider temperature and measurement range. Additionally, selecting a strict component for the NDIR CO₂ sensor guarantees a 15-year lifespan. Based on Cubic’s auto-zero- calibration mechanism, CM1106H-NS can autonomously maintain accuracy across its entire lifetime without frequent manual calibration. Besides, CM1106H-NS also features continuous monitoring of CO₂ concentration levels to provide real-time concentration data to the DCV system.

Complemented by a robust and reliable supply chain, Cubic capitalizes on the virtuous synergy of technological innovation, supply chain management, and lean production practices to effectively meet customers' burgeoning demands and provide holistic gas sensing solutions. At the same time, by implementing large-scale production and melding self-developed components for integration, Cubic offers meticulous cost control to provide highly cost-effective products to customers. Cubic also provides tailored service to meet customers’ flexible and diverse product
requirements.

Conclusively, with a 20-year dedication to gas sensing technology, Cubic, a leading manufacturer, will pay continuous attention to policy shifts in Title24 regulations to provide qualified and reliable solutions to customers worldwide. Cubic will also devote its best efforts to the DCV and HVAC application for more influential technological innovations.

Cubic Sensor and Instrument Co. Ltd., Wuhan, China

https://en.gassensor.com.cn/

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