The result of the work of the project Consortium will be the development of a thermometry-based sensor that allows to distinguish objects in the room on the basis of image analysis that can be obtained from measuring the temperature distribution in the rooms.

The market offers IR matrices based on semiconductor elements manufactured on the basis of indium antimonide (InSb). They are typically used in advanced FLIR thermal cameras. However, these matrices are too expensive to use to build the sensor planned in the Project. In recent years, thermoelectric (IR) detectors based on MEMS technologies have begun to appear.

It will find versatile use in many areas:

lighting control, building automation (ventilation, heating), alarm systems, and as fire protection elements. New infrared detectors will be used, made on the basis of multi-layer thermoelectric structures (Thermoplile), which, following the development of MEMS technology, have recently become commercially available. In order to build the requested sensors based on IR detectors, many technological challenges will have to be faced.

Its innovative element will be the ability to divide the room into several zones (the initial assumption concerns 4 zones, but their number may be larger) and cooperation with the building management system (BMS) supporting heating, air conditioning and ventilation. Currently, only one room temperature sensor is usually used, mounted at the entrance or on the wall. The ability to measure the temperature in the zone combined with additional information about the presence of people will allow for very subtle control of heating and air conditioning. This will contribute to energy savings. Similar functionality can be achieved in a car, where there are usually 2 climate zones. The proposed solution will provide the possibility of introducing 4 or more comfort zones in office rooms.

The algorithm for detecting critical temperatures, i.e. those that result in a fire hazard, will be another very innovative functionality. Currently available sensors respond to smoke that appears only during a fire. IR infrared detectors provide more accurate measurement results, the greater the temperature difference between the detector and the measured object. Detecting temperatures of 100, 200 or even 400 degrees should not be a problem. The main research issue will be the elimination of interference, i.e. the elimination of radiators, stoves and other heat sources that do not constitute a fire hazard.

This will allow the elimination of false positives, i.e. unwanted alarms in the absence of danger.

Combining a fire alarm with information about the presence of people still in the rooms will also be a very innovative functionality, supporting the elimination of threats and the effectiveness of evacuation, firefighters will first be able to go to the rooms where people are staying.