Cabin air quality management in automotive practice

Air quality management in the passenger's compartment is important for comfort but also for more safety. The complex functionality is based on an intelligent network of microsystems like sensors and actuators. The development of an air quality management in vehicles from the early state of dust control to today performance is reviewed. As an example an air quality sensor is described and characterized. This smart sensor device monitors the outside concentration of gases like NO. and closes the recirculation flap in case of increased pollution. To improve a given air quality it is necessary to build up an active element: an air quality conditioner for micro-oxydation. Based on the principle of dielectric barrier discharge it produces active oxygen, oxygen-ions and ozone. These gases are known for their sterilization effects, and the number of germs and bacteria in the air is reduced.