Design and Implementation of an Infrared Radiant Source for Humidity Testing

A novel way to measure humidity through testing the emissivity of an area radiant source is presented in this paper. The method can be applied in the environment at near room temperature (5~95 °C) across the relative humidity (RH) range of 20~90% RH. The source, with a grooved radiant surface, works in the far infrared wavelength band of 8~12 μm. The Monte-Carlo model for thermal radiation was set up to analyze the V-grooved radiant surface. Heat pipe technology is used to maintain an isothermal radiant surface. The fuzzy-PID control method was adopted to solve the problems of intense heat inertia and being easily interfered by the environment. This enabled the system to be used robustly across a large temperature range with high precision. The experimental results tested with a scanning radiant thermometer showed that the radiant source can provide a uniform thermal radiation capable of satisfying the requirements of humidity testing. The calibration method for the radiant source for humidity was explored, which is available for testing humidity.