Sensirion SGP41 TVOC Sensor Accuracy Test: Relative Changes, Not Absolute Values
AirGradient conducted accuracy and precision tests on the Sensirion SGP41 TVOC sensor used in their air quality monitors. The tests revealed that the sensor effectively tracks relative changes in TVOC levels – detecting increases or decreases – but cannot provide precise absolute values. This is due to limitations inherent in low-cost VOC sensors, including lack of specificity, cross-sensitivity, environmental sensitivity, and baseline drift. While the sensor cannot precisely measure TVOC concentrations, it still offers practical value in identifying TVOC sources and for environmental monitoring. Future testing by AirGradient will explore sensor performance under various conditions to further understand its capabilities and limitations.