Evolving Measurement and Monitoring Needs in Transportation

Transportation technologies are entering a new era of intelligent measurement and control. Across the automotive, rail, marine, and aerospace sectors, advances in propulsion systems, monitoring electronics, and environmental standards are transforming how performance, safety, and reliability are managed.

The move toward electric, hybrid, and hydrogen powertrains requires precise measurement of gases, temperature, pressure, and flow to ensure safe combustion, detect leaks early, and achieve efficient energy conversion. Thermal and dielectric monitoring are now essential for battery systems, inverters, and cooling circuits, where stability and insulation integrity directly affect system longevity and safety.

Meanwhile, stricter emissions and lifecycle regulations are driving demand for advanced sensors that monitor combustion efficiency, exhaust composition, and fluid conditions, including moisture-in-oil and particulate detection for predictive maintenance. As vehicles become more connected, smart sensors capable of self-diagnostics and cloud connectivity will play a key role in condition-based maintenance.

Together, these developments point to a unified goal: integrated, data-driven, and durable sensor systems that form the foundation of safer, cleaner, and more efficient transportation technologies.

Applications of Environmental and Condition Monitoring in Transportation

Across every mode of transport; road, rail, marine, air, and industrial, environmental and performance-monitoring sensors are vital for ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance. Below is an overview of key sensor technologies and their applications, along with specific product examples.

Gas Sensing in Transportation

Gas sensors are critical for emissions control, safety monitoring, and air quality management.

Automotive and Heavy-Duty Vehicles

Gas sensors measure oxygen, NOx, CO, and CO₂ in exhaust systems to optimize combustion and meet emissions regulations. Built to endure extreme conditions (−40°C to 900°C), these sensors deliver sub second response times, ±2–5% accuracy, and lifetimes exceeding 150,000 km or 10 years.

While Angst+Pfister oxygen sensors are not intended for mass-production exhaust systems, the Parox 1200 offers exceptional precision and minimal cross-sensitivity, ideal for research and high-accuracy combustion analysis.

Electric and Fuel Cell Vehicles (EVs and FCEVs)

In electric vehicles (EVs), gas sensors detect hydrogen and CO off-gassing, early indicators of thermal runaway. Concentration thresholds trigger the battery management system (BMS) to reduce current, activate cooling, or safely shut down the system.

Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) use onboard hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity. Here, gas sensors are utilised for early detection of hydrogen leaks or overpressure events.

NevadaNano’s MPS™ sensors detect hydrogen, as well as EMC (ethyl methyl carbonate) and DMC (dimethyl carbonate) gases that signal thermal runaway.

Angst+Pfister’s HyAlerta hydrogen gas sensor provides robust leak monitoring for battery rooms and enclosed spaces.

New Cosmos (parent company of Figaro) produces in-vehicle CSD modules for FCEVs, detecting 0–100% LEL H₂ with <3s T90 response, −35–85°C operation, and dual CAN/PWM outputs.

Aviation

In aviation, gas sensors ensure cabin air quality and crew safety. Cabin air, a blend of compressed and recirculated air, must be continuously monitored for CO₂ and ozone (O₃).

NDIR sensors are preferred for their compactness, stability, and long life.  The Figaro CDM7162 provides high-accuracy CO₂ measurement with UART/I²C outputs, ideal for aircraft environmental control systems (ECS).

Ozone sensors and converters maintain cabin O₃ below EASA-regulated limits, preventing irritation and fatigue.

Additional sensors measure:

VOCs –  e.g. the Figaro EM26AQS module, which outputs a five-level Indoor Air Quality (VAQL) index with LED indication.

CO –  monitored using Figaro CMM5042 (0–800 ppm) and CMM5141 (0–23 ppm), both pre-calibrated modules with self-diagnostics and temperature compensation.

H₂ – the lightweight, high sensitivity Figaro TGS2616-C00 (MOS)  is ideal for early leak detection, and the TGS6812 (catalytic) for LEL-level monitoring in emerging hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Refrigerants – In electric and hybrid aircraft, refrigerant leak detection is vital.  Sensor Solutions include NDIR modules such as the SmartGas BASIC-EVO range for  both HFC/HFO refrigerants and CO₂, additionally CO₂ probes from E+E Elektronik.

Marine and Rail Applications

Marine systems use gas sensors to monitor SOx and NOx emissions, detect fuel and refrigerant leaks, and maintain compliance with IMO regulations.

Rail and industrial vehicles rely on multi-gas monitoring (CO, NO₂, O₂, CO₂, H₂, CH₄, NH₃, VOCs, H₂S, SO₂) in tunnels, depots, and confined spaces.

Figaro offers sensors and calibrated modules covering this range of gases, while SmartGAS and E+E Elektronik provide CO₂ probes and transmitters, including the EE8915, certified for demanding railway applications.

Humidity Sensing

Humidity sensors enhance HVAC performance, prevent condensation, and protect electronic and mechanical systems. In EVs and hybrid vehicles, they safeguard against moisture-induced short circuits or corrosion.

E+E Elektronik offers a wide portfolio:

HTE501 – high-precision for harsh environments
HTE301 – cost-efficient for general use
HC03M / HC103M2 – optimised for low-temperature, high-altitude performance

Temperature Measurement

Temperature sensors are crucial for control, protection, and efficiency across combustion, electric, and hybrid systems. They monitor coolant, oil, and exhaust temperatures, manage battery and motor heat, and regulate HVAC and de-icing systems.

E+E Elektronik humidity elements feature an independent temperature channel, providing combined environmental data in one compact device.

Air Velocity and Flow Measurement

Accurate airflow measurement supports performance optimisation, thermal management, and environmental control.

In automotive, mass airflow (MAF) sensors improve combustion.

In aviation and rail, thermal anemometers and mass flow transmitters are used for aerodynamic testing and HVAC systems.

E+E Elektronik instruments — including EE75, EE741, EE771, EE776 — deliver high accuracy, contamination resistance, and wide dynamic range for wind tunnels, ducts, and marine ventilation systems.

Moisture-in-Oil Monitoring (MIO)

MIO sensors provide predictive maintenance and protect valuable transport assets. By detecting water contamination in oils used in engines, hydraulics, and gearboxes, they help prevent corrosion and degradation.

E+E Elektronik products such as the EE360, EE381, MOP301, and EE364 measure water activity and convert it to ppm, with pressure and temperature ratings suitable for marine, aviation, and industrial systems.

Cross-Sector Integration

Modern transportation increasingly depends on integrated sensor systems. Gas, temperature, humidity, and pressure sensors work together to support onboard diagnostics, fleet management, and predictive maintenance.

This convergence of technologies enables smarter, safer, and more sustainable mobility across all transport platforms, from automotive and rail to aerospace and marine industries.