Detecting condensation on a surface, comprises analyzing changes in dielectric constant in stray field of capacitor

摘要

The method for detecting condensation on surfaces involves analyzing changes in the dielectric constant in the stray field of a capacitor. A condensation sensor (1) is arranged directly on an electric or electronic component in a high heat conductivity region. By analyzing the stray field capacitance, the sensor detects water droplets (3) of between 0.1 and 1000 micrometers and outputs a water mass dependent signal. The total amount of condensation on the electric or electronic component can be determined from the signal. Independent claims also cover an apparatus for carrying out the method.