Sensair develops tiny R290 gas sensor
Senseair, a Swedish subsidiary of Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM), has developed a compact NDIR (non-dispersive infrared) sensor for detecting the highly flammable gas R290.
The newly developed sensor, called Sunlight R290, uses LED light sources and photodiode sensors to minimise heat generation.
R290 is a refrigerant based on propane gas, which is being used as a sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic solutions in air conditioning units, heat pumps, dehumidifiers, and control panel coolers. However, due to R290's high flammability, reliable and highly accurate leakage detection measures are required to ensure safe operation.
Senseair says that in addition to the minimal heat generation, the characteristics of the NDIR method mean that gas detection is less affected by vibrations or interfering gases, enabling robust and reliable measurements that meet the stringent leak detection requirements of the IEC 60335-2-40 safety standard for electric heat pumps, sanitary hot water heat pumps, and air conditioners.
