TOKYO & NEW YORK & DÜSSELDORF, Germany, August 29, 2024–(BUSINESS WIRE)–To ensure safe operation with this highly flammable refrigerant, Senseair, a Swedish subsidiary of Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM), has developed “Sunlight R290”, a gas sensor with high measurement accuracy and operating range while maintaining minimal heat generation, packaging space and power consumption. Large-scale deliveries of Sunlight R290 are scheduled to begin in September 2024.
Existing and future regulations regarding PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, also called “forever chemicals”) and F-gases (fluorinated greenhouse gases) severely restrict the use of conventional synthetic refrigerants in air conditioning, heat pumps and other HVAC systems. The natural refrigerant R290 is propane gas, which is considered a more sustainable alternative to conventional solutions. However, due to its high flammability, reliable and highly accurate leak detection measures are required to ensure safe operation.
Senseair’s newly developed Sunlight R290 gas sensor uses the latest NDIR (non-dispersive infrared) technology, utilizing LED light sources and photodiode sensors. Due to its minimal heat generation, the sensor can be safely operated with R290. In addition, due to the characteristics of the NDIR method, detection is less affected by vibrations or interfering gases, enabling robust and reliable measurements that meet the strict leak detection requirements of the IEC 60335-2-40 safety standard for electric heat pumps, hot water heat pumps and air conditioning systems.
With a measuring range of 0-100% LFL (lower flammability limit) – the concentration of a combustible material in the air below which no ignition occurs – the sensor has a high measuring accuracy of +/- 2.5% LFL.
Low power consumption and superior service life
With an operating temperature range of -40°C to 70°C and a relative humidity (RH) range of 0 to 95%, Sunlight R290 can operate stably in demanding environments and covers a wide range of applications including air conditioners, heat pumps, dehumidifiers and panel coolers. When operated under normal ambient conditions, a lifetime of over 15 years can be expected. In addition, the sensor features an automatic baseline correction (ABC) algorithm that enables maintenance-free use over extended periods of time. All this is achieved in a small package size of 34 mm × 21 mm × 12 mm and a power consumption of 94 μA.
Sunlight R290 is also available in a standalone refrigerant detection system, the RDS R290, which enables leak detection without integration into equipment.
For more information on the trend towards natural refrigerants, see the article at the following link.
https://www.akm.com/global/en/products/flammable-gas-sensor/tutorial/natural-refrigerant
About Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM)
AKM, a Japan-based company, operates an electronic components business as a member of the materials sector of the Asahi Kasei Group. AKM offers customers unique products by combining compound semiconductor technology used in magnetic sensors with ASIC/analog circuit technology used in silicon semiconductors. AKM’s unique products and solutions are offered in a wide range of markets, including mobile communications devices and consumer products, as well as electronic devices for the automotive industry, home appliances, and industrial equipment.
For more information, visit https://www.akm.com/global/en/.
About Asahi Kasei
The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to the lives and homes of people around the world. Since its establishment in 1922 with an ammonia and cellulose fiber business, Asahi Kasei has grown continuously by proactively transforming its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of all ages. With more than 49,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to a sustainable society by providing solutions to the world’s challenges through its three business areas of Material, Homes and Health Care. For more information, visit www.asahi-kasei.com.
Asahi Kasei is also committed to sustainability initiatives and is contributing to achieving a carbon-neutral society by 2050. For more information, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/sustainability/.
View original version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240829132793/en/
Contacts
Contact North America:
Asahi Kasei America Inc.
Christian O’Keefe
[email protected]
Contact Europe:
Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH
Sebastian Schmidt
[email protected]
