As A2L Transition Moves Forward, Refrigerant Leak Detection Comes into Greater Focus

The sensor leverages acoustic resonance technology to continually sweep for the presence of the target gas within the environment required by the HVAC system – in most cases near the condenser coil, where leaks may be most likely to occur.

It delivers a fast response time with a life expectancy of more than 15 years – often exceeding the lifetime of the equipment itself. Because the sensors do not require field calibration or re-zeroing, they reduce service costs for both installers and end users.

As flammable refrigerants continue to expand across the globe, the need for leak detection across a variety of mediums will continue to become more and more widespread. Regulations managing leak detection for R290 systems are already in process, and other refrigerant platforms may enter the fold in the future.  

The steps laid out under the Kigali Amendment to reduce and eliminate the use of HFCs is intended to keep more than 100 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. By 2100, that effort will have hopefully helped to avoid up to 0.5 degree Celsius of global temperature rise. Looking ahead, further enhancements in HVAC system design will continue to take shape, driven by the focus on safety, environmental impact, and energy efficiency worldwide.

Richard Rodrigues is the Senior Global Product Manager for Sensata Technologies’ HVAC Gas Sensing product line. Richard has 14 years of product development experience in industrial sensing, professional lighting, environmental sensors, and additional product categories. sensata.com