Sensata Technologies has introduced an R290 pressure and temperature sensor for automotive thermal management systems using R290 propane refrigerant.
As automakers evaluate lower-global-warming-potential and PFAS-free refrigerants, R290 is drawing interest for electrified vehicle HVAC and heat-pump systems.
Its flammability and leakage requirements, however, place additional demands on refrigerant monitoring and system control.
The R290 P+T Sensor combines pressure and temperature measurement in a single device designed for R290 applications. The sensor is intended to provide the data needed to monitor refrigerant conditions and manage HVAC and heat-pump operation in increasingly complex EV thermal architectures.
Sensata says the sensor incorporates a leakage-optimized design intended to reduce refrigerant loss over the vehicle lifetime. It is also designed for accurate pressure and temperature measurement and reliable operation in automotive environments.
In electric vehicles (EVs), thermal management systems regulate temperatures across systems such as the passenger cabin and battery. Accurate refrigerant measurements can help the control system respond to changing pressure and temperature conditions while maintaining efficient heat-pump and air-conditioning operation.
The sensor is intended for automotive air-conditioning and thermal-management systems in battery-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, and other electrified platforms using R290 refrigerant.
Filed Under: Sensors, Technology News