Invention Reference Number
Related Links
Current technology for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and other uses such as vending machines rely on refrigerants that have high global warming potential (GWP). Due to regulatory, public policy, and environmental reasons, low GWP refrigerants such as those classified as A3 are increasingly used. Propane is one such refrigerant, but it is flammable. Therefore, leak detection is critical for safety. This new technology is an inexpensive sensor platform with corresponding software and circuitry that detects propane leaks rapidly and sends an alert for immediate remedial action.
Description
This technology is a sensor platform to detect propane leaks in refrigeration units. Propane is a very low GWP refrigerant increasingly being used in refrigeration in an effort to reduce hydrofluorocarbons emissions. The platform includes electronic circuits which detects leaks, self-checks, and sends a corresponding signal to a receiver. The sensors are capable of hourly self-check and diagnostics, require no field calibration, are reliable, and can communicate with a monitoring station by transmitting data on leak detection or sensor integrity. The modified electronic circuit is specific to this application. The second part of the technology is the receiver, which accepts the signal from the sensor so that remedial action can be taken immediately. The electrochemical sensor detects flammable gas and sends a signal that is transmitted wirelessly via radio waves to a remote location. Transmission could occur via a telephone line, a satellite signal for remote locations, or via the internet for urban or commercial settings. The current version transmits leak detection via radio signal to another radio receiver where the output is read on a laptop for remote monitoring.
Applications and Industries
- HVAC industry for both residential and commercial applications
- Refreshment and vending machine industries
- Any industry requiring cooling or heating
Benefits
- Low-cost way to improve safety
- Can work with any commercial refrigerator or vending machine
- Detects leak of flammable refrigerant instantly (within 1-2 seconds)
- Self-checks and provides diagnostics
- Helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions with low global warming potential refrigerant leak detection
- Single receiver can cover several square miles
- Field calibration not required
- Runs on a regular AC wall outlet
- Has simple 9-volt battery backup
Contact
To learn more about this technology, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call 865-574-1051.
