Automotive-Grade R290 Refrigerant Leak Sensor
Detects R290 refrigerant leakage in the cabin and surrounding areas for HVAC warning and safety control
The automotive-grade R290 refrigerant leak sensor is based on the conductivity change of MOx sensing materials. With an optimized micro-heater structure and gas diffusion path, it can monitor trace R290 (propane) leakage around the vehicle air-conditioning system in real time. An internal heating layer keeps the sensing film at a stable operating temperature. When R290 gas enters the sensing chamber and reacts with the sensitive material, the resulting resistance change is converted into a fast and reliable output signal for leak detection. The sensor provides real-time R290 leak level data and supports deep integration with the vehicle HVAC system. When abnormal refrigerant concentration is detected, it can trigger A/C shutdown protection, increase ventilation, and activate vehicle safety alerts. Once concentration returns to normal, the system can resume standard operation, improving overall HVAC safety and supporting more precise thermal management control.
Key Advantages
High Sensitivity
Built with automotive-grade MOx gas sensing materials and a micro-heater design, the sensor responds sensitively to low-ppm refrigerant leakage with wide detection range and strong repeatability.
High Consistency
Supported by our in-house gas calibration and test system, the sensor delivers excellent production consistency and stable output across vehicle platforms and installation positions.
Automotive-Grade Reliability
Developed to automotive standards, the sensor operates reliably from -40°C to 85°C with strong resistance to vibration, humidity, and interference, while effectively minimizing long-term drift.
Cost-Effective
Core sensing materials and the micro-heater structure are developed and manufactured in-house, helping reduce material cost while maintaining performance consistency for large-scale vehicle programs.
Active Vehicle Safety System for R290 Refrigerant Monitoring
The R290 refrigerant sensor can work closely with the vehicle system to enable immediate risk detection and active safety control when abnormal refrigerant leakage occurs inside the vehicle. Once a rapid rise in R290 concentration is detected, the sensor sends an alert signal to the vehicle system, which can display a clear warning on the central screen and notify occupants through sound, icons, or ambient lighting. At the same time, the vehicle can automatically take protective actions such as increasing ventilation to maximum airflow, switching to fresh-air mode, shutting down the cooling loop, reducing compressor output, or restricting certain A/C functions when necessary. If the leak reaches a higher warning level, the system can also advise the driver to stop safely and ventilate the cabin. This integrated protection strategy enables early response to refrigerant leakage, reduces potential risk at the source, and improves the active safety capability of the vehicle thermal management system.
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