With the growing global focus on climate change and environmental protection, traditional high-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants have faced increasing restrictions in recent years, including the F-gas Regulation in the EU and the AIM Act in the US. New low-GWP alternatives have become the preferred choice for HVAC applications, while the trend is increasingly reflected in the automotive sector due to regulatory and environmental requirements. However, some of these new refrigerants, including R744 (CO2) and R290 (propane), which are being adopted by OEMs, present safety challenges if they leak.
Compared to traditional refrigerants, R744 operates at high pressure, demanding higher strength, anti-interference capability, and long-term stability from detection systems. Meanwhile, R290 is classified as an A3 highly flammable refrigerant, requiring extremely high sensitivity and rapid response in leakage monitoring to prevent potential safety hazards.
As an automotive Tier 1 supplier, Cubic leverages its extensive expertise in gas sensing technologies to address these challenges as the industry shifts toward R744 and R290. Based on its core NDIR (Non-Dispersive Infrared) technology, Cubic has developed a new generation of refrigerant sensors specifically for R744 and R290 leak detection, delivering rapid, stable, and intelligent sensing solutions for modern automotive applications.
Automotive Dual Function R744 Refrigerant Leakage Monitoring Sensor ACDS-1009
Cubic ACDS-1009 is an automotive-grade dual-function gas sensor utilizing Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) technology, specifically designed for in-vehicle applications. It ensures vehicle safety through real-time detection of R744 refrigerant leakage, while simultaneously providing efficient in-cabin CO2 monitoring.
In response to the implementation of the EU F-gas Regulation, the ACDS-1009, which integrates dual-function detection with rapid response times, low power consumption, and an extended lifespan, provides a robust solution for refrigerant leakage safety monitoring within automotive HVAC systems.
Image Credit: Cubic Sensor and Instrument Co. Ltd
Automotive R290 Refrigerant Leakage Monitoring Sensor AM4206
Cubic AM4206 is an automotive-grade NDIR (Non-Dispersive Infrared) sensor, specifically designed for detecting R290 refrigerant leaks within automotive HVAC systems.
AM4206 enables continuous real-time monitoring of R290 refrigerant leaks and promptly outputs alarm signals through LIN communication. AM4206 ensures long-term stability, rapid response, and less gas cross-interference, offering a robust safety monitoring solution in automotive applications, in response to EU F-gas Regulation requirements.
Image Credit: Cubic Sensor and Instrument Co. Ltd