May 10 2019
Posifa Technologies has launched its latest PAV1000 series of air velocity sensors for data center thermal management and HVAC applications, namely, filter monitoring. Measuring air velocity at 7 m/s (PAV1005V) and 15 m/s (PAV1015V), the devices deliver very fast response times of 125 ms usual in a compact, strong package.
Image credit: Posifa Technologies
The PAV1000 series was built as a cost-effective, high-performance air velocity sensor for thermal management and filter monitoring in even the most confined locations, such as rack enclosures with air cooling in data centers. In contrast to thermistor-based solutions, the Posifa MEMS sensor core is minimally impacted by ambient temperature variations and offers instant real-time feedback on appropriate air flow at crucial locations.
Air velocity data flawlessly complements temperature information to offer the ideal insight into thermal efficiency. By detecting areas that require abnormally high air flow to sustain consistent temperatures, layouts can be altered to decrease cooling demands for better energy savings. In HVAC applications, air velocity measurements can be used to establish when filters need to be substituted. This ensures hardware is sufficiently safeguarded during heavy use, while allowing customers with light usage necessities to gain from prolonged change intervals.
The devices consist of Posifa’s third-generation thermal flow die, which uses two thermopiles to detect variations in temperature gradient triggered by mass flow. The result shows outstanding repeatability of 1 % FS and accuracy of 5 % FS. The solid-state thermal isolation structure on the sensor die removes the need for a surface cavity or fragile membrane used in rival technologies, making the sensor impervious to pressure shock and clogging.
The PAV1000 series delivers an output voltage range from 0 VDC to 4.5 VDC, supply voltage from 5 VDC to 5.5 VDC, and supply current of 20 mA. The devices work over a -25 °C to +85 °C temperature range.
Production quantities and samples of the PAV1000 series air velocity sensors are presently available.