Economical and technical advantages of infrared sensors for A2L refrigerant leak detection in HVACR applications

Non Dispersive Infrared technology (NDIR), already widely used in industrial and commercial settings, satisfy many of the proposed required criteria for A2L refrigerant sensors. NDIR main advantages lies in greater gas selectivity, low humidity and temperature dependence and long stability and expected lifetime, when compared to other available technologies.
They are believed to be more than capable of detecting leaks within the anticipated alarm ranges without falsely-triggering on typical pollutants present in residential or commercial environments. NDIR sensors are also not anticipated to be susceptible to many failure modes in both residential and commercial/industrial applications, representing a true fail-safe solution. Although their cost is often perceived as the major inhibitor to use, when considering total cost of ownership (T.C.O.) over 3 to 5 years, Non Dispersive Infrared sensors offer an actual economical advantage due to reduced maintenance and recalibration requirements and longer expected lifetime.

The presentation will start by describing the main drivers behind current refrigerant leak requirements in industrial, commercial and residential applications. It will then highlight the main technological advantages of Non Dispersive Infrared technology applied to refrigerant leak detection over traditional technologies and will then explain how these translate into practical and economical advantages for maintenance staff, plant owners and managers, taking a mid- to long-term approach.