DunAn Microstaq unveils digital pressure temperature sensor for HVAC-R applications

The product is compatible with all ASHRAE safety groups A1, A2, and A2L refrigerants.

DunAn Microstaq, Inc. (DMQ), one of the leading, MEMS technology company, now offers a Digital Pressure Temperature Sensor (DPTS) to measure subcooling for HVAC-Refrigeration applications. Samples will be available for evaluation from  March 2023.

The DPTS is a self-contained device that measures pressure, temperature, and calculates subcooling based on refrigerant type. It is compatible with all ASHRAE safety groups A1, A2, and A2L refrigerants. The latest generation DPTS can read maximum pressure between 500 to 700psi.

The DPTS is available as a superheat sensor as well. In a HVAC-R system, two DPTS sensors can be used to measure superheat and subcooling. Superheat measurements monitor the efficiency of the HVAC-R system and can be used as a safety sensor to protect the compressor from liquid flooding. Subcooling measurements monitor the refrigerant charge level and control the high-pressure flow control valve to maintain the condenser mass flow rate for optimum performance (DMQ Patent No. 10,648,719).

The end user communicates with DPTS devices via the RS485 communication bus using the MODBUS RTU communication protocol. The DPTS is installed on a ¼” SAE 45^o flare male fitting for pressure measurements and a temperature sensor from the DPTS wiring harness is installed at the exit of the evaporator for superheat measurement or at the exit of the condenser for subcooling measurement. The end user may utilise both superheat and subcooling readings as input to trigger a programmable output to electrical equipment such as valves, actuators, or compressor contactors via solid-state relays.

The DPTS superheat and subcooling sensors can be used for monitoring efficient operation of the HVAC-R system, predicting equipment failure, real-time refrigerant charge monitoring for refrigerant leak detection over time, and efficiently managing system refrigerant charge. DMQ’s DPTS components are the future for real-time refrigerant charge management/monitoring to protect both the natural environment and HVAC-R systems.