Danfoss Sensing Solutions supports the transition to low GWP refrigerants with its new DST Gxxx A2L refrigerant detection sensors

For over 55 years, Danfoss Sensing Solutions has supplied innovative sensing solutions to HVAC/R system builders around the world. Now, as the industry transitions to low-GWP refrigerants, Danfoss has put its decades of sensing experience to work to design the safest and most accurate A2L refrigerant detection sensor on the market.

Thermal conductivity provides the best solution for A2L gas sensing

Built with thermal conductivity technology, the DST Gxxx series excels in rapid and accurate leak detection, providing the maximum level of safety for use with A2L refrigerants. “The key advantage of building the DST Gxxx A2L refrigerant detecting sensors using thermal conductivity technology, is that it allows the sensor to accurately re-calibrate itself under a wide range of operating conditions – making it the best choice for harsh environments,” explains Laís Miranda de Oliveira, Product Manager at Danfoss Sensing Solutions.

The Danfoss team has tested the DST Gxxx sensors in high humidity environments and under varying temperatures, and they showed little or no signs of damage. The DST Gxxx sensors also provide a series of self-test diagnostics to monitor sensor health and to warn if they’re outside the operation range. The sensors’ Automated Self Calibration (ASC) adjusts the measurement over time to remove minor drifts and delivers ~0% Lower Flammability Limit (LFL) level in clean air signal. To detect drifts greater than the ASC can correct, the sensors include a built-in limit supervision self-test diagnostic that continuously monitors the measurements. Since the sensors self-calibrate, the error margin is smaller than if it needed to be calibrated by a third party. “This combination of robustness and accurate calibration make for an effective technology for detecting A2L gas leaks. And by implementing the inverted sensor design, we’ve been able to further increase the DST Gxxx sensors’ accuracy,” says Laís Miranda de Oliveira.

Inverted design ensures optimal sensor protection and performance

Another key feature of the new DST Gxxx A2L refrigerant sensor series is the unique inverted design. This design protects the sensors in harsh environments, shielding them from dust, oil and water spray, and during pressurized cleaning and maintenance in commercial refrigeration units. All exposed materials are also UV-protected, meaning coils can be cleaned with UV light without damaging the sensor, and resulting in better indoor air quality for HVAC units.

Designed for a wide range of HVAC and commercial refrigerant applications

The sensors support five different A2L refrigerants and are designed for both HVAC applications (the DST G54B for R454B and DST GR32 for R32 refrigerants), and commercial refrigeration applications (the DST G54A for R454A, the DST G54C for R454C and the DST G55A for R455A refrigerant). Additional refrigerants are also available upon request. The DST Gxxx sensors offer the following benefits:

More low-GWP refrigerant gas sensing solutions on the horizon

The DST Gxxx A2L refrigerant detection sensors are the only first step on Danfoss’ gas sensing journey, as Mark R. Otten, Segment Manager for Cooling & Heating at Danfoss Sensing Solutions points out. “The next step will take us to Monterrey, Mexico, where we’re establishing a manufacturing footprint at our Danfoss campus. This location places us in proximity to our customers and will make it easier for us to partner with them to develop new gas sensing technologies. Our local presence will also improve speed-to-market and lead times, while reducing transport emissions, so we can effectively meet the market’s increasing demand for sensor technology and support our customers’ growth.”

With the introduction of the DST Gxxx sensors — and the ongoing expansion of the gas sensing platform to be used in the future with other (A3 and CO₂) refrigerants—Danfoss Sensing Solutions has positioned itself as a trustworthy partner for HVAC/R system builders navigating the gas sensing sensor frontier.