Gas Sensors
AST's gas sensors often combine several measurement principles in one sensor. Thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity measurements are often used for measuring concentrations/quality, but optical systems are also applied in the determination of gases.
Examples of our gas sensor applications are leakage and concentration measurement for hydrogen-powered vehicles or air quality measurement for the control of ventilation systems (HVAC). In general, our sensors can determine the properties of a wide range of different gases.
All AST sensors are equipped with a microcontroller and are thus able to calculate complex algorithms directly at the sensor. An output signal processed in this way is made available in analog or digital form.
Hydrogen Sensor
Hydrogen sensors are based on the very robust and reliable TCS process and are therefore predestined for this task. In particular, they exhibit low cross sensitivity to other gases and are extremely stable over the long-term.
Our sensors are available in different versions:
- As a leakage sensor (0-5% hydrogen content), they are part of the safety concept of hydrogen-powered vehicles. Detecting leaks in the hydrogen supply is especially essential for ensuring safe operation when using the critical medium of hydrogen.
- As a concentration sensor (0-10% hydrogen content), for example, they are used in the exhaust tract of the fuel cell and enable conclusions to be drawn about the efficiency of the process.
- As a concentration sensor (0-100% hydrogen content), they are located on the anode side of the fuel cell and measure the hydrogen content in the recirculation circuit.
Air Quality Sensor
Air quality sensors constantly monitor the intensity, degree of pollution, and number of odor molecules in the exhaust air. This information can be used as a basis for adjusting fan performance to produce a pleasantly fresh ambient climate.
By continuously measuring air pollution, our sensors intelligently predict when, for example, filters need to be replaced or the next service is due.