Sensata Launches R290 Pressure and Temperature Sensor for EV Thermal Systems

Sensata Technologies has launched an R290 Pressure + Temperature (P+T) Sensor designed for automotive air conditioning and thermal management systems using propane as a refrigerant.

The sensor integrates pressure and temperature measurement in a single device designed specifically for R290 applications. It is intended for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and other electrified platforms using R290 in their thermal systems.

R290 has a low global warming potential (GWP) and is PFAS-free, but its flammability and strict leakage requirements introduce additional design considerations for automotive thermal systems. Sensata's new sensor is designed to provide the pressure and temperature measurements required for monitoring refrigerant conditions and controlling HVAC and heat pump systems.

Pressure and Temperature Sensing for R290

The R290 P+T Sensor is available in low- and high-side configurations. The low-side version covers operating pressures from 0.6 to 20 barA, while the high-side version extends to 40 barA.

Initial pressure accuracy is specified at ±1% FS from -20°C to +80°C and ±1.5% FS outside that range. Temperature accuracy ranges from ±1°C to ±2.5°C. Pressure response time is 10 ms or less, while temperature response time is specified at 3 seconds or less.

Both ambient and media operating temperatures extend from -40°C to +140°C, with an operating endurance of more than two million cycles.

The sensor is available with analogue, LIN and SENT output options. Analogue and SENT versions operate from a 5 V supply, while the LIN version supports 9 to 16 V.

Leakage-Optimized Design

Sensata has optimized the sensor for low internal and external R290 leakage, with a minimum combined leak rate below 0.2 g/year depending on configuration.

The sensor carries an IP69K ingress protection rating and uses an M12 x 1.25 thread. Proof pressure is rated at 40 barA for the low-side configuration and 70 barA for the high-side version, with burst pressure ratings of 64 barA and 120 barA respectively.

These characteristics address the pressure, leakage and environmental requirements associated with using a flammable refrigerant in automotive thermal management systems.

Sensata is targeting the R290 P+T Sensor at automotive air conditioning and thermal management systems in BEVs, PHEVs and other electrified vehicles adopting propane-based refrigerants.

Learn more and read the original announcement at sensata.com.

Technology Overview

Sensata's R290 P+T Sensor integrates pressure and temperature sensing for EV thermal management systems using propane refrigerant. It offers low- and high-side pressure configurations, analogue, LIN and SENT outputs, IP69K protection and a leakage-optimized design.

FAQs

What is the Sensata R290 P+T Sensor?

It is an automotive sensor that combines pressure and temperature measurement in a single device designed for thermal management systems using R290 propane refrigerant.

What pressure ranges does the R290 P+T Sensor support?

The low-side configuration operates from 0.6 to 20 barA, while the high-side configuration operates from 0.6 to 40 barA.

What vehicles is the Sensata R290 P+T Sensor designed for?

It is designed for automotive air conditioning and thermal management systems in battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and other electrified platforms using R290 refrigerant.