June 30, 2021 Applied Measurements Blogs Comments Off

How the use of sensors are a game changer for the HVACR and Air Conditioning Industries

Innovative technologies and sensor networks are an integral component when it comes to regulating heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) systems.

Whether it is a commercial, retail, industrial or residential building, pressure sensors play a significant monitoring role to ensure the indoor environment remains comfortable and safe. Moreover, pressure sensors help to maintain a comfortable indoor climate, while also increasing the efficiency of the HVACR systems.

What types of pressure sensors are used in the HVACR industry?
HVACR pressure sensors are available in various configurations. A range of board mounted pressure sensors are used in HVAC systems for filter monitoring as well as pressure monitoring through a forced air system. They can measure extremely low pressures.

Heavy duty pressure sensors monitor refrigerant pressure in compressor-based systems as well as water
or other liquid pressures in large commercial chillers and other refrigeration systems.

Pressure transducers can be packaged for measurement of liquids and gases in various HVACR applications. Sensors and transducers can be packaged as absolute, gauge, sealed gauge and differential.

At Applied Measurement, we supply a wide range of TE Connectivity sensors designed and manufactured for pressure motor vibration, liquid level, position and fluid property monitoring. These products provide a robust simple and reliable sensing technology with analogue and digital output options.

What are pressure sensors used for in HVACR applications?
Pressure sensors encounter many diverse application needs throughout the HVACR industry. The most commonly used sensors for HVACR applications are used to monitor temperature, humidity and pressure.

When integrated with pressure technology, HVACR systems can operate at optimum levels as well as improve building maintenance. Pressure sensors monitor ambient conditions as well as liquids and gases that are used to heat and cool the environment.

Detecting areas of maintenance

Pressure sensors closely monitor pressure changes and indicate if a predicament arises. If pressure drops across rooms or across a filter, this can alert service technicians that maintenance may be required.

Pressure transducers monitoring differential pressure in HVAC systems are especially important for critical applications such as stairwell pressurisation, clogged filter detection or cleanrooms.

Improving indoor air flow

Buildings require a certain amount of air flow and level of air quality, depending on the building function and average number of occupants.

Pressure sensors make HVAC systems more efficient by measuring air flow and pressure though a system for effective air distribution.

Pressure sensors are especially beneficial in cleanrooms by assessing and monitoring air pressure, quality and ventilation.

Increasing efficiency

Through measuring pressure and air flow of individual rooms, building managers can optimise heating, cooling and air flow. By increasing the efficiency of the HVAC system, sensors can reduce the buildings energy consumption and costs.

Detecting areas for maintenance can also reduce energy costs by preventing unnecessary energy loads from malfunctioning equipment. Pressure sensors also ensure compliance with legal required standards.
Pressure sensors can also enable integration of HVACR systems with building automation systems. Sensors have played a big role in improving the efficiency of these systems by monitoring various parts of the system and confirming that all parts are functioning properly

What happens when pressure sensors fail?
The environment found in commercial and residential HVACR systems can be one of the most challenging
industrial environments. With large temperature swings, high moisture levels and electrical noise,
the HVACR system requires sensors that are robust enough to function continuously while providing
accurate readings.

When pressure sensors aren’t reliable or robust enough, systems can fail causing thousands of dollars in damages for the most serious cases. More often, sensor failures result in loss of system efficiency, erratic operation and uneven environmental controls in the building or home.

In some cases, the system provides inadequate cooling or heating and causes comfort issues for occupants, resulting in poor productivity and equipment issues.

When temperatures are critical for computer equipment, food preservation or for medicine, drug or organ storage, system issues can contribute to expensive equipment failure. In addition, service calls to diagnose and repair the issues can be very expensive and time consuming.

Talk to the pressure sensor experts
Since 1976, Applied Measurement has taken pride in providing innovative and effective solutions for applications that involve the measurement of physical parameters. As a ‘one-stop-shop’, we design, manufacture, distribute, support and calibrate everything we supply from our individual sensors through to complete systems.

We understand that each application in its own particular environment is different. We have a high level of expertise and have built a reputation for consistently delivering high levels of precision and accuracy into engineered measurement and industrial control system applications.

As innovative technologies are enabling systems to run more efficiently and at lower cost, you will need the components to stay ahead. If you’re not sure which sensor is right for your HVACR system needs or want more information, get in touch with our team today.