An increasing number of projects are opting for Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) or Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems instead of traditional chilled or hot water systems. While these advanced systems offer significant energy efficiency and design flexibility, they also introduce new challenges related to refrigerant gas distribution.
In VRV/VRF systems, refrigerant gas travels directly to individual rooms. If a leak occurs, particularly in a small, enclosed space with a large condenser unit, a substantial discharge of refrigerant gas can take place. This poses potential health and safety risks, making effective refrigerant leak detection critical.
The Pitfalls of Traditional Semi-Conductor Sensors
Historically, low-cost semi-conductor-based sensors have been widely used for refrigerant leak detection. While these sensors may be acceptable for plant room installations, they are highly unsuitable for indoor occupied spaces. The primary issue with semi-conductor sensors in indoor environments is their susceptibility to false alarms triggered by common airborne substances.
Everyday products such as strong perfumes, cleaning sprays, aerosols, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from fresh paint, and furniture off-gassing can all cause frequent false alarms. This results in a highly unreliable detection system, which can lead to frustration and, in many cases, the disabling of the monitoring system altogether.
A Real-World Example: Why Reliable Sensing Technology Matters
A recent case highlights the risks associated with using inadequate sensor technology. A major hotel, preparing to open its doors, had installed a refrigerant gas detection system using semi-conductor sensors. During a promotional photo shoot, models were assigned rooms to prepare in. When one model used hair spray, the entire gas detection system triggered an alarm. The disruption was so significant that the monitoring system was permanently deactivated—leaving the hotel with no refrigerant leak protection.
Our Solution: Infrared/MPS (Molecular Property Spectrometer) Sensor Technology
To avoid these issues, we offer dual-beam infrared (NDIR)/MPS sensors, specifically designed for indoor applications where accuracy and reliability are paramount. Unlike semi-conductor sensors, NDIR/MPS sensors do not suffer from cross-sensitivity to common household or commercial substances, ensuring that only actual refrigerant leaks are detected.
Additionally, our range of NDIR sensors features on-the-spot local calibration, eliminating the need to send sensors back to the manufacturer for recalibration—an inconvenience required by many other brands. If a sensor must be removed from the site, replacing it with another unit can quickly add to operational costs. Our solution helps mitigate these expenses while maintaining continuous monitoring reliability.
Get Expert Guidance for Your Application
If you require a dependable refrigerant leak detection solution for your indoor space, our team is here to help. Contact us today for expert guidance on selecting the right product for your specific application:
📧 sales@gasalarm.com.au
📞 02 9838 7220