Design of a Refrigerant Leak Sensor based on the Photoacoustic Dual-Chamber Detection Method

We present a concept for the development of a dual-chamber photoacoustic sensor for refrigerant leak detection using R227ea as an example. Photoacoustic detection allows a very compact sensor with high sensitivity and selectivity to be realized. The simulations presented in this paper demonstrate that the sensor can cover the concentration range of 0-5000 ppm R227ea, with a limit of detection (LOD) of approximately 20 ppm R227ea.