Smart exhaust gas sensor for bio-fuels

SenSiC has developed a new generation of gas sensors; they are small, fast, robust and cost-effective. The sensor is a MGD-type (Multi Gas Detecting) and allows very precise combustion control in heaters when compared to alternatives on the market today.

The sensors, which are based on semi-conductors made from silicon carbide (SiC), can withstand high temperatures and aggressive environments. In the first instance the sensor will be marketed to the manufacturers of heat and power systems and the vehicle and shipping industries. The demands for improved power economy (lower fuel consumption) and environment friendly systems make the gas sensor a key component as it can analyse the combustion gasses and thereby optimise the combustion process.

SenSiC’s unique Bio-heat sensor has been developed for small scale bio-heating systems such as pellet, wood-chip and wood burners. Although recyclable bio-fuels are carbon dioxide neutral the variations in the quality of the fuel makes it difficult to optimise combustion. This leads to high levels of uncombusted particles in the exhaust gases such as foul smelling hydrocarbon and environment damaging and health-impairing carbon monoxide.

By analysing both carbon monoxide and oxygen content the bio-heat sensor makes it possible to control and the flow of oxygen or fuel and thereby optimise the combustion process.

Tests have shown that a bio-heat sensor connected to the air intake of a wood burner can reduce the emission of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide by as much as 90% and, at the same time, increase efficiency by as much as 10 %. It can also reduce the need for flue cleaning by approximately 75%.

The sensor is being developed in close collaboration with Linköping University under the guidance of Professor Anita Lloyd Spetz and Dr Mike Andersson – both are recognised world experts in semi-conductors based gas sensors.

SenSiC is currently perfecting a NOx ppb oxygen sensor for EGR applications and an ammonia sensor for SCR & SNCR systems used in NOx purification. .

Lars Hammarlund CEO