AppliedSensor Provides Hydrogen Detection Sensors for
First Hydrogen Serial Car in the Premium Segment
Warren, New Jersey – March 16, 2007 – AppliedSensor today announced that its HSS-440 hydrogen gas detection module will be incorporated in the BMW Hydrogen 7, the world's first hydrogen-drive luxury performance automobile for everyday use. The Hydrogen 7 automobiles are being built by BMW in a limited series and deployed to selected users in the U.S. and other countries.
The BMW Hydrogen 7, which made its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December 2006, uses hydrogen combustion technology available through a dual-mode drive system. At the flick of a dashboard-mounted switch, the driver can tap either a 19.5-gallon gasoline tank or the 17.6-pound liquid hydrogen tank, thereby increasing range and reducing emissions to water vapor.
The AppliedSensor HSS-440 module incorporates high-performance sensing based on advancements in Field Effect (FE) technology designed specifically for fuel cell and hydrogen-powered vehicles. The modules are mounted in the car cabin, under the hood and in the trunk area to detect hydrogen gas leaks at levels far below the established lower explosion limit of four percent in-air.
“AppliedSensor is the only supplier that can meet BMW’s demanding requirements for hydrogen detection in terms of sensitivity, reliability, speed of response, and operational safety,” said AppliedSensor CEO Dr. Robert Straubinger. “Our development of sensors for hydrogen-powered vehicles demonstrates our commitment to help drivers lower emissions and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.”
The BMW Group (www.bmwgroup.com) is the only manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles worldwide that concentrates entirely on premium standards and outstanding quality for all its brands and across all relevant segments
AppliedSensor (www.appliedsensor.com) is a leading provider of gas sensor solutions for air quality, safety and control. With a 25-year legacy of research and development, the company brings its expertise in chemical sensor systems to a broad range of industries and applications, from automotive, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC), to safety and air quality control. AppliedSensor operates facilities in Sweden, Germany and the United States.
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AppliedSensor Field Effect Sensor Detects Extremely Low Levels of Hydrogen Gas, Helps Promote Hydrogen as Viable Alternative to Gasoline
Major Auto Manufacturer Evaluating AppliedSensor Model HSS-440 Hydrogen Detection Module
for New Fuel Cell/Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles
Warren, New Jersey – November 08, 2006 – AppliedSensor today announced that it has developed a high performance sensor designed specifically for fuel cell and hydrogen-powered vehicles. Based on advancements in Field Effect (FE) technology, the Model HSS-440 Hydrogen Detection Module can be mounted in the car cabin, under the hood or in the trunk area to detect hydrogen gas leaks at levels far below the established LEL (lower explosion limit) of four percent in air.
“Hydrogen is the environmental-friendliest fuel alternative because it reduces emissions of both hazardous and greenhouse gases literally to zero, and it reduces the dependence on foreign oil,” said AppliedSensor CEO Dr. Robert Straubinger. “However, the volatile nature of this gas makes it essential to equip hydrogen vehicles and hydrogen fueling stations with extremely sensitive gas detection modules. Our new HSS-440 Hydrogen Detection Module is currently being evaluated by major manufacturers of hydrogen vehicles. As this innovative sensor helps ensure the safety of hydrogen vehicles and occupants, it will be a significant factor in helping to promote hydrogen as a viable alternative to gasoline.”
The rapid detection of hydrogen is extremely critical in automotive applications because even a small leak could result in concentrations of this lighter-than-air gas in the automotive cabin ceiling, under the hood of the engine compartment or beneath the trunk lid, if the storage tank is in the rear of the vehicle. Fortunately, multiple AppliedSensor sensors located throughout a hydrogen-fueled vehicle can signal a driver to seek immediate service within seconds of detecting a hydrogen leak anywhere in or around the vehicle.
AppliedSensor (www.appliedsensor.com) is a leading provider of chemical sensor solutions for air quality, safety and control. With a 25-year legacy of research and development, the company brings its expertise in chemical sensor systems to a broad range of industries and applications, from automotive, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC), to safety and air quality control. AppliedSensor operates facilities in Sweden, Germany and the United States.
Media Contacts:
AppliedSensor, Inc.
Tom Aiken, Marketing VP
+1 (908) 222-1477 office, c. +1 (908) 209-8884
Tom.Aiken@appliedsensor.com |
AppliedSensor PR
Mar Junge, Principal, c3PR
408-730-8506 office, c. 408-219-0101
mar@c3pr.com
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AppliedSensor
Hydrogen Sensor Module
Model HSS-440
Characteristics |
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Target gas |
Hydrogen |
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Concentration range |
0 - 4.4% H2 in air |
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Accuracy |
+/- 2000ppm (equivalent 0.2%) |
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Speed of response (t90) |
<3s |
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Speed of recovery |
<10s |
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Cross-sensitivity |
No detection towards HC, H2S, N2, CO, CO2, NOx, H2O, minimum humidity influence |
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Start-up time |
< 1 s |
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Operation temperature range |
- 40°C to 85°C |
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