Unique sensor design provides greater reliability along with space savings and weight reduction
Burbank, CA – October 9, 2017 — Hydra-Electric Company, a provider of breakthrough technology in sensors and switches for the aerospace industry, has introduced a new sensor design for venturi based mass flow systems. The initial application is for the environmental controls systems of a business aircraft, however the design has been generalized for use in commercial aviation as well as military use.
The design involves an enhanced approach not found in the products of other sensor manufacturers. Hydra-Electric’s model builds on the combined sampling of pressure drop across a venturi, coupled with absolute pressure measurement of the inflow and the known temperature reading of the media to provide accurate calculations of the mass-flow of air or gases.
This enhanced design crafts together high accuracy sensing elements capable of precise measurement operating over wide flow ranges and extended temperature extremes to provide precise readings for tight accuracy. The combination of flow dynamics and advanced sensor structures allows for a reduced venturi size which is able to fit into compact spaces which in turns simplifies system design as well as installation of the unit.
“With this new design, we’re able to provide improved robustness and reliability compared with traditional designs,” commented David Schmidt, Hydra-Electric chief executive officer. “Gone are early or random failure, high maintenance cost, and compromises of low accuracy.”
Another significant advantage of Hydra-Electric’s approach is that it can accomplish three full measurements in a single sensor unit. While the mass flow absolute pressure reading is the main focus, the unit can also measure differential pressure and temperature. This reduces both space requirements and device weight, which is always an important factor for designers of major aircraft systems.
This announcement continues a long line of innovations in sensing technology introduced by Hydra-Electric. Other examples include high temperature sensors, near infinite cycle life for pressure monitoring systems, electronic pressure and temperature switch technology, low pressure differential measurement with high line pressure, and adjustable range aerospace grade sensing.
Hydra-Electric will be exhibiting at the 2017 National Business Aviation Association – Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), Booth #C7706. Copies of the Company’s engineering white papers will be available in the booth and can also be downloaded electronically at www.hydraelectric.com/wp.