Air velocity sensors offer insight into thermal efficiency

Unlike thermistor-based solutions, the PAV3000 has a MEMS sensor core that is minimally affected by ambient temperature changes and which provides instant real-time feedback on proper air flow at critical locations.

Air velocity data perfectly complements temperature information to provide the best insight into thermal efficiency.

Because the PAV3000 helps identify areas that require unusually high air flow to maintain stable temperatures, layouts for rack enclosures with air cooling — such as those found in data centres — can be modified to reduce cooling demands for increased energy savings.

In applications such as HVAC systems, air velocity measurements can be used to determine when filters need to be replaced.

This ensures hardware is adequately protected during heavy use, and it allows customers with light usage requirements to benefit from extended change intervals.

PAV3000 series devices feature Posifa's third-generation thermal flow die, which uses a pair of thermopiles to detect changes in temperature gradient caused by mass flow.

The result is excellent repeatability of 1% FS and accuracy of 5% FS. The solid-state thermal isolation structure on the sensor die eliminates the need for a surface cavity or the fragile membrane used in competing technologies, making the sensor resistant to clogging and pressure shock.

Measuring air velocity at 7m/s (PAV3005V) and 15m/s (PAV3015V), the PAV3000 series devices offer extremely fast response times of 125ms typical in a compact, robust package.

The air velocity sensors feature a 12-bit digital output, 3.3V supply voltage, and supply current of 13mA.

Samples and production quantities of the PAV3000 series air velocity sensors are available now.