Although we are well aware of the dreadful effects on the environment and the climate, turning up the AC when stuck in traffic on a hot day is extremely tempting.
To date, however, it has rarely been used in air conditioning systems in vehicles. Although carbon dioxide is relatively inexpensive as a refrigerant, the technology for its use is quite costly. As a result, very few manufacturers have used this technology to date, and when they do, it is mainly in high-end vehicles. Regardless of the refrigerant used, leaks and outgassing into the vehicle compartment must be avoided, or at least detected quickly. CO₂ in particular has a significant impact on the driver's ability to concentrate, especially at concentrations higher than 1500 ppm. Fatigue and dizziness can also occur, increasing the risk of accidents. Reliable measurement technology is essential here. With non-dispersive infrared spectroscopy (NDIR) all common refrigerants can be detected. Even when switching to other refrigerants the measurement technology can be quickly adapted by selecting a suitable bandpass filter. Axetris infrared sources deliver high emission performance across the entire spectrum of approved refrigerants, providing the best basis for this measurement technology.