OMRON To Release New MEMS Mass Flow Sensor For Fuel Cells

Kyoto, Japan — OMRON Corporation will release a new MEMS flow sensor designed to optimize efficiency in fuel cell systems from April 2008. The D6F MEMS mass flow sensor (quick-connect type) is the latest addition to Omron's D6F series of flow sensors. It will be on display at the 4th International Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Expo, which runs from February 27 – 29 at Tokyo Big Site.

As concern grows over global warming and the Earth's depleting resources, fuel cells have been heralded as a next-generation power source with the potential to drastically reduce CO2 emissions. Development of these systems is forging ahead and in-market testing is already underway.

Flow sensors are an essential component in fuel cell systems. They enable precise measurement and control of the fuel gas and air flow to maintain the optimal balance of hydrogen and oxygen that is critical to efficient electrical conversion. Omron's new mass flow sensor uses highly sensitive micromachined MEMS elements to measure minute gas flows with precision. Designed specifically for incorporation into fuel cell systems, the new sensor reduces the time necessary for calibration and cuts total system costs as a result.

SOURCE: OMRON Corporation