Flexible heat flux sensors for Ahlborn data loggers

Due to their flexibility and reliable performance, Ahlborn recommends using the Hukx FHF05 series heat flux sensors with their ALMEMO® data loggers. In combination with the intelligent ALMEMO® connectors, Hukx’s heat flux sensors provide seamless and accurate heat flux measurements.

Introduction

Data loggers are essential for acquiring measurement data over time. Due to their versatility, they are widely used in fields like research and manufacturing. Ahlborn’s ALMEMO® data logger systems are renowned for their precision and plug-and-play usability.

The ALMEMO® system

Ahlborn developed an intelligent measuring system known as the ALMEMO® system. It comprises any of their high-quality data loggers and their innovative ALMEMO® connectors to link sensors to the system. These connectors communicate valuable sensor data to the data logger, including:

sensor type and measurand

sensor sensitivity

calibration details

measurement range

This makes the ALMEMO® system incredibly flexible; no reprogramming is necessary when connecting a different sensor. It enables a true plug-and-play experience.

Figure 1 The ALMEMO®500 data logger with attached sensor connectors. The smart ALMEMO® connectors make the measuring system very adaptable.

This means that it is easy to modify a measuring setup when using an ALMEMO® data logger. For instance, when integrating a heat flux sensor into an existing measurement setup.

Measuring heat flux: why it is important

When there is a temperature difference between two objects, heat will travel from the warmer to the colder object. This energy transfer is known as heat flux and plays an important role in many applications. It gives valuable information about energy usage and thermal management. Therefore, many measuring systems benefit from the inclusion of heat flux sensors.

Some typical applications for heat flux sensors are:

Monitoring and controlling industrial processes using ovens or furnaces.

Testing insulation for applications ranging from houses and clothing to LNG tankers and airplanes.

Researching thermal comfort in indoor climates, like cars or offices.

Note that this is just a selection of the possibilities. Heat flux sensors can be applied in many situations. However, it is important to choose a high-quality sensor that suits your needs.

Figure 2 Heat flux sensors can be used to test the thermal insulation of a pipe. In this case, it is important to use a flexible sensor, like one of the FHF05 series sensors.

FHF05 series heat flux sensors

Ahlborn endorses the use of Hukx FHF05 series heat flux sensors in combination with their ALMEMO® measuring systems. This is for multiple reasons:

The flexible foil design allows for measurements on curved surfaces.

The robust connection protects against moisture and dust (IP rating of IP67).

Thermal spreaders make the sensitivity of the sensor independent of the environment.

The fast response time of the sensor enables high-resolution measurements.

Because of the different sizes and sensitivities, the FHF05 series offers accurate heat flux measurements for a wide range of applications. The FHF05 sensors accurately measure heat flux using thermopile sensors. They also contain type T thermocouples which allow for temperature measurements, providing a complete view of the relevant thermal quantities.

Figure 3 All  dimensions of the FHF05 series heat flux sensors. They can also be used on curved surfaces, because of their flexible design. 

Plug-and-play integration of Hukx sensors in the ALMEMO® system

Due to their endorsement of the FHF05 series, Ahlborn supplies Hukx heat flux sensors together with a programmed ALMEMO® connector. This way, the heat flux sensors can be easily incorporated in existing ALMEMO® measuring systems.

The ALMEMO® connector contains all the important information about the heat flux sensor to provide a seamless user experience. It contains calibration details, sensor specifications, and data for the accurate read-out for the type T thermocouple.

Figure 4 Ahlborn provides their smart ALMEMO® connectors for the FHF05 series sensors. This allows for a plug-and-play experience when using Hukx sensors in combination with an ALMEMO® system.

The connector communicates all this information to the ALMEMO® measuring system. This enables the system to automatically account for the calibration performed by Hukx. It also immediately returns accurate heat flux and temperature measurements, without requiring configuration by the user. The user inputs that are typically required with other data loggers are already contained in the ALMEMO® connector.

Therefore, using the FHF05 series in an ALMEMO® system is a plug-and-play experience. Not only does this save time, but it also provides unparalleled flexibility. The same heat flux sensor can be easily used with multiple ALMEMO® measuring devices. 

By using the intelligent ALMEMO® products in combination with accurate Hukx FHF05 heat flux sensors, you are guaranteed to obtain reliable and accurate measurement data.