Nexisense MEu-2CO Fuel Cell Carbon Monoxide Sensor | High-Precision Long-Life CO Sensing Module, Empowering Gas and Building Safety System Integration

In modern building and industrial scenarios with increasing gas applications, underground spaces, and confined environments, carbon monoxide (CO) as a typical byproduct of incomplete combustion has become the primary hidden risk source leading to acute poisoning and mass accidents. Traditional semiconductor or catalytic combustion CO sensors have limitations in selectivity, long-term drift, and anti-interference capability, especially under high-temperature, high-humidity, or complex accompanying gas conditions, with prominent false alarms and missed detections. Nexisense MEu-2CO adopts advanced fuel cell (electrochemical) technology, with high-selectivity electrode system and precision electrolyte formulation, achieving ppm-level high precision, fast response, and extremely low cross-interference, providing B-end system integrators with stable and reliable CO safety perception core elements.

Fuel Cell Electrochemical Detection Principle and Performance Advantages

MEu-2CO is based on a three-electrode fuel cell structure: CO undergoes oxidation reaction at the working electrode (Pt-based catalyst) (CO + H₂O → CO₂ + 2H⁺ + 2e⁻), generating micro-current from the produced electrons. This current intensity strictly follows Faraday's law with CO partial pressure, achieving linear output. The reference electrode and counter electrode ensure potential stability, built-in temperature compensation circuit and anti-interference filter membrane effectively suppress common cross-gas influences such as H₂, ethanol, SO₂.

Key engineering indicators:

• Range: 0–1000ppm / 0–2000ppm optional

• Resolution: 1ppm

• Accuracy: ±5ppm or ±5% reading (whichever is greater)

• T90 response time:<30s

• Repeatability: ±2%FS

• Zero drift: <±5ppm/year

• Lifespan: >5 years (continuous operation, normal environment)

• Power consumption:<0.5mW (no heating required)

• Output: Analog current (μA level) or digital UART (TTL 3.3V/5V, 9600bps default)

No-heating design completely eliminates power consumption and aging issues of traditional semiconductor sensors. Combined with the inherent high selectivity of fuel cells, MEu-2CO significantly outperforms catalytic combustion and semiconductor solutions in long-term stability under complex gas backgrounds.

Typical Application Scenarios and System Integration Value

Gas Water Heater and Wall-Hung Boiler Safety Protection

MEu-2CO integrated as core safety element into gas appliance main control board, real-time monitoring of CO concentration in combustion chamber or exhaust pipe. Once concentration >50ppm triggers level-1 alarm, >150ppm triggers electromagnetic valve cutoff and fan shutdown, achieving active protection of “CO exceeding limit immediately cuts gas”, compliant with GB 25034 and EN 50291 standards, supporting linkage with gas alarms.

Fixed CO Alarms and Building Monitoring Systems

Embedded in commercial and residential fixed detectors, accessing fire linkage or BMS systems via UART/Modbus RTU. Multi-point deployment in high-risk areas such as underground garages, boiler rooms, kitchens, achieving regional CO concentration maps, trend analysis, and automatic ventilation activation, meeting GB 50490 and JGJ/T 480 specifications.

Portable CO Detectors and Inspection Equipment

Ultra-low power and miniaturization design make MEu-2CO the preferred core for portable CO detectors, typical 0–1000ppm range meets inspection needs in coal mines, tunnels, metallurgy, etc., supporting Bluetooth/UART output to mobile phones or handheld terminals, achieving data recording and over-limit sound-light alarms.

Underground Garage and Confined Space Ventilation Linkage

Multi-sensor array deployment at different heights and areas in garages, CO concentration >30ppm links to staged acceleration of exhaust fans and opening of makeup air valves, achieving smart ventilation and energy efficiency balance, compliant with GB 50016 and JGJ/T 480 related ventilation safety requirements.

Selection Guide: Key Parameters for Matching Project Specifications

• Range Selection: 0–500ppm (home/commercial low-concentration warning) / 0–1000ppm (industrial/garage standard) / 0–2000ppm (special high-concentration scenarios)

• Output Interface: Analog current (μA level, convenient for traditional instrument integration) / UART+Modbus RTU (digital system preferred)

• Supply Voltage: 3.3V–5.5V (embedded) / 9–24V wide voltage version (field instruments)

• Protection Rating: IP65 (standard) / IP67 or explosion-proof (Ex ia IIC T4 Ga, when necessary)

• Alarm Thresholds: Default 50ppm/150ppm two-level, software or factory preset

• Installation Form: Diffusion type / add micro sampling pump to improve response speed

Recommended power supply with filtering and transient suppression, signal lines use shielded twisted pair to reduce noise.

System Integration Notes and Best Practices

• Installation Position: CO density slightly less than air, probe preferably placed at 1.5–2.0m height or near leakage points, avoid direct blowing from ventilation outlets; garages recommend combined high-low position deployment

• Circuit Design: Analog output requires precision op-amp amplification, digital output recommends interrupt reception; power ripple<50mV

• Communication Docking: Modbus address default 1, supports function codes 03/06/16; polling cycle 5–10s, avoid bus congestion

• Calibration Cycle: Factory calibrated, recommend annual zero point (clean air) + span (standard CO gas) two-point verification

• Fault Diagnosis: Module built-in self-test function, outputs electrode failure or electrolyte drying alarm, supports watchdog reset

  
  

OEM Customization and Bulk Supply Support

Nexisense provides comprehensive customization services for system integrators and gas appliance/security equipment manufacturers:

• Range, accuracy grading, alarm threshold preset adjustment

• Output protocol extension (custom frame, 4–20mA, relay contacts)

• Shell form (wall-mounted/embedded/pipeline type), explosion-proof rating upgrade, brand labeling

• Factory multi-point calibration report, batch consistency test, traceability management

• Long-term supply agreement, buffer inventory, fast sample delivery mechanism

These measures help customers shorten product verification cycles, stabilize supply chains, and meet different market and certification requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Compared to traditional catalytic combustion CO sensors, what are the main advantages of MEu-2CO in long-term stability and anti-interference capability? Fuel cell has no heating element, no risk of catalyst poisoning, >95% suppression of cross-gases such as H₂, ethanol, SO₂, zero drift <±5ppm typical="" lifespan="">5 years.

2. How does the module perform in high-humidity or low-temperature environments? Operating range -20～+50℃, 15～95%RH (non-condensing), built-in temperature/humidity compensation algorithm, humidity influence <±3%FS, high-humidity environment recommend adding anti-condensation coating.

3. What key data and function codes does the UART protocol support? Supports Modbus RTU, including real-time concentration, status code, temperature compensation value, fault flags; function codes 03 read holding registers, 06 write single register, 16 write multiple registers.

4. How to achieve automatic gas source cutoff when CO exceeds limit in gas water heater integration? UART outputs alarm frame or relay contacts directly drive electromagnetic valve; recommend dual-threshold logic (50ppm alarm prompt, 150ppm forced cutoff), and linkage with flame detector to confirm combustion status.

5. How to optimize battery life in portable detectors? Supports intermittent sampling mode (wake up every 30–60s), average power consumption<0.1mW, single 18650 lithium battery can operate continuously for months; customizable low-power wake-up circuit.

6. How to avoid communication conflicts and data synchronization issues in multi-point underground garage deployment? Use RS485 bus + Modbus master-slave mode, addresses 0–247 configurable; polling interval >5s, stable communication when nodes<64, supports broadcast reading.

7. What customization options are supported to adapt to different project specifications? Range adjustment, output interface type (analog/digital), relay configuration, explosion-proof rating upgrade, preset thresholds, batch calibration grading, etc., development cycle 4–8 weeks.

8. How to determine if the sensor needs replacement or calibration after long-term operation? Module built-in self-diagnosis, monitors current baseline and response slope; trigger maintenance reminder when zero drift >±10ppm or sensitivity decline >20%, recommend annual calibration.

Conclusion: Partner with Nexisense MEu-2CO to Build a Strong CO Safety Line for Gas and Confined Spaces

Nexisense MEu-2CO fuel cell carbon monoxide sensor, with high selectivity, long lifespan, low drift, and strong environmental adaptability, provides reliable CO perception core for gas appliance safety, fixed alarms, portable detection, and building ventilation linkage projects. It helps system integrators simplify design, enhance system safety levels, and significantly reduce false alarms and maintenance costs.

Welcome gas appliance manufacturers, security equipment integrators, building intelligence solution providers, and project engineering teams to contact the Nexisense team for detailed technical specification sheets, sample testing support, project case references, or customization development schemes. We look forward to becoming your stable partner in the field of CO safety monitoring, jointly safeguarding life and property safety.