Oxsensis' prospects heat up following cash injection

UK start-up Oxsensis, a specialist in

the development of high temperature sensing equipment, is to accelerate the

development of new technologies designed to improve the energy efficiency of

power plants after securing £3m in new funding.

The latest funding round was led by the investment arm of the

Carbon

Trust and also included existing investors, Albion Ventures, Seven Spires,

Frog Capital, the Rainbow Seed Fund and several high net worth individuals.

The funding will support business development and help Oxsensis continue work

on its sensor technology as it looks to improve the accuracy of its products in

a bid to optimise power plant efficiency.

Oxford-based Oxsensis has developed the world's highest temperature sensors

capable of measuring heat and pressure in the harshest conditions where

temperatures can reach over 1000°C, the equivalent of molten lava and hundreds

of degrees hotter than traditional sensors can stand.

Its sapphire-based sensors can be used in gas turbines, for example in power

stations, and are capable of measuring pressure and temperature in the most

extreme conditions. The company predicts that more accurate readings mean

turbines can be run at higher combustion temperatures, which increases

efficiency, lowers operating costs and reduces carbon emissions.

The technology can also be adapted for use in the aerospace and automotive

industries where the sensors can be used to help optimise the fuel efficiency of

engines.

The company has already started full scale commercialisation of its products,

with long-term customer trials currently underway of products in its WavePhire

temperature sensor range.

Peter Linthwaite, managing partner of Carbon Trust Investment Partners, said

the latest funding underlined the firms support for green start-ups. "Oxsensis

is a great British company that has both significant commercial and

carbon-saving potential," he said. "Oxsensis's technology has strong customer

validation, and the company has made significant technical progress under the

leadership of an impressive management team."

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