Oxsensis' prospects heat up following cash injection

UK startup 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 included existing investors Albion Ventures, Seven Spires, Frog Capital and the Rainbow Seed Fund, as well as 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 more than 1,000°C. This is 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. 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 Wave-Phire temperature sensor range.

Peter Linthwaite, managing partner of Carbon Trust Investment Partners, said the latest funding underlined the firm's support for green startups. "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."