THERMOCOUPLE

Two different metals (alloys) joined such that the combination acts as temperature sensor Widely used in industry
Cheap, rugged and replaceable

Application
In process industries like steel, petro-chemical, fertilizer etc

THOMSON EFFECT
Any current-carrying conductor (except superconductor) with a temperature difference between two points either absorbs or emits heat, depending on the material

PELTIER EFFECT
Cooling of one junction and the heating of the other when electric current is maintained in a circuit of material consisting of two dissimilar conductors
Bismuth Temp. rise Temp. fall

Copper

SEEBECK EFFECT
When two dissimilar metals are joined together an emf exists between the two points that is the function of junction temperature
Metal Metal AA High High Temp (t1) Temp (t1)
+ emf Low Temp (t2) Low Temp

(t2)

Metal B
Metal B

emf Low Temp (t2)

Mathematical relation for emf (e) and temperature difference (t=t1-t2)

e = a1t + a2t + a3t + an t

2 3

Typically n=9 (or less) a1, a2, a3, etc depends on types of two metals For high accuracy and during high nonlinearity chart can be used

Law of intermediate metals

If Metal C is connected, the net emf of the circuit will not be altered as long as the new connections are at the same temperature
Metal A High Temp (t1) Low Temp (t2)

Metal C Metal B emf Low Temp (t2)

Law of intermediate temperatures

Metal-A Metal-A

t1 + e1-

t2 Metal-B

t2 + e2-

t3 Metal-B

Metal-B

Metal-B Metal-A

t1 + (e1+ e2) Metal-B

t3 Metal-B

Chromium (Cr)/ Aluminum (Al) Thermocouple (A Case Study)

t

Cr

Al

Type-k 8 degree polynomial Working range (-200 0C to 1300 0C) Application (700 0C to 1200 0C) Voltage swing of 56 mV Sensitivity is 10 to 60 micro volt per 0C

Chromium (Cr)/ Aluminum (Al) Thermocouple (A Case Study)

Lead wires
Hot junction: Measuring Temp. Cold junction: 0 0C (or room temp-deviation calculated) Example: TC working at 1500 0C
Cr t

Al

+ Fe

Cu-Ni Alloy

Cold Junction Compensation

Maintain Temp. constant using ice bath or thermostatically controlled oven. Electronic circuit to subtract voltage variations due to temp changes at the cold junction in ambient temp range. (AD590 Analog device)

AD590-Junction semiconductor sensor

Inexpensive and fast response Range -55 0C to 150 0C Acts as current source with (micro Amp) equal to absolute temp (K) Input voltage (+4V to 30V)

Desirable properties of Thermocouple

Relatively large thermal emf Precision of calibration Resistance to corrosion and oxidation
Nickel,Titanium, Ceramic etc are used Time response reduces

Accuracy (platinum-rhodium)

Welding at junction
Twisted (strong, lengthy) Butt (weak, short length)

Insulation
Porcelain (retain shape 1500 0C) Threaded like beads

Why mostly used

Thermistor
Calibration difficulty Two similar resistors are difficult

Resistance temperature detector (RTD)

Response time is long Range is less