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Overview of Temperature Measurement
Overview of Temperature Measurement
Measurement
Thermal shunting
– It takes energy to heat the thermocouple, which results in a small
decrease in the surroundings’ temperature. For tiny spaces, this
may be a problem.
– Use small wire (with a small thermal mass) to help alleviate this
problem. Small-diameter wire is more susceptible to decalibration
and shunt impedence problems. Extension wire helps alleviate this
problem. Have short leads on the thermocouple, and connect them
to the same type of extension wire which is larger. Extension wire
has a smaller temperature range than normal wire.
Noise
– Several types of circuit set-ups help reduce line-related noise. You
can set your data acquisition system up with a filter, too.
– Small-diameter wires have more of a problem with noise.
Potential Problems
Fig pg a-26
Thin-Film Heat Flux Gauge, cont.
Difficulties with these gauges
– The distance between the two sides is very small, so the
temperature difference is small. The uncertainty in the
temperature difference measurement can be large.
– Watch where you place them. If the effective conductivity of
the gauges is different than the conductivity of the material
surrounding it, it will be either easier or harder for heat to
pass through it. Heat will take the path of least resistance, so
if you don’t position the gauge carefully, you may not be
measuring the actual heat flux.
Temperature Controllers
Consider the following when choosing a controller
– Type of temperature sensor (thermocouples and RTDs are
common)
– Number and type of outputs required (for example, turn on a
heater, turn off a cooling system, sound an alarm)
– Type of control algarithm (on/off, proportional, PID)
On/off controllers
– These are the simplest controllers.
– On above a certain setpoint, and off below a certain setpoint
– On/off differential used to prevent continuous cycling on and off.
– This type of controller can’t be used for precise temperature control.
– Often used for systems with a large thermal mass (where
temperatures take a long time to change) and for alarms.
Proportional controllers
Proportional controllers
– Power can be varied. For example, in a heating unit the
average power supplied will decrease the closer one gets to
the set point.
– Power is often varied by turning the controller on and off very
quickly rather than using a VFD
– Some proportional controllers use proportional analog
outputs where the output level is varied rather than turning
the controller on and off.
PID
Combines proportional with integral and derivative control.
With proportional control, the temperature usually stabilizes a
certain amount above or below the setpoint. This difference is
called offset.
North America
– NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association), UL
(Underwriters Laboratories), CSA (Canadian Standards
Association
Enclosure Ratings
Type 1 – general purpose indoor enclosure to prevent accidental
contact
Type 2 – indoor use, provides limited protection from dirt and
dripping water
Type 3 – outdoor use to protect against wind-blown dust, sleet,
rain, but no ice formation
Type 3R – outdoor use to protect against falling rain but no ice
formation
Type 4 – add splashing or hose-directed water to 3
Type 4x – add corrosion
Type 6 – add occasional submersion to 4x
etc.
Choice Between RTDs, Thermocouples,
Thermisters
Cost – thermocouples are cheapest by far, followed by RTDs
Accuracy – RTDs or thermisters
Sensitivity – thermisters
Speed - thermisters
Stability at high temperatures – not thermisters
Size – thermocouples and thermisters can be made quite small
Temperature range – thermocouples have the highest range,
followed by RTDs
Ruggedness – thermocouples are best if your system will be
taking a lot of abuse
Simplified Uncertainty Analysis for Lab 1
1 N
T Ti
N i 1
1
1 N 2
2
ST T T
i
N 1 i 1
Bias Error
Conduction and radiation errors should be negligible.
For our lab, we will do a simplified analysis.
Once you have a calibration curve fit, find the
deviation between the curve fit and each data point.
Use the magnitude of the maximum deviation as your
bias error.
In ME 120 you’ll learn a lot more about calculating
uncertainties!