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Temperature Sensors - Thermostats - Mechanical

Temperature sensors are extremely useful tools to accurately measure temperature in just about any application. There are a wide variety of different types available; each one designed for specific uses. One type of temperature sensor is the thermostat, which is a mechanical device used to control temperature. This article will assist in better understanding the application field and working principle of a mechanical thermostat.

Thermostat Application Field

Mechanical thermostats have many applications in all areas of industrial and scientific application. The most common use is in heating and cooling systems, where the thermostat is used to control the temperature in a given area. The thermostat is placed in direct contact with the environment being measured, such as a furnace or air conditioner. When the temperature reaches a certain level, the thermostat will either turn on or off the associated heating or cooling source.

Mechanical thermostats are also used to regulate the temperature in other processes such as medical equipment, industrial water systems, and in environmental monitoring. By having a thermostat in place, the concerned environment can be kept within a safe and comfortable range.

Thermostat Working Principle

The working principle of a mechanical thermostat is based on the concept of thermal expansion. This is when an object expands when heated. When the object expands, it causes an increase in volume. The thermostat utilizes this effect by having a temperature sensitive spring inside the device that expands when the temperature rises. When the spring reaches a set level of expansion, it activates an electrical trigger that can be used to turn on or off the heater, air conditioner, or other device. The electrical trigger can also be used to send an alert to the user that the desired temperature has been reached.

The amount of thermal expansion is proportional to the temperature, meaning that the spring will expand more quickly the higher the temperature gets. This allows the user to precisely control the temperature with the mechanical thermostat. The bi-metal spring inside the thermostat is designed to give a consistent response that is predictable and reliable.

Conclusion

Mechanical thermostats are highly effective temperature control devices. They are simple, reliable, and have a wide variety of applications. By understanding the application field and working principle of a mechanical thermostat, users can determine if one is right for their needs. Whether it is for heating or cooling, or for medical purposes or industrial processes, a mechanical thermostat can be the ideal solution.