A temperature sensor is an instrument that can be used to measure temperature. This can be air temperatures, liquid temperature, or the temperature of a solid matter. It has an output signal proportional to the applied temperature. When the temperature of that sensor changes, the output will also change.
We all use temperature sensors in our daily lives. They are simple instruments that measure the degree of hotness or coolness and converts it into a readable unit.
As most temperature sensors have an electrical output, that output needs to be measured. You need to have a measurement device to measure the output, resistance, or voltage. This measurements device often displays an electrical quantity (resistance, voltage), no temperature. It will be necessary to k now how to convert that electrical signal into a temperature value.
Most standard temperature sensors have international standards that specify how to calculate the electrical temperature conversion, using a table or a formula. If you have a non-standard sensor, you will need to get that information from the sensor manufacturer.
There are also measuring devices that can display the temperature sensor signal directly as temperature. These devices measure the electrical signal and have the sensor tables programmed inside so that they convert it into temperature.
THE TYPES OF TEMPERATURES SENSORS:
Temperature sensors are available of various types of shapes and sizes.
- Contact Type: there are a few temperature meters that measure the degree of hotness or coolness in an object by being in direct contact with it. Such temperature sensors fall under the category of contact type. They can be used to detect solids, liquids, or gases over a wide range of temperatures.
- Non-Contact Type: These types of temperature meters are not in direct contact of the object rather, they measure the degree of hotness or coolness through the radiation emitted by the heat source.
WHAT DO TEMPERATURE SENSORS DO:
A temperature sensor is a device that is designed to measure the degree of hotness or coolness in an object. The working of a temperature meter depends upon the voltage across the diode. The temperature change is directly proportional to the diode’s resistance. The cooler the temperature, the lesser the resistance, and vice versa. The resistance across the diode is measured and converted into a readable unit of temperature (Fahrenheit, Celsius, Centrigrade, etc.) and then displayed in numeric form over readout units.
In the geotechnical monitoring field, these temperature sensors are used to measure the internal temperature of structures like bridges, dams, buildings, power plants, etc.
WHAT IS A TEMPERATUE SENSOR USED FOR:
There are many types of temperatures sensors, but the most common way to categorize them is based upon the mode of connection which includes, contact and non-contact temperature sensors.
Contact Sensors include thermocouples and thermistors because they are in direct contact with the object they are to measure. Whereas the non-contact temperature sensors measure the thermal radiation released by the heat source. Such temperature meters are often used in hazardous environments like nuclear power plants or thermal power plants.
In Geotechnical monitoring, temperature sensors measure the heat of hydration in mass concrete structures. They can also be used to monitor the migration of groundwater or seepage. One of the most common areas where they are used is while curing the concrete because it has to be relatively warm in order to set and cure properly.
How do the work? Well, the basic principle of working of the temperature sensors is the voltage across the diode terminals. If the voltage increases the temperature also rises
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