A thermopile is an electronic device that converts thermal energy into electrical energy. It is composed of thermocouples connected usually in series or less commonly in parallel. Thermopiles do not measure the absolute temperature, but generate an output voltage proportional to a local temperature difference or temperature gradient. Thermopiles are the key component of the infrared thermometers that are widely used by medical professionals to measure body temperature via the ear. They are also used widely in heat flux sensors (such as the Moll thermopile and Eppley pyrheliometer)[1] [2] [3] and gas burner safety controls. The output of a thermopile is usually in the range of tens or hundreds of millivolts. [4] As well as increasing the signal level, the device may be used to provide spatial temperature averaging. [5]
Historically, thermopiles have been used to generate electrical energy for various special purposes. Recently, miniaturized versions are used to generate electronic signals, as detectors.
See also
External links
- The Museum of Retro Technology: Thermo-Electric Generators
- TPA81 Thermopile detector Array Technical Specification
References
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