Thermocouple vs. Thermopile

Thermocouplenoun

(physics) A transducer consisting of two different metals welded together at each end; a voltage is produced that is proportional to the difference in temperature between the two junctions (one of which is normally held at a known temperature)

Thermocouplenoun

A thermoelectric couple.

Thermocouplenoun

a kind of thermometer consisting of two wires of different metals that are joined at both ends; one junction is at the temperature to be measured and the other is held at a fixed lower temperature; the current generated in the circuit is proportional to the temperature difference

Thermocouplenoun

a thermoelectric device for measuring temperature, consisting of two wires of different metals connected at two points, a voltage being developed between the two junctions in proportion to the temperature difference.

Thermocouple

A thermocouple is an electrical device consisting of two dissimilar electrical conductors forming an electrical junction. A thermocouple produces a temperature-dependent voltage as a result of Seebeck effect, and this voltage can be interpreted to measure temperature.

Thermopilenoun

An electronic device that converts thermal energy into electrical energy. Usually constructed using a series-combination of thermocouples.

Thermopilenoun

An instrument of extreme sensibility, used to determine slight differences and degrees of heat. It is composed of alternate bars of antimony and bismuth, or any two metals having different capacities for the conduction of heat, connected with an astatic galvanometer, which is very sensibly affected by the electric current induced in the system of bars when exposed even to the feeblest degrees of heat.

Thermopilenoun

a kind of thermometer for measuring heat radiation; consists of several thermocouple junctions in series

Thermopilenoun

a set of thermocouples arranged for measuring small quantities of radiant heat.

Thermopile

A thermopile is an electronic device that converts thermal energy into electrical energy. It is composed of several thermocouples connected usually in series or, less commonly, in parallel.