Slug Type Heat Flux Sensor

M.Sc (Electronics)DOES-PC

Heat:

In physics, “HEAT" is by definition a transfer of energy and is always associated with a process of some kind. "Heat" is used interchangeably with "heat flow" and "heat transfer".

Heat transfer can occur in a variety of ways: by conduction, radiation, convection, net mass transfer, friction or viscosity and by chemical dissipation

Heat Flux:

Heat flux or thermal flux is the rate of heat energy transfer through a given surface. The SI derived unit of heat rate is joule per second, or watt.

Heat flux is the heat rate per unit area. In SI units, heat flux is measured in [W/m2]. Heat rate is a scalar quantity.

Heat Flux Sensor:

A heat flux sensor is a transducer that generates an electrical signal proportional to the total heat rate applied to the surface of the sensor.

Slug Type Heat Flux Sensor:

The majority of heat flux transducers are based as its beginning element the thermocouple. A thermocouple consists of a bond between to materials (typically copper and constantan) that behave differently to heat. This bond will form an impedance directly proportional to the temperature. Numerous thermocouples connected in series create a thermopile, with the increased number of joints improving the signal.

The thermopile (A set of thermocouples arranged for measuring small quantities of radiant heat)is then embedded in a filling material which should provide a uniform distribution and a thermal impedance, at which point it may be considered a transducer. As heat flows from one side of the transducer to the, thermocouple joints create a voltage differential representing heat flux.

Working:

“I can calculate the motion of heavenly bodies But not the madness of people.”