Can a Thermocouple's cold junction can be electrically manipulated

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of electrically manipulating a thermocouple's cold junction to make it colder and whether this could be used to create a refrigerator. The Peltier effect is mentioned as a common method for cooling with thermocouples and a link to more information is provided. The conversation also mentions the availability of camping coolers powered by thermocouples and the potential for using electron quantum theory to understand thermocouples further. A link to a directory of information on thermoelectric devices is also provided. The conversation concludes with a question about the potential for reversing entropy by manipulating a thermocouple's cold junction.
  • #1
sr241
83
0
Can a Thermocouples cold junction can be electrically manipulated.
Can a Thermocouples cold junction can be electrically mimicked to be a colder one; thus is it possible to make refrigerator out of thermocouples?
electrons flow from hot to cold junction right ?
can anyone give me link to more detailed theory of thermocouples using electron quantum theory?
 
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  • #2
The effect is known as the Peltier effect. It is a common way to cause cooling using thermocouples...do a search, there should be plenty of information.
 
  • #3
sr241 said:
is it possible to make refrigerator out of thermocouples?
Camping coolers for food & drink are available, powered via the car's cigarette lighter socket. No moving parts!
 
  • #4
sr241 said:
can anyone give me link to more detailed theory of thermocouples using electron quantum theory?
How about?

... a directory of information on Peltier Devices, also known as thermoelectric coolers (TE or TEC), thermoelectric modules, heat pumps, and thermoelectric power generators.

http://www.peltier-info.com/
 
  • #5
Thanks

Can entropy be reversed by electrically manipulating cold junction of thermocouple to a cooler one
 

1. Can a thermocouple's cold junction be electrically manipulated?

Yes, a thermocouple's cold junction can be electrically manipulated through a process called cold junction compensation. This involves using a secondary temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, to measure the temperature at the cold junction and then adjusting the thermocouple's output accordingly.

2. How does cold junction compensation work?

Cold junction compensation works by measuring the temperature at the cold junction and then using a mathematical calculation to adjust the thermocouple's output. This calculation takes into account the Seebeck effect, which is the principle that states the voltage output of a thermocouple is directly proportional to the temperature difference between the hot and cold junctions.

3. Why is cold junction compensation necessary for accurate temperature measurements?

Cold junction compensation is necessary for accurate temperature measurements because the voltage output of a thermocouple is affected by the temperature at the cold junction. Without compensation, the measured temperature would be incorrect due to the voltage output being influenced by the ambient temperature at the cold junction.

4. Can cold junction compensation be performed manually?

Yes, cold junction compensation can be performed manually by measuring the temperature at the cold junction with a secondary temperature sensor and then adjusting the thermocouple's output using a mathematical calculation. However, most modern thermocouple systems have built-in cold junction compensation circuits to automate this process.

5. Are there any limitations to cold junction compensation?

There are some limitations to cold junction compensation, as it relies on the accuracy of the secondary temperature sensor and the mathematical calculation used. Additionally, the compensation may not be as effective if there are large temperature differences between the hot and cold junctions. In these cases, it may be necessary to use alternative methods for accurate temperature measurement.

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