Temperature Control Sysytem

Abstract

Temperature control is a process in which change of temperature of a space (and objects collectively there within) is measured or otherwise detected, and the passage of heat energy into or out of the space is adjusted to achieve a desired average temperature. As the name implies, temperature controller is an instrument used to control temperature. The temperature controller takes an input from a temperature sensor and has an output that is connected to a control element such as a heater or fan. To accurately control process temperature without extensive operator involvement, a temperature control system relies upon a controller, which accepts a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple or RTD as input. It compares the actual temperature to the desired control temperature, or setpoint, and provides an output to a control element. The controller is one part of the entire control system, and the whole system should be analyzed in selecting the proper controller. The following items should be considered when selecting a controller: 1. Type of input sensor (thermocouple, RTD) and temperature range 2. Type of output required (electromechanical relay, SSR, analog output) 3. Control algorithm needed (on/off, proportional, PID) 4. Number and type of outputs (heat, cool, alarm, limit