A thermostat is a device that senses the temperature of a physical system and performs actions to maintain the systems temperature near a desired setpoint. It is used in any device or system that heats or cools to a setpoint temperature. Here are some key points about thermostats:
- A thermostat exerts control by switching heating or cooling devices on or off, or by regulating the flow of a heat transfer fluid as needed, to maintain the correct temperature.
- A thermostat can often be the main control unit for a heating or cooling system, in applications ranging from ambient air control to automotive coolant control.
- There are two main types of thermostats: mechanical and digital. Mechanical thermostats use a bimetallic strip to control the temperature, while digital thermostats use a thermistor.
- The most common example of a mechanical thermostat in use today is the internal combustion engine cooling system thermostat, used to maintain the engine near its optimum operating temperature by regulating the flow of coolant to an air-cooled radiator.
- In a home heating system, a thermostat is used to regulate the temperature of the room or boiler at the desired level. If the temperature drops, the thermostat switches the heating on to warm it up.
- A cars thermostat is used to regulate the temperature of the engine to help it stay cool. It measures the temperature of the engines coolant to precisely regulate the flow of coolant through the radiator, ensuring the engine operates at an optimal temperature.
