Thermodynamics (ME-232) (Spring 2024)

Lab Report Number: 02

“Temperature Measurement Bench Analysis and

Demonstration of Seeback Effect”

Section: ME-14 (C)

Group: 08

Name CMS IDs

Abdullah Hamid 409519
Amna Saleem 413246
Muhammad Abdullah Zafar Ghauri 405642
Muhammad Ali Tariq 410890
Muhammad Ammar Amer 411927
Muhammad Azhaf Zeeshan 423683

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 School Of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, NUST
ME-232 Thermodynamics (Spring 2024)

Experiment 2: Temperature Measurement Bench

Objectives:

Temperature control and regulation, being integral components of industrial processes, play a pivotal
role in ensuring product quality, equipment longevity, and overall operational efficacy. Maintaining
precise temperature parameters enhances the performance of various manufacturing processes, such as
chemical reactions, material processing, and product assembly. Furthermore, temperature regulation
mitigates the risk of equipment failure and downtime, promoting uninterrupted production and
minimizing associated economic losses. The lab specifically focuses on utilizing different temperature
measurement instruments to successfully measure different temperature ranges between freezing and
boiling liquids.

Apparatus:

Figure 1 SOLTEQ SE-304 Temperature Measurement Bench

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 • Bi-Metallic Thermometer Gauge
• Alcohol Thermometer
• Mercury Thermometer
• Vapor Press Thermometer
• Chiller Box

Theory:

• Bimetallic Thermometer:

A bimetallic thermometer is a temperature measurement device which

converts the temperature of medium into mechanical displacement using a bimetallic strip. The
bimetallic strip consists of two different metals, possessing different values of coefficients of thermal
expansion. Bimetallic thermometers are commonly used in residential devices like air conditioners,
ovens, and industrial devices like heaters, hot wires, refineries, etc. They are a simple, durable, and cost-
efficient way of temperature measurement. A bimetallic thermometer works by using two basic
properties of metal respectively as the thermal expansion property of the metal and the coefficient of
thermal expansion for metals which is certainly different for different metals at particular temperature
ranges. [1]

Figure 2 Bi-Metallic Temperature Gauge

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• Alcohol Thermometer:
An alcohol thermometer is a thermometer which utilizes the expansion
and contraction of alcohol in response to temperature changes to measure the temperature.
Several different alcohols can be used, depending on the environment where the thermometer is
being utilized, with ethanol being among the most common. This type of thermometer is very
popular because it is nontoxic, unlike a mercury-in-glass thermometer, and the contents will
not pose a threat to human health or the environment if the thermometer is broken. Alcohol
thermometers work by enclosing a narrow capillary attached to a bulb of reserve fluid. As the
temperature heats up, the alcohol expands, and ultimately rises in the capillary tube. As the
temperature quenches, the fluid undergoes contraction, hence dropping down the capillary
volume. Markers along the capillary indicate the temperature, with the temperature value be
indicated by finding the marker corresponding to the meniscus of the fluid inside the capillary.
[2]

Figure 3 Alcohol Thermometer

• Mercury Thermometer:
Mercury glass thermometers consist of a sealed glass tube
calibrated in degrees Centigrade and/or degrees Fahrenheit, with a mercury-filled reservoir at
one end. The mercury in the reservoir expands with increased temperature, climbing higher up
the thermometer, and it contracts and recedes as the temperature falls. Mercury-in-glass
thermometers generally have one of three different tips: Slim (oral or axillary) tip, the short-
rounded tip (also known as stubby), and the pear-shaped (rectal) tip. Likewise, alcohol

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 thermometers, mercury thermometers work by enclosing a narrow capillary attached to a bulb of
reserve fluid. As the temperature heats up, the mercury expands, and ultimately rises in the
capillary tube. As the temperature quenches, the fluid undergoes contraction, hence dropping
down the capillary volume. Markers along the capillary indicate the temperature, with the
temperature value be indicated by finding the marker corresponding to the meniscus of the fluid
inside the capillary. [3]

Figure 4 Commercial Mercury Thermometer

• Vapor Press Thermometer:

Vapor Tension Thermometers, also known as Vapor Pressure
Thermometers essentially use a pressure gauge to measure the vapor pressure of a liquid. The
pressure of the gas is converted to temperature by means of a Bourdon gauge which represents
temperature over calibrated scale having cramped rulings. The bulb is partly filled with liquid
while the capillary and Bourdon tube are filled with vapor. The lower side of the bulb is filled
with non-volatile fluid, the middle part by volatile fluid and upper space occupies the vapor.
There is a free surface between vapor and volatile liquid. In the operation of the thermometer,
the liquid boils and vaporizes which creates vapor inside the capillary tube and Bourdon
tube. When the temperature of the substance surrounding the bulb drops, the liquid and vapor
inside the bulb also cools. Due to this some vapor condenses and pressure inside the system
decreases. The action goes on till the pressure drops to vapor pressure of the boiling
liquid. Change in pressure creates a motion on Bourdon tube and its movable end moves. Due to
the movement of Bourdon tube, the pointer moves on the scale. The scale is calibrated so that
temperature is indicated by the pointer on the scale. In some cases instead of a pointer and scale,
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 the strip chart recorder is used which records the temperature continuously and a graph is
obtained for variations of temperature for a period of time. [4]

Figure 5 Vapor Press Thermometer

Figure 6 Schematic Diagram of Vapor Press Thermometer

• Thermocouple:
A thermocouple is a device for measuring temperature. It comprises two
dissimilar metallic wires joined together to form a junction. When the junction is heated or
cooled, a small voltage is generated in the electrical circuit of the thermocouple which can be
measured, and this corresponds to temperature. This design of sensor consists of two dissimilar
metal wires which are joined together at one end, connected to an instrument that is capable of
accepting a thermocouple input and measuring the reading. Thermocouples can provide

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 temperature measurements over a wide spectrum of temperatures depending on which
thermocouple type you use. The working principle behind a thermocouple is Seebeck effect.
Thomas Seebeck discovered the continuous current flow in the thermoelectric circuit in 1821. It
consists of two different types of metal wires or conductors that are joined at one end to form a
junction. When this junction is exposed to a temperature gradient (a difference in temperature
between the two ends), it generates a voltage that is proportional to the temperature difference.
This voltage is called thermoelectric voltage. [5]

Figure 7 Thermocouple Wire

Figure 8 Schematic Representation of Thermocouple

• Thermistor:
Thermistor is a temperature sensitive resistor. They are often used as a temperature
sensor. The term thermistor is a contraction of the words "thermal" and "resistor". All resistors

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 have some dependency on temperature, which is described by their temperature coefficient. In
most cases, the temperature coefficient is minimized, but in the case of thermistors a high
temperature coefficient is achieved. Thermistors are typically ceramic semiconductors. In most
cases they are composed of metal oxides, which are dried and sintered to obtain the desired form
factor. The types of oxides and additives determine their characteristic behavior. For NTC
thermistors, common materials include cobalt, nickel, iron, copper, and manganese. For PTC
thermistors, commonly used materials are barium, strontium, and lead titanates.

There are two types of thermistors:

A. Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) Thermistors
B. Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) Thermistors

• Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) Thermistors:

Thermal resistors with a positive
temperature coefficient are called PTC Thermistors (Positive Temperature Coefficient). For PTC
thermistors, an increase in temperature shall consequently result in a significant increase in the
resistance. The PTC type is used when a sudden change in resistance at a certain temperature is
required. They exhibit a sudden increase in resistance above a defined temperature, called the
switch, transition, or Curie temperature. The most common switching temperatures are in the
range of 60 °C to 120 °C. They are often used for self-regulating heating elements and self-
resetting over-current protection.
• Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) Thermistors:
Negative Temperature Coefficient
thermistors usually have negative temperature coefficients (NTC) which means the resistance
decreases as the temperature increases. The NTC type thermistors are used when a change in
resistance over a wide temperature range is required. They are often used as temperature sensors
in the range of -55 °C to 200 °C, although they can be produced to measure much lower or higher
temperatures. Their popularity can be accounted for their quick response, reliability, robustness,
and low price. [6]

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 Figure 9 Comparison Table for PTC and NTC Thermistors

Figure 10 Various Types of Thermistors

• Seeback Effect:
The Seebeck effect is a phenomenon in which a temperature difference between two dissimilar
electrical conductors or semiconductors produces a voltage difference between the two
substances. When heat is applied to one of the two conductors or semiconductors, heated
electrons flow toward the cooler one. If the pair is connected through an electrical circuit, direct
current (DC) flows through that circuit. The voltages produced by Seebeck effect are small,
usually only a few microvolts (millionths of a volt) per kelvin of temperature difference at the
junction. If the temperature difference is large enough, some Seebeck-effect devices can produce
a few millivolts (thousandths of a volt). Numerous such devices can be connected in series to
increase the output voltage or in parallel to increase the maximum deliverable current. Large
arrays of Seebeck-effect devices can provide useful, small-scale electrical power if a large
temperature difference is maintained across the junctions.

Procedure (Comparison of different Temperature sensing devices):

1. Activate the main switch of the temperature measurement bench.

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 2. Allow all sensors to stabilize at ambient conditions for a suitable duration, then document their
readings.
3. Boil water in a kettle and immerse the sensing element of each device into the boiling water,
recording their respective temperatures.
4. Compare the recorded readings from the different sensors.
5. Analyze the variations and similarities observed among the readings obtained.

Procedure (Study of the See beck Thermo-Electric Effect):

1. Begin by filling the water heater with clean water and connecting the power cord. Next, insert
one end of a Type K thermocouple wire into the water heater.
2. Fill a flask with water and similarly insert the second Type K thermocouple wire into the flask.
3. Connect the two thermocouples together, ensuring that similar metals are joined. Utilize a socket
to securely anchor the plugs when connecting them for convenience.
4. Proceed to connect the thermocouples to the mV indicator according to the provided diagram.

Figure 11: Circuit Of Thermocouple

5. Utilize a mercury glass thermometer to ascertain the temperature of the water in both the heater
and the flask. When both vessels contain water at the same temperature, observe that the mV
indicator reads 0mV, indicating no net E.M.F. is produced with both junctions at equal
temperatures.
6. Switch on the power to the water heater. As the water heats up, document the temperature using
the mercury glass thermometer along with the voltage reading on the mV indicator. Record both
the temperature difference between the two thermocouple junctions and the corresponding
voltage reading.

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 7. Periodically, relocate the thermocouple from the flask to the hot water adjacent to the other
thermocouple. Note that the mV indicator reads 0mV, confirming that the voltage produced
depends on the temperature difference between the junctions rather than the magnitude of
temperature. Additionally, interchange the two thermocouples (hot to cold, cold to hot) and
observe that the same reading is obtained but with opposite polarity.
8. Create plots of the temperature difference between junctions versus the voltage produced by the
thermocouples. Recognize the similarity of the graphs, with the only difference being the voltage
produced for a specific temperature difference.
9. With the graphs prepared, determine an unknown temperature difference by measuring the
voltage produced using the appropriate pair of thermocouples. Then, ascertain the corresponding
temperature difference from the graph and confirm it using the mercury glass thermometer.

Readings and Calculations:

Sensing Device Temperature

Room (oC) Boiling Water (oC) Tempearture of
Cold water (oC)
Resistance Temperature -EE -EE -EE
Detector (RTD)
Thermistor 20 96.6 16.4
Thermocouple (Type k 22.5 99 14
T/C Sensor)
Mercury Thermometer 21 98 16
Alcoholic Thermometer 23.5 99.5 16
Bimetallic Thermometer 23.5 99.8 19.5
Vapor Press. 23 96 18
Thermometer
Table 1 Temperature Bench Data

Temperature (oC) Temperature Voltage Induced

Junction 1 Junction 2 Difference (oC) (mV)
22 15.5 6.5 0.15
32 15.5 16.5 0.4
42 15.5 26.5 0.7
52 15.5 36.5 1.05
62 15.5 46.5 1.3
Table 2 Seeback Effect (Thermoelectric Effect) Data

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Graph:

Seeback Effect Plot

1.4 1.3

Potential Difference (mV)

1.2 1.05
1

0.8 0.7

0.6
0.4
0.4
0.15
0.2
0
0
0 10 20 30 40 50
Temperature Difference (Cͦ)

Figure 12 Seeback Effect Plot

Results and Discussion:

Regarding temperature measurement, the bimetallic thermometer consistently recorded the closest
temperatures to the actual values of the room, boiling water, and cold water. However, discrepancies
were observed with other devices, particularly the thermistor and Vapor Pressure Thermometer, which
exhibited higher deviations. Potential errors may stem from calibration inaccuracies, sensor drift, or
environmental factors affecting device performance.

In the study of the Seebeck effect, a linear relationship was observed between temperature difference
and induced voltage, consistent with theoretical expectations. However, slight deviations may arise
from factors such as thermal gradients, contact resistance, or material impurities affecting the
thermoelectric junctions. Overall, while the results align with anticipated trends, caution should be
exercised in interpreting data to account for potential sources of error and ensure the accuracy and
reliability of experimental findings.

Conclusion:

The goals of these studies were to investigate phenomena and methods for measuring temperature. We
learned a great deal about the fundamentals of thermoelectric phenomena and temperature measurement
by comparing various temperature sensing devices and researching the Seebeck Thermo-Electric Effect.
These studies highlight the relevance of basic thermoelectric concepts in contemporary technology and
scientific study, as well as the value of comprehending and choosing suitable temperature sensing

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techniques for diverse applications. All things considered, the trials advanced our understanding of
thermal processes and instrumentation by offering a thorough grasp of temperature measurement
methods and their applications.

References

[1] C. Kolstad, "Bimetallic Thermometer," 14 December 2020. [Online]. Available:

https://tameson.com/pages/bimetallic-thermometer.

[2] M. McMahon, "What is an Alcohol Thermometer?," All the Science, 03 February 2024. [Online]. Available:
https://www.allthescience.org/what-is-an-alcohol-thermometer.htm.

[3] B. K. Peterson, "Physical Rehabiliation," in Vital Signs, 2007, pp. 598-602.

[4] Comark, "Vapor Tension Thermometer," Comark, 2024. [Online]. Available:

https://www.comarkinstruments.net/product/rh60-vapor-tension-thermometer/.

[5] "What is a Thermocouple?," Process Parameters, [Online]. Available:

https://www.processparameters.co.uk/what-is-a-thermocouple/.

[6] "Thermistor," EE Power, [Online]. Available: https://eepower.com/resistor-guide/resistor-

types/thermistor/#.

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