NTC Thermistor Probes in Automotive Innovation

A thermistor is an electrical element whose resistance varies depending on the changes in the temperature. Because NTC thermistors have become prevalent, it is crucial that we know how NTC temperature probes operate, their potential and capacity. Part of this know-how will involve considering the electrical properties of NTC probes that operate under specific principles, including capacitance, radioactivity, ultrasonic thermal conductance and pressure.

Given their diverse applications and pervasiveness, and regardless of a large number of thermistor shapes and sizes, it is not possible to manufacture a universal NTC thermistor probe. The kind of temperature probes employed to measure the temperature of coolants in automobiles is completely different from the one used to measure wind turbines temperature.

Automotive Innovation

Without NTC temperature probes many appliances, industrial equipment, automobiles and anything that uses electricity will not function properly. Engineers normally use these devices to design any product that produces power, cold or hot and needs temperature measurement, accuracy, and control.

In 1966, automobiles used two thermistors in each unit to report different electric control and gauges modules. In the 1970s, the number rose to fifteen, it then rose again to 40 in 1980 and 60 in 1990; today we have vehicles that have more than eighty thermistors.

This exponential rise in thermistors has been accelerated by the refinement and complexity of technology in vehicles. As automotive technology has continually improved and increased, so is the demand for thermistors. The need to regulate, control and detect temperature in cars can be seen in car air conditioners and seat heaters, defrosters for mirrors and windows, Li-ion batteries in electric operated vehicles, cooling and heating systems that control and regulate cabin temperature of cars.

Additionally, more processes and features need sensing to improve the performance of your car, automotive performance, driver convenience, and control or reduce emissions. Vehicles exhibit artificial intelligence, which requires you to regulate and sense temperature. For instances, thermostats that were previously
used to measure coolant temperature of a vehicle have now been replaced by thermistors today, which are considered to be accurate and fast than thermostats. Thermistors have continuously been applied to detect viscosity and oil levels and advice the operator or driver when to change it.

Green Energy, Medical Technology and Several Applications that Use NTC Thermistor Probes

NTC thermistor probes are crucial in the medical industry because of their high accuracy, interchangeability, and sensitivity. A respirator is a good example of how these temperature probes are crucial in the medical field. Air that is entering the lungs of a patient must be 37 degrees Celsius which is same as the body temperature. A thermistor detects the air temperature and notifies the respirator to make adjustments as required.

In our homes, thermistors can easily be found in toasters, dryers, portable heaters, air conditioners, electric kettles, microwave ovens amongst many others. If a microwave oven does not have a thermistor, then it is likely to overheat. This is also applicable to portable heaters because they are likely to cause a fire.

Green energy is one field where thermistors have made significant contributions. For instance, wind turbines are one area where thermistors are highly required. Wind turbines in cold turbines are prone to freezing. A thermistor probe is used to sense and regulate air temperature to prevent the blades from freezing. If the fan blade freezes, it makes the entire unit not to operate optimally.

NTC Thermistor Probes

How to Select and Integrate Thermistors into Different Applications

Various methods are used to apply, adhere and mount them. Some sophisticated thermistors are housed differently and are hard to mount.Temperature probes come in different sizes, mounting options, and shapes. Some NTC thermistor probes are narrow and long housed in a stainless steel casing used in vehicles to measure water or oil temperature. Other thermistors have threaded tubes that are used in medical equipment or engines to monitor and detect temperature. Probes that have a ring lug are often employed together with lithium-ion batteries or heat sinks.

Every NTC thermistor probe begins as a chip encapsulated in epoxy or glass. Depending on the kind of application, the bead thermistor is potted in a plastic or metal housing customized according to certain requirements.

When it is being used in a Lithium-ion battery application, an NTC thermistor probe can be mounted securely on the terminal of the battery. This thermistor will monitor the temperature of the battery ensuring that it does not rise above the set limit.

from The Fetcham Residents Association http://fetchamresidentsassociation.org/ntc-thermistor-probes-in-automotive-innovation/