Thermal power plants use steam to generate electricity, with coal, oil, solar, and nuclear power being common fuel sources. The Rankine cycle is often used, with geothermal plants using naturally occurring steam. Fossil fuels are heavily polluting, while nuclear sources have safety concerns. Solar thermal systems are renewable but face efficiency and variable challenges. Advances […]
Heat load is the amount of heat that must be removed from a space to control its temperature. It is determined by various factors such as location, usage, appliances, materials, and weather conditions. Heat load calculations can be done manually or with software to choose an appropriate air conditioner. A heat load is a calculated […]
Thermal depolymerization breaks down waste materials into crude petroleum products through hydrated pyrolysis. The process is efficient, with an EROEI rating of 6.67, and can handle a wide range of feedstocks. The resulting hydrocarbons can be further refined into different types of fuel oil, while residual solids can be used for various purposes. The process […]
Thermal converters convert thermal energy into electrical energy using the Seebeck effect. They differ from heat engines as they have no moving parts and are smaller. They can be used to increase fuel efficiency and generate electricity for space probes, but their efficiency is limited unless the voltage is increased significantly. Research is being done […]
A heat lance is an industrial tool that generates temperatures up to 8000°F to cut through any material. It uses iron wire and high-purity oxygen and has various applications, including removing concrete, clearing rubble, and cutting scrap. A heat lance, also known as a flaming bar or heat lance, is an industrial tool that uses […]
Thermal cracking is a process that breaks down hydrocarbons with heat and pressure to extract usable components. It creates free radicals that can be used in chemical reactions. This process is used in the petroleum industry and can be adjusted to meet market needs. It can also refer to the cracking of concrete and similar […]
Thermal expansion causes pressure to increase in hot substances, which can be dangerous. Thermal relief valves allow excess pressure to escape, and are required for safety. They work based on pressure, triggered by temperature. Early valves were simple, and modern valves vary in size depending on the substance. They are commonly found in systems that […]
Thermal cycling improves material strength and performance by optimizing molecular structure, removing microscopic defects, and improving corrosion resistance. It is most effective on metal parts, improving longevity, stress resistance, and fatigue strength while also enhancing surface characteristics and post-production processes. Thermal cycling is a process of producing alternative cooling and heating material to improve its […]
Thermal probes detect temperature levels in an area, often used to detect hot spots in computer circuitry. They are placed on or around the heat sink within the CPU, and get more accurate readings when in direct contact with hardware. Regular monitoring can avoid repairs, and some probes have built-in monitoring software with alarms. Small […]
Thermal actuators convert energy into motion without an external power source. They react to temperature changes and can be used in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and agriculture. They come in different sizes and materials and are resistant to shock and vibration. Actuators are simply devices used to convert energy into motion. A thermal actuator […]
A thermal bridge occurs when a non-insulating material passes through a building’s insulation, causing uneven surface temperatures. Corners, windows, roofs, and walls are common places for thermal bridges. They can lead to condensation, mold growth, and energy inefficiency. Design and construction practices can minimize thermal bridges, and infrared imaging and computer analysis can detect them. […]
Thermal overload relays protect electrical equipment from damage or destruction by disconnecting power when temperature exceeds the relay rating. They use heat sensitive elements such as bimetallic strips or electronic sensors to detect increases in temperature caused by current flow and overload. They are installed in control circuits of large machines or as a direct […]
Thermal valves respond to temperature changes, assisting high-pressure machines and preventing breakdowns. There are two types: expansion and exhaust. They increase efficiency and safety, found in household items and industrial machines. Expansion valves use a temperature-sensitive bulb to adjust coolant flow, while safety valves have a spring to control gas release. A thermal valve is […]
Thermal binding is a cost-effective method of binding books and brochures without punching holes or inserting a spine. It creates a professional finish and allows the book to lay flat. Different types of covers can be used, and it is suitable for both small and large projects. Thermal binding is a common method used to […]
Thermal adhesives are used in electronic component creation and heat sink assembly. They allow for orderly heat transfer and can securely attach components without clamps. They are used in placing heat sinks and video card processors and are primarily used by electronic device manufacturers. Mixing is required before use. Thermal adhesives are various types of […]
Thermal receipt paper changes color when exposed to heat and comes in various sizes and colors. Some types contain Bisphenol A, which has health risks. Thermal receiving paper is widely used in commercial transactions such as those carried out in stores and restaurants. This special paper changes color when exposed to heat. When making a […]
Thermal epoxy is an adhesive resin with added substances to improve heat transfer. They can be conductive or non-conductive and are used in various applications such as heat sinks in computers. It is important to use the minimum amount necessary and follow manufacturer instructions. Thermal epoxy is any adhesive epoxy resin to which one or […]
Thermal efficiency measures energy output divided by input, with a maximum of 100%. Gasoline engines use heat released from combustion as input and mechanical work as output. Refrigerators use mechanical work as input and remove heat as output. Real-world efficiency is lower due to friction and other factors. Thermal efficiency is a measure of the […]
Thermal comfort is the satisfaction with the internal environment, influenced by external and internal factors. Employers use HVAC systems to control temperature, humidity, and air circulation. High or low humidity and air speed can affect comfort. Thermal comfort also affects livestock productivity. Thermal comfort is a concept related to the individual’s satisfaction with their internal […]
Thermal oxidizers burn pollutants in industrial exhaust air, with catalytic oxidation breaking down pollutants at lower temperatures. Regenerative thermal oxidizers recover more energy than recuperative ones, while rotor concentrators increase efficiency. Destruction efficiency is measured in milligrams per cubic meter of volatile organic compounds. Thermal oxidizers are used as a pollution control method for process […]
