A temperature sensor developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge, UK, could improve the efficiency, control, and safety of high-temperature engines. The new sensor, or thermocouple, reduces drift by 80% at temperatures of 1200°C, and by 90% at 1300°C, potentially doubling the lifespan of engine components. The thermocouple withstands oxidization and minimizes any contamination to the wires from the metallic sheath. It is made of an outer wall of a conventional oxidization-resistant nickel alloy that can withstand high temperatures, and an inner wall of a different, impurity-free nickel alloy which prevents contamination while reducing drift.
“Nickel is an ideal material for these applications as it is a good compromise between cost and performance, but there is a gap in the market for applications above 1000°,” says Michele Scervini, a postdoctoral researcher. Results from tests on a prototype device showed a significant reduction in drift at temperatures of 1200 and 1300°, meaning that a double-walled thermocouple can be used at temperatures well above the current limitation of 1000°. For more information: Michele Scervini, +44 (0)1223 3 31950, [email protected], www.cam.ac.uk.
