Thermopile

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A thermopile is an electronic device that converts thermal energy into electrical energy. It is composed of thermocouples either connected in series or in parallel. Thermopiles do not measure the absolute temperature, but generate output proportional to a local temperature difference or temperature gradient. Thermopiles are the key component of the infrared thermometers that are widely used by medical professional to measure body temperature via the ear. They are also used widely in Heat flux sensors

[edit] Definitions

A transducer for converting thermal energy directly into electrical energy. It is composed of pairs of thermocouples which are connected either in series or in parallel. Thermopiles are used in thermoelectric radiation instruments when the output of a single pair of thermocouples is not large enough. See Moll thermopile, Eppley pyrheliometer.[1]
An arrangment of multiple thermocouples in series such that the thermoelectric output is amplified.[2]
Measures thermal radiation by absorption to become hotter than its surroundings. It is a number of small thermocouples arranged like the spokes of a wheel with the hot junction at the hub. The thermocouples are connected in series and the output is based on the difference between the hot and cold junctions.[3]
An array of usually series connected thermocouples designed to increase to signal level and or provide a degree of spatial temperature averaging. See the Thermocouple page[4]
A set of thermocouple junctions connected in series in order to boost the voltage to a meaningful amount (usually measured in millivolts).[5]
Apparatus that consists of a number of thermocouples combined so as to multiply the effect and is used for generating electrical current.[6]
A kind of thermometer for measuring heat radiation; consists of several thermocouple junctions in series. [7]