A Temperature Control Relay (TCR) is an essential component in the automation and temperature regulation industry. It is a device used to control the temperature of electrical systems, machinery, and appliances by regulating heating or cooling elements. The ability of temperature control relays to automatically control temperature makes them a vital tool in both industrial and residential applications. In this article, we will explore the working principle, applications, types, and selection criteria for temperature control relays.
Working Principle A Temperature Control Relay operates based on the relationship between a temperature sensor and a control circuit. Typically, the relay consists of three main components： a temperature sensor, a control circuit, and an output relay. Temperature Detection： The temperature sensor, often a thermistor (NTC or PTC), thermocouple, or RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector), measures the temperature of the environment. These sensors change their resistance based on the temperature. Signal Processing： The control circuit continuously compares the measured temperature to a pre-set value. When the temperature deviates from the set threshold, the control circuit sends a signal to activate or deactivate the relay. The circuit may also include delay features or hysteresis to prevent rapid switching.