Section 3: Basic Automatic

Controls

Unit 13: Introduction to Automatic

Controls
 Objectives
• After studying this unit, you should be
able to:
– Define bimetal
– Make general comparisons between
different bimetal applications
– Describe the rod and tube
– Describe fluid-filled controls
 Objectives (cont’d.)
– Describe partial liquid/partial vapor-filled
controls
– Distinguish between the bellows,
diaphragm, and Bourdon tube
– Discuss the thermocouple
– Explain the thermistor
 Types of Automatic Controls
• Electrical: control electrical devices
• Mechanical: used to control fluid flow
• Electromechanical: provide electrical
functions or control fluid flow
• Electronic: use electronic circuitry
 Devices that Respond
to Thermal Change
• Thermostats: intended to maintain the
desired temperature in an occupied
space or refrigeration system
• Safety devices: protect equipment and
people from damage and injury by
disabling a system if unsafe
temperature conditions exist
 The Bimetal Device
• Consists of two dissimilar metal strips
(brass/steel)
– Strips have different rates of expansion/
contraction
– When heated, the device warps to start,
stop, or modulate electric or fluid flow
– Rod and tube: type of bimetal control
– Snap disc: quick open, quick close device
The Bimetal Device (cont’d.)

Figure 13–3 A basic bimetal strip made of two unlike

metals such as brass and steel fastened back to back
The Bimetal Device (cont’d.)

Figure 13–4 A basic bimetal strip used as a heating thermostat

 The Bimetal Device (cont’d.)

Figure 13–9 The rod-and-tube type of control consists of two unlike metals—with
the fastest expanding metal in a tube normally inserted in a fluid environment such
as a hot water tank
 The Bimetal Device (cont’d.)

Figure 13–11 The snap-disc is another variation of the bimetal concept. It is usually
round and fastened on the outside. When heated, the disc snaps to a different position
(A) Open circuit (B) Closed circuit
 Control by Fluid Expansion
• Fluid inside a closed container expands
and contracts as temperature changes
– Expansion/contraction converted to motion
– A thin, flexible diaphragm facilitates motion
– Bulb filled with volatile fluid connects to the
diaphragm by means of a transmission tube
– Partially filled bulbs provide accurate control
– Bellows are used when more movement is
needed
 Control by Fluid Expansion
(cont’d.)

Figure 13–14 A large bulb is partially filled with a volatile liquid, one that boils and
creates vapor pressure when heated. This causes an increase in vapor pressure,
which forces the diaphragm to move outward. When cooled, the vapor condenses
and the diaphragm moves inward.
Figure 13–15
A remote bulb
transmits
pressure to the
diaphragm on
the basis of the
temperature in
the cooler.
Control by Fluid Expansion
(cont’d.)

Figure 13–16 The bellows is applied where more movement per degree is
desirable. This control would normally have a partially filled bulb with
vapor pushing up in the bellows section.
 Control by Fluid Expansion
(cont’d.)

Figure 13–17 This remote bulb is partially filled with liquid. When heated, the
expanded vapor is transmitted to a Bourdon tube that straightens out with an increase
in vapor pressure. A decrease in pressure causes the Bourdon tube to curl inward.
 The Thermocouple
• Consists of two dissimilar metals joined
end to end; has a hot and a cold junction
– Heat to the hot junction causes current flow
• Generates about 20 millivolts when heated
– Used in gas appliances to detect pilot light
• The signal permits main gas valve to open
– Thermopiles = multiple thermocouples
• Thermopiles generate 500 to 800 millivolts
 The Thermocouple (cont’d.)

Figure 13–25 A thermocouple and control circuit used to detect a gas flame. When
the flame is lit, the thermocouple generates an electrical current. This energizes an
electromagnet that holds the gas valve open. When the flame is out, the
thermocouple stops generating electricity and the valve closes. Gas is not allowed
to flow.
 Electronic Temperature
Sensing Devices
• Thermistors are electronic, solid-state
devices
• The resistance changes in response to
temperature
• Used in electronic circuits to modulate
responses
• Can be used to provide temperature
readings
 Electronic Temperature
Sensing Devices (cont’d.)
• The positive temperature coefficient
(PTC) increases the resistance as the
temperature increases
• The negative temperature coefficient
(NTC) decreases resistance as the
temperature increases
 Summary
• Automatic controls can be electric,
mechanical, electromechanical, or
electronic
• Thermostats/safety devices respond to
temperature changes
• Bimetal strips warp with changes in
temperature
 Summary (cont’d.)
• Fluid expansion controls convert
increases or decreases in pressure into
usable motion
• Heating a thermocouple generates a
millivolt signal
• The PTC and NTC change resistance
with temperature changes