Thermopile

A thermopile (English thermopile ) is an electrical device that converts thermal energy into electrical energy. It comprises a plurality of thermocouples, which are thermally connected in parallel and electrically in series, so that the very low thermal stresses are added.

History

The first thermopile was constructed in 1823 by Hans Christian Oersted and Joseph Fourier of antimony and bismuth. Macedonio Melloni 1826 developed and Leopoldo Nobili their electrical Thermoscop, improved thermopile, in the course of exploration of the thermal radiation.

Application

Thermopiles for heat power or broadband radiation measurement applied in:

• Aktinometern
• Bolometers
• Pyrometers
• Pyrgeometers
• Pyrheliometers
• Pyranometers