Windows designed with multiple panes to trap air and provide greater insulation.
Thermocouple
A device consisting of two dissimilar conductors with their ends connected together. When the two junctions are at different temperatures, a small voltage is generated.
Thermodynamic cycle
An idealized process in which a working fluid (water, air, ammonia, etc) successively changes its state (from a liquid to a gas and back to a liquid) for the purpose of producing useful work or energy, or transferring energy.
Thermodynamics
The study of the transformation of energy into other manifested forms and of their practical applications. Commonly encountered forms of the statements of the three principal laws of thermodynamics are.
Thermoelectric conversion
The conversion of heat into electricity by the use of thermocouples.
Thermoelectricity
Electricity produced by heating two different metals that are touching.
Thermography
A building energy auditing technique for locating areas of low insulation in a building envelope by means of a thermographic scanner.
Thermometer
A device for measuring temperature.
Thermometer, dry bulb
Instrument which measure the amount of heat in the air by the expansion f a liquid in a graduated glass tube with a reservoir bulb at one end. Alternately, by use of a bimetallic strip which moves the indicator on a scale when heat causes the two metals to expand at different rates. Normally used for outdoor temperatures.
Thermophotovoltaic cell
A device where sunlight concentrated onto a absorber heats it to a high temperature, and the thermal radiation emitted by the absorber is used as the energy source for a photovoltaic cell that is designed to maximize conversion efficiency at the wavelength of the thermal radiation.
