Thermostats explained

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('''1''') The thermostat opens '''''as required''''' in response to changes in coolant temperature to keep the engine's temperature within the desired operating range.
 
('''1''') The thermostat opens '''''as required''''' in response to changes in coolant temperature to keep the engine's temperature within the desired operating range.
  
This clearly suggests that the thermostat does, indeed, control the temperature by the [I]amount[/I] it is open, [B]not[/B] that the temp is controlled by an "OFF and ON" cycle.
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This clearly suggests that the thermostat does, indeed, control the temperature by the ''amount'' it is open, '''not''' that the temp is controlled by an "OFF and ON" cycle.
  
('''2''') Previously, it was suggested that a "true" industrial valve would behave differently than an automotive thermostat, that an automotive thermostat could [B]only[/B] control the coolant temp in [I]one direction [/I] and that an industrial valve would be in a "centered" position at "normal" temps so it can both increase AND decrease the coolant temp.  
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('''2''') Previously, it was suggested that a "true" industrial valve would behave differently than an automotive thermostat, that an automotive thermostat could '''only''' control the coolant temp in ''one direction'' and that an industrial valve would be in a "centered" position at "normal" temps so it can both increase AND decrease the coolant temp.  
  
It would certainly appear that the automotive thermostat does [B]just exactly that[/B]- it's not FULLY open until much past it's rated temp- so is at a less-than-wide-open state when at its rating, and is able to respond either up OR down, as needed.
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It would certainly appear that the automotive thermostat does '''just exactly that'''- it's not FULLY open until much past it's rated temp- so is at a less-than-wide-open state when at its rating, and is able to respond either up OR down, as needed.
  
It can thus open MORE to cool faster, or close to a less-than-rated opening if too cool- without closing. And behaves- in effect- the [B]exact[/B] way as claimed for an "industrial flow/temp control", that is, it can control temp in [U]BOTH[/U] directions.
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It can thus open MORE to cool faster, or close to a less-than-rated opening if too cool- without closing. And behaves- in effect- the '''exact''' way as claimed for an "industrial flow/temp control", that is, it can control temp in BOTH directions.
  
Hopefully, this will clarify any misunderstanding of how a thermostat [B]really[/B] works.
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Hopefully, this will clarify any misunderstanding of how a thermostat '''really''' works.

Revision as of 08:28, 16 March 2010

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