A state detection sensor is provided with a first sensor unit, a second sensor unit, an intermediate insulation sensor disposed between the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit. The first surface of the intermediate insulation layer is joined to the second wiring of the first sensor unit. The second surface of the intermediate insulation layer is joined to the third wiring of the second sensor unit. The first sensor unit and the second sensor unit are electrically connected in series in a state where a polarity of thermoelectrormotive force produced in the first sensor unit and a polarity of thermoelectromotive force produced in the second sensor unit are in mutually opposite polarity relationship when a heat flow passes through the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit in the same direction.

A system for calculating a temperature of a fluid inside a pipe by using a heat flux, an outer surface temperature of the pipe, and a flow velocity of the fluid includes a flow meter to measure the flow velocity of the fluid flowing inside the pipe, a heat flux meter to measure the heat flux passing through an outer surface of the pipe, a thermometer to measure the outer surface temperature of the pipe, and a calculator configured to calculate an internal fluid temperature, which is the temperature of the fluid flowing inside the pipe, by using the flow velocity of the fluid measured by the flow meter, the heat flux measured by the heat flux meter, and the outer surface temperature of the pipe measured by the thermometer.

A system for calculating a temperature of a fluid inside a pipe by using a heat flux, an outer surface temperature of the pipe, and a flow velocity of the fluid includes a flow meter to measure the flow velocity of the fluid flowing inside the pipe, a heat flux meter to measure the heat flux passing through an outer surface of the pipe, a thermometer to measure the outer surface temperature of the pipe, and a calculator configured to calculate an internal fluid temperature, which is the temperature of the fluid flowing inside the pipe, by using the flow velocity of the fluid measured by the flow meter, the heat flux measured by the heat flux meter, and the outer surface temperature of the pipe measured by the thermometer.

A heat flux temperature sensor probe includes a first mineral-insulated cable portion and a second mineral-insulated cable portion. The first mineral-insulated cable portion has a first metallic sheath, a first plurality of thermocouple conductors extending therein, and an inorganic insulative material insulating the first plurality of thermocouple conductors from one another and from the first metallic sheath. The second mineral-insulated cable portion has a second metallic sheath, a second plurality of thermocouple conductors extending therein, and an inorganic insulative material insulating the second plurality of thermocouple conductors from one another and from the second metallic sheath. A first thermocouple is formed between at least one of the first plurality of thermocouple conductors and one of the second plurality of thermocouple conductors proximate a first end of the second mineral-insulated cable portion. A second thermocouple is formed between at least two of the second plurality of thermocouple conductors proximate a second end of the second mineral-insulated cable. A sheath is operably couped to and connects the first and second mineral insulated cable portions, a portion of an interior of the sheath is filled with a non-conductive material.

Robust estimation of temperatures inside and outside a device can be achieved using one or more absolute temperature sensors optionally in conjunction with thermopile heat flux sensors. Thermopile temperature sensing systems can measure a temperature gradient across two locations within the device, to estimate absolute temperature at locations that are impractical to measure using absolute temperature sensors. Using heat flux models associated with the device, the thermopile temperature sensing system can be used to estimate temperature associated with objects that contact an outer surface of the device, such as a user's skin temperature. Additionally, the thermopile temperature sensing system can be used to estimate ambient air temperature. Within a device, temperature measurements from the thermopile temperature sensors can be used to compensate sensor measurements, such as when the accuracy or reliability of a sensor varies with temperature.

Robust estimation of temperatures inside and outside a device can be achieved using one or more absolute temperature sensors optionally in conjunction with thermopile heat flux sensors. Thermopile temperature sensing systems can measure a temperature gradient across two locations within the device, to estimate absolute temperature at locations that are impractical to measure using absolute temperature sensors. Using heat flux models associated with the device, the thermopile temperature sensing system can be used to estimate temperature associated with objects that contact an outer surface of the device, such as a user's skin temperature. Additionally, the thermopile temperature sensing system can be used to estimate ambient air temperature. Within a device, temperature measurements from the thermopile temperature sensors can be used to compensate sensor measurements, such as when the accuracy or reliability of a sensor varies with temperature.

A system and method for building energy-related changes evaluation with the aid of a digital computer are provided. Obtained is a total amount of fuel purchased for a building over a set period from which an existing amount of the fuel consumed for space heating is derived. Characteristics including thermal performance and furnace and delivery efficiencies of the building for both existing and proposed equipment are obtained, including remotely controlling a heating source inside the building. The thermal performance and furnace and delivery efficiencies characteristics of the existing and proposed equipment are expressed as interrelated ratios. An amount of fuel to be consumed for space heating is evaluated as a function of the existing amount of the fuel consumed for space heating and the ratios of the existing and proposed equipment.

A system and method for building energy-related changes evaluation with the aid of a digital computer are provided. Obtained is a total amount of fuel purchased for a building over a set period from which an existing amount of the fuel consumed for space heating is derived. Characteristics including thermal performance and furnace and delivery efficiencies of the building for both existing and proposed equipment are obtained, including remotely controlling a heating source inside the building. The thermal performance and furnace and delivery efficiencies characteristics of the existing and proposed equipment are expressed as interrelated ratios. An amount of fuel to be consumed for space heating is evaluated as a function of the existing amount of the fuel consumed for space heating and the ratios of the existing and proposed equipment.

An embodiment is a temperature measuring device including a sensor that measures the temperature of a skin surface of a living body and a heat flux on the skin surface, a time constant calculation unit that calculates a time constant of changes in the temperature over time on the basis of the measurement result of the temperature, a thermal resistance derivation unit that derives the thermal resistance of the living body on the basis of the time constant, and a temperature calculation unit that calculates the internal temperature of the living body on the basis of the temperature of the skin surface and the heat flux on the skin surface measured by the sensor and the thermal resistance derived by the thermal resistance derivation unit.

An embodiment is a temperature measuring device including a sensor that measures the temperature of a skin surface of a living body and a heat flux on the skin surface, a time constant calculation unit that calculates a time constant of changes in the temperature over time on the basis of the measurement result of the temperature, a thermal resistance derivation unit that derives the thermal resistance of the living body on the basis of the time constant, and a temperature calculation unit that calculates the internal temperature of the living body on the basis of the temperature of the skin surface and the heat flux on the skin surface measured by the sensor and the thermal resistance derived by the thermal resistance derivation unit.