Distributed Temperature Sensors

The capabilities and technologies of a number of spatially distributed over-temperature sensors are reviewed. A new conductive polymeric sensor is described in which capacitance measurements indicate the presence and location of hot spots. Physical characteristics, operating principles, and test results are discussed. In addition to over-temperature sensors, two additional distributed temperature sensors are described which either 1) read out the actual hot spot temperature or 2) sense and locate both hot and cold spots in a single cable.