A thermal switch, in the context of automotive systems, is typically a device that responds to changes in temperature by opening or closing an electrical circuit. In the case of controlling glow plug operation, a thermal switch may be used to activate or deactivate the glow plugs based on the temperature of the engine.
When the engine is cold, the thermal switch may close the circuit, allowing electricity to flow to the glow plugs, which heat up to aid in cold starting. Once the engine reaches a certain temperature, the switch may open the circuit, deactivating the glow plugs to conserve energy and prevent overheating.
The bimetal design of the switch allows it to respond to temperature changes. Bimetallic strips are made of two different metals with different coefficients of thermal expansion. When subjected to heat, one metal expands more than the other, causing the strip to bend and actuate the switch.
Overall, thermal switches are crucial components in automotive systems for managing temperature-related functions like glow plug operation, cooling fan control, and other thermal management tasks.
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