The STP01 is a sensor for very accurate measurement of temperature
versus depth (also called "temperature gradient") in the soil. A heating
wire offers the possibility of self-testing, increasing the level of
quality assurance. An experimental option is to determine soil thermal
conductivity as a function of depth.
The STP01 has several advantages over existing designs:
- high accuracy gradient measurement by accurate positioning of
the tc joints (+/- 1mm), and measurement of tc voltage relative to the
junction at 50 cm (+/- 0.02 K is achievable)
- high accuracy and stability of the relative distance between sensors (+/- 0.5 mm)
- thin, 0.6 mm only, (non disturbing) construction (contrary to
conventional stick designs) does not disturb the thermal flow pattern
- sensor to logger cabling is all copper; easily extendable.
- easy quality assurance & servicing: self-test is possible by
heating and looking at the pulse response, saving servicing time.