A radiator thermostat controls room temperature by regulating the flow of hot water into the radiator. It achieves this via a thermostatic valve head that sits on top of the valve body.
Components and Function
Here's a breakdown of how it works:
- Thermostatic Valve Head: This is the part you typically adjust to set your desired room temperature.
- Valve Body: This component is connected to the radiator and controls the flow of hot water.
The Process
- Temperature Change: As the room temperature changes, the valve head reacts.
- Expansion/Contraction: According to the reference material, "as the room temperature changes, the valve head expands".
- Pin Adjustment: This expansion adjusts a pin within the valve body.
- Water Flow Control: The pin opens or closes the valve, regulating the amount of hot water entering the radiator. The reference material says: "Expansion as the room heats blocks the valve body to receive less hot water into the radiator." In other words, when the room reaches the set temperature, the valve restricts hot water flow, and when the room is cooler, the valve allows more hot water to flow.
In essence, the radiator thermostat acts as a self-regulating system, maintaining a consistent room temperature by modulating the hot water supply to the radiator.
