TEC-Feature: Temperature Estimator



Meerstetter Engineering's paid feature, Temperature Estimator for all TEC Controllers of the TEC-Family, significantly improves thermal applications by controlling a virtually measured target temperature without the need for a direct, invasive measurement. Direct measurements are sometimes impractical or can distort the quantity you actually want to measure.

Learn more about the advantages of the Temperature Estimator feature in this white paper about improving thermal cyclers for PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). This example is representative of similar thermal applications.

When purchasing a new TEC Controller from Meerstetter Engineering (or after loading FW v6.20 into an older one), all features are free for trial for the first 150 operating hours. Licenses can be obtained from Meerstetter Engineering by leaving a comment in the RFQ or order for a TEC Controller, or by contacting the sales team directly. Please make sure you provide the following information: the serial number and TEC Controller type (S/N _____ and TEC-XXXX).

Please note: The TEC Configuration Software is free of charge. Only certain advanced features such as Temperature Estimator require a license after the free trial period.

Read more about license handling and prices below under the tab "Price / License".

Detailed Description

In traditional thermal systems, obtaining precise target temperatures can be challenging due to the impracticality of direct measurements. Meerstetter’s Temperature Estimator overcomes this obstacle by estimating the target temperature of the sample using a thermal model. In most cases, a simple first order model with heat losses represents reality well enough. However, any kind of model can be implemented upon request. This model accounts for heat transfer and environmental conditions, offering a precise approximation of the target's (internal) temperature.

With the Temperature Estimator, thermal control can be done at the point where you need it without the need for complex or invasive sensors, allowing accurate temperature control throughout the thermal process. The estimator’s reliable performance ensures more consistent experiments while maintaining high-quality analysis.

The Temperature Estimator feature works standalone where the measurement of the target temperature is impractical.
If the Temperature Estimator feature is combined with the Cascade Temperature Control feature, the temperature control is lifted to the next level with a quick approach to the set point temperature with minimal overshoot of the object temperature itself. With the Temperature Estimator feature, the cumulative temperature difference between the actual and target temperatures has been shown to decrease by up to 20 times.

Price model - License handling

  • By purchasing a new TEC Controller from Meerstetter Engineering (or after loading FW v6.20 into an older one), all features are free for trial for the first 150 operating hours.
  • If you need more testing hours, ask us for a prolonged trial license.
  • After the trial period, the feature can be permanently unlocked by loading a license key into the device.
  • Licenses can be obtained from Meerstetter Engineering by leaving a comment in the RFQ or order for a TEC Controller, or by contacting the sales team directly.
  • New devices ordered with specific features: License already installed on new TEC Controllers.
  • License ordered for an existing device at the customer: The license is an alphanumeric string that is sent by e-mail and must be copied into the “Key” field (in the TEC Configuration Software: Tab “View” -> “License”) for each device separately. Pay close attention to the license status and if the expected feature is enabled after loading the license (further down in the “License” window). If the license does not match the device, it will not work.

Be aware that the license is only valid for a specific device. Therefore, please make sure you provide the correct information: the serial number and TEC Controller type (TEC-XXXX).

Technical data

Supported Devices All Meerstetter TEC Controller
Price See this optional features price table (PDF)

To use the Temperature Estimator feature, the following requirement must be met:

  • At some point in your development, you have to be able to characterize the thermal transfer from the last possible measurement to your object under control. This is necessary to determine the parameters of the thermal model that estimates the target temperature later.

The estimator works well if ...:

  1. another significant process temperature is measured, like the block temperature of the vial holder in a PCR machine, in order to estimate the vial liquid temperature and
  2. the heat transfer remains rather constant, meaning heat conductance and capacities do not vary too much.