Proper thermal management is key for saving resources and keeping electronics (and equipment) up and running consistently. It is important to understand the various types of cooling methods available and how the ambient conditions may affect the product chosen. Choosing the wrong method may lead to a solution that is undersized, oversized, or fails prematurely due to being specified for incompatible ambient conditions.
Questions to ask:
- What is the ambient temperature?:
Climate Controlled: 65 – 80° F or High Temp: 80 – 100+° F - What is the ambient environment?:
Clean: non-hazardous or
Contaminated: ambient air contains oil, dust or
Washdown: high-pressure cleaning with water and/or chemicals - Is Energy Saving the main focus?:
Yes or No
Thermal Management Product Selector Chart
Use your answers from the three questions above to easily select the best Thermal Management Solution.
Understanding the Benefits and Differences of Each Thermal Management Product
FilterFans:
If the temperature rises inside the enclosure can be higher than the ambient. Ideal solution for clean, non-hazardous environments with an acceptable ambient (outside the enclosure) temperature range. If multiple configurations are needed. Filterfans® can be located in a number of locations within complex enclosure configurations.
Benefits:
- Reduced Energy Consumption
- Patented Tool-Less 4 Corner Fastening System – Possible to install in seconds
- Highest System Airflow in Industry – Via optimized louvers
- 300% Longer Service Time via Patented Fluted Filter Mat – This saves time and money
Cooling Units:
If cooling cannot be accomplished by the outside air. If the temperature required inside the electrical cabinet should be equal to or lower than the ambient temperature. If the ambient air is strongly contaminated with oil or conductive dust. When higher ingress protection is required (Type rating).
- Nema Type protection: Type 12 for indoor, Type 3R/4 for outdoor and Type 4/4x stainless steel for washdown applications (with #3 polish to repel contaminants in food grade applications)
- Active condensate management utilizes a PTC heater which eliminates the need for drain line
- High Temperature models can operate in ambient temperatures up to 140° F (60° C)
- Optional cover to protect fan if used in washdown or in high dust/debris areas.
Air/Air Heat Exchangers:
If the ambient temperature is lower than the desired temperature inside the enclosure. If a total separation between ambient air and enclosure air is required. If the focus is on reducing the energy, maintenance and footprint associated with traditional Cooling Units. One of the best technologies to use when there is a temperature difference between the internal target temperature and the surrounding temperature (∆T≥10°C) is air to air technology.
Benefits:
- Pfannenberg’s PKS 3000 Series Air to Air Heat Exchangers use a revolutionary next generation cooling technology that out-performs conventional heat exchangers and/or heat pipe solutions.
- cooling capacity ranges from 22 Watts/°C to 180 Watts/°C.
Air/Water Heat Exchangers:
If there is a chilled water supply readily available at the enclosure. If the environment has extreme conditions like extremely high ambient, extremely dirty or caustic, that make other systems not applicable. A supplied water source is used to remove the heat from the enclosure which is the most efficient mean of removing process heat. Ideal application areas wherever machines or production processes are cooled by tempered water and water is thus already provided.
Benefits:
- UL Listed, CE approved for European use
- Maintains a UL Tested NEMA Type 12/3R/4 seal against enclosure (NEMA Type 4X with stainless option)
- The sealed cabinet provides contaminant-free component cooling without adding heat to the local environment.
Excel Automation is an authorized distributor of Pfannenberg products. Contact us with sales and application support.