Correct ventilation in electrical enclosures

How to ensure a correct ventilation in enclosures?

As we know, overheating is one of the main enemies for electrical components, for this reason, to ensure an adequate exchange of air inside the electrical panels, it’s important to use a proper ventilation system that allow a quick heat dissipation caused by internal components.

Which ventilation unit to use?

Fandis, with its Virdis series, offers various solutions of filter units and fan filters, meeting multiple cooling needs. But how much air does it take to reach the ideal temperature inside the enclosure? The answer depends on the heat generated by the electronic equipment and the heat dissipated outside: the choice of the correct ventilation system depends on these parameters necessary for a correct thermal calculation. Knowing them, allows you to correctly assess the required airflow, then the size and type of fan. If the temperature outside the electrical panel often exceeds 40°C, a filter assembly is not sufficient, so it’s better to choose an air conditioner, a thermoelectric unit or an exchanger, like those of our Bordos series.

How to correctly position the ventilation source?

Once the size and type of fan have been defined, the position of the fan filter unit is fundamental for a correct thermal management. An optimal configuration provides a fan filter in the lower part of the panel, to let fresh and clean air in from the environment, and a grid with filter installed in the upper part, through which the hot air is expelled. In special cases, a configuration with reverse air flow is also possible.

How to check the electical consumption of the ventilation system?

To optimize fan operation and control consumption, it’s possible to install a thermostat inside the electrical enclosure to operate the filter unit only when the temperature is too high. Using a thermostat could increase the fan life up to 50% and reduces the frequency of filter mats replacement.

How to guarantee the correct working of enclosures ventilation system?

The performance of the fan filter is strongly dependent on the external temperature conditions and the degree of cleanliness of the air. To guarantee its correct operation, it’s advisable to choose an IP protection degree and a suitable filter mats. The filter mats must then be replaced with a frequency that will also depend on the density of dust or other pollutants present in the environment. Finally, it’s crucial to choose the most suitable material for the installation environment of the fan filter unit: Type 3R for outdoor applications, EMC for contexts with electromagnetic interferences, stainless steel covers (to be fitted on the filter assemblies) for protection against strong jets of water, typical in plants sanification for food & beverage sector.

Visit our fandis.it website and discover our ventilation systems for electric panels, such as the Virdis series, or leave a comment to this article. One of our technicians will answer you as soon as possible.