Filter fans represent an optimal choice for ventilation and air filtration in electrical panels. It is a simple product to install but, in the configuration and maintenance phase of the enclosure, some precautions must be kept in mind.
How to choose the filter fans?
First of all, it’s necessary to correctly calculate the requested air flow, based on the type of electrical panel, the environmental conditions in which it is installed and the thermal load present inside it, also through a sizing tool, such as the one on our site.
These factors will help to define the most suitable type of filter fan, in terms of size and performance, tailored to each application: it’s also important to consider the degree of air contamination, the type of indoor or outdoor installation, or the presence of any electromagnetic fields, as well as the arrangement of power loads.
Which filter fans installation to prefer?
Depending on the space in which the electrical panel is placed, you can opt for wall mounting (filter fan), even in series or in parallel, when there are no obstacles or side restrictions, or for roof mounting (roof exhaust unit) in case of difficult access to the vertical walls, choosing between different configurations, for effective heat dissipation.
In addition, to improve the efficiency and performance of the filter fan, system solutions are often used, which combine the operation of the product with other actuators, such as a thermostat or hygrostat, ensuring lower energy consumption and a longer life of the product.
Warning! It is recommended to disconnect the electrical panel from the power supply before carrying out any operation. For this purpose, a limit switch can be used, which installed on the door, interrupts the electric current when it opens.
Filter fans maintenance
To keep the filter fan unit in full efficiency, it’s advisable to periodically check the condition of the filter mats and the operation of the fan, where forced ventilation is required.
This step is normally programmed by the operator, providing for the specifications of the mat used and the environmental conditions of use. The filter mats can be washed several times and then reused, or, if in bad condition, replaced with new mats available in kits.
Predictive maintenance of the electrical panel
But today, digitization has also opened up new opportunities for maintenance.
Thanks to the use of advanced technologies, based on sensors, it’s possible to obtain diagnostic information from electrical panels or systems, identifying signs of wear or inefficiencies of the components in advance. The advantage of predictive maintenance allows plant managers to benefit from greater control over data and a reduction in intervention costs.
Fandis solutions for filter fans
The range of FF series filter fan units by Fandis is provided into a vast assortment of models and versions (IP54 / IP55, UL Type 3R, EMC) that can be controlled by thermostats and hygrostats from the Orangis range. Alongside mechanical thermoregulators, Fandis has recently developed an “all in one” device called Sensis, capable of independently managing the climatic conditions of the enclosure, recording alarm events and providing useful information for predictive diagnostics, in interoperability with Profinet, and Ethernet/IP and simultaneously supporting the MQTT/OPCUA protocols.
To find out more, visit our website fandis.com and discover our products for enclosures, or leave a comment on this article. One of our technicians will answer you as soon as possible.
Leave a Reply