The natural dissipation of heat inside the electrical panels can be a solution assessable in the design phase, is often an insufficient solution: the size and position of the enclosure (and therefore the surrounding ambient air), the type of construction material, the distribution of power loads, the wiring and the space between the various devices are in fact “passive” elements, not negligible if we wants to accurately evaluate the dispersion of hot air.
As we have already seen, the electrical and electronic components inside the panel generate heat during their normal operation and a type of passive solution is often an insufficient method to maintain an optimal temperature inside the panel. The greater the number of devices, the greater the heat produced, so it becomes inevitable that we have to rely on active thermal management systems.
When natural heat dissipation is not enough
There are several impediments to using natural convection as a method for controlling the temperature in the electrical panel. For example, if hotspots located in certain areas are created inside the cabinet, it’s necessary to intervene with a ventilation system that ensures proper air circulation and avoids overheating of the components.
Even in the case of applications in environments with high level of air contamination, such as petrochemical plants, paper mills or woodworking, or characterized by harsh climatic conditions together with a high thermal load, the dissipation of heat requires active thermal management solutions such as ventilation and cooling systems, possibly controlled by thermostats and hygrostats for temperature and humidity regulation, so to avoid unpleasant corrosion problems.
Finally, there are some application cases in which a closed loop cooling system is required, because impurities in the air can quickly clog the filtration system and therefore the consequent passage of air.
Solutions for heat dissipation
Fandis offers various solutions for temperature management, through a wide range of products:
- Filter fans and roof exhaust units: to cool the enclosure with filtered ambient air and different IP protection degree
- Cooling units: Peltier thermoelectric units for air conditioning and dehumidification of the air in electrical panels, suitable for situations with ambient temperatures above 35°C
- Anti-condensation heaters: to prevent the formation of condensation on the walls of the cabinet, which can put at risk the operation of the electrical components
- Mechanical and electronic regulators: to effectively manage, also from an energy point of view, the entire thermal system of the electrical panel.
The Fandis sizing software for electrical panels
On our website fandis.com, you will find a sizing software thanks to which it is possible to accurately evaluate the climatic conditions of an electrical panel, calculating the heating power or the cooling power necessary to obtain the optimal temperature inside it.
To find out more about all the other Fandis products for enclosures, read our blog, visit our website fandis.com or send an email to support@fandis.it. Our staff will answer you as soon as possible.
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