Whether you have a recently installed system or you are in the design phase, the heat generated within your electrical enclosure needs to be removed to ensure efficiency and longevity for the components housed inside. Often, this is a secondary concern and may not be a priority at the onset. However, overlooking this or waiting to address this later can prove to be a costly mistake. So, what are the common issues related to ignoring enclosure heat issues from the start? Here are a four common reasons heat issues aren’t on the forefront:
1. I Don't Know Where to Start Figuring out what type of enclosure cooling unit and which cooling capacity to apply can seem like guesswork. However, a methodical approach can yield good results when you have a few guidelines with which to work. First, the maximum temperature for which the internal components are rated will help you determine the internal temperature that needs to be maintained. From there, consider factors such as the ambient temperature, internal heat load, solar gain, and NEMA type. Using these unique factors, you can make a determination regarding the proper enclosure cooling unit for the application. Additionally, enclosure cooling sizing programs are available and will prove to be invaluable in guiding you to the right solution. If you are still unsure of the best option, do not hesitate to contact an enclosure cooling expert who will work with you to find the right thermal management solution to meet your requirements.
2. It's Better or Easier to Add Cooling Later While the focus may be on other areas of system development in the early design stages, enclosure cooling should be a preliminary consideration so a solution can be designed for the entire application. Available space often gets used quickly and can result in a densely packed enclosure. This could lead to two major issues:
3. There Are No Heat-Related Issues at The Moment Cooler temperatures may provide for periods of trouble-free operation, temporarily masking the effects of warmer ambient temperatures. This is especially true with outdoor applications. However, in many climates, as the warm weather sets in, higher temperatures will necessitate the introduction of active cooling solutions such as enclosure air conditioners, rather than passive cooling solutions. In most situations, an open cabinet door with fans blowing the surrounding ambient air onto the sensitive (and often expensive) contents is not a long-term fix. Additionally, fans or other passive cooling devices will not be an option in corrosive environments, regardless of the ambient temperature. It is best practice to account for the highest ambient temperatures your enclosure will be subjected to during operation.
4. The Cost Is Too High Enclosure cooling systems enable most equipment to run at high efficiency and extend useful life. The high cost of drives, motors, and related electronic components housed within an enclosure warrants the investment in cooling, especially since enclosure cooling units are often a fraction of the cost of the entire application or equipment that they protect. While avoiding proper enclosure cooling may save a few dollars initially, the problem will eventually be transferred to the end-user when systems fail and replacement parts are required. Therefore, making the initial investment in an enclosure cooling solution can avoid electrical damage, costly downtime, and other issues that are bound to arise if a cooling system is overlooked.
The enclosure cooling experts at Kooltronic are available to help find the best solution for your application, while also taking your budget into consideration. We have over 65 years of experience, and thousands of satisfied customers around the world.
