Enclosure Heat Exchangers
Enclosure heat exchangers are a type of enclosure cooling system that uses a heat exchanger to transfer heat from the inside of an electrical enclosure to the outside environment. Enclosure heat exchangers can be used in a wide range of applications to cool electrical enclosures that house sensitive electrical components such as servers, power supplies, and other equipment.
An enclosure heat exchanger typically consists of a sealed enclosure that is mounted on the outside of the electrical enclosure. The enclosure contains a heat exchanger that is designed to transfer heat from the inside of the enclosure to the outside environment. The heat exchanger can be air-to-air, air-to-water, or liquid-to-liquid, depending on the specific application and requirements.
More Information about Enclosure Heat Exchangers
In an air-to-air heat exchanger, the heat exchanger uses a fan or other mechanism to draw in cool air from the outside environment and pass it over a heat exchange medium. The heated air from inside the enclosure is passed over the same medium, and the heat is transferred to the cooler air from the outside. The heated air is then expelled from the electrical enclosure, and the process is repeated.
In an air-to-water or liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger, the heat exchanger uses a liquid coolant, such as water or a refrigerant, to transfer heat from the inside of the enclosure to the outside environment. The liquid coolant circulates through the heat exchanger and absorbs heat from the inside of the enclosure. The heated coolant is then circulated to a heat rejection device, such as a radiator, where the heat is dissipated into the environment. The cooled coolant is then returned to the heat exchanger to repeat the cycle.
Heat pipes are used in a variety of heat exchanger types to improve their thermal efficiency. A heat pipe is a passive heat transfer device that uses evaporation and condensation of a working fluid to transfer heat between two solid surfaces. The most common types of heat exchangers that employs heat pipe technology include:
Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers
Heat pipes can be used to transfer heat between two airstreams that are flowing in opposite directions. In this application, the heat pipe is typically embedded in a finned heat sink or a heat exchanger core.
Liquid-to-Air Heat Exchangers
In this type of heat exchanger, a heat pipe is used to transfer heat between a liquid and an airstream. The heat pipe is typically embedded in a finned heat sink or a heat exchanger core.
Liquid-to-Liquid Heat Exchangers
Heat pipes can also be used to transfer heat between two liquid streams. In this application, the heat pipe is typically embedded in a finned heat sink or a heat exchanger core.
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems
Heat pipes are used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems to transfer heat between the evaporator and the condenser. This improves the overall efficiency of the system by reducing the temperature difference between the two.
FAQs
What is a closed loop cooling system?
A closed loop cooling system is a type of cooling system that circulates a coolant through a closed circuit or loop, without allowing it to come into contact with the surrounding environment. In a closed loop cooling system, the coolant absorbs heat from the equipment it is cooling and then passes through a heat exchanger, where it releases the heat to the environment.
What is waste heat?
Waste heat is the energy that is generated by a system or process, but which is not used for any useful purpose and is therefore released into the environment. Waste heat can be used to preheat water or air in a system, which can help reduce the amount of energy needed to reach the desired temperature.
Common modifications or accessories that are used to enhance electrical cabinets.
Lighting kits. Lighting kits are often used in outdoor applications. There are many different styles of lighting kits that can be used, but LEDs have become the preferred lighting solution in the past several years.
Pressure switches. Pressure switches operate on a spring and react to the cabinet door opening and closing. They can be used for lights, intrusions alarms and exhaust fans.
Passive air vents. Passive air vents allow natural air circulation to flow through a cabinet providing proper ventilation.
Enclosure fans. Enclosure air fans are used when more ventilation is required. The size of the fan will depend on the size of the enclosure as well as the amount of air that needs to be circulated.
Air conditioners. Air conditioners are used when ambient air circulation is inadequate to cool the cabinet. The air conditioner size will depend on the enclosure size, ambient air temperature and heat generated within the cabinet.
Heaters. Heaters are used when a cabinet is located in areas that may be exposed to cold temperatures.
Locking mechanisms. Locking mechanisms are used to secure cabinets.
Conduit hole seals. Conduit hole seals are used on cabinets that have holes that need to be plugged after conduit has been removed.