Electrical enclosures and their high-performance components are indispensable for the control of today’s production processes. However, it is easy to imagine the consequences when sensitive circuitry and modules become overheated: systems shut down, creating the risk of production losses and premature aging of components.
“The more stable the working climate is, the longer the components last.”
To ensure that sensitive electronic components continue to function reliably in the long-term, the temperature inside electrical enclosures should not excel or fall below defined limits. Tests have shown that an increase in temperature of as little as 10° C shortens the lifetime of electrical components by more than 50%.
This exemplifies the effect of perfect thermal management of electrical enclosures – it prevents critical temperature fluctuations, avoids overheating, and protects against the formation of condensates. In this way, it contributes significantly to increasing failure safety and prolonging the lifetime of electronic control units.
Why Thermal Management
To be able to choose the most suitable thermal management solution, it is essential to start by considering the location of the unit and the ambient temperature. This is because the environment in the electrical enclosure can also be affected by weather conditions, solar radiation, or other external heat sources.
Regardless of whether they are exposed to climatic or technical conditions, even particularly low ambient temperatures impact on specific thermal management solutions. This means that electrical enclosures may need to be heated to counter the effects of excess cold and the associated risks of condensate formation such as corrosion and short circuiting.
Another major factor to be considered is the ambient air quality – for example, if the air is excessively humid or dust, oil, or gas laden. Both internal thermal losses and external factors make thermal management necessary.
Contact your CBT Account Manager to learn more about thermal management and how to proctect your electrical equipment this summer.
