Rittal White Paper Focuses on Enclosure Filter Fan Cooling and Selection Criteria for Airflow Needs
Rittal Corporation has published a new white paper focusing on cooling industrial enclosures with filter fans and choosing the right solution for airflow needs. Entitled Cooling Industrial Enclosures with Filter Fans, the 12-page paper guides readers through the decision-making process to specify filter fan solutions over other climate control options and then how to calculate required airflow to make the proper fan cooling solution choice. Featured in the publication are results from Rittal computational fluid dynamic (CFD) comparative analyses of filter fan cooling methods, including: multiple filter fans used in push-pull series operation versus a single fan and filter; and parallel (side-by-side) filter fans versus a single fan and filter.
The white paper explains that calculating required airflow is vital to making the right filter fan solution choice. Among the variables used to determine required airflow are surface area of an enclosure and installed heat. The paper notes that it is possible to either “calculate the heat ‘contained’ in the enclosure with a temperature difference” (if a completed system exists) “or to add up the heat loss from installed components.” A sample calculation is included, along with a review of some filter fan data sheets. Cooling Industrial Enclosures with Filter Fans notes that Rittal’s Therm™ general sizing software can perform airflow calculations. A free download of the software is available at www.rittal-corp.com/software.
Cooling Industrial Enclosures with Filter Fans also reveals the benefits of using multiple fans in enclosure cooling. The white paper notes that Rittal completed a CFD analysis comparing fans mounted in a push-pull series arrangement and a single filter fan and filter. The testing was performed at an ambient temperature of 77ºF with an internal component dissipating 200 W of heat into the enclosure. The final analysis showed airflow from the multiple fan configuration increased from 58.78 cfm to 103.08 cfm – a 75% increase in airflow.
Using the same temperature and heat dissipation conditions as shown above, parallel (side-by-side) operating fans were also compared against a single filter fan and filter. Airiflow increased from 58.78 cfm to 117 cfm – a 100% increase. The white paper displays enclosure temperature distribution through thermographic images.
For more information contact:
Rittal Corporation
1 Rittal Place
Urbana, OH 43078
Phone: 937-399-0500
Toll Free: 800-477-4000
Fax: 937-390-5599
