| | | | | | | | | |

Modular Electronics Enclosures for Instrumentation Allow Versatile Cooling

 By Pixus Technologies

Ventilation & Cooling

There are a various cooling options to consider for sheet metal and aluminum enclosures: incorporating fans, partial top perforation for heat exhaust, full top perforation for higher exhaust requirements, bottom and top perforation (often for external fan trays or other cooling, and front and/or rear panel perforation in various types. We’ll leave out the more exotic other options for cooling that include liquid, conduction-hybrids, etc.

Figure 1a: Top perforated cover on an enclosure for natural convection

Figure 1b: Top and bottom airflow

Figure 1c: Perforations in the top, bottom, and rear of the instrument case. Clearly, more openings allow more heat evacuation.

To provide standard aluminum enclosures in 1U-14U heights, widths at 19” or 9.5” or compact sizes, and depths from 250mm to over 500mm, there are a lot of configurations. Providing every one of the above cooling options is not always available standard in every size, but customization can typically be kept to an absolute minimum with a modular design. That means a standard or “modified standard” tailored enclosure solution that gets you to market quickly and keeps your development and production costs low.

Many of today’s instruments and devices that use metal enclosures have an internal fan on a device and/or another cooling option such as using heat sinks/conduction. Of course, completely enclosed options are available too. However, placing a fan tray at the bottom of the enclosure is another common option. Alternatively, fans can be incorporated into the rear (typically) panel. Often, these are standard 120mm muffin fans, but other sizes are certainly possible. See Figure 2 for an example.

For access into the enclosure, it is common for these panels to be hinged on the side or the bottom. This allows for maintenance or replacement of parts and general access to the device.    

Feet and Stands

Many desktop enclosures come with standard “feet” options. These are not just aesthetics. The feet can help angle the enclosure for easier viewing, prevent scratches on the desktop, and provide spacing between the bottom of the enclosure and the desk/surface to allow airflow (see Figure 3). The carry handle could also act as a stand to prop up the enclosure and achieve these same goals. The dual function is very convenient for devices that need to be transported often. It also provides a nice aesthetic appearance (see Figure 4).

Instead of standard feet, there are stands which help attain the same goal. These end caps also provide a stand-off and protect a desktop or lab bench from direct contact from the metal case. The enclosure in Figure 5 shows how a clever design allows multiple enclosures to be stacked. The top of the enclosure has a shape on the edge of the bezel that allows a similar enclosure placed above it to securely fit.

Front and Rear Panel Types

Electronics enclosures have various front panel types. Often, a blank panel will have customized cutouts for the OEMs application. In some applications, front-pluggable modules will be utilized. So, the panel will be enclosed by the pluggable boards and optional filler panels to enclose unused slots.

As shown earlier in Figure 2, the panels can standardly allow air convection from the front or rear of the enclosure (or both). At times, there are front-pluggable modules in instrumentation cases. There are also ways to have front air access below these modules as shown in Figure 6.

recessed area. This figure also illustrates that the instrument cases don’t need to be 19” width (the most standard size for rack-mounting an enclosure). Enclosures that are smaller are a standard option as well, with the ½ of 19” (9.5” size) being very common.

A “Custom” Design Using Standard Components

Modular instrument cases and enclosures provide a wealth of cooling options for virtually unlimited configurations. Whether an enclosure needs perforations in the front/rear or top/bottom or even the sides, there are standard options available in the marketplace. A design engineer can essentially have a customized enclosure utilizing standard components. With modular cases, you can truly “cool it your way.”

 

Related Articles

Network Infrastructure Featured Product Spotlight

PBUS 14 Panduit logo 400

This webinar presented by Beth Lessard and Keith Cordero will be highlighting three Panduit solutions that will optimize network equipment and cabling to ensure that your spaces are efficiently and properly managed to support ever-evolving business needs of today and beyond. Products that will be featured include PanZone TrueEdge Wall Mount Enclsoure, Cable Managers, and Adjustable Depth 4-Post Rack.

REGISTER HERE


Editor’s Pick: Featured Product News

Siemens: SIMOVAC Non-Arc-Resistant and SIMOVAC-AR Arc-Resistant Motor Controllers

The Siemens SIMOVAC medium-voltage non-arc-resistant and SIMOVAC-AR arc-resistant controllers have a modular design incorporating up to two 12SVC400 (400 A) controllers, housed in a freestanding sheet steel enclosure. Each controller is UL 347 class E2, equipped with three current-limiting fuses, a non-load-break isolating switch, and a fixed-mounted vacuum contactor (plug-in type optional for 12SVC400). The enclosure is designed for front access, allowing the equipment to be located with the rear of the equipment close to a non-combustible wall.

Read More


Sponsored Content
Electrify Your Enterprise

Power is vital to production, and well-designed control cabinets are key. Allied Electronics & Automation offers a comprehensive collection of control cabinet solutions including PLCs, HMIs, contactors, miniature circuit breakers, terminal block connectors, DIN-rail power supplies, pushbutton switches, motor starters, overloads, power relays, industrial Ethernet switches and AC drives engineered to keep your operations running safely, reliably and efficiently.

Learn more HERE.


Products for Panel Builders

  • Celduc: New SMQR Quad Series Solid State Relay

    Celduc: New SMQR Quad Series Solid State Relay

    Celduc’s Solid State Relays are designed for industrial applications where fast and long electrical life in switching is required. Celduc has recently launched a new range of Quad AC Output Solid State Relay. With this new SMQR Series you will get four independently controlled AC output Solid State Relays in an industry standard package. With the models… Read More…

  • Brady: M211 Portable Bluetooth Label Printer

    Brady: M211 Portable Bluetooth Label Printer

    Design. Preview. Print. All from your phone. The M211 portable Bluetooth label printer is a tough, compact labeler that belongs on any jobsite. Seamlessly design, preview and print labels right from Brady’s Express Labels Mobile app for iOS and Android. Create custom labels from your phone’s familiar keyboard via ultra strong BLE Bluetooth technology. Maximize… Read More…