Ian Johnston

Pfannenberg USA Launches X-Series Cooling Units

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Introducing the X-Series Cooling Units

We are excited to announce our new X-Series cooling units. The innovative X-Series marks a focus in energy efficiency and operational effectiveness for industrial cooling applications.

Designed to meet the demanding needs of modern industries, the X-Series units feature an optimized control algorithm using inverter technology, developed from years of expertise. This allows for the precise adjustment of cooling power required to maintain the temperature within the enclosure. This reduces the start and stop cycle present in other cooling units, significantly reducing energy consumption. The X-Series guarantees very precise temperature control within a tolerance of +/- 0.1 K, preventing risks associated with overheating, thus protecting sensitive electronic components.

Maintaining the Pfannenberg time tested design, the X-series has a large distance between the hot air intake and cold air outlet to prevent short cycling. Using top of the line fans, it provides high airflow to push through densely packed enclosures, preventing hotspots. The X-series units will be available in the standard side or surface mount, where there is no intrusion inside the cabinet, as well as the recessed mount, where the unit is mounted on the enclosure door, ideal when space is limited around the enclosures.

The X-Series includes two models: the 6X1E, covering a power range from 1,000 W to 2,800 W, and the 6X2E, ranging from 2,000 W to 4,500 W. These units are set to deliver superior performance with unparalleled efficiency. Both units offer robust flexibility, equipped with a RS 485 interface and Modbus RTU protocol as standard, ensuring seamless integration into existing systems for real-time monitoring and control.

“The X-Series Cooling Units are Pfannenberg’s latest innovation in industrial cooling technology,” says James Wong, Director of Product Management. “These units provide optimal protections to machines and the environment without compromising total cost of ownership to the end user.”

Additionally, the units are designed for quick and easy mounting using our patented “click & fit” method, enabling rapid deployment and minimizing downtime. Its cut-out compatibility allows easy replacement of existing Pfannenberg units without the need for new cut-outs, facilitating effortless upgrades and integration. This compatibility extends to the UL-certified safety of the X-Series, ensuring it meets global standards for quality and safety. The X-Series aligns with our commitment to innovation and its dedication to providing solutions that enhance efficiency and reliability in industrial applications.

Click here for the X-Series product flyer.

Green Series Product Image
Ian Johnston

Pfannenberg USA Unveils Green Series DTI 6000 Cooling Units

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Green Series Product Image

We are excited to announce our new Green Series DTI 6000 Cooling Units. These cooling solutions represent a transformative leap in enclosure cooling technology, protecting vulnerable electronics while protecting the environment.

By employing a closed-loop design, these units effectively seal out ambient air, ensuring the recirculation of clean, cool air throughout the enclosure. This innovative approach provides comprehensive protection for enclosure electronics, safeguarding them against both heat and contaminated ambient air. This system further benefits from the expanded distance between air inlet and outlet, optimizing the air flow within the enclosure to prevent hotspots. Plus, the DTI 6000’s integrated design requires less floor space compared to traditional side-mount cooling units, offering space-saving functionality.

The Green Series DTI 6000 Cooling Units offer industry-leading energy efficiency. With our latest design, customers can achieve up to 11% energy savings, resulting in a more cost-efficient operation. Additionally, the DTI 6000 reduces the amount of refrigerant used per unit by up to 58% compared to the previous version. This not only reduces the use of these crucial resources but also aligns with current regulations and lowers the system’s overall Global Warming Potential.

Green Sereis cooling unit on an electrical cabinetWith versatile power configuration, DTI 6000 owners can seamlessly transition from 400V to 460V with a simple jumper, simplifying retrofitting even for three-phase units. Tool-less mounting and simple installation procedures save valuable time and upfront costs. Plus, easily accessible main system components facilitate straightforward service and maintenance.

UL listed for new UL-60335 requirements, the Green Series DTI 6000 is positioned as a future-ready solution. Our commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge design shines through in the Green Series DTI 6000 Cooling Units. As industries evolve, we continue to lead with innovations that not only meet current needs but anticipate and address the challenges of the future.

Learn more about the Green Series DTI 6000 here or download our flyer.

 

 

Ian Johnston

Premium Quick Filter, PQF, for Easy Filter Maintenance

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Our PQF Premium Quick Filter is ideal for managing particulates and oily mist on critical equipment. Typical internal metal filter systems require equipment downtime to clean and maintain. The PQF Filter affixes externally, acting as a first line of defense for critical equipment and eliminating the need for maintenance downtime.

PQF, Premium Quick Filter - an easier way to filter out dust and dirt.

Oily and dusty buildup is a leading contributor to system failures as buildup reduces airflow and causes system overheating. The PQF Premium Quick Filter has helped our customers reduce their aluminum filter maintenance to two or fewer times per year—allowing businesses to allocate technician resources for other critical needs.

Requiring virtually no setup time or training, the PQF filter comes with 60 pre-rolled filter sheets, designed to make PQF filter changes a breeze. Simply affix the magnetic PQF system above or next to the air inlet, pull a filter square across the opening, and secure it. When it’s time to change the PQF filter, simply lift and tear the old filter off, and pull to secure a new sheet.

How to use premium quick filter, PQF.

Each PQF roll has 60 tearable, 200mm (8inch) sheets. If changed weekly, this provides enough filter replacement for over a year. Filter options come in three different lengths: 200mm (8inch), 300mm (12inch), and 400mm (16inch), making the PQF ideal for a wide variety of applications and virtually any air inlet size.

Increase the Life of Your Equipment & Reduce Down Time with Pfannenberg’s New PQF!

MORE INFO HERE

 

Thermal solutions
Ian Johnston

Why is a Thermal Mangement Plan for Enclosures Important?

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Thermal Management Plan for Electrical Enclosures 

Manufacturing facilities have many electrical enclosures housing hundreds of thousands of dollars in high performance drives and electronics that are critical to production processes.  These critical electrical components generate a significant amount of heat and if not managed properly the high heat leads to premature aging and eventually failure, shutting down systems and resulting in downtime.  No manufacturing facility can afford downtime.

 

While having thermal management for your enclosures is important, having the correct cooling technology for your specific application that takes into account the cooling requirements and the ambient conditions is critical  The considerations to appropriate thermal management include heat load, ambient temperature range, the presence of particulates or debris, enclosure location and material among others.  Unfortunately, most manufacturing facilities lack a proper Thermal Management Plan to protect and extend the life of their equipment.  As a result, manufacturers suffer significant financial losses each year as a result of enclosures overheating. In many cases, this is preventable with a well-designed Thermal Management Plan.

Pfannenberg can Help Develop a Thermal Management Plan

Pfannenberg has over 65 years of experience keeping enclosures cool with our thermal management solutions and working with manufacturers to reduce costs and improve up time.  A good thermal management plan starts with a plant survey or thermal audit to evaluate the needs of the specific facility. Our Service and Support team offers a number of programs to gather the required information to determine if the correct cooling technology is in place and functioning properly to meet the needs of that particular facility.  A thermal management program from Pfannenberg can help:

Dirty Inside of Unit

  • Verify that the sizing of the A/C meets the thermal loads of your enclosures.
  • Reduce electrical costs caused by poorly maintained air conditioners.
  • Create a Preventive Maintenance plan specifically for your team and facility to keep industrial cooling(A/C) running.
  • Provide the correct thermal technology for challenging applications.
  • Identify critical equipment and put steps in place to reduce lost production time.

If you want to reduce the amount of unscheduled downtime due to enclosure overheating and extend the life of expensive drives, electronics, and industrial air conditioners reach out to us.  Either at service@pfannenbergusa.com or submit a request here.

 

 

 

Ian Johnston

Get Ready for Summer! 3 Steps to Prepare Your Enclosure Cooling Units for the Stress of the Summer Heat

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Don’t Wait Until it’s Too Late!

With the summer heat just around the corner we want to help you prepare your electronics enclosure cooling units to stay up and running.

We put this Preventative Maintenance Video together to help you get ready.

Avoid critical component failures by following these 3 simple steps to ensure your enclosure cooling units stay up and runing all summer.

STEP 1: Make Sure Your Condenser Coils are Clean

The condenser coils are one of the most important components of your Cooling Unit, they ensure the reliable, cost efficient and long-term operation of your unit. When dirt, dust or debris builds up on your condenser coils, it can have a major negative effect on the performance of your cooling unit leading to increased run time and energy consumption.

STEP 2: Check Your Fan Motors and Inside/Outside Electrical Components

In order to prevent failure, the cooling unit’s fan motor and fan blades need to be inspected to determine wear and damage.  All the electrical components in the control box also need to be checked to make sure all connections aren’t damaged or loose.

STEP 3: Set Your Unit to the Recommended Proper Temperature

Pfannenberg sets the dip-switches on the control board to 95°F/35°C in the factory, and recommends that the dip switch settings are not altered.

Having the dip-switch temperature set to a lower point can cause damage not only to the cooling unit, but to the enclosure as well.  Changing the set point can cause the cooling unit to run excessively, possibly causing damage to the compressor and other components.  It can also cause the enclosure to produce condensate, possibly damaging electrical components inside the cabinet.

Watch the Full Video Now!

Contact us for recommended spare parts or getting your orders in now for new or replacement cooling units.

Ian Johnston

Thermal Management Protection Solutions For Battery Energy Storage Systems

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By Adam Wells, Solutions Engineer, Pfannenberg USA

Cooling systems help achieve better battery performance, durability, and safety

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are helping to transform how the world generates and consumes electricity as we transition from large-scale fossil fuel plants to renewable sources. The market for BESS is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30 percent from 2023-2033 according to IDTechEx. What’s more, the global cumulative stationary battery storage capacity is expected to reach 2 terawatt hours (TWh) within ten years.

What’s the catch? The market is challenged by the basic fact that electrochemical energy storage is notoriously vulnerable to overheating, risking sudden fire and explosion, in addition to causing degraded performance and shortened lifetime. Cooling systems are critically important for BESS, providing the thermal stability that is crucial for battery performance, durability, and safety. If applied correctly, the solutions will reduce battery degradation and damage, and minimize downtime.

Thermal Stability and Uniform Temperature 

In general, it is best to keep batteries at a moderate, consistent temperature to ensure their optimal performance and longevity. Exposure to extreme temperatures, either hot or cold, can damage batteries and cause hazardous events.

The specific temperature range that batteries require to operate safely varies depending on battery type and design. While new battery technologies are being developed every day, lithium-ion batteries continue to dominate energy storage systems due to falling battery costs and increased performance with less weight and space requirements giving better energy density compared to other battery types. It is likely that lithium-ion will continue to be the most common BESS technology for the foreseeable future.

According to the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the optimal temperature range for lithium-ion is between 15 °C and 35 °C. An ambient temperature of about 20°C or slightly below (“room temperature”) is ideal; if a battery operates at 30°C, its lifetime is reduced by 20 percent. At 40°C, the losses in lifetime approach 40 percent, and if batteries are charged and discharged at 45°C, the lifetime is only half of what can be expected at 20°C.

It is also equally important to maintain uniform temperature throughout the system. Avoiding hot spots is crucial to preventing damage and mitigating the risk of triggering a chain reaction that leads to catastrophic thermal runaway.

Causes of Battery Overheating

One key factor contributing to overheating is use in applications that require rapid charging/ discharging. These are referred to as having a high C-rate, defined as the charging or discharging current divided by the capacity (the amount of energy the battery can hold). Applications with a  high C-rate and frequent cycling generate more heat.

Another factor is high ambient temperature, which can damage batteries in several ways. Elevated temperatures lead to an increased rate of side reactions, causing attrition of active material and resulting in a build-up of resistance at the electrode surface. Operation of lithium-ion batteries at high temperatures will also accelerate the aging process and lead to performance degradation.

Paradoxically, low ambient temperatures can cause more problems with internal overheating than high ambient temperatures. Cold temperatures can result in viscosity changes in the electrolyte that lead to sluggish ion transport, resulting in higher resistance and heat generation.

Designing an Optimal Cooling Solution – Liquid or Air Cooling?

BESS thermal management solutions include liquid and air cooling; the optimal solution depends primarily on the application’s C-rate and environmental conditions. The most demanding thermal management applications, such as large-scale BESS installation and high C-rate applications, require active liquid cooling. Smaller installations with low C-rate applications can be safely and efficiently operated with air cooling.

Liquid cooling

Liquid cooling is extremely effective at dissipating large amounts of heat and maintaining uniform temperatures throughout the battery pack, thereby allowing BESS designs that achieve higher energy density and safely support  high C-rate applications.

Multiple versions of chillers are available to optimize the layout of the cooling system. For example, Pfannenberg offers two layout options: A stand-alone chiller can be placed inside the BESS. Each unit provides up to 12kW of cooling, and multiple units can be easily combined to support the highest cooling load requirements. Alternatively, a compact version is designed to be mounted outdoors on the cabinet door, for a small footprint that allows easy integration inside battery cabinets and enclosures. Both solutions safely operate between -25 and +50°C and offer up to 800 V DC power supply to directly connect with the battery system, all while not needing any power conversion.

Air cooling

Air cooling systems provide a cost-effective cooling solution for smaller stationary energy storage systems operating at a relatively low C-rate.

For example, Pfannenberg’s DTS Cooling Unit seals out the ambient air, and then cools and re-circulates clean, cool air through the enclosure. The closed loop design isolates the external ambient air from the internally conditioned air eliminating the risk of contaminants entering the cabinet. Thehermetically sealed compressor guarantees 100 percent cooling capacity efficiency.

For applications where the ambient air is always cooler than the temperature required inside the enclosure, filter fans, which use natural convection of the air to circulate air and dissipate heat, are extremely cost-effective.

Energy storage plays an important role in the transition towards a carbon-neutral society. BESS systems depend on cooling systems that provide the thermal stability that is crucial for battery performance, durability, and safety. and if applied correctly, will reduce battery degradation and damage, and minimize downtime.

Edge computing graphic
Ian Johnston

Thermal Management Protection Solutions For Edge Computing Environments

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By Jonathan LaPorta, Pfannenberg USA

Select the right option to ensure continuous operation of senstive electronics

Edge computing – placing application logic as close to the source of data as possible – reduces latency, optimizes bandwidth usage, and minimizes costs, all while increasing visibility and control, speeding up processing, and enhancing user experience. The challenge is that enclosures used to protect distributed computer equipment from the immediate environment oftentrap heat generated by the electronics. Read on to learn about thermal protection solutions that ensure continuous operation of sensitive electronics in edge computing environments.

Edge computing graphic

 

Benefits of Edge Computing Fuels Explosive Growth

The adoption of edge computing is accelerating for mission-critical computer components in factories, warehouses, retail stores, hospitals, and college campuses – and indeed in most other sectors. The explosive growth is fueled by megatrends like digitization, the internet of things (IoT), and automation.

Key examples include high-definition video cameras that generate masses of data; machine vision systems used in manufacturing to perform imaging-based automatic inspections; hospitals, which have to store and process medical sensor data and digital health records; and warehouses and retail stores running inventory and point-of-sale systems.

All that data needs to be processed somewhere, and it is usually much faster and more efficient to do it close to the edge where people and things produce and use that information. Keeping and processing data at the edge can also enhance reliability, security, and privacy by minimizing the transmission of sensitive information and exposure to network failures and malicious attacks.

 

Protecting Distributed Components is Critical

In edge computing environments, computing equipment is located outside of a climate-controlled data center. Servers and networking gear are often placed in crowded factory floor spaces, up in warehouse rafters, or in closets. They may be located in inhospitable environments, with high ambient temperatures, or dust- and oil-filled air. That is why distributed computer equipment is typically placed in enclosures for protection. Unfortunately, the enclosures themselves trap heat generated by the electronics, so they require protection from overheating.

 

Simple, Proven Cooling Solution 

A variety of cooling methods have proven effective for thermal management of electrical enclosures. Filter fans are an economical solution when the ambient temperature is always lower than the temperature required by the computer components inside. One example is Pfannenberg’s new Datawind Filterfan®, which has a temperature indicator and is mounted externally to the enclosure to enable full use of all racks within the bays.

 

More Challenging Cooling Applications 

Some applications require enclosures specially designed for challenging environments, from weather and impact-resistant outdoor enclosures to tightly sealed stainless steel enclosures for food production facilities that must withstand high pressure cleaning.

A closed loop cooling system is required when the interior air of the electrical enclosure must be protected from the exterior environment. Air to air technology is one of the more energy efficient technologies to use when there is a temperature difference between the internal target temperature and the surrounding temperature (∆T≥10°C). Pfannenberg’s Kinetic System™ (PKS) Series Air to Air Heat Exchangers remove heat from inside of the enclosure to the cooler environment using the least amount of energy while still providing a closed loop ingress protection.

If the electronics generate a high heat load and/or the ambient air is too warm to provide adequate cooling, an active cooling system such as the Pfannenberg DTS Series of side mounted cooling units may be required. These air conditioning systems utilize a compressor for cooling in a closed loop design that isolates the interior of the enclosure from the exterior environment.

Ideal for extremely demanding industrial and outdoor applications, Pfannenberg’s DTS units provide NEMA 4 level of protection from washdown conditions and caustic air and can operate in ambient temperatures up to 140° F (60° C).

By implementing the optimal cooling solution for distributed components operators can take advantage of edge computing’s many benefits while protecting mission critical IT infrastructure from overheating.

 

Marine Vienney

Pfannenberg’s Cooling Units Used to Ensure Efficiency and Uptime in Vaccine Production Settings

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How Cooling units maintain proper operating temperatures for automation system components

Vaccine production requires highly precise temperature and humidity control at all stages of production: manufacturing, packing, and storage. During production of pharmaceuticals, precise temperature control is essential so that temperature fluctuations do not interfere with the manufacturing process. Throughout the process of manufacturing, distributing and storage, it is essential that downtime is eliminated and repair costs are kept to a minimum. To carry this out, vaccine producers relied on Pfannenberg’s cooling units which can operate 24/7 and on the Pfannenberg team, which offers the highest degree of service quality.

Pfannenberg’s DTS 3245 Series Cooling Units have been installed in COVID vaccine production settings to ensure efficiency and maximal uptime by providing critical cooling to electrical components of automation systems in mass vaccine production.

The Pfannenberg DTS 3000 Series cooling units offer superior capacity, more efficient design, and a robust build to ensure a longer service life of the cooling unit. Customizable to pharmaceutical environments like vaccine production, the DTS 3000 Series features a sealed cabinet that provides contaminant-free component cooling without adding heat to the local environment. It provides an excellent economic solution where plant water is available or when used in conjunction with a process chiller.  Its sealed design and available stainless steel, NEMA Type 4/4X construction provides a maintenance free solution with no exposed fans or maintenance of filters required.

The DTS 3000 Series Cooling Units are designed to take up less space while delivering greater cooling capacity. These units boast the highest power to cooling ratio available on the market. These cooling units are built with a sealed, yet “open design,” so critical components can be accessed easily for maintenance purposes. The refrigeration system is totally redesigned with longer and more robust service life in mind helping end-users focus on uptime and prevent disruption in operation.

 

Marine Vienney

Introducing Pfannenberg’s New PQF Premium Quick Filter

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A Simple and Effective New Way to Protect Critical Equipment from Particulates and Oily Mist

Pfannenberg announces its PQF – Premium Quick Filter – a new, easier way to filter out particulates and oily mist from an air inlet on critical equipment enclosures.

This simple and innovative solution increases the life of equipment and reduces downtime by solving one of the most common problems causing equipment failure-overheating caused by a clogged airflow path.

How it Works?

Secure magnetic mounting on the exterior of the air inlet makes for quick and easy installation and replacement. Installation takes less than 5 seconds and requires no training or shutdown procedure. No drilling, tapping or gluing is required, and the magnetic installation allows the filter to be installed vertically, horizontally or in any other position to fit around the air inlet.

Each PQF roll has 60 tearable, disposable sheets providing enough filter replacement for up to one year. The PQF is available in three different lengths: 200mm (8inch), 300mm (12inch) and 400mm (16inch) and is suitable for a variety of applications and air inlet sizes.

The design saves time by eliminating multiple trips to the warehouse to cut filter mat to size when changing out a clogged filter and eliminates messy washing of filters using harmful chemicals.

Studies have shown up to 30% savings on time and labor for filter maintenance.

 

Increase the Life of Your Equipment & Reduce Down Time with Pfannenberg’s New PQF!

MORE INFO HERE

 

Any Question? Contact us Today!

Marine Vienney

Now Available: DTS 34X1C and 36X1C Series Cooling Units – Highest Capacity For Industrial Enclosures

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Are you interested in discovering the latest in high powered, durable, and efficient enclosure cooling technology? We are pleased to announce the launch of the New DTS 34X1C and DTS 36X1C Series Cooling Units which offer many benefits: higher capacity, more efficient design, and an even more robust build for long service life.

The new DTS 34X1C and DTS 36X1C Cooling Units (in replacement of our DTS 34X1 and 36X1 models) feature the highest cooling capacity in the smallest possible footprint.

DTS 34x1-36x1C_group

The DTS 34X1C delivers 1.5ton of cooling capacity at normal operation, and the DTS 36X1C up to 2ton capacity. Both units are designed with the same dimensions and mounting cutout so that they can be easily interchanged depending on cooling demand. They are also backwards compatible with Pfannenberg’s older designs, making them a versatile option for enclosure cooling. The refrigeration system has been totally redesigned, however, to ensure a longer and more robust service life.

The DTS units’ electrical system has been updated to include a smaller and simpler power connecter, which reduces the protrusion of the connecter into the cabinet and in turn frees up valuable real estate. Other features include an easy panel access and a front status LED display, which help to simplify maintenance and lengthen your service intervals. What’s more, these cooling units were built with an “open design” so critical components can be accessed easily during maintenance. These design updates helping end users to focus on uptime and prevent disruptions to operation.

Other features, like active condensate management, coated corrosion resistance condenser coils, and high flow evaporator fans, are designed for success in critical applications.

These units are ideal for high heat loads, especially in high horsepower drive enclosures. They are available in a range of different NEMA or UL Type ratings – 12/3R/4/4X – and different voltages. Soon, options for low ambient, integrated heater, and Modbus connectivity will be available as well.

 

The new DTS 34X1C and 36X1C will replace the old DTS 34X1 and 36X1 models. Please contact your local Pfannenberg Sales representative for availability of the older design or reach out to sales@pfannenbergusa.com for more information.

For more information about the updated DTS cooling units, click here!.