PTF1200 Top Mount Filterfan
Ian Johnston

Pfannenberg USA Introduces the PTF 1200 High CFM Top Mount Filterfan®

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PTF 1200 Intro Graphic

We are proud to introduce our new PTF 1200, an industry leading high CFM top mount filter fan designed to redefine cooling solutions for various industries. This compact yet powerful innovation boasts an unimpeded airflow rate of up to 589 CFM, making it a game-changer in the realm of cooling solutions.

The PTF 1200’s exceptionally high heat removal capacity is matched by its durability, featuring a robust full metal housing enclosure that ensures longevity, even in challenging environments. With a protection class of IP 54/NEMA 12, this top-mounted filter fan guarantees effective protection against dust, dirt, and moisture, maintaining optimal performance under diverse conditions.

One of the standout features of the PTF 1200 is its energy-efficient EC centrifugal fan, delivering optimum airflow and uniform temperature distribution. Its energy-efficient centrifugal fan translates to low power consumption, contributing to sustainability efforts.PTF1200 Top Mount Filterfan

The PTF 1200’s long service life is due to its EC fan, which provides a soft start and stop, reducing wear and tear on vital parts. The result is an impressive 70,000-hour average lifetime which is also complemented by the ease of filter changes, reducing maintenance costs and downtime. Filter replacements don’t require skilled labor and are quick, ensuring minimal downtime during servicing and making it an ideal choice for maintenance managers seeking efficiency.

The convenience of the unit is further elevated by its compact size, saving valuable space without compromising on cooling efficiency. Unlike traditional top mounts that often require expensive palletized shipping, the PTF 1200 ships in an easily transportable cardboard box, directly to your door, minimizing costs and delivery times.

Designed with the end-user in mind, the PTF 1200 comes with 4 mounting through holes in the cabinet. This eliminates the need for advanced cut-outs during installation, providing easy mounting options and allowing users to achieve a quick install.

The introduction of the PTF 1200 unlocks a new configuration of filter fans for the market, addressing the unique needs of purchasing agents, electrical engineers, project managers, and maintenance managers. This top-mounted filter fan offers a higher airflow rate than side mounts, ensuring efficient heat removal and surpassing competitors with its airflow range.  The industry leading airflow allows for the possibility of using a passive system in lieu of a small air conditioner, yielding substantial energy savings and reducing costs. Its ease of installation and cost-effective shipping make it an attractive solution for professionals seeking high-performance cooling solutions.

 

Click here for the PTF 1200 product flyer.

Outdoor Filterfan
Ian Johnston

Selecting a Filter Fan for Outdoor Applications

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What are filter fans?Image of Filter fan application and exhaust filter on an enc;losure with the air flow.

Filter fans protect electrical enclosures from external environmental damage. From heat control to mitigating the ingress of liquid and solid objects, filter fans provide another layer of protection for the electrical equipment housed within enclosures. Filter fans protect critical equipment by reducing thermal load and filtering out airborne particles larger than 5 microns. The dual fan and filter composition keeps electrical equipment running at optimal temperatures while mitigating the amount of dust and other particulate matter from causing buildup and damage.

When selecting a filter fan for an enclosure, it’s important to consider the application’s heat load, optimal temperature, and environmental conditions in which it will be operating. Environmental considerations are particularly important for outdoor enclosures, as rain, snow, ice, and sunlight all pose risks to electrical equipment.

Challenges for outdoor applications

Filter fans are necessary for a wide range of outdoor electrical equipment. Some applications, however,  require intentionality and extra consideration when choosing the appropriate filter fan. These include irrigation pump panels, water and waste water, lighting control boxes for traffic signals or fields and stadiums, outdoor communication and information technology structures, energy storage and charging systems (such as in electric vehicles), and transportation systems, including bridges, toll stations, and electrical rail equipment.

When properly designed and integrated, outdoor filter fans can provide an energy efficient solution for heat load maintenance while also protecting enclosures from dust, ice, water, and sunlight. However, many filter fans on the market do not effectively protect critical electrical equipment. When improperly designed, filter fans can be subject to ice and dust buildup or damage from UV radiation and rainwater. These conditions can cause short circuiting within the enclosure. While there are workarounds for water infiltration, such as adding a rainhood, these additional steps increase space requirements and initial investment costs.

Tips for selecting the correct filter fan for outdoor applications

Given these challenges, there are some tips to keep in mind when selecting a filter fan for an outdoor electrical enclosure.

Consider heatload and environment

Selecting an outdoor filter fan begins with determining the application’s heatload and airflow requirements while considering environmental exposure. Electrical enclosures in dry, hot weather require different filter fan needs than those used in areas with snow, ice, and highly variable temperatures. For applications where environmental conditions cannot be determined ahead of time, a filter fan that can accommodate each of these possibilities is best.

While determining application needs, it is beneficial to consult with an expert to help determine specific risk factors. An expert can help with considerations around which airborne particulates are present and if they are corrosive, as well as what ambient temperatures can be expected and how direct or indirect sunlight can affect operating temperatures.

Outdoor Rated Filterfan ApplicationThe Pfannenberg Outdoor Rated Filterfan® (NEMA 3R rated) is designed for outdoor weather where direct sunlight and extreme weather, like rain and ice formation, are important factors. This filter fan utilizes UV-resistant plastics to prevent premature degradation from direct sunlight. Additionally, the filter fan’s design protects against the ingress of falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow, and even external ice formation.

Weigh maintenance needs

Filter fans generally require little maintenance outside of regular filter replacement. However, it is crucial to change the filter as specified by the manufacturer as filter clogs reduce airflow, causing extra strain on the fan and increasing the potential for overheating.

Well-designed filter inserts, including the filter for Pfannenberg’s Outdoor Rated Filterfan® described above, provide longer service life. Pfannenberg’s fluted filter-mat enables longer mean time between maintenance, delivering three times longer service life than standard designs. It accomplishes this with its increased dust holding capacity. As a result, the need for service is reduced, saving maintenance time, costs, and stress, which is especially helpful for electrical enclosures located in remote areas.

Balance protection, airflow, and initial investment costs

Filter fans for outdoor applications require a design that balances airflow optimization with low initial investment. A filter design that minimizes maintenance needs should also ensure unrestricted airflow throughout the fan’s service life. However, it must do so without compromising on water and dust protection capabilities. Combining a filter that fits these needs with a filter fan housing design that does not require metal rain hoods, achieves an excellent balance of protection, airflow management, and minimizing upfront costs.

Conclusion

Filter fans are critical for protecting electrical equipment from overheating, water, and airborne debris so the equipment can run safely and efficiently. In outdoor environments, this task is particularly challenging. Finding a filter fan suitable for outdoor environments without significant drawbacks requires careful research. By considering heatload, environmental conditions, and maintenance needs before selecting a filter fan, it is possible to keep costs low. In applications ranging from pump panels and lighting control boxes to communication technology and energy storage systems, well-designed filter fans keep outdoor electrical equipment functional and safe.

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

Datawind Filterfans® Cool in IT Environments Without Sacrificing Valuable Rack Space

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Do you need IT cooling, but struggling to find a good fit for a space restricted installation or an enclosure pre-built without cooling in mind?

The new Datawind Filterfan® has been designed for exactly this need. The Datawind Filterfan® is ideal for IT racks with rails that get in the way of a traditional filterfan, and removes the need to sacrifice valuable rack space to achieve needed cooling.

Demands of IT environments

Some enclosures, especially in IT environments or in manufacturing floor IT installations, are built without room for cooling technology to protrude into them. As the IT cabinets move closer to the machines and onto the factory floors there are unique requirements for electronics cooling.  Without standard IT clean room cooling available, this can create issues when trying to use a traditional filter fan, such as Pfannenberg’s industry-leading Filterfan 4.0™. Thanks to the new zero-protrusion design, Pfannenberg Datawind Filterfans® allow for the same unmatched enclosure cooling in these unique cases where electronics cooling is needed and space restrictions are a significant concern. Datawind Filterfans are certified for Indoor Use (NEMA 12/IP55), providing electrical enclosures with protection against water and dust.

Datawind Design

Perfectly designed for IT racks, the Datawind Filterfan’s external mounting system enables more storage racks to fit into the cabinet, all while providing the same mission-critical cooling function. The new filterfan product includes an LED indicator light to give a warning when the temperature exceeds the desired temperature inside the cabinet, or of a fan malfunction or clogged filter. What’s more, the 30° sloped top design avoids dust collection and improves overall safety.

Designed based on the proven Filterfan 4.0™ line, the new Datawind Filterfans® deliver the same benefits in restricted space environments. The product’s fluted filter mat delivers three times longer service life, and it can make use of Pfannenberg’s existing PFA exhaust filters. The filterfan’s 6-foot long IEC power cable is located on center of the fan to allow the door to hinge in both directions. Plus, the 13-foot long cable connecting the filterfan to an adjustable dual thermostat allows the fan to toggle on or off depending on cooling needs, while also controlling the LED indicator light if the temperature rises above a desired threshold.

Filterfan options

The new Datawind Filterfans are available with several different customizable options: color, Black housing (RAL 9004) with a black Filterfan® or White housing (RAL 9003) with a light gray Filterfan®; 115v or 230v power supply; and three unimpeded airflow ratings of 38, 152, or 560 CFM. Fitting into an existing standard filterfan® cutout, the Datawind line can be installed with power tools. The only need is to drill mounting holes and a 2” hole for connections.

Check out the unboxing video to learn more about the New Datawind Filterfan’s Unique Features

 

Datawind Video

 

Outdoor Filterfan
Marine Vienney

Tips for Determining What Filter Fan Suits Your Application and Environment

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Select a filter fan appropriate for the electrical equipment in use, cooling demands, and environmental conditions

By Chris Marlow, Solutions Engineer

Filter fans perform a critical task of moving the hot air from within electrical enclosures to the external environment while also protecting equipment from ingress of harmful dust, water, or other materials. Cooling is necessary to protect sensitive electrical components from overheating and becoming damaged. When appropriate, filter fans are a popular choice for this cooling task due to their low energy usage and ease of installation.

The fan component of a filter fan provides this critical thermal protection, while filters keep airborne particles like dust from getting into the enclosures and damaging the equipment inside. Filter fans also help to protect equipment from water, ice, snow, animal ingress, or vandalism, depending on the environment.

Selecting the correct filter fan for a given application requires consideration of that application’s heat load information and what temperatures need to be maintained, as well as the environmental conditions.

Which Filterfan for which application?

Invented in 1958 by Otto Pfannenberg, the original Filterfan® has evolved over the last 50 years to provide protection for electrical enclosures in a variety of applications, specifically, in indoor, outdoor, or extreme environments. Each environment has particular considerations, and so filter fan design is custom-made to match those concerns.

Indoor Use

In indoor environments, filter fans can be used in applications such as test stands in manufacturing facilities, IT racks in data storage applications, or drive enclosures. Indoor filter fans are designed to protect these electrical enclosures using a fan, a filter, and louvers. This design provides needed cooling, protection against airborne particulates, and enables light washdown procedures. Pfannenberg, the company founded by the original Filterfan® inventor of the same name, remains the industry leader in filter fan design. Its indoor Filterfans 4.0 TM feature louvers with wing qualities and a lip at the end help pre-collect dust. Pfannenberg has also created a pleated filter design that provides more surface area with the same filter volume used compared to mesh filters, which allows for more dust to be collected before airflow is constricted.

Outdoor Use

Outdoor filter fans have all of the same design considerations of indoor filter fans, with a focus on cooling and dust collection, but with the added considerations of weather, solar radiation, and animal ingress. Key applications for outdoor filter fans include battery storage, such as for solar panels, and pump stations with enclosed pumps. In these and other outdoor filter fan applications, enclosures protect electrical equipment from weather, animals, and other possible damage, but introduce cooling requirements in order to keep equipment close to ambient temperatures. Outdoor filter fans must therefore be designed like indoor ones, but with added protection against outdoor hazards. Pfannenberg’s 3R Filterfans® for outdoor use protect against heavy rain with water pathways and drain holes that are designed to draw water away from the fan instead of accumulating and causing flooding. This design, along with added seals, also protects against hazardous ice formation. Finally, the outdoor-specific 3R Filterfans® are designed with UV-resistant materials to avoid the degradation than can happen to unprotected plastics in the sun.

Extreme Environments

Though the outdoor filter fan design can cope with significant weather-related hazards, some environments, both indoors and outdoors, are simply too extreme for the above filter fan designs. These cases include industrial food processing or bakery applications where high pressure washdowns are necessary. It also includes outdoor applications in regions with significant snow accumulation that could block airflow, and enclosures that might be subject to vandalism, among others. In these cases, the addition of a rainhood provides the additional protection necessary to ensure uninterrupted filter fan and electrical component operation. The rainhood’s metal shell provides solid protection against breaking, hides the filter fan from vandalism, provides another barrier against the entrance of water in washdown procedures, and prevents snow from accumulating in the path of airflow. Pfannenberg’s Filterfan® + Rainhood combination is the market-leading solution for use in extreme environments.

Tips for selecting the correct filter fan

Given all of the environmental and application considerations, there are a number of tips to keep in mind when selecting a filter fan for any given environment.

Determine if a filter fan is a viable option

The first step should always be to determine whether a filter fan is the correct cooling and protection solution for a given application. Answering “yes” to all three of the following questions means that a filter fan is likely a good cooling solution:

  • Is the ambient temperature lower than the desired temperature within the enclosure?
  • Is the environment free of corrosive airborne particulates and gases?
  • Is the heat load within the range for which a filter fan can provide adequate cooling?

This third question, of course, leads into the next tip, since it might not be possible to determine whether the heat load is suitable for a filter fan right away.

Assess application needs

The next critical step is to collect as much information as is possible about the application, the enclosure size, the components inside enclosure, the temperature these components should be maintained at, any environmental hazards (sun, rain, snow, animals, etc.), and what the environment’s temperature range is. Additionally, other considerations like clearance requirements, washdown procedures, foot traffic around the filter fan, or other similar considerations should be noted. These considerations will help to determine not only the appropriate size, flow rate, and type of filter fan to use, but also helps to determine whether a metal rainhood is required and how the filter fan(s) should be configured.

Consult an expert

It is critically important to gather the information described in the last tip because cooling experts need that information to be able to specify the correct filter fan for each application. More information translates into better overall suitability for the application, and therefore the greatest assurance of balancing protection and cooling with cost efficiency and minimal maintenance. At Pfannenberg, experts analyze this information using specialized software to determine the appropriate size, flow rate, configuration, and environmental protections for the application’s ideal filter fan. Pfannenberg manufactures Filterfans® in seven different flow rates and several different sizes, and can configure these with a single exhaust, two exhausts, or with a fan in and fan out, depending on the application’s specific demands.

Consulting with experts not only ensures a right-sized solution that will ideally balance airflow, protection from the environment, and cost; doing so also helps to ensure that the filter fan will keep electrical components free from water and dust, and properly cooled, in order to extend the lifespan of those components. If a filter fan is too small, the components could overheat, leading to early failures, unplanned downtime, and additional cost. If a filter fan rated for indoor use is used outside, ice buildup or sun exposure could lead to broken seals and dangerous water incursion into the electrical enclosure.

When configured properly, the only maintenance required for filter fans is regular filter replacement to ensure that a consistent flowrate and cooling capacity can be maintained. The lifespan of a filter depends on the application –a bakery with fine dust requires more frequent filter changes than most manufacturing test stand applications – so experts should be consulted to determine the ideal maintenance schedule for each application.

Conclusion

Filter fans are critical to protecting electrical equipment from overheating, water, and airborne debris so that the equipment can continue to run safely and efficiently. Finding a filter fan suitable to each particular application and environment requires careful research and the assistance of experts. By considering heat load, environmental conditions, and other factors in consultation with an expert, it is possible to reduce maintenance needs and cost while keeping electrical equipment protected.  In applications in indoor, outdoor, and extreme environments, well-designed filter fans keep electrical equipment functional and safe.

Marine Vienney

Pfannenberg Offers Next Day Delivery for Outdoor Series 3R Filterfans®

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Need items fast? Don’t sweat it!

As part of the “24 Hours Filterfan Program”, simply place your order by 4:30 pm EDT and rest assured that your Outdoor Series 3R Filterfan® will ship from the factory the following day.

 

Pfannenberg’s Outdoor Series 3R Filterfan® provide electrical enclosures with protection against ingress of falling dirt, harmful effects of rain, sleet, snow and external ice formation. The Filterfan® also features UV resistance plastic to prevent premature degradation from direct sunlight. Pfannenberg’s Outdoor Series 3R Filterfan® also eliminates the component cost and labor for installing a rainhood.

The Outdoor Series 3R Filterfan® reaches a particularly high airflow with flow optimized fins and rotor blades. The fluted filter-mat provides triple service life by holding more dust before airflow is impeded, extending the mean time between maintenance (MTBM) for outdoor enclosures. The new series offers 11 patented features, including a patented 4-corner fastening system that allows toolless installation in seconds in most enclosure wall thickness.

Pfannenberg’s Outdoor Series 3R Filterfans® are offered with eight different airflows in multiple sizes and voltage (AC & DC). They are also available in two colors – black and light grey. The family includes matching exhaust filters for a complete setup for your enclosures. They are UL listed, NEMA, CE and RoHS compliant.

Now that warmer temperatures are upon us, keeping your application up and running can be a challenge. If you need your Outdoor Series 3R Filterfan® right away, don’t sweat it. For more information on the 24 Hours Filterfan® Program, visit https://www.pfannenbergusa.com/24-hours-shipping-filterfans/

Marine Vienney

Pfannenberg Announces New Outdoor Filterfan® (TYPE 3R)

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High-Airflow Fan Operates Outdoors in a Range of Conditions Without Requiring a Rainhood

Lancaster, NY – Pfannenberg, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of thermal management technologies, announces the new Outdoor Filterfan®, a rainproof filter fan with an unrivaled airflow suitable for outdoor weather conditions, which makes a rainhood unnecessary for most applications.

Pfannenberg’s Outdoor Filterfans® are certified to TYPE 3R. providing electrical enclosures with protection against ingress of falling dirt, harmful effects of rain, sleet, snow and external ice formation. Further, it features UV resistance plastic to prevent premature degradation from direct sunlight. Traditional outdoor solutions would require installation of a rainhood over the filter fan. Pfannenberg’s Outdoor Filterfan® eliminates the component cost and labor for installing such a rainhood.

Like the millions of field-installed Filterfans® 4.0, the Outdoor Filterfan® reaches a particularly high airflow with flow optimized fins and rotor blades. The fluted filter-mat provides 3x longer service life by holding more dust before airflow is impeded, extending the mean time between maintenance (MTBM) for outdoor enclosures. The new series maintains the 11 patented features, including a patented 4-corner fastening system that allows toolless installation in seconds in most enclosure wall thickness.

Pfannenberg’s new Outdoor Filterfans® are offered with eight different airflows in multiple sizes and voltage (AC & DC). It is also available in two colors – Black and Light Grey. The family includes matching exhaust filters for a complete setup for your enclosures. They are UL listed, NEMA, CE and RoHS compliant.

Click here to learn more

Marine Vienney

3 Solutions to Protect your Electrical Enclosures From Condensation and Humidity

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What is condensation?

Formation of condensation is one of the biggest dangers for electrical enclosures. Condensation is caused by hot, humid air coming into contact with a colder surface than the air dew point.

With Spring’s typical variable weather conditions, outdoor enclosures are even more exposed to the risk of condensation. Condensation can also occur indoors if the humidity is too high.

When the humidity is high is does not take a large change in temperature to cause condensate to form inside the cabinet.

How to prevent condensation?

The most efficient solution is to combine Filterfans® and Heaters with control devices such as Hygrostats and Thermostats. Fan Heaters are typically used in outdoor applications where ambient temperature can threaten sensitive electronics. Radiant Heaters are often used to reduce humidity and control condensate within the enclosure.

1. Filterfans® + Rainhoods

Filterfans® are the ideal solution for clean, non-hazardous environments with an acceptable ambient (outside the enclosure) temperature range.

Designed for use with standard Filterfans®, Pfannenberg’s new Rainhoods (Patent Pending) protect your application from harsh environments like rain, water spray, snow or fluids from being drawn into the enclosure.  This product feature a robust design rated to NEMA TYPE 3R/4/4x and IPx6 when used with Pfannenberg Filterfans®.

Adding a Heater to your Filterfan® + Rainhood solution will ensure a proper humidity control. This combination is the optimum solution for the economical and energy efficient cooling of electrical enclosure components.

2. Fan Heaters

Pfannenberg Heaters prevent condensate build up and therefore protect against corrosion.

Compact fan heater with thermostatFan HeaterMini radiant heaterThe PFH-T Fan Heaters with Thermostat are designed to protect electronics from the effects of low temperatures such as corrosion, freezing or condensation, which can damage critical components within a control enclosure.

The PRH-M Mini Radiant Heaters are ideal for small outdoor enclosures, preventing condensate formation.

The FLH Heaters are ideal for use in larger electrical enclosures.

3. Thermostats / Hygrostats

Industrial ThermostatHygrostat FLZ 600

Pfannenberg’s Hygrostats allow you to effectively control the humidity level inside the enclosure. These devices are used to start the heater or filterfan® if the predetermined humidity threshold is reached.

When combining a Pfannenberg Thermostat with a Filterfan®, the fan can be controlled to turn on and off based on the temperature inside the cabinet.

The benefits to this combined system are:
• Extended fan life.
• Reduced energy consumption.
• Reduced consumables and maintenance.

As a system; Filterfans, Heaters, Thermostats and Hygrostats will ensure that the environment within the enclosure is ideal for the performance and service life of the critical electronics.