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The Technology of Cooling Part 3: Cooling with Closed Loop Cooling Units

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Pfannenberg cooling units operate on the principle of the Carnot cycle. This means that the cooling units function as a heat pump that “pumps” the thermal energy transferred from the electronic cabinet (heat dissipated from the components) up to a higher level of temperature (the ambient temperature can reach levels as high as + 55 °C). The air inside the enclosure is cooled down by the evaporator and at the same time dehumidified.

How do I know if a cooling unit is the right product for my application?

  • If the ambient temperature is greater than the target internal temperature of the enclosure, active cooling is required.
  • If indoor NEMA Type 12 applications, NEMA Type 3R/4 outdoor applications and NEMA Type 4/4x stainless steel for washdown applications are required – closed loop cooling can maintain the NEMA Type rating of the cabinet.

Properly sizing a cooling unit

To properly size your cooling units you must know the required cooling capacity in Watts, mounting requirements (side, integrated or top mount) and the dimensions of the cooling unit and enclosure.

Utilizing performance curves to properly size cooling units:

> Pfannenberg utilizes the DIN standard 35/35 °C when rating our cooling units.

> Many other companies use 50/50 °C, which provides a higher, non-usable value. Customers should use their own application temperatures to determine the proper cooling capacity of the system.

 

 

 

Important information when utilizing cooling units:

  • The refrigeration capacity should exceed the dissipation loss from the installed components by approximately 10%.
  • The enclosure should be sealed to prevent the inflow of ambient air.
  • Use the door contact switch to impede operation with open doors and consequent excessive accumulation of condensation.
  • Use cooling units with maximum clearance between air inflow and air outflow to prevent poor circulation.
  • Make sure that the air inflow and air outflow in the external circuit is not hindered, preventing proper heat exchanging at the condenser.
  • When using top-mounted cooling units, make sure that components with their own fans do not expel the air directly into the cooling units cool air outflow.
  • Make sure unit is level.
  • Setting the temperature to the lowest setting is not the optimal solution due to the condensation issues. The value we have preset on the cooling unit is a sound compromise between cooling the inside of the enclosure and the accumulation of condensation.

In harsh environments involving high temperatures, wash-down requirements, heavy particulate matter or the presence of chemicals capable of damaging components (NEMA 4 or 12 environments), ambient air must be kept out of the enclosure. Pfannenberg Cooling Units seals out the ambient air, cooling and re-circulating clean, cool air throughout the enclosure.

Pfannenberg offers Critical Thermal Management Solutions for Maximum uptime and efficiency.

Find the previous articles of this “Technology of Cooling” serie: Cooling with Filterfans® and Cooling with Closed Loop Air to Air Heat Exchangers.

Read the last part of this “Technology of Cooling” serie: Closed Loop Liquid Cooling Solutions

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The Technology of Cooling Part 2: Cooling with Closed Loop Air to Air Heat Exchangers

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Closed Loop Cooling and particularly Air to air heat exchangers are used when the complete separation between the enclosure and the environment is required and the internal enclosure temperature to be cooled can be higher than the ambient. The air to air units have a rating showing how much heat can be removed based on the difference in the ambient and the internal temperatures. This is traditionally rated on W/°C which is the watts of heat that the unit can remove per temperature difference in °C.

How do I know if an air to air heat exchanger is the right product for my application?

  • If the ambient temperature is lower than the desired temperature inside the enclosure.
  • If a total separation between ambient air and enclosure air is required.

Properly sizing an air to air heat exchanger

To properly size an air to air heat exchanger you must know the required cooling capacity in Watts, target temperature rise over ambient and the dimensions of the heat exchanger and enclosure.

Utilizing performance curves to properly size air/air heat exchangers:

> Pfannenberg utilizes watts of heat that the unit can remove per temperature difference in °C.

> Customers should use their own application temperatures to determine the proper cooling capacity of the system.

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Important information when utilizing air/air heat exchangers:

  • The max ambient is 35 °C (95 °F) and the max internal temperature that the system can take is 45 °C (113 °F).
  • Can be used when the temperature difference is 10 °C.
  • If you apply this temperature difference to the rating of the air to air unit you will get the total amount of heat that can be removed.
  • A unit rated 100 W/°C could remove 1000 Watts (100 x 10) of heat under these conditions.

Closed Loop Cooling with air to air heat exchangers is the most efficient cooling solution as cooling with ambient air is the most economical type of cooling!

Pfannenberg εCOOL Air to air Heat Exchangers feature an energy efficient, minimal maintenance design. Installation and maintenance of these units requires much less time compared to other closed loop Thermal Management solutions.

Click here to read the 1st part of this “Technology of Cooling” serie: Cooling with Filterfans®
Click here to read the 3rd part of this “Technology of Cooling” serie: Cooling with Closed Loop Cooling Units

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Download Pfannenberg’s NEW 2016 Thermal Management Catalog!

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We are excited to announce the release of our NEW NORTH AMERICAN CATALOG. In this catalog we take a Solutions First approach to helping you understand how to choose the best Thermal Management products for your applications.


> New sections for Engineered Solutions and Industry Group Specific Solutions.
> Shared expertise to find the best solution for any type of application and environment.
> Easily determine the correct thermal management products for your application and environment.
> New high resolution detailed product pictures with cut-aways.

 

Get Pfannenberg Catalog

Pfannenberg, Inc. is a global manufacturer of thermal management, water cooling solutions and signaling technology. For more than 60 years, our enclosure cooling products have been helping some of the largest companies worldwide stay cool and safe, protecting and keeping electronic equipment running to avoid costly downtime.

In addition to our thermal management products we also manufacture visual and audible signaling devices for security, industrial fire, building, industrial process, disaster warning, hazardous areas, light art and illumination. Our business philosophy – Protecting man, machine and the environment.

To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today! We have a wide range of expertise to share with you.

 

Topics: Enclosure Cooling, Thermal Management, North America

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The Technology of Cooling Part 1: Cooling with Filterfans®

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If the installation is in a clean, non-hazardous environment with an acceptable ambient (outside the enclosure) temperature range, a simple forced-air cooling system utilizing outside air is usually adequate. Combined with an air filter, such devices generally meet the heat removal needs of typical electronic equipment and many electrical applications. 

How do I know if a Filterfan® is the right product for my application?

  • If the temperature rise inside the enclosure can be higher than the ambient
  • If multiple configurations are needed. Filterfans® can be located in a number of locations within complex enclosure configurations.

Calculating the required airflow

To properly size a Filterfan® it’s important to understand how static pressure effects the performance of a fan.

Understanding CFM

CMF describes the volume flow rate of compressed air. We can define 3 different CFM:

  • CFM1: Fan Only (unfiltered)
  • CFM2: Filterfan® Assembly (uninstalled)
  • CFM3: Filterfan® Installed on an enclosure with one filtered exhaust assembly
    (Note: Always calculate cooling capacity of Filterfans® with the CFM3 value)

Utilizing Filterfans® for Enclosure Cooling 

  • Always use the Filterfans® to propel the cool ambient air into enclosure.
  • Slight positive pressure builds up inside the cabinet so that only air filtered by the Filterfans® flows into the enclosure.
  • The air propelled into the cabinet displaces the warm air which exits through the exhaust filter.
  • When installing a combination of Filterfans® and exhaust filters, fit the Filterfans® in the lower third of the cabinet and the exhaust filter(s) near the top of the cabinet.

Utilization examples

CFM : Filterfan® + Exhaust Filter CFM : Filterfan® + 2 Exhaust Filters CFM : Filterfan® + intake + Filterfan® Exhaust

 

Part 1 of our Thermal Management Solutions, Pfannenberg’s Filterfans® incorporate modern louvers which enable maximal airflow, hold back dust/flour and water particles, protect the filter medium from damage and can be integrated into the design of the application. Filterfans are an ideal cooling solution when the ambient air is always lower than the temperature required in the electrical enclosure. This assists the natural convection of the air and avoids hot spots withing the enclosure.

Pfannenberg is the inventor of the Filterfan®, with 50 years of experience and continuous development. Trust in the Original

Read the 2nd part of our Thermal Management Tips: Cooling with Closed Loop Air to Air Heat Exchangers

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Closed Loop Liquid Cooling Reduces Downtime, Maintenance & Repair Costs for Commercial Bakeries

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Pfannenberg’s Cooling Solutions Help Keep Equipment Running for One of the Fastest Growing Independent Wholesale Bakers in America.

Flour is one of the paramount enemies of electrical enclosures and enclosure air conditioners, particularly in the make-up area of a commercial bakery. Keeping the electronics cool which power the machines, is essential to the entire operation of the Schwebel Baking Company. Without the electrical enclosures staying cool, the machines fail and require replacement or downtime for repair.

Pfannenberg’s PWS Series Air To Water Heat Exchangers were an ideal solution for the Schwebel Baking Company, these Air/Water Heat Exchangers utilize glycol or a cool water source that is already available in the factory, to cool their electrical units. Pfannenberg’s Air To Water Heat Exchanger has no filters, which means there is no down time trying to change filters or having them becoming clogged.

By installing Pfannenberg’s Air To Water Heat Exchangers, Schwebel’s was able to see a significant difference in the cleanliness of their electrical cabinets as well as in the efficiency of the cooled air.

 

Pfannenberg’s PWS Series Air To Water Heat Exchangers were the precise solution for Schwebel’s manufacturing process. Incorporating closed loop cooling with Air To Water Heat Exchangers improved performance, reduced maintenance, was energy efficient, and prevented unplanned repairs.

Click Here to Download the Case Study in PDF

 

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Selecting the Proper Equipment for Food and Beverage Applications

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Proper thermal management is key for saving resources and keeping electronics (and equipment) up and running on a consistent basis. It is important to understand the various types of cooling methods available and how the ambient conditions may effect the product chosen.  Choosing the wrong method may lead to a solution that is undersized or oversized, or fails prematurely due to being specified for incompatible ambient conditions.

Selection of the preferred thermal management method, based on various environmental conditions:

Click here to view our thermal management selection guide.

With products that include fans, heaters, packaged air conditioners, air to water heat exchangers, packaged process chillers, and signaling devices, Pfannenberg offers a full range of thermal management solutions for the food and beverage industry. Standard options such as stainless steel materials, NEMA 4/4X enclosures, and washdown duty construction allow these time-tested products to be seamlessly incorporated into even the most demanding food and beverage processing applications.

Have a question regarding which equipment is best for your application? Ask Us Here.

Be sure to follow our NEW Food and Beverage LinkedIn Showcase Page!

Topics: Air Water Heat Exchangers, Filterfans, Cooling Units, Thermal Management, Heaters, Food & Beverage, Chillers, Air Air Heat Exchangers

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Control Enclosure Temperatures in a Food & Beverage Manufacturing Plant

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Controlling enclosure temperature is crucial in the food and beverage industry.  If the temperature is too warm or too cold, condensation and higher risks of contamination arises. 

Pfannenberg’s Heaters, Thermostats & Hygrostats detect and keep ambient conditions above dew point to avoid the harmful effects of condensation on your electronics and products. They can be used as standalone or in partnership with our other Thermal Management solutions specifically our Filterfan® and Cooling Unit product lines.

  • Thermostats are used for alarming, fan control and heater control
  • Hygrostats can control humidity levels within enclosure when used with small heaters
  • Heaters are available for cabinets in cold storage areas as well as for condensate management

For over 60 years, Pfannenberg has been helping to cool and maintain temperatures for your electronics.

 

Topics: Thermal Management, North America, Hygrostats, Thermostats, Heaters, Food & Beverage

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Cooling Food & Beverage Applications with Pfannenberg’s DTS/DTT Series

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Innovative, Efficient, Reliable

Whether in washdown locations or control rooms, the DTS Series key internal electronics are positioned away from potentially moist and/or caustic air in food and beverage applications.  The wide condenser fin spacing allows for filterless and maintenance-free operation.  The stainless steel units have an epoxy coating on all exposed copper tubing to compliment the electrostatically-coated condensers. The fans are conformal coated, backward curve impellers that have a standard life of 55,000+ hours, providing the longest life and best air flow in their class.

DTS Series Cooling Units

  • Active condensate management utilizes a PTC heater which eliminates the need for drain line.
  • NEMA Type 4/4X 304 Stainless Steel with #3 polish to repel contaminants in food grade applications and to provide for easy washdown.
  • High Temperature models can operate in ambient temperature models can operate in ambient temperatures up to 140° F (60° C), ideal near industrial ovens or baking lines.
  • Optional cover to protect fan if used in washdown or in high dust/debris areas.

DTT Series Top Mount Cooling Units

  • DTT Series Units provide convenient top mount cooling while eliminating the danger of condensate entering cabinets.
  • Innovative service panel design provides easy to change filters, controls and fuses, decreasing service time and allowing filters to be changed without downtime.
  • Product variety: multiple performance levels available.
  • Easy mounting: quick release mounting frame and quick mount design.

By keeping electronics in enclosures from overheating, Pfannenberg provides an invaluable service to companies, keeping their machinery and processes consistently operating.  By developing and producing products which are designed to save energy and other resources, Pfannenberg operates by their business philosophy – Protecting man, machine and the environment

Topics: Enclosure Cooling, Cooling Units, Thermal Management, North America, Food & Beverage

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Pfannenberg Food & Beverage Applications: Air/Water Heat Exchangers

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The Complete Liquid-Cooled Solution for F&B Industrial Control Enclosures

For over 50 years Pfannenberg has been a leader in thermal management solutions.  From simple Fan Cooling and Packaged Air Conditioners to more complex water cooled applications, our expertise helps ensure industrial electronics operate at peak efficiency and extended service life.

Pfannenberg’s Air To Water Heat Exchangers offer a solutions to fix your thermal management problems in washdown areas of the plant or areas with high amounts of particulate . The sealed cabinet 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.  It’s 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.

Typical Food and Beverage Applications:

  • Ingredient Mixers
  • Product Cooling/Drying
  • Packaging Automation Equipment
  • Inspection Machines
  • Oven Controls

For applications which require local enclosure cooling using a remotely located source of refrigeration, PWS Series Air To Water Heat Exchangers provide the perfect solution.  Paired with our CC or  EB Series Chillers, the air to water heat exchanger provides a total cooling solution that manages process and/or control enclosure heat gain and effectively removes it from the processing area.  Single source responsibility for the complete system ensures properly matched components that are engineered to work together – and to provide a custom fit to the most complex food processing equipment.

Topics: Air To Water Heat Exchangers, Enclosure Cooling, Cooling Units, Thermal Management, North America, Water Cooling, Packaged Chillers, Food & Beverage

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Filterfans® – Essential to Food and Beverage Applications

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Pfannenberg’s Filterfans® –  “Trust in the Original”

Proper cooling is essential for temperature regulation for the electronics used in a food and beverage facility.

Pfannenberg’s Filterfans® incorporate modern louvers which enable maximal airflow, hold back dust/flour and water particles, protect the filter medium from damage and can be integrated into the design of the application. Filterfans are an ideal cooling solution when the ambient air is always lower than the temperature required in the electrical enclosure. This assists the natural convection of the air and avoids hot spots within the enclosure.

Pfannenberg is the inventor of the Filterfan®, with 50 years of experience and continuous development. 

Why Choose Pfannenberg’s Filterfans®

  • Reduced Energy Consumption – More air, less power consumption
  • NEMA Type Protection – Closed frame prevents unfiltered air from passing
  • Patented Tool-Less 4 Corner Fastening System – Possible to install in seconds
  • Aesthetically Pleasing Design Using Neutral Colors – Prefect harmony of colors with modern machines and plants
  • Highest System Airflow in Industry – Via optimized louvres
  • 300% Longer Service Time via Patented Fluted Filter Mat – This saves time and money

These time-tested products can be seamlessly incorporated into even the most demanding food and beverage processing or packaging applications.

Topics: Filterfans, Thermal Management, North America, Food & Beverage