Climate control
Fans, filter fans, air/air heat exchangers
How enclosure climate control using ambient air works
While filter fans and roof-mounted fans rely on a process known as air exchange, which uses a forced airflow to dissipate the heat in the enclosure into the surroundings, an air/air heat exchanger consists of two closed circuits, meaning that no external air flows through the enclosure. In an enclosure with this type of ventilation system, the external air absorbs the heat from the internal air without any direct contact. The prerequisites for this kind of enclosure ventilation are relatively clean ambient air and an ambient temperature that is lower than the desired internal temperature of the enclosure.
Essentially, the operating principle of filter fans, roof-mounted fans and air/air heat exchangers results in the following benefits:
- Excellent energy efficiency
- Quick and cost-effective installation
- No requirement for the customer to provide an infrastructure
What is the difference between a cooling unit and a ventilation system?
In the enclosure context, the difference between an air-conditioning system and a ventilation system lies in their operating principle and intended application, especially in terms of temperature control and protection from environmental influences.
An enclosure ventilation system normally works on the basis of forced air exchange. It ensures warm air is removed from the enclosure and replaced with cooler, external air. Filter fans, roof-mounted fans or heat exchangers are used for this purpose. Ventilation systems are used when the ambient temperature is lower than the desired internal temperature of the enclosure. They are primarily suited to environments with clean ambient air and where no extreme rise in heat is likely.
A cooling unit for enclosures uses an active cooling process that is often based on compression and a refrigerant, in a similar way to conventional air-conditioning systems. It removes heat from the air in the enclosure and dissipates this into the surroundings, without any external air getting into the enclosure. Cooling units are ideal for environments where the ambient temperature is higher than the temperature inside the enclosure, or when particularly sensitive equipment needs to be protected from high thermal loads. They are used in challenging environments where it is important to maintain a constant, low temperature.
Which ventilation system is suitable for your application?
When it comes to finding the right enclosure ventilation system for your particular area of application, various factors need to be considered. The ambient conditions at the enclosure’s location play a particularly decisive role. Is the environment humid, dusty or hot? And what is the required cooling output? Further important aspects include the type of installation – free-standing or integrated – the passive or active heat dissipation and the permissible noise level.
Precise planning is essential to ensure climate control solutions work efficiently, while also exhibiting minimal energy consumption.
Your enclosure ventilation system from Rittal
Do you need help selecting the right enclosure ventilation system? Use our Climate Control QuickFinder to find your ideal solution in just three steps. Alternatively, you are welcome to arrange a consultation with us.
Calculating the correct ventilation system for an enclosure using the RiTherm calculation program from Rittal
RiTherm is a free-to-use planning tool that enables you to calculate and plan the right enclosure ventilation system for your particular application, both quickly and precisely. Get clear recommendations and benefit from the integrated energy efficiency calculator.