Within the Control cabinet cooling Various cooling devices are used such as Peltier cooling devices or the compressors Technology. Because in the course of Industry 4.0 more and more Electronics moves into the machines and systems, the switch cabinet increasingly stocked. This in turn increases the heat and moisture formation inside. Both must be dissipated to ensure reliable operation. Which new devices there is this on the market, you can find out in this article:

Elmeko Peltier cooling device

 

Contents

Peltier cooling device now 15% lighter, easy to install, ecological

19.01.2023 | Elmeko has his PK 300 switch cabinet-Cooling devices with efficient Peltier technology completely revised. By optimizing the heat sink and airflow, the weight of the Peltier cooling devices could be reduced by 15% with the same cooling capacity. When installed, the cooling unit now achieves protection class IP67. This makes it suitable for switching cabinet cooling even under adverse environmental conditions. The position-independent operation allows installation in mobile applications.

On the inside of the Peltier cooling device, two powerful Fans for better flow through the heatsink. This means that more space is available on the cooling unit. This can for terminals and the integrated controller mount for the temperature controller TES 60 or TRP 205 can be used. The installation depth of the Peltier cooling device is lower due to the new connection terminal position, which means that the terminal is more accessible. The connection can be made flexibly depending on the regulation.

With the surface-mounted housing variant, the condensate produced by the cooling capacity can be drained directly via a vertical installation OUT FIT item from the control cabinets to the outside without getting into the interior. The OUT-FIT components ensure at the same time Pressure equalization in housings or control cabinets. This prevents the ingress of water.

Integrated power supply and temperature controller

This is available as a completely ready-to-install and ready-to-connect unit for direct connection to the 100-240 VAC mains voltage PK 300-PS cooling unit. This version has a power pack with a high degree of protection installed on the outside.

The PK 300-PS is available in two options: The PK 300-PS-TRP with an integrated two-point controller for heating and cooling and as a PK 300-PS-TCP with a Peltier controller from Elmeko. This offers various control programs and a monitoring function for Peltier elements and fans. The PK 300-PS-TPC can be connected to the higher control level and monitored remotely via an interface.


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In the further development of the cooling unit series, Elmeko attaches great importance to the ecology laid: Recyclable materials are used. The stainless steel and aluminum surfaces do not require any environmentally harmful surface treatment. Thanks to Peltier technology, the PK devices do not use ozone-depleting refrigerants during operation. 

Old devices can easily be compared to the new PK 300 interchangeable. The manufacturer guarantees a service life of 60.000 hours for the maintenance-free Peltier technology. The ambient temperature can be between -20° and +60 °C.

Control cabinet air conditioning with controller and drainage

June 16.06.2020, XNUMX | Temperature and humidity are essential parameters for reliable control cabinet air conditioning and must therefore be constantly monitored. This prevents condensation formation and ensures safe operation. Contributes to implementation Elmeko a comprehensive portfolio such as temperature controllers and humidity controllers, control cabinet heating or components for drainage and pressure compensation.

If the limit values ​​are exceeded or not reached, air conditioners, heaters, fans or dehumidifiers must be controlled accordingly. This is how signal contacts are switched or warning messages are generated. Elmeko has new ones for this Double regulator ETUH22 and THRV22 developed for control cabinet air conditioning.

The electronic thermo-hygrostat ETUH22 monitors the inside temperature and humidity of the control cabinet Control cabinets and housings. A changeover contact is switched at high humidity or low temperatures in order to control the heater or fan directly. On the controller, the operator sets the temperature from 0° to +60 °C and the humidity between 20 and 90% relative humidity using the red and blue rotary controls. Sensors for temperature and humidity were integrated.


Pressure compensation elements for the control cabinet 


In a compact double thermostat TRV22 two independently switching thermostats with high switching capacity are housed. They can be used to precisely control switch cabinet heaters and fans. A contact can be used to generate a fault message to the control room. The left contact opens when the temperature rises, while the right contact closes here. Both bimetal temperature regulators can be set from 0 ° to +60 ° C using two-color rotary controls on the front.

The for over 100.000 switching cycles The dual controllers designed for this purpose are attached to the 35 mm DIN rail in the cabinet using an integrated retaining clip. The connection is made from below to touch-protected screw terminals. Additional LEDs indicate the switching status of the thermo-hygrostat ETUH22.

Control cabinet air conditioning through drainage and pressure compensation

In control cabinets and housings with high Protection class the formation of moisture is often underestimated and can become problematic. Just a drop of water close to the sensitive one Electronics can cause significant damage. The new combination component enables effective pressure equalization including drainage.

The Out-Fit Series consists of a pressure compensation element, which is equipped with a condensate drain. The water is safely routed out of the cabinet via the integrated connection. This all-in-one solution has a high-performance EPTFE membrane for reliable pressure equalization. This keeps dust and dirt safely outside of the control cabinet.

Separate channels for air and water dissipate moisture well. They also ensure that the skin is as dry as possible air in the closet. A universal connection allows the installation of different condensate hoses, which connect the cooling and dehumidifying devices with each other.

The out-fit components supplement Elmeko's control cabinet air conditioning. The specialist's cooling and dehumidifying devices work on the basis of the Peltier technology very reliable and energy saving. There are several designs for mounting in the bottom of the housing or in the side walls.

Thanks to the low opening pressure of the valve, the variants installed on the underside of the cabinet also drain off floor water almost completely. When properly installed, the membrane used and the non-return valve increase the degree of protection of the control cabinet up to IP68 / 69 fully guaranteed. 

Control cabinet heating for better heat distribution

With the very compact control cabinet heater ML 150 (150 W) with integrated fan, a failure of cold-sensitive electronic components in control cabinets can be prevented. In addition, it minimizes the risk of moisture formation in the cold and temperature fluctuations.

The ML 150 heater has a heating output of 150 W. It is only 66 mm wide, 86 mm high and 97 mm deep. Nevertheless there is a Integrated fan, which improves the air circulation in the cabinet and optimizes the heat distribution in the control cabinet. It also reduces the surface temperature of the heater itself.

The control cabinet climate control weighs only 360 g. It can be mounted on mounting rails using a retaining clip and easily connected using spring-loaded terminals. The housing is made of temperature-resistant plastic Degree of protection IP20 and protection class II. The operating temperature is -40° to +70 °C. The service life is 50.000 hours at an ambient temperature of +25 °C.

Control cabinet heaters from Elmeko are available in various designs with and without fans with heating capacities from 10 to 1500 W. The heaters are self-regulating PTC heating elements, whereby the heating power of the components decreases at higher ambient temperatures. In addition to machines, areas of application are e.g. B. traffic light controls, traffic monitoring, Wind Turbines or machines for that Food industry.

Peltier Controller monitors temperature + humidity

Elmeko Controller03.12.2019 | If control cabinets are installed in an environment with changing climatic conditions, hotspots or unwanted moisture can quickly form there. Elmeko has now developed the Peltier controller TPC 300 for cooling and dehumidifying devices, with which the critical parameters can be monitored and air conditioning devices can be optimally controlled.

In addition to various control programs, there are extensive monitoring options and a serial interface for Communication and visualization. The TPC 300 monitors the function of the fans, the Peltier elements and the temperature in the control cabinet or housing. For comprehensive control, two additional temperature sensors can be placed as required, e.g. B. on the heat sink.

The Peltier Controller has various control programs that can be selected depending on the application. When used in a control cabinet, two-point control is used. An upper and a lower trigger threshold are set, e.g. B. +35 ° C and +10 ° C. If the upper value is exceeded, the cooling is switched on and if the lower value is fallen below, the control cabinet is heated.

At the function target control a temperature setpoint is specified, which is maintained exactly. For this purpose, a hysteresis can be set for the permissible fluctuation. Precise control to a constant target value may be necessary for metrological applications or particularly sensitive installations. The humidity in the control cabinet can also be monitored via the TPC 300. If a dehumidification device is connected, the cabinet is dehumidified accordingly and the condensate is routed to the outside.

Humidity too high - control cabinet is heating

When connecting the Peltier cooling devices to the Peltier controller, the Moisture also be taken into account when regulating them. If the humidity is too high, the cooling temperature is then raised or – if necessary – the cabinet is heated. Using the TPC-Monitor software with a graphic interface, all the necessary air-conditioning parameters can be set very conveniently on the computer screen. To do this, the controller is connected via an RS 485 interface. The most important operating data and all error messages are displayed in plain text. This enables optimal adjustment and monitoring of the system.

The TPC 300 is specially designed for connecting the Peltier cooling devices to 24 V DC and outputs up to 300 W. Up to 3 temperature sensors and optionally a humidity sensor can be connected. In addition, there is an entrance for monitoring the cabinet door and another free entrance. Fans and Peltier elements are connected directly to the controller as outputs and via semiconductorsrelay switched. In addition, there is a potential-free contact for the error message as well as a display and buttons for the most important settings, so that operation is also possible without a PC. The TPC 300 replaces the known types TRP 260 and TC 3215 with a larger range of functions.

Thermoelectric cooling unit for control cabinets in the Ex area

Elmeko cooling device23.09.2019/150/150 | Expanded with the PK XNUMX HK-EX (XNUMX W). Elmeko its PK cooling unit series with a robust device for use in hazardous areas - approved for potentially explosive gas areas of category 3 according to the ATEX directive RL 2014/34/EU (zone 2), gas group IIB and temperature class T4 in industries such as oil , gas, chemicals and petrochemicals.

The Elmeko Peltier cooling devices with 150 W cooling power works reliably at ambient temperatures from -20° to +70 °C. Thanks to the specially reinforced stainless steel housing with protection class IP67 and the encapsulated fans on the outside and inside, use in harsh environments is also possible. With their powerful Peltier technology, the PK devices can be installed in the door, side wall, rear wall or housing roof to save space and can also be used on the go, as they work vibration-free without liquid refrigerant.

Completely separate air circuits ensure that no ambient air can get into the control cabinet and the protection class of the housing is maintained. By reversing the polarity of the voltage, the thermoelectric device becomes Heating, to prevent condensation and keep the electronics at temperature. The PK 150 HK-EX works with a wide input voltage range of 18...26 V DC. It measures 200 x 306 mm, is 75 mm thick and requires a depth of 60 mm on the inside. The manufacturer guarantees an operating time of 60.000 hours.

Peltier cooling unit with integrated power supply for universal voltage

Elmeko Peltier cooling device


22.07.2019/XNUMX/XNUMX | The current PK Control cabinet cooling units from Elmeko With Peltier technology, they can be installed in a space-saving manner and can be used mobile, as they work without liquid refrigerant. The heat is transported solely by the current flow. Based on this future technology, the manufacturer builds devices with cooling capacities from 30 to 280 W for the air conditioning of small control cabinets, operating housings and control panels.

By polarity reversal the PK switch cabinet cooling units become heaters to prevent condensation and keep the electronics at the correct temperature. With most conventional devices, a power supply unit and a suitable controller must also be installed in the control cabinet for the power supply and temperature control. These components are already integrated in the new PK 150-PS (150 W). The protected power pack is located on the outside of the cooling unit and thus outside the control cabinet to be cooled. This eliminates a heat source inside. The cooling units can also be installed quickly and easily and require little space in the cabinet.

The PK 150 hp works with a wide input voltage range from 100 to 240 V 50/60 Hz. The supply line is connected via the supplied 3-pin GST connector. The temperatures for heating and cooling operation can be set separately using the integrated temperature controller. The nominal cooling capacity of the compact device is 150 W.

The stainless steel case made of stainless steel with the high Degree of protection IP65 enables use in the outdoor area as well as in many industrial applications with high demands on air conditioning. The service life of 60.000 hours is standard for the manufacturer's Peltier cooling devices. In addition to the standard version for partial installation, there is a variant with a surface-mounted housing to save space in the control cabinet. The mounting cutouts and mounting holes are the same as for the 24 V version, so that subsequent replacement is easily possible.

Cooling technology for machine and control cabinet cooling

Rittal cabinet cooling04.07.2019 | With its new "Blue e Chillers" in the power class from 11 to 25 kW Rittal has significantly further developed its cooling technology for chillers for cooling machines and control cabinets. With 40% less refrigerant, the devices make an important contribution to sustainable environmental protection. At the same time, users benefit from precise temperature control, simplified operation and installation, and new safety functions.

Preconfigured option packages, which are quickly available from stock, offer solutions for almost every requirement: for example, for precision controls, for higher pressure requirements or robust ones outdoor applications in cold zones.

The chillers are available in the robust industrial standard IP 44, electrics - in addition to the Blue e+ chillers with 1,5 to 6 kW – in four power classes from 11 to 25 kW and in the two housing sizes 660 x 1265 x 1315 mm or 760 x 1265 x 1515 mm (WHD).

Maintenance-free control cabinet cooling devices for sensitive use

Elmeko control cabinet cooling04.02.2019 | The Peltier cooling devices from Elmeko work in an environmentally friendly way, regardless of location compressors and coolant. The PSE 30 dehumidifier, with which the air in housings can be effectively dehumidified, works according to the same thermoelectric principle.

If a DC voltage is applied to the integrated Peltier elements of the Peltier cooling devices, one side cools down while the opposite side heats up at the same time. In this way, the waste heat from the control cabinet can be safely routed to the outside. By reversing the polarity of the Peltier elements, the devices become Control cabinet heaters, which makes additional heating devices superfluous in many applications.

The Refrigerators The PK series from Elmeko is available with cooling capacities from 30 to 280 W. They work on 24 V DC at ambient temperatures from -20 ° to +60 ° C. The PK 300-PS is also available for 100-240 V AC. The 30 W device measures 112 x 160 mm with an installation depth of 70 mm. With the powerful 300 W type, it is 330 x 333 mm with an installation depth of 90 mm. The PK series is UL approved for the US market and Canada internationally.

The height Degree of protection IP67 The manufacturer achieves this with new seals and encapsulated external fans for all device sizes as well as further detailed revisions. The PK devices in the stainless steel housing are watertight even when submerged to a depth of 1 m. Due to their energy-saving and location-independent operation, they can also be used in mobile applications. In addition to outdoor-approved types, there is also a hygiene variant for use in the Food-, pharmaceutical and Medical Technology. Different temperature controllers are available for different needs.

A dehumidifier can help

When control cabinets and housings are air-conditioned, unpleasant moisture can quickly form there, which can lead to corrosion, malfunctions and failures of electrical systems. The compact one dehumidifiers-Series PSE 30 provides a remedy here.

The device can be installed in a cutout of 135 x 85 mm at any point on the housing wall and requires an installation depth of only 90 mm. It works on 24 V DC with a power consumption of around 50 W and weighs 1,6 kg. For the pure stationary operation the PSE 30 is provided with an open condensate pan with a power consumption of 47 W and a weight of 1,2 kg. With an integrated fan, the PSE 30 is suitable for mobile use when mounted vertically and weighs 1,4 kg. The connection is usually made using tension spring terminals. The compact devices work safely at operating temperatures of up to +60 ° C.

 

Outdoor cabinet cooling units with integrated heating

Elmeko cooling devices T series26.08.2018/XNUMX/XNUMX | With the new ones Refrigerators the T series from Elmeko control cabinets can be cooled and heated. Specially designed for harsh outdoor applications, these compact systems offer a wide operating temperature range from 40° to +55 °C. The T-series has a special for low temperatures compressors Heating.

Since the manufacturer only offers the T series with an additional, integrated heater, control cabinets can be cooled and heated with just one device. The devices have all common approvals such as UL/cUL, CE, EAC, UR/cUR and are Telcordia GR-487 capable. So they can be used internationally as well as in the industrial Automation as well as in telecommunications, conveyor technology and Safety Technology.

The robust construction and the galvanized and painted housing ensure a high level of operational safety Sheet steel or stainless steel, the coated condenser register with redundant fans as well as a fault indicator and thermostat - both integrated in the cooling unit.

There are altogether 9 Modelle: The entry-level model T15 achieves a cooling capacity of a good 230 W, the largest T70-60 has a safe 17.000 W. The devices are available with connection voltages of 115, 230 and 460 V AC. They are suitable for attachment and complete installation. A service network is available worldwide.

Peltier cooling devices: powerful and space-saving

Elmeko control cabinet cooling05.02.2018 | The current PK control cabinet cooling units from Elmeko with Peltier technology can be installed in a space-saving manner and used mobile because they work without liquid refrigerant. They are available with cooling capacities from 30 to 300 W for cooling small control cabinets, operating housings and control panels. By reversing the polarity, they become heaters to prevent condensation and keep the electronics at the right temperature.

The guy is new PC 300 hp, which has an integrated power pack that is located outside the control cabinet when the device is installed. This prevents the heat input of the power pack into the area to be cooled.

The PK 300 PS with a Cooling power of 280 W operates on 100-240 VAC at ambient temperatures from -20° to +60°C. Different temperature controllers are available for different needs. The PK devices are housed in a robust stainless steel housing with protection classes up to IP 65. The service life of 60.000 h is standard for the Peltier cooling devices. The PK device is connected via connection terminals.

Efficient cooling equipment for the power range of up 1000 1500 W

Pfannenberg switch cabinet cooling09.05.2016 | Pfannenberg has expanded the "eCool" family to include cooling units with outputs from 1000 to 1500 W for door or side mounting (DTS) and partially sunken installation (DTI). Users now also benefit from the advantages of this cooling unit series in this common area of ​​application. Particularly noteworthy here is the high energy efficiency, which results from the market-leading efficiency of the cooling units.

This Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is defined as the quotient of the useful cooling capacity of the cooling unit and its nominal power consumption. The cooling devices in the eCool family reduce energy consumption by up to 43% compared to conventional models, and by a further 10% in standby mode.

In addition to specially developed components, the large distances between the intake and outlet openings also contribute to the efficient cooling performance effective flow of the control cabinet and thus avoid the formation of hotspots.

In addition, the cooling units are particularly low-maintenance and service-friendly, which leads to reduced operating costs. The concept of Cutout Compatibility enables problem-free conversion from the previous generation as well as flexible replacement with air/air or air/water heat exchangers of the same series.

In the device version with multi controller the energy saving mode is integrated by default. An additional temperature sensor enables the fan to be switched on and off automatically depending on the measured temperature inside the control cabinet. The multi-master function of these controllers ensures a constant temperature, even in large switch cabinet groups, thanks to the simultaneous operation of several cooling units.

An service interface allows external parameterization and reading out of the error memory via a PC. Optionally, a Modbus interface can be integrated to Communication familiar with the Machine control to allow. The design of the cooling units is service-friendly. Thanks to consistent cut-out compatibility, users can switch to the new series with little effort.

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Angela Struck

Angela Struck is editor-in-chief of the development scout and freelance journalist as well as managing director of Presse Service Büro GbR in Ried.