When it comes to electronics in enclosures, heat can be very damaging in many ways!

Looking for the top thermal management for your next enclosure purchase? There are a few options that might be a worthy solution, such as air conditioners, vortex cooling units, heat exchangers, and various fan systems. Simply put, a filtered fan system can be the most cost effective method of cooling electronics in a NEMA 12 computer enclosure. This statement assumes that the ambient temperatures are not too extreme based on the recommended operating temperatures for the electronics. The website, Electronics Cooling, sums up how a filtered fan system operates, “filter fans cool enclosures… [using] the ambient temperature outside the cabinet by drawing filtered ambient air into the cabinet. At the same time, the heated air within the cabinet is blown out an exhaust vent. The exhaust is also filtered, which creates airflow resistance and a slightly higher pressure inside the enclosure.”

The blades on a fan bear a resemblance to the wing of an airplane and follow the same aerodynamic laws. Because a fan delivers a constant volume at all times, it will move the same volumetric flow of air. To regulate air flow, it is recommended that a thermostat be installed on the fan system. Based on the temperature set on the thermostat, the fan will only kick on and off as needed, extending the lifetime of the cooling fan. Without a thermostat, the fan will constantly blow air and the motor will eventually burn out. Therefore, the fan will need to be replaced and the electronics inside of the enclosure run the risk of not being properly cooled during downtime. A thermostat will prolong the life of the fan and only costs a nominal fee.

According to Pentair, “Keeping your electronics cool is essential to maximizing the life cycles of your electronic devices, reducing capital expenses, and keeping your business running. Heat can have a significant impact on electronics, reducing performance, causing damage, and affecting manufacturer warranties. Heat can be generated internally by electronic components and intensified by external sources. Inside a cabinet, uncooled components can generate as much trapped heat as a home furnace.”

Before selecting the right fan for the job, obtain as much information as possible about the operating environment and electronics. This will help you choose the correct fan size. You may want to consider using multiple fans and having them blow side by side.

Another benefit is the simple maintenance of filtered fan systems. As the Thermal-Edge blog describes, “Preventive maintenance for all filtered fans is relatively simple. Just change or wash the filter as needed to maintain good air flow and keep the equipment operating efficiently.”

When selecting the correct fan system for a computer enclosure, take into consideration other features, such as the power requirements, overall noise created, reliability and available space inside of the cabinet. Oftentimes, a filtered fan system is all that is needed for proper air flow, and it is a small fee to protect expensive and vital equipment. Research different types of fans and filters to purchase the best solution for the job. Keep in mind that all fans are not created equal and deploying one that is not strong enough could equal time and money wasted.

For more information, read these following blogs:
  - HOW TO DETERMINE ENCLOSURE THERMAL MANAGEMENT
  - EFFECTS OF HEAT & HUMIDITY ON COMPUTER ENCLOSURES
  - MANAGING HEAT LOAD FOR COMPUTER ENCLOSURES
  - 3 PROBLEMS THE RIGHT THERMAL MANAGEMENT ELIMINATES FOR PC ENCLOSURES

To figure out the proper thermal management, fill out our easy-to-use Cooling Requirement Worksheet.

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