Heat Dissipation for Controls Enclosure
Heat Dissipation for Controls Enclosure
(OP)
I have a formula that was given me for determining the required surface area of an enclosure, but I'm curious if anyone else has seen it or knows where I might be able to find it. I want to make sure I can show a legitimate source for it should anyone request more info on my calculations. Obvisouly, this formula requires you to know the heat load of the panel (in watts) and the amount of allowable increase in temperature (in °C). Here it is, any help would be great...
(watts to dissipate) x 300
--------------------------- = required surface area
?T in °C
thanks again.
(watts to dissipate) x 300
--------------------------- = required surface area
?T in °C
thanks again.






RE: Heat Dissipation for Controls Enclosure
There are several other factor's that your equation must be including assumptions for, like panel material (steel, aluminum, fiberglass) and whether it's inside or oustide (solar loading).
I suggest using thermal management equations from panel box mfg.'s, for instance Hoffman page A.36 and A.37 of spec guide volume 20.
-Sean
RE: Heat Dissipation for Controls Enclosure
RE: Heat Dissipation for Controls Enclosure
Hoffman has downloadable software that performs your calculation. follow this link:
http://w
RE: Heat Dissipation for Controls Enclosure
RE: Heat Dissipation for Controls Enclosure
thread248-158079
I cannot see how your equation even comes close to describing the true situation. This is from years of experience with jamming stuff into metal enclosures.
If the shape of the box is not considered then the result will be utterly worthless.
Remember that only the top surface and a rapidly decaying down-the-sides gradient area are able to dissipate any of the heat from inside a sealed enclosure. Because of the truly pure convection system present inside the box the warmer less dense air all sprints for the top and then just statically sits there - stratified down from the top.
And if sunlight hits the box directly it's toast!
Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.- http://www.flaminsystems.com