Adding a fan to a explosion proof enclosure
Adding a fan to a explosion proof enclosure
(OP)
Hi,
Any help is appreciated and thanks in advance.
We have a large brake resistor inside an enclosure and we're thinking of adding a fan inside for cooling because the inside can reach temperatures as high as 70-80 celcius.
The problem is that explosion proof enclosures usually don't have any openings so its like a catch 22. Any ideas to solve this?
Thanks!
Any help is appreciated and thanks in advance.
We have a large brake resistor inside an enclosure and we're thinking of adding a fan inside for cooling because the inside can reach temperatures as high as 70-80 celcius.
The problem is that explosion proof enclosures usually don't have any openings so its like a catch 22. Any ideas to solve this?
Thanks!
Doing Work





RE: Adding a fan to a explosion proof enclosure
Do you have a true cast aluminum enclosure with a bunch of bolts holding it closed or is it a purged Nema4x enclosure that you have made explosion proof?
Do you have the whole VFD inside the enclosure?
How big is the enclosure?
Do you currently have any cooling media available? Tower Water, Chiller, Compressed air, Nitrogen?
Thanks
StoneCold
RE: Adding a fan to a explosion proof enclosure
I strongly believe you need real expert help in this situation.
RE: Adding a fan to a explosion proof enclosure
Now, what will happen is a (perhaps large) increase in thermal heat transfer between a the initial case of a non-moving atmosphere with forced convection/conduction all around the whole case's interior. That will help.
Outside heat removal (water-based heat exchanger outside the box using natural convection of the water?) possible?
RE: Adding a fan to a explosion proof enclosure
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RE: Adding a fan to a explosion proof enclosure
The only acceptable ventilation is by labyrinth-style listed explosionproof breathers or breather/drains.
Do what IRstuff said, and consider an external (explosionproof) fan blowing across the outside fins. Calculating the cooling effect is beyond my (electrical) focus, but based on my knowledge of heat sink design, it could be quite substantial.
Another question: Is there anything in this box other than the resistors? If so, consider separating the resistors into their own enclosure (with a disconnect switch if necessary) and choose products rated for the extra-high temperature. Add a warning sign about the hot surface that shouldn't be touched, and you should be good to go.
Good on ya,
Goober Dave
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RE: Adding a fan to a explosion proof enclosure
Doing Work
RE: Adding a fan to a explosion proof enclosure
Just my two cents.
Comprehension is not understanding. Understanding is not wisdom. And it is wisdom that gives us the ability to apply what we know, to our real world situations
RE: Adding a fan to a explosion proof enclosure
Regards
StoneCold