For the longest time, we have been using dimensions, temperatures, fan sizes and calculations to determine heat loads to correctly recommend a suitable Cabinet Cooler System.  While the Cabinet Cooler Sizing Guide works well (and we will still use it), we have been racking our brains to improve this process and get a solution faster than ever.  Now, EXAIR has it!  We created a program on our website that can calculate and give a recommendation quickly for the correct Cabinet Cooler System.  Check it out HERE!!

By providing certain details like the size of the panel, the NEMA rating, the environmental conditions, and the voltage requirement; this calculator will sort through our large selection of Cabinet Cooler® Systems that EXAIR stocks.  It has steps to get the correct information that is needed as well as precautions and warnings.  My colleague Jordan Shouse generated a video blog to go through the steps in “Video Blog: Cabinet Cooler® System Calculator“.

I did get a question about new electrical panels where the internal temperature cannot be measured, but the internal heat load from the electrical components is known.  The calculator does not have this entry for this measurement.  But I can show a quick way to find the “Current internal temperature” to still use this calculator.  For example, if the customer says that they have a panel that has a surface area of 30.18 ft² and an internal heat load of 100 watts.  We can use the chart below to find the internal temperature.  First, we want to convert the heat load to BTU/hr. 

3.41 BTU/hr = 1 Watts

So, 100 Watts * 3.41 = 341 BTU/hr.  With the surface area of the panel, we get 341 BTU/hr / 30.18 ft² = 11.3 BTU/hr/ft².  In the chart below, this will equal to a temperature rise of 30^oF.  So, if the current external temperature is 75^oF, the internal temperature will be 30^oF + 75^oF = 105^oF.  So, 105^oF will be entered in “Current internal temperature”.  Fill out the rest of the information, and you will get the recommended Cabinet Cooler for that electrical panel. 

If fans are installed in your panel, we do need to remove them and close off all openings.  Since we are generating cold air, we will need the Cabinet Cooler to control the environment inside.  We do not want to have any hot humid air from outside the panel to mix with the cold air.  The Cabinet Coolers use the denser cold dry air to push the hot air back through the Cabinet Cooler itself.  With the calculator, we have to add in the amount of heat that the fan can remove. 

At EXAIR, we keep growing with new products, knowledge, and information that can benefit you and your company.  The Cabinet Cooler® System Calculator is one example where you can quickly find a Cabinet Cooler System with confidence.  When production is being interrupted and delayed by electrical shutdowns, EXAIR can provide a fast solution.  You can also contact an Application Engineer for additional information as well. 

John Ball
Application Engineer
Email: johnball@exair.com
Twitter: @EXAIR_jb