Heat inside an electrical cabinet comes from different components. Typical heat sources:
- Variable frequency drive (VFD)
- Servo drive and servo motor module
- PLC and I/O module
- Power supply and switching power supply
- Transformer
- Contactor and relay
- Braking resistor
- Terminal block and wiring
Each component has a rated power loss. The total heat generation is the sum of all component losses. The VFD and servo drive usually contribute the largest part.
VFD and servo drive heat loss depends on:
- Rated output power
- Load rate during operation
- Carrier frequency
- Braking mode and braking resistor
- Installation position inside the cabinet
If the VFD is installed inside the cabinet, its heat loss stays in the cabinet. If the VFD is installed outside the cabinet, its heat loss does not need to be included in the cabinet cooling load.
Temperature inside the cabinet is not uniform. The upper part is usually warmer because hot air rises. The area near the VFD and transformer is also warmer.
Check the following:
- Temperature at the top of the cabinet
- Temperature near the VFD and transformer
- Temperature at the air return inlet
- Temperature at the air outlet
- Temperature at the PLC and control module
If the temperature difference between the top and bottom of the cabinet is large, internal air circulation may be insufficient.
The cabinet surface also releases heat to the surrounding air. The heat dissipation area depends on:
- Cabinet surface area
- Cabinet material and wall thickness
- Whether the cabinet is painted or coated
- Air circulation around the cabinet
- Cabinet surface temperature and ambient temperature
For a small cabinet with high internal heat generation, surface heat dissipation is limited. In this case, a compressor cooling unit is required.
The installation position of the cabinet affects heat dissipation. Confirm:
- Whether the cabinet is against a wall
- Whether the cabinet is in a closed room
- Whether there is heat source nearby
- Whether the cabinet is exposed to direct sunlight
- Distance from other cabinets
If the cabinet is against a wall or in a closed room, ambient temperature around the cabinet may be higher than the workshop temperature.
The unit has an air outlet and a return air inlet. The layout affects cooling effect. Recommended:
- Return air inlet at the upper part of the cabinet
- Air outlet at the lower part of the cabinet
- Avoid direct cold air blowing on the PLC or control module
- Avoid blocking the air outlet by wiring or terminal blocks
- Keep the air return path free of obstacles
If the cabinet has internal fans, confirm the air direction does not conflict with the unit.
Condensate may form on the evaporator surface when cabinet internal temperature is low and ambient humidity is high. Confirm:
- The drainage pipe is not blocked
- The drainage outlet is away from electrical components
- The drainage pipe has a downward slope
- The drainage outlet is not in a location with water accumulation
If the ambient humidity is very high, discuss a condensate management solution at order confirmation.
After installation, record the following during operation:
Cabinet internal temperature at each measurement point
- Ambient temperature
- Unit running current
- VFD and servo drive load rate
- Cooling unit running time per day
If the cabinet internal temperature rises gradually over time, check:
- Air inlet filter blockage
- Condenser fin dust
- VFD load increase
- Ambient temperature increase
- Refrigerant charge
Common mistakes in selection:
• Using cabinet volume instead of total heat generation
• Ignoring VFD braking resistor heat
• Ignoring ambient temperature around the cabinet
• Not reserving space for air inlet and return air inlet
• Not confirming the drainage route
• Selecting a model without considering future load increase
Standard Configuration (SAH Series, Selected Models)
|
Parameter |
Unit |
SAH600 |
SAH1500 |
SAH2500 |
SAH3200 |
|
Cooling capacity |
W |
600 |
1500 |
2500 |
3200 |
|
Cabinet internal temperature range |
°C |
+25 to +38 |
+25 to +38 |
+25 to +38 |
+25 to +38 |
|
System pressure hold |
bar |
26 |
26 |
26 |
26 |
|
Refrigerant |
- |
R22/R134A |
Same |
Same |
Same |
|
Power supply |
V/ph/Hz |
220/1/50 |
220/1/50 |
220/1/50 |
220/1/50 |
Q: Should I include the braking resistor heat in the cooling load?
A: Yes. If the braking resistor is installed inside the cabinet, its heat loss must be included in the total heat generation. If the braking resistor is installed outside the cabinet or in a separate enclosure, its heat loss does not need to be included. Confirm the braking mode and resistor installation position before selection.
Q: Why is the cabinet internal temperature higher than expected after installation?
A: Check the following: whether the air return inlet is blocked, whether the air outlet is blocked by wiring, whether the cabinet is against a wall, whether there is a heat source near the cabinet, and whether the actual VFD load rate is higher than the design value. Also check the air inlet filter and condenser fins for dust.
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