The thermal environment of a control panel is an important factor in the application of industrial components and devices.  High temperatures present safety concerns, influence performance, and affect the overall product reliability.

High temperature accelerated life testing is frequently used by manufacturers to simulate product life aging.  Using an Arrhenius type equation has lead to a rule of thumb that lowering the temperature by 10^oC will double a product reliability: conversely, raising it by 10% could halve it.

Electrical manufacturers also calibrate their products for different ambient temperatures.  Some calibrate their products at open air temperatures of 50°C whilst others are rated at 40°C.  Temperatures above this may require derating, and if that means using a larger frame size inverter, there can be a significant cost increase.

Finally there is the cumulative effect of the radiated heat from the electric equipment inside a cabinet raising the temperature significantly above the free air outside to a point where some form of high performance climate control is needed . One solution is the use of a fan in conjunction with a filtering grill to expel hot air from the enclosure, or to blow cold air into the enclosure. Another approach is to use a panel air conditioner.

Control panel air conditioning

The Texa EGO range of refrigerant air conditioning units and ventilation fans are designed specifically for use with industrial control and switchgear panels.  The  surface mounted door air conditioners are quick and easy to install, and  to cool electrical cabinet to prevent failure of installed equipment due to overheating.  They have front of panel controller for temperature, alarm contact, and can be interfaced with a PLC if required. If required they can be protected to IP54.

Go here for Texa air conditioning

Go here for Texa climate control products