Cooling device for a control cabinet

Abstract

Cooling device (1; 100; 200; 300) for a control cabinet (2) with the following features: - a housing (5; 302a, 302b), - at least one fan (70), wherein the fan (70) is arranged at least partially within the housing (2), characterized in that - at least one channel (25) is provided, wherein the channel (25) is at least partially flexible and dimensionally stable, - wherein the channel (25) is arranged at least partially outside the housing (5; 302a, 302b) of the cooling device (1; 100; 200; 300), and - the duct (25) guides the air flow of the fan (70).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cooling device for a switch cabinet according to the features of patent claim 1 and to a switch cabinet according to the features of patent claim 15.

[0002] Control cabinets are used in a wide variety of areas. For example, control cabinets are used in industry to control and monitor production facilities, but also in energy supply and building technology. Their primary purpose is to control, monitor, and distribute energy. Cooling control cabinets, particularly the cooling of the electronic components installed in the control cabinets and their heat hotspots, is becoming increasingly important due to the ever-increasing performance of these electronic components. In addition to the high performance of the electronic components within a control cabinet, the requirements for such a control cabinet include high compactness and high power conversion, combined with durability and reliability.

[0003] For example, the German utility model application DE 20 2017 101 528 U1 discloses a control cabinet that uses a fan to ventilate the interior of a housing.

[0004] The problem with such cooling devices is that, due to the diverse user requirements for a control cabinet and the enormous degree of freedom with which such a control cabinet can be designed, the structure of a control cabinet is generally very individual, unlike, for example, network cabinets. Predetermining how the supply ducts should be routed within a control cabinet is difficult and time-consuming. At the same time, a supply duct and its outlet must be positioned as close as possible to a heat hotspot.

[0005] This problem is solved by a cooling device for a switch cabinet having the features of patent claim 1 and by a switch cabinet according to the features of patent claim 15.

[0006] Advantageous embodiments and further developments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0007] According to the invention, a cooling device for a control cabinet comprises a housing and at least one fan, wherein the fan is at least partially arranged within the housing. Furthermore, at least one channel is formed, wherein the channel is at least partially flexible and dimensionally stable, wherein the channel is arranged at least partially outside the housing of the cooling device, and the channel guides the air flow of the fan.

[0008] The invention is based on the idea of ​​specifically cooling individual electrical components within a control cabinet, in particular their electronic components and heat hotspots. The channel directed directly at the heat hotspot is formed from a flexible, multi-section channel, preferably a flexible hose, and thus, once positioned within the control cabinet, remains there without any additional support. This allows the cooling device to be quickly and easily deployed in a wide variety of control cabinet configurations, as the channel can be positioned anywhere within the control cabinet.

[0009] A flexible and dimensionally stable duct (or pipe or hose) within the meaning of the invention means that the duct can be flexibly aligned, preferably manually, whereby the duct, once aligned, remains in the aligned position due to its dimensional stability. This applies in particular when, for example, the duct is subject to air flow. Examples of such a duct are articulated hoses or wire-reinforced hoses. Dimensionally stable hoses or dimensionally stable lines also include so-called TKB pipes. These are metal-plastic lines. Such TKB pipes consist of a PE(HD)-aluminum composite material with a PE inner lining.

[0010] Preferably, the channel is designed as a multi-segmented tube, particularly a sectional tube. Sectional tubes comprise interconnected segments. This allows them to be easily adapted to complex or narrow structures without kinking or deforming. Sectional tubes are flexible when a force is applied to the individual segments. Once aligned, they retain their shape and are mechanically stable. Due to their multi-segmented design, sectional tubes can be easily lengthened, shortened, or branched off. The sectional tube can be made of plastic or metal.

[0011] The fan is advantageously designed as a radial fan. The fan can also be designed as an axial fan. Radial fans have the advantage of being low in height, which is particularly useful for applications with limited space. Furthermore, radial fans generate high static pressure, which is particularly advantageous for cooling devices.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a temperature sensor is arranged near a free end of the channel. Since the free end of the channel is usually located near a heat hotspot, the temperature sensor is thus also arranged at a distance close to the heat hotspot. This has the advantage that the temperature of the electronic components, in particular their heat hotspots, can be determined more accurately.

[0013] The temperature sensor is preferably designed as an infrared sensor or thermocouple, in particular a K-type thermocouple. Infrared sensors have the advantage of measuring the temperature without contact, i.e., without physical contact with the electronic component to be cooled, whose temperature is to be determined. Furthermore, infrared sensors are characterized by their high accuracy and fast response time. Thermocouples, and in particular K-type thermocouples, which are also referred to as type K thermocouples, have a wide temperature range, preferably between -50°C and 500°C. Furthermore, thermocouples are insensitive to ambient conditions.

[0014] The cooling device preferably has a control unit that controls the airflow. Depending on the measured temperature, a stronger or weaker airflow directed at the electronic components is required. The control unit processes the temperature, preferably measured by a temperature sensor, and adjusts the airflow accordingly. A target temperature for the various electronic components is preferably specified for the control unit. The control unit is preferably a PID controller.

[0015] According to a particularly advantageous development of the invention, a first and at least one second duct are formed, wherein the first duct and second duct are flexible and multi-segmented and at least partially guide the air flow of the at least one fan. The first duct and the second duct are preferably designed as sectional hoses. The second duct can also branch off from the first duct. More than two ducts can also be formed, for example, three, four, or five ducts can be formed, whereby care must be taken to ensure that the static air pressure of the fan is sufficiently high to be able to provide the required air flow.

[0016] Advantageously, an air pipe is arranged at least partially within the housing, and the first and optionally second or third duct are connected to the air pipe, with the fan being arranged in the region of a free end of the air pipe. This has the advantage that the air flow guidance within the cooling device can be designed simply.

[0017] According to a particularly advantageous development of the invention, the channel has a nozzle head at its free end, with at least two of the channels forming a different nozzle head, so that the air flow exiting the nozzle head is wider or more targeted. Electronic components within a control cabinet have heat hotspots of different sizes, which can be directed accordingly by the different nozzle heads.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each channel is connected to a separate fan. This has the advantage that every electronic component within a control cabinet always receives the entire static air pressure of a fan. Two, three, or more fans can also be arranged within a cooling device, with one, two, three, or more channels connected to each fan.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one channel is detachably connected to the air pipe, in particular, the channel is screwed or clipped to the air pipe. This has the advantage that the channels can be easily assembled and disassembled with the air pipe, thus providing a high degree of modularity. One channel can also be detachably connected to another channel. Preferably, one channel can also be screwed or clipped to another channel.

[0020] Preferably, the housing can be attached to the control cabinet in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, in particular magnetically. The cooling device preferably has magnets on one side surface. This allows the cooling device to be easily and quickly mechanically connected to the control cabinet, which is usually made of a magnetic material. Furthermore, no separate device is required within the control cabinet. Consequently, the control cabinet is not damaged by drilling or the like, which can be particularly advantageous in harsh environments with high humidity.

[0021] Preferably, a display device is electrically connected to the cooling device, which displays the temperature conditions of the components to be cooled. Furthermore, a target temperature can be set via the display device, which must not be exceeded for the electronic components. The display device thus serves as an indicator for the temperatures prevailing at the electronic components and as an input device for specifying target temperatures.

[0022] Preferably, the cooling device is located inside the control cabinet, with the display device located outside the control cabinet. This has the advantage that the control cabinet does not need to be opened to specify any changes to the cooling behavior. This allows even laypersons to make changes to the cooling behavior, as they do not require any electrical engineering expertise.

[0023] According to a particularly advantageous development, the cooling device has a Wi-Fi interface or WLAN interface. The Ethernet interface can communicate with a network, an app, a computer, or a mobile phone via a cable or a Wi-Fi plug. This has the advantage that a control cabinet, preferably many control cabinets, can be controlled and monitored from a central location. The Wi-Fi interface or WLAN interface is preferably formed on a circuit board, on which the control unit and / or a control unit are preferably provided. The cooling device can also have an Ethernet interface.

[0024] According to a particularly advantageous development of the invention, the cooling device comprises at least two housings, each housing having a fan with a duct arranged at its outlet, the housings communicating with each other via a communication connection. Preferably, only one housing has a control unit, with both fans being controlled by the one control unit. Also, preferably, only one housing has interfaces for the temperature sensors. It is understood that more than two housings may be formed, with preferably only one housing having interfaces for temperature sensors and the control unit.

[0025] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, fluid cooling of electronic components within the control cabinet can be controlled via the control unit of the cooling device. Fluid cooling can also be conducted at least partially through the cooling device.

[0026] The cooling of electrical components in a control cabinet using a cooling device according to the invention takes place in the following steps: Detecting heat hotspots within a control cabinet. Aligning a free end of a duct such that it is located near the heat hotspot. Temperature measurement using a temperature sensor, which is preferably located at a free end of the duct or attached to the component to be cooled using a thermal sensor. Transferring the temperature to the control unit. Adjusting the output air volume based on the measured temperature of the electrical component to be cooled. In particular, energy can be saved by adjusting the air volume, since full power is only available when needed.

[0027] Preferably, the heat hotspots are detected using a thermal imaging camera. This allows the ducts to be precisely or almost precisely aligned to the heat hotspots in advance, which has a positive effect on the required airflow and thus on energy consumption.

[0028] The temperature of the components is controlled with a PID controller. The P component of the controller ensures that the cooling device reacts quickly to temperature deviations. The integral component (I) and the derivative component (D) minimize overshoot, thus achieving a smooth and stable approach to the target temperature.

[0029] Preferably, the temperature target value of the respective component can be adjusted via the display device and / or Wi-Fi. Different electronic components require different temperature target values, which can be specified using a setting function on the display device.

[0030] According to the invention, a switch cabinet comprises at least one cooling device according to the invention. Preferably, two or more cooling devices according to the invention are arranged within a switch cabinet.

[0031] Three exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the figures. They show: Fig. 1 a perspective schematic view of a first embodiment of a cooling device within a control cabinet, Fig. 2 a perspective view of an exploded view of the cooling device from Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a side view of the cooling device Fig. 2, and Fig. 4 a perspective schematic view of a second embodiment of a cooling device within a control cabinet, Fig. 5 a perspective schematic view of a third embodiment of a cooling device within a switch cabinet, and Fig. 6 a perspective schematic view of a fourth embodiment of a cooling device within a switch cabinet, wherein the cooling device has two housings.

[0032] In the following figures, the same reference symbols designate the same parts with the same meaning.

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a control cabinet 2 with a wall 7 and a door 6. The door 6 is in an open position so that the interior 8 of the control cabinet 2 is visible.

[0034] Within the control cabinet 2, an electronic component 50, for example a frequency converter, is attached to a side surface 9 of the wall 7.

[0035] A cooling device 1 with a housing 5 is arranged within the control cabinet 2. The cooling device 1 is attached to the same side surface 9 of the wall 7 as the electronic component 50. The cooling device 1 can also be arranged at any other location in the control cabinet 2. The cooling device 1 is attached to the metallic wall 7 of the control cabinet 2, preferably with four magnets (not visible). The cooling device 1 can also be attached to the wall 7 or the door 6 of the control cabinet 2 by a screw connection or a snap connection.

[0036] The cooling device 1 has a channel 25. The channel 25 is flexible and has multiple sections. Preferably, the channel 25 is designed as a flexible hose. Flexible hoses have the advantage that they can be arranged as desired within the interior 8 of the control cabinet 2; once positioned, the flexible hose remains in this position. The channel 25 can also be designed as a rubber hose reinforced by flexible wire elements that stabilize the aligned position of the channel 25.

[0037] At a free end 26 of the channel 25, the channel 25 has a nozzle head. A temperature sensor 20 is arranged near the free end 26 of the channel 25, preferably on the nozzle head 35. The temperature sensor 20 is preferably designed as an infrared sensor. The temperature sensor 20 can also be designed as a thermocouple, in particular as a K-type thermocouple. The free end 26 of the channel 25, in particular of the nozzle head 35, is oriented such that it is directed toward a heat hotspot of the electronic component 50 in operation.

[0038] The temperature sensor 20 is connected by means of a cable connection 21 to the cooling device 1, in particular the control unit 15 (cf. Fig. 2) of the cooling device 1. The temperature sensor 20 can also communicate with the cooling device 1, in particular with a control unit 15 of the cooling device 1, via a radio device.

[0039] The free end 26 of the channel 25, in particular the nozzle head 35, is arranged at a distance from the electrical component 50. The free end 26 of the channel 25, in particular the nozzle head 35, can also be directly adjacent to the electronic component 50.

[0040] A display device 40 is connected to the cooling device 1 via a connecting cable 41. The display device 40 is preferably arranged outside the control cabinet 2 during operation. The display device 40 preferably has magnets (not visible), whereby the display device 40 can be mechanically fixed to the control cabinet 2. The display device 40 can also communicate with the cooling device 1 via a radio connection. The display device 40 has a display 42, in particular a touch display, which can be used both for display purposes and for input purposes. The display device 40 can be used, for example, to display the current temperature of the electronic component 50 and the current fan power.The display device 40 may also have a memory (not shown) in which temperature profiles, fan performance over time and information about the electronic component 50 to be cooled are stored.

[0041] For example, a changing temperature behavior of an electrical component 50 can be used to infer the physical state of the electronic component 50. A determined temperature profile can be compared with a stored data set or, by an AI, with previous temperature profiles, and conclusions can be drawn about the physical state of the electronic component 50. The display device 40 can show the physical state of the electronic component 50 on its display 42 or transmit it, for example, via a radio or network transmission, to a computer or directly call a service technician.

[0042] The storage of the data, the temperature curves, the statistics, the evaluation are stored on the memory, in particular on the SSD memory, of the circuit board 80 within the housing 5.

[0043] Fig. 2 shows the cooling device 1 from Fig. 1 and the display device 40, which is also in Fig. 1 was already shown.

[0044] The cooling device 1 has the housing 5, which is preferably made of a metallic material. The housing 5 of the cooling device 1 can also be made of plastic or a similar material.

[0045] The housing 5 is cuboid-shaped and has a base part 11 and an upper part 12. The base part 11 and the upper part 12 are mechanically connected to each other by screw connections in the edge areas.

[0046] Magnets (not visible) are preferably arranged within the base part 11, establishing a mechanical connection between the cooling device 1 and the control cabinet 2. The upper part 12 has ventilation slots 13 to provide the air volume required for a fan 70. At the same time, the arrangement of the ventilation slots ensures sufficient cooling of the control board.

[0047] On a side surface 10 of the housing 5, in particular on an end face 14 of the housing 5, the connections 55, 56, 57 (cf. Fig. 3) for the peripheral devices of the cooling device 1.

[0048] The fan 70 is arranged entirely within the housing 5 of the cooling device 1. The fan 70 can also be arranged at least partially within the housing 5 of the cooling device 1. The fan 70 is preferably designed as a radial fan.

[0049] The air pipe 30 is arranged directly at the outlet 71 of the fan 70. The air pipe 30 is funnel-shaped in the region of the fan 70, tapering from the outlet 71 of the fan 70. At the end of the funnel-shaped shape of the air pipe 30, the air pipe 30 has a circular cross-section, with this section being angled and exiting at a side surface 10 of the housing 5 of the cooling device 1. A channel 25 (cf. Fig. 1) connected.

[0050] The outlet 31 of the air tube 30 can also be designed such that several channels 25 can be connected to one outlet 31 of the air tube 30. The air tube 30 can also form several outlets 31, to each of which a channel 25 can be connected. The channels 25 can be designed such that a channel 25 has a branch from which a new channel 25 branches off. Several outlets 31 of an air tube 30 can also be led out of the housing 5 (see. Fig. 5).

[0051] Inside the housing 5 is a circuit board 80. The circuit board 80 contains the electronic components required for controlling and regulating the cooling device 1. The circuit board 80 includes the control unit 15 and a memory. The temperature controller is preferably designed as a PID controller.

[0052] The display device 40 has a rear side 43 and a cover. A display 42 is arranged between the rear side 43 and a cover part 44.

[0053] Fig. 3 shows a side view, in particular the view of an end face 14 of the housing 5 of the cooling device 1 from Fig. 2.

[0054] The front side 14 has three connections 55 for temperature sensors 20, so that up to three channels can be provided with temperature sensors 20, wherein the three connections 55 for the temperature sensors 20 are distributed equidistantly across the front side 14 of the housing 5. The front side 14 can also have more or fewer connections 55 for temperature sensors 20. In addition, the front side 14 has a connection 56, in particular an RJ45 connection, for the display device 40. The front side 14 has a connection 57 for a fuse and a power supply line. The front side 14 can also have an Ethernet connection or an Ethernet interface (not visible), into which a network cable or Wi-Fi plug can be inserted to connect the cooling device 1 to an app, a network, a mobile phone, or a computer.The connections 55, 56, 57 located on the front side 14 can also be arranged at any other desired location on the housing 5. Preferably, a WLAN / WIFI module is formed on the circuit board 80, which provides communication with an app, a network, a mobile phone, or a computer. This arrangement allows multiple control cabinets to be monitored from a central location.

[0055] Fig. 4 shows a second embodiment of the cooling device 100 according to the invention, which is arranged within the control cabinet 2.

[0056] The cooling device 100 and the control cabinet 2 are designed and arranged in the same way as the cooling device 1 and the control cabinet 2 from embodiment one.

[0057] The cooling device 100 differs from the cooling device 1 of Fig. 1 in that two channels 25, namely a first channel 105 and a second channel 110, are arranged at the outlet 31 of the air tube 30. The first channel 105 and the second channel 110 are directed toward different electronic components 50, in particular their heat hotspots. It is understood that two or three channels 25 can also be directed toward one heat hotspot.

[0058] Fig. 5 shows a third embodiment of the cooling device 200 according to the invention, which is arranged within the control cabinet 2.

[0059] The cooling device 200 and the control cabinet 2 are designed and arranged in the same way as the cooling device 1 and the control cabinet 2 from embodiment one.

[0060] The cooling device 200 differs from the cooling device 1 in Fig. 1 in that the channels 25, namely the first channel 205 and the second channel 210, are led out of the housing 5 at different locations, wherein the first channel 205 and the second channel 210 are connected to the air pipe 30. The first channel 205 and the second channel 210 can each be connected to their own air pipe 30, wherein a fan 70 can be arranged at the end of the air pipe 30 opposite the outlet 31. More than two channels 205, 210 can also be formed and led out of the housing 5 at different side surfaces 10.

[0061] Fig. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of a cooling device 300 according to the invention, which is arranged within the control cabinet 2.

[0062] The cooling device 300 in embodiment four differs from the previous embodiments in that the cooling device 300 has two housings 302a, 302b.

[0063] A communication connection 305 is arranged between the housings 302a, 302b. The communication connection 305 enables data transfer between the components of the housings 302a, 302b. The communication connection 305 can be a cable or a radio device.

[0064] A fan 70 is formed within both housings 302a, 302b of the cooling device 300. A circuit board 80, which includes the control unit 15 and preferably the WLAN module, is arranged in one of the housings 302a, 302b. The control unit 15 controls the fan 70, which is arranged in a respective housing 302a, 302b. The fan 70, which is not arranged in the housing 302a with the circuit board 80, is controlled at least partially via the communication connection 305.

[0065] A channel 25 is formed on each housing 302a, 302b. More than one channel 25 may be formed on each housing 302a, 302b. For example, two, three, or four channels 25 may be formed on each of the housings 302a, 302b.

[0066] Preferably, only the housing 302a, in which the circuit board 80 is arranged, has connections 55 for temperature sensors 20, a connection 56 for the display device 40 and a connection 57 for the power supply.

[0067] Advantageously, each housing 302a, 302b cools an electronic component 50.

[0068] The cooling device 300 can also have more than two housings 302a, 302b. For example, the cooling device can have three, four, or five housings 302a, 302b, with one housing 302a, in which the circuit board 80 is arranged, assuming the control task, and the other housings 302b or the components located therein communicating with it via the communication connection 305. The power supply to the housings 302b without the circuit board 80 can be provided via the communication device 305, for example, via Power over Ethernet (PoE). List of reference symbols 1 cooling device 2 control cabinet 5 housings 6 doors 7 Conversion 8 Interior 9 Side surface 10 side surface 11 Base part 12 Top 13 ventilation slots 14 Front side 15 Control unit 20 Temperature sensor 21 Cable connection 25 channel 26 Free end (channel) 30 Air pipe 31 Outlet 35 nozzle head 40 Display device 41 connection cables 42 Display 43 Back 50 Electronic component 55 Connection (temperature sensor) 56 Connection (display device) 57 Connection (fuse and supply line) 70 fans 71 Output (fan) 80 board 100 cooling device 105 First Channel 110 Second Channel 200 cooling device 205 First Channel 210 Second Channel 302a housing 302b housing 305 Communication connection QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2017 101 528 U1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Cooling device (1; 100; 200; 300) for a control cabinet (2) having the following features: - a housing (5; 302a, 302b), - at least one fan (70), wherein the fan (70) is arranged at least partially inside the housing (2) characterized by , that - at least one channel (25) is provided, wherein the channel (25) is at least partially flexible and dimensionally stable, - wherein the channel (25) is arranged at least partially outside the housing (5; 302a, 302b) of the cooling device (1; 100; 200; 300), and - the channel (25) guides the airflow of the fan (70). [2] Cooling device (1; 100; 200; 300) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the channel (25) is designed as a multi-section, in particular as a segmented hose. [3] Cooling device (1; 100; 200; 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fan is designed as a radial fan. [4] Cooling device (1; 100; 200; 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cooling device has a control unit which controls the airflow. [5] Cooling device (1; 100; 200; 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a temperature sensor (20) is arranged near a free end of the channel (25). [6] Cooling device (1; 100; 200; 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the temperature sensor (20) is designed as an infrared sensor or thermocouple, in particular as a K thermocouple. [7] Cooling device (1; 100; 200; 300) according to claim 1, characterized by , that a first and at least one second channel (27, 28) are formed, wherein the first and second channels (27, 28) are flexible and multi-sectioned and at least partially guide the airflow of the at least one fan (70). [8] Cooling device (1; 100; 200; 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an air tube (30) is arranged at least partially inside the housing (5; 302a, 302b) and the first channel and, if applicable, the second channel or a third channel (27, 28, 29) is connected to the air tube (30), wherein the fan (70) is arranged in the area of ​​the outlet (31) of the air tube (30). [9] Cooling device (1; 100; 200; 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the at least one channel (25) is detachably connected to the air pipe (30), in particular the channel (25) is screwed or clipped to the air pipe (30). [10] Cooling device (1; 100; 200; 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that each channel (25) is connected to a separate fan (70). [11] Cooling device (1; 100; 200; 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the housing (5; 302a, 302b) can be attached to the control cabinet (2) in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner, in particular magnetically. [12] Cooling device (1; 100; 200; 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cooling device (1; 100; 200; 300) is electrically or wirelessly connected to a display device (40) which indicates the temperature states of the components to be cooled. [13] Cooling device (1; 100; 200; 300) according to claim 12, characterized by that the cooling device is located inside the control cabinet. [14] Cooling device (1; 100; 200; 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cooling device has a WIFI interface or WLAN interface. [15] Cooling device (1; 100; 200; 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the cooling device (1; 100; 200; 300) has at least two housings (5; 302a, 302b), wherein a fan (70) is arranged in each housing (5; 302a, 302b), at the outlet of which a channel (25) is arranged, wherein the housings (5; 302a, 302b) communicate with each other via a communication link. [16] Control cabinet with at least one cooling device (1; 100; 200; 300) according to claims 1 to 15.

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