Control Cabinet Cooling via Integrated Circulation Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control-cabinet systems face challenges with excessive heat generation and cooling in modular field-bus systems, particularly in environments requiring dust-tight and fluid-tight protection, where external active cooling solutions are complex, costly, and unattractive.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a control-cabinet system with a base module and functional modules that incorporate a circulation channel for air flow circulation, where the base module has circulation openings connected to the circulation channel, and functional modules have coupling openings that connect to the base module's circulation openings, forming a self-contained circulation circuit for passive cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If external active cooling systems are used to remove heat from control-cabinet systems with dust-tight and fluid-tight protection, then heat dissipation is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful heat is extracted from the control-cabinet system through dedicated heat dissipation channels that are separated from the protected internal environment. The circulation channels are positioned to conduct heat away from electronic components while maintaining the dust-tight and fluid-tight sealing of the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
Heat dissipation channels act as intermediary structures that bridge the thermal management needs and the protective sealing requirements. These channels provide a pathway for heat removal without compromising the dust-tight and fluid-tight integrity of the control cabinet housing.
2Temperature
If external active cooling systems are introduced, then heat removal capability is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat dissipation channels are nested within the existing structure of the control-cabinet system. The channels are integrated into the housing and base module architecture, utilizing available space efficiently without requiring additional external cooling components that would increase overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal management function is merged with the structural components of the control cabinet. The heat dissipation channels are combined with the housing and base module design, eliminating the need for separate external cooling systems and reducing overall space requirements.
3Temperature
If circulation channels are integrated into the base module, then passive cooling is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base module is segmented to include integrated circulation channels as part of its structure. The channels are formed as distinct features within the base module design, allowing for modular manufacturing while enabling passive cooling functionality through the circulation of air or fluid through the defined pathways.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables passive cooling of electrical and electronic components within the control-cabinet system, preventing heat accumulation pockets and ensuring dust-tight and fluid-tight integrity, without the need for external active cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation channel is arranged in the base housing, in which a circulation of an air flow is provided
Implementation Method 2
an electronic functional circuit, which is connected to the voltage connections and the data connections of the functional connection element, is arranged in the functional housing
Implementation Method 3
a fluidic connection is provided between the circulation channel and the interior of the functional housing, in which a circulation of an air flow is provided
Data Source
AI summary
A control-cabinet system has a base module and at least one functional module. The base module has a base housing with a first housing face and a second housing face. The functional module has a functional housing with a housing underside, where a circulation channel is arranged. Air flow may be circulated in the circulation channel, where each base connection element comprises circulation openings which are fluidically connected to the circulation channel. The functional connection element comprises coupling openings fluidically connected to an interior of the functional housing. The coupling openings are coupleable to the circulation openings, in which a fluidic connection exists between the circulation channel and the interior of the functional housing. A fluidically closed circulation circuit comprising the circulation channel and the interior of the functional housing is formed, in which air flow may be circulated.