Demand-based cooling and monitoring from a fan-and-filter unit

Fan-and-filter units with electronically commutated (EC) motors for electrical enclosure cooling are already recognized for their lower energy consumption and extended service life. Furthermore, infinite speed control as well as a monitoring signal are much simpler to incorporate in an EC motor than on the AC motor equivalent.

Rittal's new EC Speed Control supports these benefits, and adds a number of others. It can be used to reduce noise output of EC fan-and-filter units, as well as lower energy consumption still further through the ability to control the speed of up to four units. Cooling demand - and hence the required fan speed - is determined by comparing the sensed temperature inside the enclosure with the set-point temperature on the device, from +5degC to +55degC.

The Rittal EC Speed Control is also able to closely monitor the status of the fan. The unit provides a local visual display of the operating status and incorporates an alarm relay for the remote monitoring of over-temperature, fan defect, cable break and sensor failure.

This new product sees the humble fan-and-filter unit come of age, providing demand-based cooling, greater temperature stability inside the enclosure, and performance monitoring, alerting users to any problems with their cooling system. It transforms the fan-and-filter unit into a smart product suited to the modern technical era. Further information about the new EC Speed Control for the TopTherm EC fan-and-filter unit range can be found at www.rittal.co.uk.