Control Panel Thermal & Cooling Calculator
COMPUTE HEAT LOSS, FILTER FAN CFM & AIR CONDITIONER BTU RATINGRequired Cooling Capacity Results
Cooling Calculation Formulas
Q [m³/h] = (3.1 × Heat Loss [W]) / (T_internal - T_external)
VFD drives convert ~3-5% of their total rated power into heat inside the control cabinet. Adequate forced ventilation or air conditioning prevents thermal shutdown and extends component life.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use a Filter Fan vs an Air Conditioner?
Filter fans are suitable when the ambient outside air temperature is at least 5°C to 10°C lower than the target internal cabinet temperature (ΔT > 5°C). If ambient temperature equals or exceeds target cabinet temp, an Enclosure Air Conditioner or Air-Water Heat Exchanger is mandatory.
How much heat do VFD drives dissipate?
Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) typically dissipate approximately 30 to 45 Watts of heat per Kilowatt of motor power (approx. 3.5% electrical losses).
Why is IP rating important when selecting enclosure cooling?
In harsh, humid, oily, or dusty environments (such as marine vessels or chemical processing), filter fans break the IP54/IP65 seal. Closed-loop Air Conditioners maintain NEMA 4/4X / IP54/IP65 enclosure integrity.