Control & Automation
Reduce down-time,
equipment failure and
energy use
R
unning manufacturing
automation systems at high
temperatures will have a
major negative impact on
the system’s performance and reduce
its service life. By not keeping their
drives at or close to their optimum
operating temperature, manufacturers
risk huge consequential costs when the
production line grinds to a halt as a
result of system failure.
A typical electrical component’s
life expectancy is approximately
halved for every 10 °C increase in
its ambient temperature. Controlling
the temperature within enclosures is
therefore critical for manufacturers to
avoid premature component failure and
the interruption to production if the
automation system falls over.
A Rittal RiAssure3 survey will identify
the likely risk of a system overheating
which could lead to equipment tripping
or failing. The survey will review
any existing cooling solution and
determine how suited it is to that
particular working environment. It
will then provide recommendations
around remedial action – for example,
changes to the system’s service and
maintenance regime to help improve
its efficacy or the need to invest in
different climate control technology.
A basic checklist for reviewing climate
controls in a manufacturing automation
system:
• Equipment tripping or failing due
to high temperatures which is having
an impact on production lines, in that
they are either slowing or stopping
completely
• Enclosures which feel hot to the
touch
• Enclosure doors regularly left open or
a need for large fans blowing into the
panels as the weather improves
• An inadequate chilling of process
fluids which results in production
down-time
• Or simply the opportunity of a health
check for the cooling solution
As summer approaches, ambient
temperatures will rise which could
push operating temperatures beyond
the limit of the existing equipment,
so tackling the issue now could be a
timely call.
Further information at
www.rittal.co.uk and
www.friedhelm-loh-group.com,
or on twitter @rittal_ltd.
Enclosures
from the smallest
to the largest.
ENCLOSURES
44
PECM Issue 15
POWER DISTRIBUTION
CLIMATE CONTROL