Liquid cooling systems' connectors.

Amphenol Industrial Operations’ range of connectors for liquid cooling systems are available from Inelco Hunter. These connectors are specifically designed for demanding energy applications such as Ai Data Centres, ESS, and EV Charging Stations, as well as the evolving needs of hyperscale and next-generation energy storage.

Ai data centres and other demanding energy environments require integrated liquid cooling around the clock, 24/7, and have to handle the high levels of heat constantly that are constantly generated. Amphenol’s connectors ensure reliable connection, minimal pressure loss and consistent integrity suited to virtually any high-performance, liquid-cooled environment. The connectors incorporate a dual safety interlocking mechanism for improved spill protection. The durable, corrosion-resistant construction ensures easier maintenance and safer operation.

The flagship of the liquid cooling series, UQD and UQDB connectors fully comply with the Open Compute Project (OCP) Rev 2.0 specifications. The UQD Series offers quick connect technology, while the UQDB features blind mating for easy installation. The latest OCP specification offers a hybrid configuration enabling the UQD plug to mate with a UQDB socket.

With flow performance up to 800 L/min, the semi-hand mate (SHQD) self-sealing connector series features a dual interlocking safety mechanism as well as large-diameter valve designs of 1", 1.5" or 2”, facilitating full-flow, low-resistance liquid cooling between a coolant distribution unit (CDU) and a manifold (distribution pipe). This ensures reliable operation and minimises pressure drop in high-flow applications.

The Multi Quick Disconnect (MQD) connectors incorporate a push-pull locking mechanism in a compact design to provide high performance and reliability for compact computer tray environments. Fundamental to enabling the next generation of liquid-cooled systems, the MQD comes in sizes 02, 03, and 04, all of which have both a straight version and an elbow 90° right angle version for flexible installation and ease of use.

Reliably distributing coolant across a multi-channel network, Amphenol’s manifold design provides the infrastructure for optimal cooling across the entire system. Made of durable material, such as stainless steel, copper, aluminum, or durable plastics, the manifold promotes corrosion resistance, whilst facilitating thermal management to reduce overheating risks and energy use. Customised manifolds are available with short lead times for quick installation in a range of applications, from high performance data systems to electric vehicles and industrial machinery.

The new connectors come in a variety of termination options, such as threaded, hose barb and sanitary flange, with customisation upon request, and the outer shells employ corrosion-resistant stainless steel. As standard, EPDM rubber seals provide chemical and thermal resistance against a range of glycol-based coolants, with additional seal options available depending on a system’s coolant or fluid.

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• See also:Coolant Temperasture Sensors (30/3/2026) 

@InelcoHunter @amphenol #PAuto 

Coolant temperature sensors.

Amphenol Coolant Temperature Sensors (CTS) are now available from Inelco Hunter. The sensors are lightweight with a compact design, offering IP67 ingress protection and fast response times. Applications will include the monitoring of battery coolant, HVAC refrigerant, gear box oil, inverter coolant, fuel cells etc.

The Coolant Temperature Sensors are USCAR compliant, offered in either a zinc-plated or 1 316L stainless-steel housing. The operating temperature is -40°C to 100°C and the response time is 5 seconds within a range of 25°C to 85°C in water. The resistance at 25°C is 2,828Ω ± 1.3% and the temperature accuracy is ± 0.3°C.

The connector material is PBT-GF15 and the O-ring material is HNBR. The connector is USCAR 064 Sealed (IP67) per USCAR 064-S-002-1-A02. The overall length is 48mm with a 12mm screw thread. Mating connectors are Molex 3140X-2100 or Aptiv 54390239.

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@InelcoHunter @amphenol #PAuto

Cooling Fans for electronics.

The DiaForce range of cooling fans from EBM-Papst is now available from Inelco Hunter. Designed specifically for cooling electronic systems, their high performance means that a single DiaForce fan can replace two conventional fans.

Systems that process huge amounts of data are becoming increasingly powerful and cooling is becoming a challenge in a variety of industries, such as telecommunications and automation. To increase cooling capacity, two axial fans are often connected in series, usually with counter-rotating blades. This double-fan layout increases the pressure, but also results in higher noise levels. EBM-Papst’s DiaForce fans can be used instead of twin conventional axial fans.

The secret of the DiaForce lies in the combination of a high-performance motor with a unique impeller and housing geometries. The innovative design of the components for the flow machine minimises the main vortices that cause noise. This ensures a significant noise reduction, and it also increases pressure and efficiency.

One particular advantage in terms of aerodynamics is that the DiaForce offers an air performance curve with no dip. The high maximum cooling capacity is often not required in normal operation because these fans are frequently used in partial-load operation. However, a sufficient power reserve is crucial to ensure that the cooling system delivers adequate cooling, continuing to function sufficiently under conditions outside normal operational range.

The DiaForce 120 has two further sizes available – 40mm and 80mm. The compact DiaForce 80 excels in applications such as server trays and high-performance power supply units with high performance and pleasant noise characteristics. The DiaForce 40 is a still smaller addition to the product range and benefits routers, switches, network technology, industrial automation, control systems and robotics.

As well as offering the fans as standard boxed products, Inelco Hunter offers a High-Level Assembly (HLA) service to help customers with customisation and adaptation. The HLA service involves the integration of various components into larger assemblies, often PCBs within enclosures, and potentially including testing and full customisation. Inelco Hunter’s HLA service can be used to create fully functional, turnkey systems, and their in-depth engineering support ensures rapid implementation, speeding up the customer’s time-to-market.

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@InelcoHunter #PAuto  #Electronics

Precise cooling.

P&N Europe's Peltier elements stand as the most efficient choice in many applications demanding precise cooling while dealing with limited space. These elements are available as single elements or in combination with heat sinks and fans. P&N Europe provides tailored optimizations in terms of shape, size, or performance to fit your specific applications.

The Peltier elements are available in sizes starting from 1.8 x 3.4 mm, in round, square, or with a center hole. They can be sealed with epoxy resin or silicone. These elements can achieve an average temperature difference of up to ∆T 131 K.

The option of aluminium nitride ceramic is available as well. P&N Europe also offers plug-and-play solutions, framework contracts, and specifically and specially adapted packaging for easy retrieval.

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@PresseBox #Pauto #Electronics

Couplings aid data centre cooling efficiency.

Danfoss Power Solutions has launched a portfolio of quick-disconnect couplings for data center liquid cooling applications. Danfoss Hansen FD83 series quick-disconnect couplings, now available in a 2-inch size and additional configurations of the popular 1-inch size, are known globally for their performance, efficiency, and reliability.

With higher flow rates and a lower pressure drop, the new 2-inch coupling improves liquid cooling system efficiency, reducing power consumption and operating costs. In testing, the 2-inch FD83 series coupling reduced pressure drop by 98% compared to standard 2¼-inch ball-locking couplings, according to ISO 7241-1 B.

“With more powerful chips, denser racks, and heavier workloads, today’s data centers are running hotter than ever, increasing the demand for larger, more efficient liquid cooling solutions,” said Christian Kuenstel, global product management leader, Connectors, Danfoss Power Solutions. “With our FD83 series and our new 2-inch coupling, in particular, we’ve engineered a full-flow design that enables more customers to benefit from greater liquid cooling performance, efficiency, and cost savings.”

The FD83 series’ turn-to-connect feature enables simpler, faster, and less costly coupling installation. The feature allows connections to be made without the risk of hose torsion or the need for additional adapters, which also prevents leaks due to incorrect assembly. Designed to ensure reliable, leak-free operation and easier maintenance, FD83 couplings feature a patented dual interlock safety mechanism that eliminates the risk of accidental disconnection or spills.

Stainless steel construction and an EPDM rubber seal offer broad fluid compatibility and high corrosion resistance, enabling long life and low maintenance costs in cooling applications using water glycol or other liquids. Alternative seal materials and color-coded bumper seals are also available. A portfolio of end connections enables use in a variety of space configurations. Options include a new sanitary flange terminal end, as well as threaded port and hose barb connectors in various sizes. These broad configuration options enable the coupling to be used in many other fluid transfer applications where safety and low pressure drop are critical.

Featuring identical halves, FD83 couplings require only one part number, enabling customers to simplify stocking and inventory management.

Danfoss Hansen FD83 series quick-disconnect couplings are compliant with PED 2014/68/EU §4.3. They offer 10 bar maximum working pressure and are suitable for operating temperatures between 3°C and 60°C.

@danfoss @Danfoss_NA @NapierPR #PAuto #Datacenter

Solid-state deep cooling thermal management.

First-of-its-kind system enables a new class of solid-state thermal management systems that is currently only possible with bulkier, mechanical alternatives.

DTP Thermoelectrics has been awarded a patent that opens the door for solid-state deep cooling thermal management. The patent is based on theoretical and analytical models that have been validated through the fabrication and characterization of thermoelectric devices that use Distributed Transport Properties (DTP) thermoelectric materials.

Sample tests, using standard protocols, demonstrate significant increases in maximum cooling temperature, efficiency (COP) and cooling power, confirming that DTP devices can cool to lower temperatures, improving performance and functionality. Until now, these capabilities were only possible using much larger and heavier mechanical cooling systems.

“There is no better performing thermoelectric material system than what we have fabricated with our DTP technology,” says Dr. Lon E. Bell, President and CEO. “This mass-producible, proprietary technology increases cooling capacity at efficiencies greater than what is possible with other thermoelectric devices. DTP technology has the potential to improve cooling and thermal management system performance and cost effectiveness in Lidar, infrared sensors, electronics, cold chain storage, medical devices, battery thermal management and vision systems.”

“Our technology has been partially enabled by recent advances in semiconductor material manufacturing,” says Dr. Douglas Crane, Chief Technology Officer. “Using both modifications to available thermoelectric materials and advanced manufacturing technology, we can generate precise performance outputs. By starting with our higher efficiency thermoelectric systems and controlling the relationship between power density and COP that DTP technology enables, we can tailor performance to specific applications.”

The patent for “Thermoelectric Systems Employing Distributed Transport Properties to Increase Cooling and Heating Performance” (number 11,421,919 by the US Patent and Trademark Office) covers DTP technology and its ability to increase cooling and heating performance in solid-state heat pumps.

@uspto @mepaxIntPR #DTP_Thermoelectrics #PAuto

Keeping data centres cool.

Around 60% of a data centre’s energy requirements are driven by its IT infrastructure, so there are energy reduction opportunities in (usually new) equipment that is more energy efficient. However, there are good opportunities for energy efficiency in the other 40% of energy demand; the majority of which comes from a data centre’s cooling and air-conditioning systems. In many data centres 99.999% uptime is expected; representing annual downtime of just a few minutes, so accurate, reliable, continuous monitoring and control is essential. Here Anu Kätkä from Vaisala^* explains what must be measured, and where.

Anu Kätkä

Data centre owners and managers are acutely aware of the need for better energy efficiency. With responsibility for around 1% of global electricity consumption, the sector is heavily affected by turbulence in energy costs, so there is a very strong demand for energy efficiency. At the same time, governments around the world are looking to energy hungry industries for opportunities to reduce the use of fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Around 60% of a data centre’s energy requirements are driven by its IT infrastructure, so there are energy reduction opportunities in (usually new) equipment that is more energy efficient. However, there are good opportunities for energy efficiency in the other 40% of energy demand; the majority of which comes from a data centre’s cooling and air-conditioning systems.

Efficient temperature and humidity control is important for the optimal functioning of IT infrastructure. In many modern facilities 99.999% uptime is expected; representing annual downtime of just a few minutes. These extremely high levels of performance are necessary because of the importance and value of the data and processes being handled by the IT infrastructure.

In common with all good process efficiency measures, effective energy management relies on the availability of accurate, reliable, continuous monitoring data. 

So, for data centres, what must be measured? and where?

Temperature.
Cooling and air conditioning is necessary to remove the heat generated by IT equipment; to avoid over-heating and prevent failures. It is therefore necessary to monitor temperature in the aisles and racks, as well as in all spaces, ducts in the ventilation system, cooling system pipes, and outdoors. Naturally, it is vital that the measurement locations are truly representative and that the network of sensors is able to detect any potential cold- or hot-spots.

Using HMT120

Larger data halls can be more challenging to monitor because they have a greater potential for spatial temperature variability, so it is important that there are sufficient numbers of temperature sensors to ensure that all servers are monitored. Some servers may be close to a cooling unit and others may be further away; some may be at the bottom of a rack, and others higher up, so there is potential for three-dimensional variability. In addition to a sufficient number of sensors, it is also therefore important for air flow and cooling to be optimally distributed throughout the server room.

Most data centres will need to monitor ‘delta T’ – which is commonly defined as the temperature difference between hot and cold aisles. However, in reality, the situation is more complex because there are actually four different delta Ts ⁽¹⁾ that need to be monitored if cooling operations are to be as efficient as possible.

The most obvious delta T is the temperature difference in air before and after it passes through the IT equipment. The second frequently measured delta T is the temperature difference across the cooling equipment. However, in reality, the temperature of the air leaving the coolers is rarely the same as the air arriving at the IT equipment. This is usually because of issues such as obstructions, vortices, pressure differentials, air pockets etc. that cause cold air and warm air to mix. Similarly, the temperature of the air leaving the IT equipment is frequently cooler by the time it enters the coolers. This is usually because cooled air mixes with the warmed air for a variety of reasons; all of which indicate inefficiency in air flow management.

So, the four delta Ts are the temperature differences:

1. Before and after the IT equipment
2. Before and after the coolers
3. Between air leaving the coolers and air entering the IT equipment
4. Between air leaving the IT equipment and air entering the coolers

By accurately monitoring these four delta Ts, data centre managers can gain a better understanding of the factors affecting cooling inefficiency, which can then inform mitigation and improvement measures to fine tune data centre performance.

HMD Series

In dry climates evaporative cooling is effective at dissipating heat. In cold climates direct cooling with dry, cold air can be used. In recent years, liquid cooling solutions have become popular because they are more effective at removing heat. To support this trend, Vaisala has developed a new high-quality sensor for measuring cooling / heating liquid temperatures. The Vaisala TMI110 is an immersion temperature transmitter offering a fast response with high levels of accuracy. TMI110 is an addition to the extensive HVAC product offering, including e.g. the ever-popular HMD60 for air ducts, HMT120 for indoor air measurements, and state of the art Indigo platform for most precise measurements in data centres.

Humidity.
IT equipment can also be adversely affected by humidity; low levels increase the risk of static electricity, so spray or evaporative humidifiers may be necessary. However, high levels of humidity are also to be avoided because they can result in condensation, and the corrosion of metallic equipment.

In cooler climates it may be possible to utilize colder outside air to cool data centre equipment in a process known as economization. The absolute water content of this outside air may be low, and since the relative humidity of air decreases when it is heated, the humidity level may fall below acceptable levels unless appropriate controls are in place.

Different types of humidity measurement are required, depending on the location and application. For example, relative humidity and dew point can be measured in rooms, spaces, ducts and outdoors, whereas wet bulb temperatures would be necessary in cooling towers and evaporative humidifiers, and enthalpy sensors may be required for airside economizers. Enthalpy expresses the total heat energy (sensible heat and latent heat) involved with thermodynamic changes. These calculated humidity parameters are typically available directly from advanced humidity sensors, such as Vaisala’s.

The three most common sensor configurations for airside economizer control are dry bulb, single enthalpy, and dual enthalpy. While dry bulb control is the simplest method, it may miss potential energy savings by not opening the economizer when the ambient temperature is slightly warmer but relatively dry.

Dual enthalpy works in a similar way, except that two enthalpy sensors are employed; one monitoring outdoor air, and the other return air. The economizer will run if the outdoor air enthalpy is less than the return enthalpy.

Vaisala’s transmitters are designed specifically for applications such as air conditioning and economization; measuring humidity and temperature, with derived outputs for dew point, wet bulb temperature and enthalpy. Temperature measurements do not generally suffer from drift, but traditional humidity sensors do, so Vaisala’s humidity sensors employ HUMICAP® technology which delivers long-term stability and insensitivity to interferences such as dust and condensation. These thin-film capacitive humidity sensors have become the industry standard in a wide variety of applications where long-term accurate, reliable, maintenance-free humidity measurements are required.

Air flow in ducts allow sensors to respond quickly to changing conditions, whereas air movement in rooms and other spaces can be slow, so some data centres prefer to use dew point temperature as a humidity control parameter because it does not depend on the temperature of the sensor.

WXT530

Other sensors that may be deployed at data centres measure differential pressure in ducts and between hot and cold aisles, as well as additional outdoor meteorological parameters such as air pressure, rainfall, wind speed and direction. These measurements can be undertaken by an automatic weather station, by individual sensors, or by one of Vaisala’s WXT530 instruments, which utilize solid state technologies to minimize operating and maintenance costs. Outdoor sensors should be placed in a location with free airflow, away from any surfaces that might radiate heat and disturb measurements. Naturally, outdoor measurements must be as accurate and reliable as indoor measurements, so Vaisala’s world-leading meteorological instruments provide the long-term reliability that is required in even the harshest environments.

Summary.
Investments in accurate, stable measurement systems are negligible in comparison with the value of the systems and information held by data centres. Add the financial and environmental costs of energy inefficiency to the equation, and you have a hugely compelling case for a comprehensive monitoring and control system utilising the most accurate and reliable sensors.

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^*Anu Kätkä is responsible for Global Product Management in Vaisala’s Industrial Measurements. With her background in the management of growth companies in the field of intelligent buildings, she has extensive experience in building automation and building management systems, as well as metering and monitoring solutions. She is passionate about businesses dealing with advanced technologies that create true value on a global scale while also contributing positively to the environment. 

¹ The 4 Delta T’s of Data Center Cooling: What You’re Missing. (Upsite)

@VaisalaGroup @UpsiteTech @_Enviro_News #Environment #Datacentres

Fans slash energy consumption.

EAO Ltd has introduced a new series of exceptionally energy efficient electronically commutated (EC) axial fans. The latest additions to the Sanyo Denki San Ace family of equipment cooling fans, the San Ace 172AD and 172ADW measure just 99mm by 250mm but deliver the cooling performance and low noise requirements demanded by high static pressure cooling applications such as FFU (fan filter units), air purifiers, cooling inverters and high-density telecom cabinets.

The new San Ace 172A axial cooling fans are 172mm by 51mm side-cut fitting devices that provide a maximum static pressure of 195 pascals (Pa) and a maximum airflow of 6.7 m3/min, which equates to 236 CFM (cubic feet\minute). Standard high performance cooling applications are served by the 172AD, while the 172ADW is an IP56 splash-proof version that delivers reliability in dusty or damp environments. There’s a choice of two power connections: a built in 300mm flying lead with connector or a terminal version that itself offers an optional plug-in wiring cord with connector. Both fans feature a wide 90 VAC to 260 VAC operating voltage (50/60Hz), enabling a single product family to suit applications world-wide.

According to Robert Davies, Marketing Manager with Sanki Denki’s representative in Britain, EAO Ltd., EC motor technology delivers significant power savings over traditional AC fans: “The new 172AD and 172ADW fans typically consume only 17W of power and reduce running costs by over 30% (avg.)” Davies said. “The fan speed is managed by a built-in PWM controller, which is also able to bring the fan to a complete stop when no cooling is needed. The built-in pulse sensor (tacho) connections can be used to monitor the fan speed and to assist in fault diagnosis”.

Engineered with a black aluminum frame and a fire-retardant impeller, the new San Ace 172AD and 172ADW fans feature motor and locked rotor burnout protection. The bearings are L10 rated (continuous operation survival rate of 90% in free air at 60°C), ensuring trouble-free long-term operation.

#EAO #sanyodenki #PAuto

End-to-end modular IT infrastructure.

Rittal and Stulz, leading specialist for data centre cooling systems, have entered into a global partnership, with immediate effect. 

Prof. Friedhelm Loh and Jürgen Stulz 

“Rittal and Stulz are both family-run companies, with a commitment to innovation and customer centricity,” states Prof. Friedhelm Loh, owner and CEO of Friedhelm Loh Group. “Together, we can offer our customers an even larger portfolio of flexible, end-to-end data centre solutions.”

“In cooperation with Rittal, we will ensure rapid, reliable IT system implementation backed by an agile, global service organisation with a presence in more than 120 countries,” emphasizes Jürgen Stulz, Managing Director Stulz GmbH.

The two acknowledged pioneers will be better equipped to offer customers end-to-end, tailored solutions to their needs. Rittal’s broad IT infrastructure portfolio will now be combined with powerful liquid-based closed-circuit chillers, free-cooling products, side chillers and indoor chillers from Stulz. Rittal’s contribution includes IT enclosures, IT cooling units, and IT power-supply solutions, as well as software for data centre management and IT system monitoring.

The joint offering also extends to global support and other services for the entire IT infrastructure lifecycle. The result is data centre solutions that are future-proof and investment-protected. Moreover, customers can be sure of transparent TCO analysis, high availability and security, backed by robust monitoring.

Demand for one-stop data centre solutions is growing. The IT industry is evolving fast, with new technologies and applications such as 5G, machine learning and digital twins, in conjunction with the burgeoning use of videoconferencing and e-commerce. Consequently, companies must upgrade and expand their IT infrastructure at an ever-increasing pace. They need solutions that can be implemented quickly, that comply with high international standards of quality and security, and that can be tailored to their specific requirements. This is exactly what Rittal and Stulz are able to deliver, as innovators and global players with long and successful track records. 

The partnership brings together a broad choice of cooling options with the ability to quickly and flexibly install and extend complex IT assets. The precision cooling solutions, including free cooling and adiabatic technology from Stulz, blend perfectly with the modular structure of the new Rittal RiMatrix Next Generation (NG) platform. IT decision-makers pick and mix racks, cooling units, power-supply systems, and IT monitoring and security elements to create a made-to-measure solution. RiMatrix NG’s open architecture, in conjunction with the shared consulting, support and service offering, ensure answers are available to all possible IT scenarios, now and in the future. This extends from individual racks or container solutions, to central data centres and distributed edge data centres, to highly scalable co-location, cloud and hyperscale data centres.

@Rittal_Ltd @STULZ_USA @PresseBox #PAuto

Keeping cool.

P&N Europe develops and produces high efficiency cooling assemblies, based on peltier technology. 

These assemblies can be developed in accordance to customers’ requirements to efficiency, performance and durability. As for the brand of cooling fans, heatsinks and all other equipment everything can be adapted to a customer’s requirements. The assemblies can be delivered including the right connectors and interfaces, with thermo-protection and suitable controllers. 

All peltier elements are developed and manufactured at P&N Europe’s mother company, P&N Technology. These thermoelectric modules listed among the best in the market.

@PresseBox #PandN #Cooling #PAuto

Compact axial fan.

A compact axial fan that measures just 40mm by 28mm has been released by EAO Ltd.  It delivers ample airflow and static pressure necessary to cool the latest space-constrained 1U racks typically used today to accommodate high performance servers, switching power supplies and comms. equipment.

Developed by cooling specialist Sanyo Denki the new San Ace 40 12VDC axial fan delivers an airflow rate of up to 37.1 cubic feet per minute (CFM) and a static pressure of 2.300 Pa and easily outperforms the counter-rotating fans designers usually choose to cool modern 1U rack applications.

According to Robert Davies, Marketing Manager with EAO Ltd, the new San Ace 40 axial fan is built with a newly developed impeller and frame construction that delivers higher static pressure, together with proprietary motor, magnet and circuitry innovations that need much less power to operate: “Space inside a 1U rack is becoming increasingly tight at engineers try to squeeze more equipment into the same space,” Davies said. “This results in a high-pressure, high- impedance system that needs a lot of cooling airflow”. The usual cooling approach for 1U rack applications is a counter-rotating fan, but these units are space hungry and can be noisy: “The new San Ace 40 axial fan is half the volume of a counter-rotating alternative, saving 28mm of depth”, continued Davies. “Further, with this fan designers only need to accommodate half the number of fan connectors and half the number of speed sensor inputs”.

The San Ace 40 (model number 9HVA0412P3J001) provides a pulse sensor as standard but sensor-less and lock sensor variants are available. An expected fan life of 53,000 hours at 40oC ensures maintenance-free long-term operation.

#PAuto #EAO 

New IoT adaptor for enclosure cooling units.

Machinery and equipment must be able to communicate with each other and the internet if a company is to implement Industrie 4.0. To ensure customers can integrate existing Blue e cooling units into condition monitoring and IoT systems, Rittal is now offering a special adaptor that retrofits comprehensive communications capabilities.

Digitalization is right at the top of the agenda for lots of industrial companies, but what do they do when their machinery and equipment lack adequate communications interfaces? A digital retrofit – kitting out existing machinery and equipment with suitable communications technology – can be the ideal solution. That is why Rittal has launched an adaptor for its Blue e cooling units that, when installed, ensures the units can link up to smart condition monitoring and IoT systems.

The new adaptor can be used to set up condition monitoring for up to ten cooling units in a master/slave arrangement. That means not only can data be recorded, but efficiency analyses can also be carried out on the cooling solution. A monitoring system that issues automatic notifications can also be set up to detect faults and limit breaches, thereby helping boost availability and prevent expensive machine downtime.

The new adapter is compatible with all Blue e units that use a Comfort Controller and both wall and roof-mounted cooling units can be made fit for Industry 4.0. This applies to both standard units and stainless steel versions, too. Similarly, Rittal cooling units with a NEMA 3R/4 or NEMA 4X classification – which are often used outdoors – are ideally suited for incorporation into IoT applications. Typical examples of outdoor applications for these units include renewable energy facilities such as solar and wind power plants. As these plants are usually located in isolated areas, it is essential that they incorporate remote monitoring for panel building and switchgear manufacturing.

Blue e cooling units are integrated into higher-level systems using the same IoT interface that Rittal markets for units from the successor range, Blue e+. Rittal has developed the new IoT adaptor because the older Blue e units cannot communicate directly with the IoT interface. The whole system can be configured and commissioned via the web server integrated into the IoT interface – quickly, conveniently and without the need for any programming.

#PAuto @Rittal @Rittal_Ltd @RittalNA

New EU regulations for airconditioning plants.

Bans on the use of certain refrigerants as well as new regulations and rules on the operation, servicing and labelling of cooling and air-conditioning plants will come into force on 01 January 2020. Rittal has the answers to the users of refrigeration equipment questions on what to do now. Thanks to personalised advice and end-to-end service, operators can make their plants fit for the future, meet the requirements of the F gases regulation and improve their energy efficiency.

Reducing fluorinated greenhouse gases is a highly topical issue that is bearing down on the users and operators of refrigeration systems such as car manufacturers. Fluorinated greenhouse gases (F gases) are used as refrigerants in cooling units and climate control systems. In the future, emitting such climate-damaging substances (either as a result of targeted substitution or through the use of alternative technologies) will have to be reduced in order to limit their impact on global warming. EU Regulation No. 517/2014 on fluorinated greenhouse gases (the “F gases regulation”), which has been in force since 1 January 2015, aims to help reduce industrial emissions by as much as 70 percent by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. Specifically, the emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases (F gases) in the EU will need to be reduced by 70 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) to 35 million tonnes of CO2e in 2030. Bans on the use of refrigerants with a GWP greater than 2,500 as well as new and amended regulations on the maintenance, servicing, leakage checking, certification, disposal and labelling of refrigeration equipment concerned will be in force from 1 January 2020.

Due to the bans on the use of F gases and on the marketing of products containing them, companies contemplate which cooling units and chillers they will still be allowed to use after 2020. Manufacturing plants, maintenance staff and energy managers can rely on the fact that Rittal have designed their climate control solutions in accordance with the F gases regulation for years so that they do not need to take any further action. As a service partner, Rittal also provides actionable advice for all cooling system users – including non-customers: From determining the actual condition of a system, calculating its efficiency, drawing up a recommendation for action and determining potential savings, setting up and commissioning a new system (including a maintenance contract) to disposing of old devices, Rittal is supporting plant operators with personalised assistance in overcoming the hurdles of the regulations and efficiency requirements. Customers benefit from cost transparency, qualified service technicians and warranty extensions.

The EU regulation is focussed on the gradual limitation of quantities of F gases in order to protect the environment. Consequently, industry, plant operators and end users must all gradually switch over to refrigerants with a lower GWP (Global Warming Potential) value. Just how future-proof cooling units will be will depend, among other things, on the refrigerant used. Enclosure cooling units and chillers from Rittal are not affected by these use bans as they operate with a hermetically sealed refrigeration cycle and because they run on approved refrigerant. Rittal provides detailed information on the F gases regulation (EU) 517/2014 in this whitepaper.

With the inception of F gases regulation, operators of refrigeration equipment with a defined amount of refrigerant will be obliged to carry out regular leakage tests. Operators can easily determine the extent to which an existing system is affected by the consequences of the F gases regulation by using the Rittal F-gas calculator: This online tool calculates the GWP value and the corresponding carbon dioxide equivalent based on the type of refrigerant being selected and on the amount of refrigerant being used. The carbon dioxide equivalent determines the action the operator will have to take in order to comply with the regulation.

All system parameters (as shown on the rating plate), as well as the type of refrigerant and the filling quantity per circuit are entered. The result is the carbon dioxide equivalent of the system. The admissibility of refrigerant replenishment in the event of a leakage, as well as practical advice for the operation of the current system are also shown.

Investment amortisation periods are always a criterion businesses need to factor in. In addition to possible savings by replacing older climate control systems with new and efficient technology, the payback period can also be shortened by benefiting from grants and/or subsidies. Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMU) for instance is promoting and initiating climate protection projects throughout Germany via its National Climate Initiative (NKI). When it comes to efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction, funding is being provided to support system operators. The goal is to increase the energy efficiency, reduce the need for refrigeration and to cut fluorinated greenhouse gas emissions in the refrigeration and climate control technology sector. Plant operators will therefore find they can benefit from subsidies from the BMU or the German Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) when replacing enclosure cooling units or chillers. The equipment and which activities are specifically subsidised will be surveyed and checked on a case-by-case basis. A company that specialises in making applications for funding supports plant operators at all the necessary stages and checks whether the same investment measure can be cumulated with other funding programmes. Detailed information in white paper “State subsidies for the replacement of enclosure and process air conditioning."

#PAuto @Rittal @bmu @PresseBox

Cooling!

The Rittal energy-efficient Blue e+ cooling units are now also available in a roof-mounted version for the very first time. The units, which are suitable for enclosures from a size of 800 x 600 mm (W x D) upwards, have a cooling output of 1.3 kW. This means that cold air can also flow from above around the devices installed inside the enclosure, such as frequency converters. Alternatively, cooling can also be provided in combination with the new VX25 large enclosure system as a complete integration solution.

Roof-mounted cooling units are the top choice in control and switchgear engineering when heat has to be routed above the enclosures and then outside. This is the case, for example, when enclosures are bayed and there is enough space for the cooling units to be wall-mounted. Since ambient air is drawn in at the front of the cooling unit and then expelled again, there is no need to adhere to minimum distances to neighbouring appliances or to walls. The air routing within the enclosure is also optimal: The cold air is blown out in the front part of the enclosure and so ideally dissipates the heat from top-mounted components such as frequency inverters.

The new roof-mounted cooling units of the Blue e+ series, like the existing wall-mounted units, work with a combination of heat pipe and conventional compressor technology. Since neither a compressor nor a pump is called for when cooling via heat pipe, the energy consumption is very low. Only the fans, used to transport the air past the heat exchangers, need to be supplied with electricity. This cooling method works especially well if there is a large temperature difference between the inside of the enclosure and the surroundings.

The additional compressor in the cooling units only operates when a larger cooling output is required. The compressor cooling is also very energy-efficient: All the active components operate with speed-controlled drives. The cooling output is thus always exactly as high as required and less energy is consumed. Overall, depending on the ambient conditions and the application, cooling units of the Blue e+ series use 75 percent less energy on average than conventional compressor cooling units do. The lower temperature deviations within the enclosure mean that the service life of the components installed is extended.

The new devices also have a multi-voltage supply and are thus easy to operate at all common mains voltages and frequencies. This is a huge benefit, especially for those engineers who sell their machines worldwide.

Operation is comfortable and intuitive thanks to a modern touch display on the front, which is used to make the basic settings and to display the status messages. The touch display can also be integrated into the door of the enclosure as an option. Another option available is the IoT interface, which makes it simple to integrate the cooling unit in an Industry 4.0 (IoT) environment.

The Blue e+ cooling unit is also employed in the new Rittal integration solution. In this plug & play solution, the cooling unit is installed directly in the upper section of the VX25 enclosure. Instead of retrofitting a standard enclosure with a climate control solution, this integrated unit provides the user with a complete system consisting of an enclosure including climate control. Operation is easy via the touch display built into the enclosure door. The cooling unit can be easily withdrawn for maintenance purposes when the door is open.

@Rittal #PAuto 

Protecting vital control systems!

Outdoor shelters with a novel combination of Intertec's passive and active cooling technologies have been chosen to protect vital control systems at a Middle Eastern refinery. The environmental protection solution is being provided as part of an upgrade to the burner management systems at the core of the plant's refining processes.

High-reliability PLC-based systems will provide the control and safety functions needed for management of eight separate burners. However, the physical location of the systems - deep inside the process - and the harsh coastal desert location of the refinery, pose major additional challenges for this engineering upgrade.

The project partners selected the field instrumentation protection specialist Intertec to provide the enclosure solution because of its experience of harsh environments, and for its novel protection ideas that will enhance the overall functional reliability of the control systems.

Intertec's design response to the engineering problem incorporates two major features. The first is custom-designed remote instrument enclosures (RIEs) based on composite GRP materials. The materials protect against the many environmental challenges of the application including very high levels of UV, extremes of temperature, dust and sand abrasion. The second key part of the protection solution is a regulated internal environment that provides the essential cooling required for the reliable operation of the electronics in the harsh Middle Eastern climate. This is maintained by a combination of three cooling methods, in order to provide exceptional redundancy against failure. The IP65-rated shelter also utilises the plant's instrument air service - after drying and filtering. This provides a slight positive pressurisation of shelter interior atmosphere for safe operation in a hazardous area, as well as ensuring there are no corrosive chemicals in the atmosphere.

"Intertec's novel approach to this field protection problem meets a growing need in today's process world," says Keith Wood, Intertec's project manager. "Control and instrumentation systems are being sited much closer to the process, deep inside corrosive and hazardous areas - and this in turn is demanding higher levels of reliability. GRP enclosure construction materials, combined with innovation in the associated protection systems such as cooling, are helping engineering consultancies to create advanced new plant solutions."

Three cooling technologies will protect the PLC-based control and safety systems: an air cooler, a water cooler, and a water-based passive cooling system. In normal operation, the water cooler and passive cooler operate in combination to decrease the internal operating temperature of the eight shelters. The aluminum heatsinks of the PLCs and cases will be installed directly onto conductive mounting plates, in contact with the liquid-based cooling media. This conductive heat transfer provides a much more efficient cooling mechanism in addition to conventional air convection.

The passive cooling system works by exploiting the regional climate's large temperature swing over the daily cycle, using water as a medium to store the coolness of the night and moderate internal temperatures during the day. Natural convection moves the water around the system and its heat exchangers. In this application however, Intertec's addition of an electrically powered water cooler improves efficiency - and reduces the size of the water tank needed for the passive cooling circuit. If the powered water cooler should fail, the electrically powered air cooler switches on to maintain the internal environment. If both of the powered water and air coolers fail, the passive system has enough cooling and storage capability to maintain a low shelter temperature for many days - giving refinery staff plenty of time to effect repairs.

One of the advantages of this multi-faceted approach to cooling is a reduction in size of the protection solution. A pure passive system would need to be sized to deal with the hottest days of the year, which would necessitate a large water tank for a Middle Eastern location. The inclusion of two other cooling technologies allows each cooling component to be reduced in scale - and cost - as the systems can work in combination to handle occasional extremes of duty cycle. In most normal operational cases, each cooling technology has the capacity to handle the load by itself. This particularly reduces the cost of the air cooler element, as the system must be ATEX-rated - adding significant costs.

Another interesting feature of Intertec's solution is the size of the shelters. The shelters are scaled to accommodate the PLC control and safety systems, but are also designed to be accessed only from the outside in normal plant operation. The powered water and air cooler units are mounted on an external wall. Several other small panel-mounting enclosures provide external access to the electrical connection and I/O termination points. The PLC is fitted with a touchscreen HMI panel that sits on an external wall - allowing operators on the ground to make adjustments to the control programs locally if needed. A door is incorporated in the shelter design but this is locked in normal operation, and only accessible under controlled circumstances. This reduces the size and cost of the enclosures, and eliminates the need to make them blast proof. All eight shelters use a common design with a footprint of around 2 x 3 metres, plus a heat exchanger on the roof, which also overhangs to provide shade.

The need for a custom shelter shape was easily handled by Intertec's extensive investment in manufacturing automation, which includes large-bed CNC cutting, routing and drilling machinery that can make custom panels in quantities as small as one.

The shelters will be assembled and factory tested at Intertec's European manufacturing centre in southern Germany. This plant incorporates a modern and well equipped assembly and testing line. Intertec will install the PLC and safety control system modules inside the shelter, to the design layout provided by the project engineers. The shelter will then undergo two separate in-depth testing programs. One will test all the features of the shelter including pressurisation and the correct operation of the cooling systems - which will involve the use of a very large and sophisticated environmental test chamber. The functioning of the PLC-based control and safety system will also be tested in conjunction with the project engineers, before the finished shelters will be transported in standard shipping containers to the refinery, ready for connection to the process. Delivery of the eight RIEs will start in the second quarter of 2017.

#INTERTEC #PAuto #Oil

Chilled-water close control unit for datacentres!

Magister CW by CIAT is a vertical chilled-water close control unit specially designed to meet the requirements of data centres, computer rooms, switchboard rooms, electrical equipment rooms and other rooms with high thermal loads. Magister CW is 25% more energy efficient than previous versions and uses 20% less power than other models on the market, which amounts to savings of up to €5000 each year! Magister CW is available in five models with capacities ranging from 10 to 130 kW.

Such energy performance is made possible by Magister CW's highly optimised fan motor assemblies, which consist of centrifugal plug fans (for enhanced air handling efficiency) associated with EC motors (for optimum energy efficiency).

The unit uses CIAT's microRC2 controller to self-adjust its operation on both the water and the air circuits. The automatic controller adjusts the fan speed according to the thermal loads of the room and uses a 0-10V signal to control the valve and finely adjust the unit's operation to required levels. An optional enthalpic free cooling module can be added which allows fresh outdoor air to be drawn into computer rooms when their internal temperature and humidity levels reach a certain threshold.

Data centre applications require the very highest levels of reliability. The entire Magister CW range is built with 25 mm double-skin construction and features M0 fire insulation (Euroclasse A1). Optional redundancy functions can be installed to interconnect up to 10 units so that, in the event that one unit fails, the others will automatically take over. Thanks to the RS485 Modbus board, the smallest malfunctions (fan motor assembly, humidifier, abnormal variations in input power, etc.) are detected in real time and relayed as alarms to the supervision system.

It is designed to facilitate maintenance. All its compartments are accessed via hinged doors on the front panel, the fan and motor are directly coupled, and the filtration system is fitted on a mount for easier handling.

Furthermore, Magister CW is 20% smaller than previous models. In order to achieve the highest efficiency with chillers and operate longer in free cooling mode, the water and air temperature ranges in data centre applications are increasingly higher. The Magister CW fan is therefore more powerful and delivers higher air flows. As a result, it delivers more power for the same footprint.

This unit is part of CIAT's CIATRONIC System data centres offer. It combines chilled water production, free cooling and air diffusion. The speed variation of the EC motors, associated with the flexibility offered by water, provides a perfect solution for the changing requirements in data centres. CIAT's solutions constantly adapt to the needs of Tier 4 data centres, be they changes in their classification, changes in their thermal loads over time or needs for modularity.

Their CIATRONIC System includes its AQUACIAT POWER chillers, Opera dry coolers, the Cristopia thermal energy storage system, ITEX plate heat exchangers to isolate the secondary network, the solution for direct free cooling with the Airtech air handling unit, and Magister precision close control units.

Intelligent cooling concept!

This is an interesting product for Aavid Thermalloy. It is an intelligent, innovative, high performance Liquid Cooling System which aims to replace existing air cooled systems. The company claims "HydroSink™ is the most efficient and convenient solution for medium and high power electronics!"

Three advantages
It drastically reduces the cost in comparison to traditional air cooling systems. This is the result of the three main advantages that it provides: compactness, high-reliability and optimised thermal performance.

First of all, it is very compact. Its largest component is the heat exchanger which includes a smaller fan compared to other market solutions.

Second advantage, the estimated life-span of the HydroSink™ exceeds 50,000 hours thanks to the control board’s ability to reduce the fan and pump’s usage. Therefore it provides higher reliability as there is less stress to components when the system achieves the required performance.

Lastly, HydroSink's™ thermal performance is also enhanced. The control board accurately modifies fan and pump speed in order to perfectly adapt to operating conditions. The HydroSink™ control board allows the thermal performance to be modified according to “boundary conditions” at any given moment. It strategically manages the system’s components and sensor signals, ensuring the consistent monitoring of the system’s performance.

Efficient cooling!

Germany manufacturer SHW Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH, from the Swabian area (South Baden-Wurtemburg & East Bavaria States),  manufacture moving column machine tools. Machinery from the company includes a 200-ton moving column milling machine, the PowerForce 8, which is used to mill wind turbine stators with an internal diameter of 6.5 m. At the heart of the mill is a new, variable, universal milling head of orthogonal design with a drive power of 90 kW and a torque of up to 1,725 Nm.

SHW relies on the new “Blue e” generation of cooling devices from Rittal to exploit every possible efficiency potential in enclosure climate control. Consuming 45 per cent less energy than the previous generation, the four wall-mounted devices installed on the machine provide cooling of the input and feedback modules for the axle drive, mains filters, chokes, disconnectors, contactors, relays and have a cooling output amounting to 16 kW. The refrigeration factor of 2.47 (the COP, coefficient of performance) results from the ideal interaction of all the components responsible for the cooling output, as well as from the design of the condensers, evaporators, cooling fins, pipe bends and all the other refrigeration components. Using Rittal cooling technology, SHW have been able to connect the devices via a master-slave arrangement.

Another key factor in the increased efficiency is the ideally designed control electronics, which benefit from the new Eco-Mode control system. If continuous operation of the internal fan is not required, shut down is automatic, thus cutting energy costs.

Previously SHW had problems with cooling devices from another manufacturer that malfunctioned under extreme conditions, due to the influence of carbon dust. Since changing to ex-proof cooling units from Rittal, they have been running without problems.

Cooling solution boosts data-centre energy efficiency!

Rittal’s new Liquid Cooling Package (LCP) Hybrid, with a cooling capacity of up to 20kW per rack, comprises a large, high-performance air/water heat exchanger that cools IT components installed inside the server enclosure.

Delivering an energy-efficient IT cooling solution, the LCP Hybrid, with a thermal output of up to 10 kW, is especially suitable for data centres and up to 20 kW for IT racks used in university and auto-industry super-computers. Rittal’s LCP Hybrid does not require a dedicated fan or additional electricity for cooling as the fans integrated into the server direct warm air to the heat exchanger via baffle plates.

One of the key innovations is an integrated heat pipe that ensures the entire cooling surface is used to best effect. Air cooled by the heat exchanger is returned to the data centre, ensuring that all racks are cooled reliably. Intake air does not need to be extremely cold, so indirect free cooling can be used for the majority of the year. Chillers are only activated if high ambient temperatures prevent water from being cooled adequately.

Rittal has moved the water connection hoses directly onto to the rear door frame, requiring less material and taking up no additional space when the rear door is opened. This saves a great deal of time and effort when planning the piping system. The rear-door solution delivers outstanding energy efficiency, saves space and is easy to install.

Available in four sizes for each of two cooling output categories, 10 kW and 20 kW, the LCP Hybrid can be deployed for IT racks up to a height of 2,200 mm, is tailored to the needs of the Rittal TS IT rack system for server and network technology and builds upon the success of the LCP Passive.

Positive results for Eurolec's cool brain!

Eurolec Instrumentation has recently created a new associate company called Oriel Medical Devices Ltd. This new company has been exploring how to apply the technology & experience gleaned from Eurolec products, to introduce some exciting NEW instruments.

They have been aware of the very high number of people who suffer strokes or heart attacks each year.

Induced hypothermia has been recognised as having benefits in improving the prognosis for victims of: ischaemic strokes; cardiac arrest; brain trauma. It is also used to assist babies who experience breathing difficulties at birth & to cool the scalp of chemotherapy patients to significantly reduce hair loss.

Oriel Medical Devices Ltd. designed a self contained, non-invasive, portable, simple to operate electronically controlled system “Cool Brain“ which can accurately regulate the temperature of a body area to heat or cool the specific area ( including the head ). The instrument will operate from:- its own battery for approx. 1 x hour; or a 12v  paramedic vehicle battery or from mains power.  This functionality permits the earliest possible intervention in an emergency situation to optimise the prognosis for the patient. (See also For a cool head! 12/12/2012)

A prototype model was evaluated by the Neuroscience Dept. at Trinity College Dublin under the guidance of Prof. Shane O’Mara. The results were encouraging & anyone interested can read the full academic report in the prestigious: Open Access Journal of Science & Technology

Following the TCD report, Oriel Medical Devices Ltd. is now refining this patented “Cool Brain “ design to operate at lower temperatures & with different attachments for different applications  & global market sectors.