How to Select a Filter Fan or Cooling Unit for Industrial Enclosures

Choosing the right thermal management solution—whether a filter fan or cooling unit—is essential for keeping your equipment running efficiently and preserving your industrial enclosure’s IP- or NEMA-rated protection. 

With numerous options available, this guide will help you choose the right thermal management solution for your industrial enclosure, with practical tips and product recommendations. 

Filter Fans vs. Cooling Units: Which Is Right for You? 

Filter Fans: Efficient for Low-Dust Environments 

Filter fans with matching exhaust fans are best for environments with minimal dust where equipment can handle slightly higher temperatures. They allow ambient air to circulate while filtering out debris. 

Key Considerations: 

• Heat Load: Ensure your equipment’s heat output aligns with the cooling capacity of filter fans. Tools like Pfannenburg’s Sizing Software can help calculate this. 

• Enclosure Design and Size: Larger enclosures or insulated designs may require multiple fans or additional cooling. 

• Environmental Conditions: Not suitable for high-dust or moisture-prone environments. 

• Cons: Requires regular cleaning in dusty areas and may not provide precise temperature control. 

Tip: Pair intake and exhaust fans for effective airflow, and ensure the fan matches the enclosure’s IP or NEMA rating. 

Cooling Units: Reliable for High-Dust or Precise Temperature Control 

Enclosure-mounted air conditioners are best for environments with heavy dust, moisture, or when tight temperature control is critical. They maintain a sealed enclosure to protect against contaminants. 

Key Considerations: 

• Environmental Conditions: For dusty or wet environments, opt for sealed cooling units with a high IP or NEMA rating (e.g., IP55 or higher). 

• Heat Load and Growth: Calculate current and future cooling capacity needs to ensure the unit can handle additional equipment. 

• Enclosure Design and Material: Insulated or larger enclosures may need a more robust unit. 

• Power Supply: Verify the voltage requirements (e.g., 120V or 240V) match your site. 

• Cons: Higher energy consumption and higher upfront costs. 

Tip: Choose a unit with extra capacity if you plan to add more equipment in the future. 

How Are Cooling Units Different from CRACs? 

Unlike Computer Room Air Conditioners (CRACs), industrial cooling units have fixed set points, circulating air continuously to maintain a stable temperature. The compressor cycles off once the target temperature is reached, but fans run constantly at a steady rate. These units are tailored to the specific heat load of the equipment inside the enclosure, ensuring consistent performance. 

For mission-critical enclosures, a redundant cooling unit can be added, typically cycled rather than run simultaneously, to maintain reliability. 

How to Calculate Airflow Needs for your Enclosure: 

1. Gather Key Details: Measure the enclosure size, assess ambient conditions (dust, moisture, temperature), and calculate the total heat load from your equipment (in watts). 

2. Understand Cooling Metrics: 

• Airflow (CFM): The volume of air a fan moves, determining heat removal efficiency. 

• Cooling Capacity (BTU/hr): The amount of heat an air conditioner removes per hour. 

3. Use online tools like Pfannenburg’s Sizing Software (PSS): The tool will recommend the appropriate airflow (CFM) for filter fans or cooling capacity (BTU/hr) for air conditioners, tailored to your setup.  

Here's how to use this tool: 

• Input the enclosure dimensions. The tool will calculate the enclosure’s internal volume. 

• Enter the heat load. Add up the wattage of all components inside the enclosure to estimate the total heat output. 

• Include ambient conditions. Provide details about the surrounding environment, including ambient temperature and whether the enclosure is in a dusty, wet, or extreme-temperature area. 

• Specify desired internal temperature. Set the target temperature for your equipment, based on its operating requirements. 

4. Get Expert Help: For unique requirements, get in touch with a thermal management expert or product specialist from Chatsworth Products for personalized assistance to ensure you select the best solution. 

Thermal Management Accessories for Industrial Enclosures 

Chatsworth Products offers a wide range of cooling accessories to pair with our RMR® Industrial Enclosures: 

Cooling Units 

	RMR Wall-Mount Enclosure Air Conditioner  A closed-loop cooling solution that isolates external air from the internally conditioned air, making it ideal for high-dust environments to keep contaminants out.
	RMR Enclosure Indoor NEMA Type 12 Cooling Units  Maintains internal air quality while isolating external contaminants, ensuring reliable operation in challenging environments.

Filter Fans 

	RMR Wall-Mount Enclosure IP55/Type 12 Intake Filter/Fan Kit  Features a patented quick-mount system for easy installation, offering robust protection and efficient cooling.
	RMR Modular Enclosure Filter/Intake Fan  Facilitates airflow while filtering out contaminants, making it ideal for intake applications with minimal pressure loss.
	RMR Modular Enclosure Exhaust Filter Kit  Designed to work with filter fans, this kit effectively expels heat while enhancing cooling performance and maintaining protection.
	RMR Modular Enclosure Top Exhaust Fan  Mounted on the top of enclosures, this fan efficiently expels heat, making it perfect for enclosures with high heat loads.

Accessories 

	Aluminum Mesh Filter Kit  A durable, easy-to-clean filter designed for dust-free areas, offering a cost-effective and long-lasting solution.
	Replacement Fluted Filter Mats  Extends filter lifespan by up to 300% compared to conventional filters, making it an ideal choice for cost-conscious, high-dust environments.
	Power Cords for Cooling Units  Designed for compatibility with CPI fans and cooling units, these cords ensure a reliable power supply and seamless integration.

Why Choose RMR® Industrial Enclosures? 

Chatsworth Products (CPI) offers the RMR® Industrial Enclosure line, paired with CPI’s thermal management accessories all designed to meet stringent IP and NEMA standards. 

Explore CPI’s full range of RMR® Industrial Enclosures to provide the ultimate protection for your equipment.