GB2620446A

GB2620446A - Electrical enclosure air handling system

Info

Publication number: GB2620446A
Application number: GB2210084.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Coley Alan; Hill Alan
Original assignee: Chh Conex Ltd
Current assignee: Chh Conex Ltd
Priority date: 2022-07-08
Filing date: 2022-07-08
Publication date: 2024-01-10
Also published as: GB202210084D0

Abstract

An electrical enclosure 100 comprising: a housing 101 defining a compartment 118 for receiving electrical components 400, 500; an air intake unit 200; and an air exhaust unit 300, wherein the air intake unit includes a first fan i.e. intake fan 202A, 202B (see Figure 5) which supplies intake air to the compartment, the air exhaust unit includes a second fan i.e. exhaust fan 302A, 302B (see Figure 4) which removes exhaust air from the compartment, the air intake unit directs at least part of the intake air in a first direction, and the air exhaust unit directs at least part of the exhaust air in a second direction; the second direction at least partially opposes the first direction. In a further embodiment the air intake air exhaust units have corresponding dimensions W, L (see Figure 4) and/or enclosure connection point positions, enabling their positions within the electrical enclosure to be interchangeable. The intake and exhaust units may be on top of the enclosure.

Description

ELECTRICAL ENCLOSURE AIR HANDLING SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an air handling system of an electrical enclosure. In particular, the air handling system comprises an air intake unit and an air exhaust unit.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

An electrical enclosure is a cabinet for electrical equipment to prevent electrical shock to equipment users and protect the contents from the environment. An example of an electrical enclosure is an outdoor floor standing cabinet for carrying services. The electrical enclosure can comprise a rack configured to support the electrical equipment.

It is desirable to ensure that heat from the electrical equipment therein is adequately dissipated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

According to various, but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided an electrical enclosure comprising: a housing defining a compartment for receiving electrical components; an air intake unit; and an air exhaust unit, wherein the air intake unit includes an intake fan configured to supply intake air to the compartment, wherein the air exhaust unit includes an exhaust fan configured to 30 remove exhaust air from the compartment, wherein the air intake unit is configured to direct at least part of the intake air in a first direction, wherein the air exhaust unit is configured to direct at least part of the exhaust air in a second direction, and wherein the second direction at least partially opposes the first direction. The first direction may be away from the air exhaust unit. The directions refer to the resultant directions/vectors.

An advantage is enabling improved cooling performance, because the path length of the air through the main compartment is increased as a result of the relative directions of the airflow.

The directions of air exiting the air intake unit and entering the air exhaust unit can be described as at least partially opposing first and second directions, wherein the air intake unit is configured to direct the intake air in one or more directions, at least one of which is the first direction at least partially opposing the second direction of exhaust air entering the air exhaust unit.

In some examples, the axial directions of the fans of the units can be described as driving the airflow in at least partially opposing first and second directions, wherein the intake fan is configured to direct at least part of the intake air in the first direction, wherein the exhaust fan is configured to direct at least part of the exhaust air in the second direction, and wherein the second direction at least partially opposes the first direction.

According to various, but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided an electrical enclosure air handling system comprising: an air intake unit; and an air exhaust unit, wherein the air intake unit includes an intake fan configured to supply intake air to a compartment of the electrical enclosure, wherein the air exhaust unit includes an exhaust fan configured to remove exhaust air from the compartment, wherein the air intake unit and the air exhaust unit have corresponding dimensions and/or enclosure connection point positions, enabling their positions within an electrical enclosure to be interchangeable.

An advantage is enabling improved cooling performance, because the units can be mounted in whichever order results in the air intake unit being closest to the hottest electrical equipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of various examples of embodiments of the present invention reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an electrical enclosure FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an electrical enclosure interior; FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an air intake unit; FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an air exhaust unit; and FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section of an example air intake unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the exterior and interior of an example electrical enclosure 100. The invention can be applied to a variety of electrical enclosure designs, not limited to that shown. The illustrated electrical enclosure 100 comprises a housing 101 in the form of a cabinet.

The electrical enclosure 100 can be an outdoor electrical enclosure. The housing 101 of the electrical enclosure 100 may be an outdoor floor standing unit. The housing 101 may be anchored to the ground by a footing. The housing 101 can be comprised of any appropriate material such as steel, aluminium, polycarbonate, fibreglass, etc. The housing 101 comprises upstanding side faces including a left face 102, an opposite right face 104, a front face 106, and an opposite rear face 108. The housing 101 comprises a top face 112 on the upstanding side faces. These faces 102-108, 112 form the exterior faces of the electrical enclosure 100.

The faces 102-108, 112 of the housing 101 are provided by panels of the housing 101 such as wall panels and/or closures. The faces of the illustrated housing 101 are provided by upstanding side walls including a left wall 102A defining the left face 102, an opposite right wall 104A defining the right face 104, and a rear wall 108A defining the rear face 108. The front face 106 is defined at least in part by a closure system 114. A top wall 112A defines the top face 112.

The housing 101 can also comprise a bottom wall 110W defining a bottom face 110 of the housing 101, opposite the top face 112.

In FIG. 1, but not necessarily all examples, the upstanding side faces 102, 104, 106, 108 are substantially vertical. In some, but not necessarily all examples, the top face 112 is substantially horizontal or sloped. In some, but not necessarily all examples, the upstanding side faces 102, 104, 106, 108 and top face 112 define a generally rectilinear shape such as a cuboidal shape.

The housing 101 defines a compartment 118 in the form of an interior space enclosed by the housing 101. If the housing 101 has a plurality of compartments, the compartment 118 is identifiable as the main compartment in which the electrical components are received.

The electrical enclosure 100 may receive an electricity supply, such as an electrical grid supply, for powering the electrical components.

Support means 119 is provided within the main compartment 118, for supporting a plurality of electrical components inside the main compartment 118 In some, but not necessarily all examples, the support means 119 comprises one or more electrical equipment racks 120, 122 as shown in FIG. 2, wherein the electrical components are rack-mountable electrical equipment 400, 500. The or each electrical equipment rack 120, 122 comprises a plurality of elongate upstanding rack members 121A-121B, 123A-123B. Each rack member 121A-121B, 123A-123B comprises a plurality of vertically separated mounting points, enabling a plurality of items of rack-mountable electrical equipment 400, 500 to be mounted to each rack member 121A-121B, 123A-123B. Each lateral side of each item of rack-mountable electrical equipment 400, 500 is connectable to one of the plurality of rack members 121A-121B or 123A-123B.

In some examples, the or each electrical equipment rack 120, 122 enables items of rack-mountable electrical equipment 400, 500 to be vertically stacked with horizontal air gaps therebetween, to promote heat dissipation.

In some examples, a plurality of columns of electrical components can be fitted in the same main compartment 118. The electrical enclosure 100 can comprise a first support means 119 and a second support means 119 laterally alongside each other. For example, the illustrated second support means 119 comprises a second electrical equipment rack 122 alongside the (first) electrical equipment rack 120.

A central vertical air gap 132 can be provided between the second electrical equipment rack 122 and the first electrical equipment rack 120, to promote heat dissipation. The illustrated central vertical gap is between a left rack member 121A or 123A of one of the electrical equipment racks 120, 122 and a right rack member 121B or 123B of the other of the electrical equipment racks 120, 122.

The rack members 121A-121B, 123A-123B may be mounted against the upstanding side walls 102A, 104A, 108A, or may be mounted inboard of the upstanding side walls 102A, 104A, 108A to create peripheral vertical air gaps around the perimeter of the racks 120, 122, between the or each electrical equipment rack 120, 122 and the upstanding side walls 102A, 104A, 108A.

In other examples, a different support means can be provided such as a shelving system, or a rear wall mounting system.

Outside access to the main compartment 118 is enabled through an opening in one of the faces of the housing 101, such as the front face 106. The housing 101 comprises a closure system 114 to cover the opening. As shown in FIG. 1, a suitable closure system 114 can comprise one or more doors 114A, 114B.

The closure system 114 can be provided on the front face 106. The one or more doors 114A, 114B, when closed, may form part of the front face 106 of the housing 101 of the electrical enclosure 100.

The closure system 114 of FIG. 1 comprises a first door 114A enabling outside access to the first support means 119 such as the first electrical equipment rack of FIG. 2. The illustrated closure system 114 further comprises a second door 114B enabling outside access to the second support means 119 such as the second electrical equipment rack 122. The first door 114A and the second door 114B may be alongside each other. The first door 114A and the second door 114B may be hinged at their opposite edges.

A suitable locking system (not shown) can be provided, to enable the closure system 114 to be locked.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the electrical enclosure 100 can comprise a lower compartment 136. The lower compartment 136 can house an electrical energy storage means (not shown) such as a battery system. This is for use cases in which the electrical components must continue operating in a power cut. Alternatively, the electrical energy storage means can be omitted or can be fitted elsewhere. The illustrated lower compartment 136 is beneath the support means 119 of the main compartment 118. The lower compartment 136 may form part of the main compartment 118 or may be partitioned from the main compartment 118.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the closure system 114 can enable access to the lower compartment 136 via a separate door 114C as shown.

Alternatively, access is enabled via the existing door or doors 114A, 114B. The separate door 114C in FIG. 1 is a lower door defining a lower part of the front face 106 of the housing 101. The lower door 114C is beneath the first and second doors 114A, 1143.

The housing 101 of the electrical enclosure 100 of FIGS. 1 further comprises air vents 116 to enable air exchange between the main compartment 118 and an outside environment. Any appropriate air vents 116 can be used, such as hooded air vents 116 to inhibit water ingress. Each air vent 116 may be sized to prevent insertion of a human finger therethrough. For example, each air vent 116 may have a height of less than one centimetre.

Advantageously, the air vents 116 in FIG. 1 are located high up on the electrical enclosure 100, where the concentration of particulate matter such as dust is lowest. As shown in FIG. 1, the only air vents of the electrical enclosure 100 may be those above the level of the closure system 114. The top of the closure system 114 may be defined by the top edge of the or each door 114A, 1143.

FIG. 1 illustrates the air vents 116 comprising front air vents at the front face 106 of the housing 101 of the electrical enclosure 100. The front air vents 116 may be provided at both left and right sides of the front face 106 of the housing 101. As shown, the front air vents 116 can be located on a panel above the closure system 114.

Additionally, or alternatively, the air vents 116 can comprise side air vents and/or rear air vents (not shown), wherein the side air vents are at the left face 102 and/or right face 104, and wherein the rear air vents are at the rear face 108. The side and/or rear air vents may be at substantially the same elevation as the front air vents.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the electrical enclosure 100 comprises a vented upper compartment 128 to which the air vents 116 are fluidly coupled. The vented upper compartment 128 is located towards a top (within a top half) of the electrical enclosure 100. The vented upper compartment 128 may be smaller than the main compartment 118.

The illustrated vented upper compartment 128 is above the main compartment 118 of the housing 101. The vented upper compartment 128 may be partitioned from the main compartment 118 by a base 130 of the vented upper compartment 128, wherein the base 130 of the vented upper compartment 128 may be a lower wall of the vented upper compartment 128. The base 130 of the vented upper compartment 128 may also represent a ceiling of the main compartment 118.

The base 130 of the vented upper compartment 128 may be a generally horizontal wall. The base 130 of the vented upper compartment 128 has air apertures 138, 140 therethrough to enable air exchange between the main 25 compartment 118 and the vented upper compartment 128.

The vented upper compartment 128 may be in the same housing 101 as the main compartment 118. In some, but not necessarily all examples, the sides of the vented upper compartment 128 form part of the above-described upstanding faces 102, 104, 106, 108 of the housing 101. The top of the vented upper compartment 128 may be the top face 112 of the housing 101.

The base 130 of the vented upper corn partment 128 may be above the closure system 114. The base 130 of the vented upper compartment 128 may be above the support means 119. For example, top ends of the rack members 121A-121B, 123A-123B in the main compartment 118 may be connected to a lower surface of the base 130 of the vented upper compartment 128.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the only air vents 116 at the exterior of the electrical enclosure 100 are air vents 116 of the vented upper compartment 128. The main compartment 118 may be substantially sealed in that the main compartment 118 is free from air vents directly leading to the outside of the electrical enclosure 100. The resulting indirect air path to/from the main compartment 118 via a separate vented compartment 128 has several advantages. Firstly, the airflow can be better controlled by the air handling system 600 as described below. Secondly, the main compartment 118 is better protected from moisture, insects, and dirt.

An air handling system 600 is provided within the housing 101 of the electrical enclosure 100, and comprises an air intake unit 200 and an air exhaust unit 300.

The air intake unit 200 may be an active air intake unit. The air exhaust unit 300 may be an active air exhaust unit.

The air intake unit 200 and the air exhaust unit 300 may be located within the housing 101 of the electrical enclosure 100.

The air intake unit 200 may be located towards a top of the electrical enclosure 100. The air exhaust unit 300 may be located towards the top of the electrical enclosure 100.

The air intake unit 200 may be located above the closure system 114. The air exhaust unit 300 may be located above the closure system 114.

The air intake unit 200 may be located above the support means 119. The air exhaust unit 300 may be located above the support means 119.

The air intake unit 200 may be located above the main compartment 118 of the housing 101 of the electrical enclosure 100 The air exhaust unit 300 may be located above the main compartment 118 of the housing 101 of the electrical enclosure 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, if the electrical enclosure 100 has a vented upper compartment 128, the air intake unit 200 may be located within the vented upper compartment 128. The air exhaust unit 300 may also be located within the vented upper compartment 128.

The air intake unit 200 may cover the first air aperture 138 of the base 130 of the vented upper compartment 128 to control airflow through the first air aperture 138. The air intake unit 200 may be mounted to the base 130 of the vented upper compartment 128, or may be mounted to the electrical enclosure 100 in any other appropriate manner.

The air exhaust unit 300 may cover the second air aperture 140 of the base 130 of the vented upper compartment 128 to control airflow through the second air aperture 140. The air exhaust unit 300 may be mounted to the base 130 of the vented upper compartment 128, or may be mounted to the electrical enclosure 100 in any other appropriate manner.

In some examples, the primary or only way for air to be exchanged between the main compartment 118 of the electrical enclosure 100 and the outside environment is through the air handling system 600. The air intake unit 200 and the air exhaust unit 300 may cover the only air apertures 138, 140 of the base 130 of the vented upper compartment 128. The air apertures 138, 140 of the base 130 of the vented upper compartment 128 may be the only air apertures in the main compartment 118 of the electrical enclosure 100. The main compartment 118 may therefore be substantially sealed except for the air path from a set of air vents 116 of the vented upper compartment 128, through the air intake unit 200, through the main compartment 118, through the air exhaust unit 300, and out through a second set of air vents 116 of the vented upper compartment 128.

FIG. 2 illustrates the air intake unit 200 being located laterally alongside the air exhaust unit 300. The air intake unit 200 and the air exhaust unit 300 may be above different doors 114A, 114B of the closure system 114.

The air intake unit 200 and the air exhaust unit 300 may be above different laterally separated support means 119 of the electrical enclosure 100. For example, the air intake unit 200 may be above the first electrical equipment rack 120, and the air exhaust unit 300 may be above the second electrical equipment rack 122. Electrical components with a greater cooling requirement than other electrical components may be secured to the support means 119 closest to the air intake unit 200 to receive the coolest air. The electrical components with the greater cooling requirement may be secured higher on the support means 119, to receive the coolest air.

In some implementations, the positions of the air intake unit 200 and air exhaust unit 300 can be swapped compared to the order shown in FIG. 2.

In other implementations, the laterally separated air intake unit 200 and air exhaust unit 300 are above the same support means 119 and/or above the same door.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate possible implementations of the air intake unit 200 and the air exhaust unit 300.

As shown in FIG. 5, the air intake unit 200 includes a plurality of intake fans 202A, 202B configured to supply intake air to the main compartment 118. Intake air is defined as fresh air from the outside environment, which is cooler than the air inside the main compartment 118. Two intake fans 202A, 202B are shown.

However, in another implementation, the air intake unit 200 comprises only one intake fan 202A or more than two intake fans. Axial flow fans are shown, although different types of fans could be used in other implementations.

As shown in FIG. 4, the air exhaust unit 300 includes a plurality of exhaust fans 302A, 302B configured to remove exhaust air from the main compartment 118. Exhaust air is defined as air that has been warmed by the electrical components. Two exhaust fans 302A, 302B are shown. However, in another implementation, the air exhaust unit 300 comprises only one exhaust fan 302A or more than two exhaust fans. Axial flow fans are shown, although different types of fans could be used in other implementations.

The use of both an active air intake unit 200 and an active air exhaust unit 300 enables faster air replenishment than relying on positive interior pressure to drive air through passive housing vents.

The intake fans 202A, 202B and/or exhaust fans 302A, 302B may each have a diameter of over 150mm, to enable slower and quieter operation than would be possible through the use of smaller fans.

As shown by the flow arrows 126 in FIG. 2, the intake fans 202A, 202B of the air intake unit 200 are configured to direct the intake air in a first direction represented by the downwards arrows. The direction is controlled by the fan orientation and fan rotation direction of the intake fans 202A, 202B. The air intake unit 200 is configured so that the intake air enters the main compartment 118 downwards.

As shown by the flow arrows 126 in FIG. 2, the exhaust fans 302A, 302B of the air exhaust unit 300 are configured to direct the exhaust air in a second direction represented by the upwards arrows. The direction is controlled by the fan orientation and fan rotation direction of the exhaust fans 302A, 302B. The air exhaust unit 300 is configured so that the exhaust air exits the main compartment 118 upwards.

In FIGS. 2-5, the second direction is opposite the first direction because the intake fans 202A, 202B drive air in the opposite direction than the exhaust fans 302A, 302B, wherein the fan axes and corresponding axial directions of the intake and exhaust fans 202A, 202B, 302A, 302B are parallel and in opposite directions. In other implementations, the relative fan orientations are such that the second direction is only partially opposite the first direction.

In summary, the fans of the air intake unit 200 and the air exhaust unit 300 of the illustrated example are located above the main compartment 118 and laterally alongside each other, and configured to push/pull at least some of the airflow in at least partially opposite directions. Both units 200, 300 may be ceiling-mounted and push/pull airflow in opposing vertical directions. An advantage of this arrangement is that the airflow is directed through the main compartment 118 in a U-shaped path or vortex 126. This maximises the path length of the air through the main compartment 118, to maximise the degree of air circulation to electrical components.

This results in better cooling performance than an arrangement in which the air intake unit 200 and air exhaust unit 300 are mounted on opposite or perpendicular walls of the electrical enclosure 100 such that the intake fan axis is 90 degrees or less relative to the exhaust fan axis and intake air is driven at least partially towards the air exhaust unit.

The cooling advantage can be achieved even if the air intake unit 200 and air exhaust unit 300 are mounted at different locations than shown in FIG. 2, as long as their fans are transversely separated and push/pull air in at least partially opposing directions (greater than 90 degrees, preferably approximately 180 degrees, or at least 110-250 degrees).

Referring to FIG. 2, the air intake unit 200 and the air exhaust unit 300 are located within the same vented upper compartment 128, so to prevent warm exhaust air from being recirculated into the air intake unit 200 a partition 124 is located between the air intake unit 200 and the air exhaust unit 300.

The partition 124 can be a wall separating the vented upper compartment 128 into two spaces fluidly decoupled from each other.

Some of the air vents 116 are located to one side of the partition 124 and therefore permit air exchange between the outside environment and the air intake unit 200. Some of the air vents 116 are located to the other side of the partition 124 and therefore permit air exchange between the air exhaust unit 300 and the outside environment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example of the air intake unit 200 and FIG 5 is a cross-section thereof.

The air intake unit 200 is a module to be installed within the vented upper compartment 128 of the electrical enclosure 100. The air vents 116 of the electrical enclosure 100 do not form part of the air intake unit 200.

The illustrated air intake unit 200 comprises a mount 220, a fan/filter housing 210, and an air guiding device 230 for changing the angle of the airflow from the intake fans 202A, 202B.

As shown, the mount 220 of the air intake unit 200 can be a mounting plate. The mount 220 is a carrier of components of the air intake unit 200. One or more of the following components can be secured to the mount 220: the intake fans 202A, 202B; the fan/filter housing 210; the air guiding device 230.

The mount 220 of the air intake unit 200 may be securable to the housing 101 of the electrical enclosure 100 in any appropriate way, such as via removable fixings such as screws or bolts, for mounting the air intake unit 200 to the base 130 of the vented upper compartment 128. Alternatively, another part of the air intake unit 200 can be mounted to the housing 101.

The intake fans 202A, 202B and the fan/filter housing 210 of the air intake unit may be secured to a first side of the mount 220, whereas the air guiding device 230 may be secured to a second opposite side of the mount 220. The air guiding device 230 may protrude into the main compartment 118 through the first air aperture 138 of the base 130 of the vented upper compartment 128.

This enables a user to access the air guiding device 230, for example to adjust the air guiding device 230 to change the angle of ingress of the intake air from the intake fans 202A, 202B into the main compartment 118.

The mount 220 of the air intake unit 200 can be rectilinear such as rectangular, 20 or can have any other appropriate shape The fan/filter housing 210 of the air intake unit 200 houses one or more, or each, of the intake fans 202A, 202B of the air intake unit 200. If an intake filter (not shown) is provided as part of the air intake unit 200, the fan/filter housing 210 may also house the intake filter. Otherwise, the fan/filter housing 210 is just a fan housing.

The illustrated fan/filter housing 210 of the air intake unit 200 is in the form of a lid 211 of the air intake unit 200. The illustrated lid 211 is a suspended lid, 30 suspended above the mount 220 of the air intake unit 200 to provide an air gap therebetween to enable intake air to flow to the intake fans 202A, 202B.

Alternatively, the lid 211 is sealed against the mount 220 but comprises air vents/apertures The lid 211 of the air intake unit 200 comprises a lid top wall 218 and lid side walls 212. The lid top wall 218 may be substantially parallel to the mount 220.

The lid side walls 212 may extend towards the mount 220.

The lid 211 of the air intake unit 200 may be connected to the mount 220 by any appropriate brackets. If the lid 211 is a suspended lid, the lid side walls 212 of the suspended lid 211 may be separated from the mount 220 by an air gap 146 to enable air to enter the fan/filter housing 210. The air gap may extend continuously or discontinuously around part of or all of the perimeter of the air intake unit 200. The air gap may extend continuously or discontinuously along some or all sides of the air intake unit 200.

The air entering the fan/filter housing 210 of the air intake unit 200 may pass through any appropriate intake filter to the intake fans 202A, 202B. The intake filter may be upstream of the intake fans 202A, 202B, to keep the intake fans 202A, 202B clean. The intake filter is between the mount 220 and the lid 211.

The intake filter may be between the intake fans 202A, 202B and the lid top wall 218 of the lid 211.

Any appropriate type of intake filter may be used, such as a coarse particle filter->10pm particle size (e.g., G4), or a fine particle filter-1-10pm particle size (e.g., F7). The intake filter may also prevent insects from entering the main compartment 118.

The lid 211 may be removable, for example via removable fixings, to enable filter removal/replacement and/or fan servicing.

A condensation trap 204 can be provided to ensure that the main compartment 118 is a dry environment. The condensation trap 204 may be upstream of the intake fans 202A, 202B. The condensation trap 204 can be pad of the air intake unit 200.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the condensation trap 204 can comprise a baffle structure including a series of baffles 212, 214, 216 to promote condensation formation upstream of the intake fans 202A, 2023. The baffles 212, 214, 216 may be comprised of metal or a similarly thermally conductive material, to attract condensation formation thereon. The baffle structure may surround the intake fans 202A, 202B and/or may be provided to multiple sides of the intake fans 202A, 202B. Substantially all air entering the main compartment 118 must pass through the condensation trap 204.

A series of two or more baffles can trap condensation. FIG. 5 shows a series of three baffles 212, 214, 216 defining the condensation trap 204. The lid side wall 212 may define a first baffle of the condensation trap 204. A second baffle 214 may be attached to the mount 220 and located inboard of the first baffle 212. A third baffle 216 may be attached to the lid top wall 218 and located inboard of the first and second baffles 212, 214. The baffles 212, 214, 216 may be generally parallel to each other. The baffles 212, 214, 216 may be interdigitated to enable a serpentine airflow path 244 therethrough.

The second baffle 214 may further comprise lid brackets 215 to which the lid 211 is connected. One of the lid brackets 215 is visible in FIG. 5. Therefore, the second baffle 214 connects the lid 211 to the mount 220 via a plurality of spaced lid brackets 215.

Once the intake air has passed through the condensation trap 204, the intake filter, and the intake fans 202A, 202B of the air intake unit 200, the intake air passes through the air guiding device 230 as described above and shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. The air guiding device 230 enables the intake air to be directed towards a specific hotspot within the main compartment 118 and/or towards an area of maximum circulation.

In some examples, the air guiding device 230 of the air intake unit 200 can direct at least part of the intake airflow in a direction transverse to the intake fan axis/axes. For example, the air guiding device 230 may direct at least a part of the intake airflow transversely away from the air exhaust unit 300. The air guiding device may direct a portion of the intake airflow transversely towards the air exhaust unit 300. The air guiding device may enable a portion of the intake airflow to pass through the air guiding device 230 with its direction unchanged.

For example, an air guiding device 230 of an air intake unit 200 positioned as shown in FIG. 2 can direct at least part of the downwards intake airflow laterally away from the air exhaust unit 300. In some examples, the air guiding device 230 can direct a portion of the downwards intake airflow laterally closer to the air exhaust unit 300. In some examples, the air guiding device 230 may enable a portion of the downwards intake airflow to pass through the air guiding device 230 with its downwards vertical direction unchanged.

The air guiding device 230 of the air intake unit 200 comprises air deflectors in 20 the form of one or more louvres 232A-232H. As shown, the air guiding device 230 can comprise a plurality of louvres 232A-232H such as four or more louvres, or eight louvres as shown.

Each louvre 232A-232H is an elongate plate such as a slat, elongated in a primary axis. The primary axis of each louvre refers to the centroid of each louvre in the direction in which each louvre is elongate. The primary axis of each louvre may be generally horizontal when in-situ fitted to the electrical enclosure 100.

If more than one intake fan 202A is provided, a first subset of the louvres 232A- 232D can be located downstream of a first one of the intake fans 202A, 202B, and a second subset of the louvres 232E-232H can be located downstream of the second one of the intake fans 202A, 202B. Each subset of louvres 232A-232D, 232E-232H can comprise one or more louvres, such as four louvres as shown.

The above arrangement enables independent control of the angle of ingress of intake air from each intake fan 202A, 202B. Alternatively, the louvre directions may be perpendicular to that shown in FIG. 5, such that each louvre passes under multiple intake fans 202A, 202B.

The louvres 232A-232H may be arranged in a series of parallel louvres. The louvres 232A-232H may be equidistant from the mount 220 of the air intake unit 200.

The louvres 232A-232H can be nonparallel to the fan axes of the intake fans 202A, 202B, to turn the air towards a transverse (left/right or front/rear) direction away from the fan axes of the intake fans 202A, 202B. The louvres 232A-232H ensure that the velocity vector of the intake air is still downwards but now includes a transverse component.

In FIG. 5, but not necessarily all examples, the first subset of louvres 232A- 232D is angled to turn the intake air from the first intake fan 202A towards a first lateral direction relative to the fan axis of the first intake fan 202A. The second subset of louvres 232E-232H is angled to turn the intake air from the second intake fan 202B towards a second lateral direction opposite the first lateral direction. Therefore, the intake air is split into laterally diverging streams (jets), wherein one stream is diagonally down and left and the other stream is diagonally down and right.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the air guiding device 230 comprises adjustment means to enable modification of the angle of ingress of the intake air. The air guiding device 230 may be hand-adjustable. This is achieved by adjusting the angles of the louvres 232A-232H. The louvres 232A-232H may be adjustable individually, or in subsets, or as a whole set.

The adjustment means may comprise a plurality of detents defining a plurality of predetermined angles into which the or each louvre can be rotated.

Alternatively, the louvre angle can be a substantially continuous variable.

As shown in FIG. 5, a first end of each louvre is pivotally mounted to bracketry 234 of the air intake unit 200. The bracketry 234 is in the form of a plate attached to the second side of the mount 220 and extending generally perpendicular to the mount 220. Opposite bracketry (not visible) is also provided to receive the second end of each louvre.

Each end of each louvre 232A-232H can comprise one or more mounting pins 240, 242 extending through one or more apertures 236, 238 in the bracketry 234. As shown in FIG. 5, the apertures 236, 238 at each end include a curved slotted aperture 238 for one mounting pin 240, and may include a straight slotted aperture for the other mounting pin 242. The curved slotted aperture 238 can comprise a plurality of detents 239 into which a mounting pin 240 can fall.

The louvre can be rotated into any one of the detents 239, and will remain in the detent 239 via its mounting pin 240. Each louvre is individually adjustable in this manner. Alternatively, groups of louvres may be interconnected so that they are adjustable as a group.

For convenience, the mounting pin 240 through the curved slotted aperture 238 may protrude sufficiently far through the curved slotted aperture 238 (e.g., at least 5mm) that a user can pinch the mounting pin 240 between their fingers. The user can then rotate the louvre by moving the gripped mounting pin 240 to another detent 239 of their choosing.

Another convenience feature is the ability to access the air guiding device 230 through the main compartment 118, because the air guiding device 230 protrudes into the main compartment 118. This means that the user does not need separate access to the vented upper compartment 128. The user can reach the mounting pins 240 through the opening of the main compartment 118. Therefore, a user can rapidly set the air guiding device 230 to a desired angle or set of angles, for directing jets of air to desirable locations.

The required number of angles/detent positions for the air guiding device 230 depends on the implementation. FIG. 5 illustrates the air guiding device 230 having nine detent positions defined by the number of detents 239 in each curved slotted aperture 238 -this is certainly optional. However, it may be advantageous for the or each air deflector (e.g., the or each louvre 232A-232H or each subset of louvres) to be rotatable to at least one angle facing a first lateral direction relative to a fan axis, and rotatable to at least one other angle facing a second opposite lateral direction relative to the fan axis. This adjustability enables the air streams to diverge and be aimed in opposite diagonal directions. When applied to the electrical enclosure 100 of FIGS. 1-2, this enables at least one of the streams to be aimed at the central vertical air gap 132, for good circulation. The air circulation would be better than aiming a single jet straight downwardly, where it would likely impinge on an object at a perpendicular angle and lose much of its kinetic energy.

In the example of FIG. 5, one available adjustment angle of the or each air deflector (e.g., louvre 232A-232H) is an angle that is parallel to the fan axis, such that the intake air from the intake fans 202A, 202B is not turned laterally.

As shown in FIG. 5, other available angles include a first plurality of detent positions to a first side of the central detent position and facing the first lateral direction. As shown in FIG. 5, other available angles further include a second plurality of detent positions to a second side of the central detent position and facing the second lateral direction. In an example use case, one stream can be aimed directly downwards or diagonally towards a hot part of an electrical component, whereas another stream can be aimed in a different direction towards open space of the main compartment 118 of the electrical enclosure 100 The maximum range of adjustment angles of the or each deflector may be an obtuse angle such as greater than 90 degrees or greater than 110 degrees.

The maximum range may be defined as the internal angle between the first and last detent position along the curved slotted aperture 238.

The angular separation between each detent position in FIG. 5 can be a value 10 from the range 10-20 degrees, but could more broadly be from the range 5-60 degrees.

The first subset of louvres 232A-232D may, or may not have the same angle adjustability as the second subset of louvres 232E-232H.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the air exhaust unit 300. The air exhaust unit 300 is a module to be installed within the vented upper compartment 128 of the electrical enclosure 100. The air vents 116 of the electrical enclosure 100 do not form part of the air exhaust unit 300.

The illustrated air exhaust unit 300 includes a mount 320, an insect filter housing 310, and a controller 304.

As shown, the mount 320 of the air exhaust unit 300 can be a mounting plate. 25 The mount 320 is a carrier of components of the air exhaust unit 300. One or more of the following components can be secured to the mount 320: the exhaust fans 302A, 302B; the insect filter housing 310; the controller 304.

The mount 320 of the air exhaust unit 300 may be securable to the housing of the electrical enclosure 100 in any appropriate way, such as via removable fixings such as screws or bolts, for securing the air exhaust unit 300 to the base 130 of the vented upper compartment 128.

The exhaust fans 302A, 302B and the insect filter housing 310 may be secured to a first side of the mount 320 of the air exhaust unit 300. Likewise, the controller 304 may be secured to the first side of the mount 320 of the air exhaust unit 300.

The mount 320 of the air exhaust unit 300 can be rectilinear such as rectangular, or can have any other appropriate shape.

Since no condensation trap is required at the exhaust side, the insect filter housing 310 can be an open structure. The illustrated insect filter housing 310 comprises a frame such as a cage structure.

The exhaust air entering the air exhaust unit 300 may pass from the exhaust fans 302A, 302B to any appropriate insect filter (not shown) located downstream of the exhaust fans 302A, 302B, and contained within the insect filter housing 310 of the air exhaust module.

The insect filter may comprise any appropriate air filter or membrane to prevent insects from entering the main compartment 118.

Advantageously, the air intake unit 200 and the air exhaust unit 300 can have corresponding dimensions to enable their positions within the electrical enclosure 100 to be interchangeable. When swapped, the air exhaust unit 300 would cover the first air aperture 138 of the base 130 of the vented upper compartment 128, and the air intake unit 200 would cover the second air aperture 140 of the base 130 of the vented upper compartment 128.

For example, the mount 220 of the air intake unit 200 may have substantially 30 the same length L as the mount 320 of the air exhaust unit 300. The mount 220 of the air intake unit 200 may have substantially the same width Was the mount 320 of the air exhaust unit 300. The air intake unit 200 may have substantially the same height as the air exhaust unit 300, ignoring the air guiding device 230.

Similarly, the first air aperture 138 of the electrical enclosure 100 may have substantially the same dimensions as the second air aperture 140 of the electrical enclosure 100. Therefore, the air guiding device 230 of the air intake unit 200 can be slotted through any one of the first air aperture 138 or the second air aperture 140.

Additionally, or alternatively, the air intake unit 200 and the air exhaust unit 300 may have corresponding enclosure connection point positions, enabling their positions within the electrical enclosure 100 to be interchangeable.

The controller 304 is shown attached to the air exhaust unit 300 but can alternatively be attached to the air intake unit 200. Alternatively, separate controllers 304 may be provided for each unit 200, 300.

The controller 304 is an electronic controller comprising at least one processor, and at least one memory including instructions (computer program code) stored therein. The controller 304 may be operably connected to the exhaust fans 302A, 302B of the air exhaust unit 300. The controller 304 may also be operably connected to the intake fans 202A, 202B of the air intake unit 200, so that only one controller is required. The connection may be any appropriate wired or wireless connection.

The controller 304 may function as a thermal management system (TMS). The controller 304 may be configured to select a fan speed in dependence on a sensed air temperature. The sensed temperature may be from one or more temperature sensors (not shown) appropriately positioned within the electrical enclosure 100. The system 600 may comprise at least one temperature sensor to be positioned within the main compartment 118 of the electrical enclosure 100. A plurality of fan speeds may be available, ranging from over 1000rpm to up to 4500rpm The system 600 may further comprise an alarm system (not shown). The alarm system may be connected to a remote communication interface and/or to an output device of the electrical enclosure 100 to alert an operator of an automatically-detected failure. Examples of failures include: a temperature threshold being exceeded; a failure condition being satisfied; or a blocked filter condition being satisfied.

The output device can comprise a light, a display panel, or the like. The remote communication interface can comprise a wireless interface having a transmitter/transceiver, and/or can comprise a wired interface having a plug. The remote communication interface may be configured to send a formatted message such as a short message service (SMS) message, an e-mail message, or the like, to alert a remote operator of an automatically-detected failure.

Checking the temperature threshold can comprise checking whether the 20 sensed temperature is an over-temperature or an under-temperature.

Checking the failure condition can comprise monitoring for a TMS failure, via voltage free relay contacts, for example.

Checking the blocked filter condition can comprise monitoring a temperature difference across the relevant filter(s) via the temperature sensors. A below-threshold temperature difference may indicate a lack of cooling airflow which could be due to a blocked filter.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

I/we claim:

Claims

CLAIMS1. An electrical enclosure comprising: a housing defining a compartment for receiving electrical components; an air intake unit; and an air exhaust unit, wherein the air intake unit includes an intake fan configured to supply intake air to the compartment, wherein the air exhaust unit includes an exhaust fan configured to 10 remove exhaust air from the compartment, wherein the air intake unit is configured to direct at least part of the intake air in a first direction, wherein the air exhaust unit is configured to direct at least part of the exhaust air in a second direction, and wherein the second direction at least partially opposes the first direction.
2. The electrical enclosure of claim 1, wherein the air intake unit and the air exhaust unit are located towards a top of the electrical enclosure.
3. The electrical enclosure of claim 2, wherein the air intake unit is configured to direct the intake air downwards into the compartment, and wherein the air exhaust unit is configured to direct the exhaust air upwards.
4. The electrical enclosure of claim 2 or 3, wherein the air intake unit and the air exhaust unit are ceiling-mounted relative to the compartment and alongside each other, to direct airflow through the compartment in a U-shaped path.
5. The electrical enclosure of claim 2, 3, or 4, wherein the air intake unit 30 and the air exhaust unit are located in a vented upper compartment of the electrical enclosure, wherein the vented upper compartment is above the compartment of the housing.
6. The electrical enclosure of any preceding claim, wherein a partition is located between the air intake unit and the air exhaust unit to prevent the exhaust air from being recirculated into the air intake unit.
7. The electrical enclosure of any preceding claim, wherein the air intake unit comprises an air guiding device to change an angle of ingress of the intake air from the intake fan into the compartment.
8. The electrical enclosure of claim 7, wherein the air guiding device is adjustable to modify the angle of ingress of the intake air.
9. The electrical enclosure of claim 8, wherein the air guiding device includes a first louvre having an adjustable angle relative to an angle of the intake fan, and a second louvre having a separately adjustable angle relative to an angle of the intake fan.
10. The electrical enclosure of claim 7, 8, or 9, wherein the air guiding device is configured or configurable to split the intake air into laterally diverging 20 streams.
11. The electrical enclosure of any preceding claim, wherein the air intake unit and the air exhaust unit have corresponding dimensions, enabling their positions within the electrical enclosure to be interchangeable.
12. The electrical enclosure of any preceding claim, wherein the air intake unit and the air exhaust unit have corresponding enclosure connection point positions, enabling their positions within the electrical enclosure to be interchangeable.
13. The electrical enclosure of any preceding claim, comprising a condensation trap upstream of the intake fan.
14. The electrical enclosure of claim 13, wherein air intake unit comprises the condensation trap.
15. The electrical enclosure of claim 14, wherein the condensation trap of the air intake unit comprises a baffle structure defining a serpentine airflow path
16. The electrical enclosure of any preceding claim, wherein the air exhaust unit comprises an insect filter downstream of the exhaust fan.
17. The electrical enclosure of any preceding claim, wherein the air intake unit comprises a plurality of intake fans including the intake fan, and/or wherein the air exhaust unit comprises a plurality of exhaust fans including the exhaust fan.
18. The electrical enclosure of any preceding claim, comprising a controller configured to: select a fan speed in dependence on a sensed temperature; trigger an alarm in dependence on one or more of a temperature threshold being exceeded, a failure condition being satisfied, or a blocked filter condition being satisfied.
19. The electrical enclosure of any preceding claim, wherein the housing includes upstanding side faces and a top face, wherein the housing further includes a closure system to enable outside access to the compartment, wherein the housing further includes air vents fluidly coupled to the compartment via the air intake unit and the air exhaust unit, wherein the air vents are provided on at least one of the upstanding side faces of the electrical enclosure.
20. The electrical enclosure of claim 19, wherein the compartment is substantially sealed except for an air path between the air vents via the air intake unit and the air exhaust unit.
21. The electrical enclosure of any preceding claim, wherein the compartment comprises an electrical equipment rack beneath the air intake unit.
22. The electrical enclosure of claim 21, wherein the compartment comprises a second electrical equipment rack beneath the air exhaust unit.
23. An electrical enclosure air handling system comprising: an air intake unit; and an air exhaust unit, wherein the air intake unit includes an intake fan configured to supply intake air to a compartment of the electrical enclosure, wherein the air exhaust unit includes an exhaust fan configured to remove exhaust air from the compartment, wherein the air intake unit and the air exhaust unit have corresponding 20 dimensions and/or enclosure connection point positions, enabling their positions within an electrical enclosure to be interchangeable.