Fan, filter units improve ventilation, efficiency

TopTherm fan-and-filter units from Rittal use diagonal technology to improve ventilation and save energy in enclosures and buildings.

December 23, 2010

Rittal Corporation has introduced a line of TopTherm fan-and-filter units, an innovation which uses diagonal technology. When installed, it ensures a far better air throughput for improved ventilation in enclosures and housings. Other advantages are the simple, tool-free assembly, the ease of maintenance and an increased efficiency. Extensive tests have shown energy savings of 43%, according to Rittal.

Using diagonal fan technology, Rittal has created an intelligent synthesis of radial and axial ventilation in its new TopTherm fan-and-filter units. The new fan technology is characterized with the air outlet direction which is not in the fan’s axial direction but instead diagonally to the outside. This favors an even distribution of air in the enclosure or housing, and avoids the formation of hot spots.

In addition to the flat design, the key benefits are the steeper curve and the higher pressure saddle. As a result of this, the system has higher pressure stability and – when installed and under operating conditions – provides a high and constant air flow over a wide area. This reportedly results in an increased operating life for the filter mats without having to settle for any loss of power in return.

Through completely tool-free assembly, the fan-and-filter units can be simply mounted and the air flow direction can be quickly changed. Electrical connections and maintenance can be made easily.

A new release mechanism lets the louvered grille fold down forwards during maintenance work, snapping into position at an opening angle of around 70°. This lets the user now have both hands free to replace a filter mat. The feature allegedly results less additional maintenance and reduced costs. The procedure is the same with the outlet filters.

To improve performance, several fan-and-filter units can be seamlessly bayed to one another without leaving any disturbing gaps TopTherm fan-and-filter units are available in various outputs, ranging from 20-m3/h to 700-m3/h. There is also a choice of 24-V (DC) or 115-V, 230-V and 400-V 3-phase (AC, 50/60-Hz) supply voltages.

Besides the standard fan-and-filter units, an EMC version is also available.

www.rittal-corp.com

Rittal Corporation

– Edited by Amanda McLeman, Control Engineering, www.controleng.com