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