Views: 35 Author: Aisha Publish Time: 2024-04-29 Origin: Site
Abstract: Outdoor cabinets face more complex and harsher conditions than indoor cabinets due to their diverse usage environments. Comprehensive consideration of various climatic conditions, corrosion resistance, UV resistance, waterproofing, dustproofing, and heat dissipation in the structural design is essential to ensure the cabinet's electrical performance. This article provides a detailed analysis of the key aspects of structural design for outdoor cabinets, aiming to offer valuable insights and references for designers in this field.
In recent years, with the increasing use of automated and intelligent electrical equipment in power systems, the demand for outdoor cabinet equipment has risen. These cabinets include switchgear, variable frequency cabinets, communication cabinets, distribution cabinets, and various power monitoring devices. The rationality of the structural design of outdoor cabinets directly affects the efficiency and reliability of equipment installation, long-term operation, and subsequent maintenance. Pursuing more rational, practical, and adaptable structural designs for outdoor cabinets is becoming an inevitable trend. When designing outdoor cabinets, considerations should encompass usage environment, safety, electromagnetic compatibility, protection ratings, and more.
Different usage environments require different design approaches. Outdoor environments present diverse influencing factors that cannot be addressed singularly but rather through comprehensive consideration.
Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can cause discoloration or peeling of metal surface coatings. Employing techniques like electrophoresis combined with outdoor powder coating can enhance cabinets' UV resistance. UV exposure can also elevate internal temperatures, necessitating enhanced cooling and temperature control functionalities.
Elevated temperatures accelerate insulation aging in electrical equipment, reducing their lifespan and rated current capacity. High temperatures can also lead to semiconductor thermal breakdown or performance degradation, resulting in equipment failure. Common cooling methods include forced air cooling, heat exchanger cooling, and air conditioning, with consideration for on-site conditions and cost constraints.
Excessive humidity can compromise insulation, leading to electrical accidents. Ideally, humidity levels should remain below 60%, not exceeding 80%. Installing air conditioning with dehumidification features or industrial dehumidifiers can mitigate this issue. Surface treatments like electroplating, oxidation, painting, or powder coating can enhance corrosion resistance.
Rainfall
Heavy rainfall poses the risk of damaging electrical insulation, potentially causing equipment damage or endangering safety. Adequate waterproofing measures, such as sealing and proper installation methods, should be incorporated into structural designs to prevent leakage.
Accumulated dust inside outdoor cabinets can impair electrical insulation and damage electronic components, affecting equipment performance. Dustproof measures include installing suitable filters at air inlets and implementing independent airflow channels to prevent dust accumulation.
Outdoor cabinets installed in coastal areas must contend with salt spray corrosion. Corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or galvanized steel coatings should be considered in structural design to mitigate corrosion effects.
For outdoor cabinets, ensuring their sealing performance is crucial to withstand adverse environmental conditions. The recommended dust and waterproof rating for outdoor cabinets, according to NEMA rating and IP rating, should not be lower than IP55 or Nema 4. Achieving this involves selecting appropriate sealing materials and implementing rational waterproof designs to meet protection level requirements.
Effective grounding protects equipment and ensures personal safety, while also serving as a shield against lightning and static electricity. Protective grounding and signal/shield grounding busbars should be installed inside cabinets to ensure equipment safety and electromagnetic compatibility.
As the number of electronic devices used outdoors increases and electromagnetic environments deteriorate, designing effective electromagnetic shielding becomes crucial. Materials for shielding should be selected based on the frequency of local interference sources. Measures to reduce interference within cabinets include installing shielding plates between interfering circuit boards and ensuring reliable grounding.
In addition to aesthetics, durability, ease of installation, and maintenance, outdoor cabinet structural design should consider seismic resistance, corrosion resistance, electromagnetic compatibility, and especially dust and waterproofing capabilities. A holistic approach considering various factors is necessary to design products that are safe, reliable, standards-compliant, and meet customer requirements. Feasibility of structural processes and economic viability should also be fully considered to enhance production efficiency and promote enterprise development.
