The Difference Between Ambient and Below-Ambient Heat Exchangers

When industries began relying on heat exchangers for their electrical thermal management needs, they quickly benefited from the cleaner and more efficient cooling technology. Yet, there are still instances when the surrounding air is too hot for ambient heat exchangers to work, and previously, that meant companies still had to rely on more expensive air conditioning equipment. With Noren’s below-ambient heat exchangers, companies that operate in hot climates can still take advantage of the green energy benefits that come with heat exchanger technology.

Ambient vs. Below Ambient

Ambient heat exchangers operate exactly as their name suggests. The technology removes the waste heat that electronics give off so that the air inside of the electrical enclosure doesn’t rise above the ambient temperature outside of the enclosure. This prevents heat pockets from forming inside of the enclosure and damaging the delicate equipment. For most applications in most climates, this offers a highly effective way to cool electrical cabinets without having the chill the air to lower temperatures.

Sometimes, though, that chilling effect is exactly what’s needed. All electrical equipment has a maximum operating temperature—the temperature at which the equipment can no longer work properly, and will overheat. If the ambient temperature outside is higher than this rating, then an ambient heat exchanger will not suffice. However, Noren’s below-ambient heat exchangers are able to lower the temperature within an electrical cabinet using only water (or another coolant fluid) in a closed-loop system.

In air-to-water heat exchangers, the fluid absorbs the waste heat given off by electrical equipment. The fluid is then cooled and recirculated in a closed-loop system to continuously transfer heat away from sensitive circuits. The temperature inside the enclosure is dictated by the temperature of the coolant, so you have a greater control over the exact temperature within the enclosure.

Ambient and Below-Ambient Cooling Units to Meet Every Need

Choosing between ambient and below-ambient heat exchangers requires thoroughly understanding a system’s specific thermal management needs. Therefore, we can perform a comprehensive system analysis to ensure that we create the right solution, every time. To learn more, call Noren Thermal, Inc. at 650-322-9500, or toll-free at 866-936-6736. Located in Menlo Park, CA, Noren proudly produces all of our products in the United States and delivers them to clients nationwide.