Air Conditioned Cases

Air Conditioned Cases

Our thermoelectric cooled cases protect equipment during shipment and operation and prevent your sensitive electronics from overheating. These units circulate cool air through the interior of the case and expel warm air into the ambient environment. They range from 200 to 2500 BTU/HR and are powered from either an AC or DC source. Thermoelectric coolers have NO compressor, refrigerants or filters resulting in reliable, maintenance-free, long term operation.

Thermoelectric cooled cases are rugged, durable, portable, stackable, impact-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and tested to stringent military standards (certain models).

The size of a cooler depends on a number of factors. To make an accurate recommendation, please submit a size request:

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Amazon Cooler Collars

The Amazon Cooler Collar is a thermoelectic based air conditioner that simply clips to the back or front of an Amazon 19 inch rack mount case. It instantly circulates cool air through the interior and maintains a constant, desired temperature.

The Cooler Collar utilizes a solid state 200 to 2,500 BTU/HR thermoelectric cooler. The internal cool air does not mix with the external ambient air.

It's maintenance free and easy to install. The Amazon Cooler Collar is a convenient air conditioning solution for deployed electronics and communications equipment.

Amazon Cooler Collar with front lid removed ready for attachment to an Amazon Rack.

Features

  • The Cooler Collar is supplied with two lids for protection during transportation and storage.
  • Maintenance free and long life operation.
  • Units can be clipped to the front and rear of an Amazon Rack for additional cooling.
  • Cool air only circulates within the rack protecting delicate electronics from dusty and contaminated environments.
  • Instantly detachable. A unit can be removed to access the equipment or transferred quickly to another Amazon Rack.
  • The Cooler Collar does not consume space within the rack.

Cooler Collar Sizes

Model Model Number Rack Height Rack Depth Wheels Maximum BTUs
Amazon Racks AACC060303* 6U 15" No 1500
Amazon Racks AACC060305* 6U 15" Yes 1500
Amazon Racks AACC080303* 8U 15" No 1500
Amazon Racks AACC080305* 8U 15" Yes 1500
Amazon Racks AACC100303 10U 15" No 1500
Amazon Racks AACC100305 10U 15" Yes 1500
Amazon Racks AACC120303 12U 15" No 2500
Amazon Racks AACC120305 12U 15" Yes 2500

Contact Sierra Cases for applications requiring more than 2500 BTU/HR.

Notes:
* 6U and 8U sizes require a minimum volume order.


Air Conditioner Mounting Options

Thermoelectric air conditioners can be integrated into nearly any style of transit case. Choose from a number of positions and combinations: vertical, horizontal, flush or recessed. Multiple units may be combined for additional cooling.


Top Mount, Recessed

 


Top Mount, Flush

 


Rack Mount, Recessed

 


Rack Mount, Flush

 


Dual Mount

 

Instrument Case Panel-mount 400 BTU Cooler
Instrument Panel Mount

 


Lid Mount

 


Top Mount, Flush and Horizontal

 


Recessed Frame

 


Flush-mount (200 BTU only)

 


Through-mount

 


Extension Frame (400 BTU and larger)

 

Why Thermoelectric Cooling for Transit Cases?


Interior Operation

 


Exterior Operation

 

Designers of computers and electronics are packing more watts in smaller spaces.  This equipment requires more power and generates more heat.  Often, fans are not able to provide enough cooling.  For a transit case application, thermoelectric air conditioners are the right choice for keeping your sensitive electronics cool.  Not only are they efficient coolers, they are rugged, portable, lightweight and compact, and offer a long operating life with minimal maintenance.  When integrated in to a rugged case, not only can they deliver the proper cooling to prolong the life of your valuable electronic equipment, they can safely protect your equipment during transit.

Thermoelectric coolers installed in 19” rack mount cases can easily cool servers, powers supplies, and RF systems; however, they may be integrated into shipping and carrying cases as well.  They may be configured for indoor and outdoor use.  They easily withstand harsh environments found in industrial and military applications.

Thermoelectric vs. Compressor Technology

A thermoelectric air conditioner share similarities to a traditional compressor based air conditioner, e. g., refrigerator.  The main difference, however, is thermoelectric coolers are solid state devices. This means they are entirely electronic; there are no moving components other than fans.  Thermoelectric coolers do not have a compressor, condenser, copper tubing filled with refrigerant, or filters. Consequently, little or no maintenance is required.  These extremely reliable units are also smaller and lighter than compressor systems.  In rugged transit case applications, thermoelectric coolers simply outperform traditional refrigerant based cooling systems.

Advantages of Thermoelectric Cooling

Many applications are turning to thermoelectric cooling as an alternative to traditional refrigeration technology due to several advantages.

  1. Low Maintenance.   A thermoelectric cooler is a solid state device absent of moving parts other than fans.  There is no refrigerant to replace or filters to change or clean.
  2. Compact & Light Weight.   Thermoelectric coolers are smaller and lighter than compressor based systems.  Their low profile can easily mount into a transit case.
  3. Cooling & Heating Options.   Thermoelectric coolers can cool or heat the interior of a case.  Its function is fully reversible by switching the polarity of the DC power input.
  4. High Reliability / Long life.   Thermoelectric coolers are highly reliable due to their solid state construction.  The mean-time-between-failure (MTBF) is typically greater than 100,000 hours.
  5. Rugged.   The construction of a thermoelectric cooler allows them to withstand the punishing abuse of shipping.  They can also operate outdoors in hot weather up to 60ºC (140ºF).
  6. Variety of Mounting Options.   Thermoelectric coolers can operate in any orientation - vertical or horizontal.  There are mounting options for rack mount cases and shipping cases.
  7. Quiet Operation.  Unlike a mechanical refrigeration system, thermoelectric coolers generate virtually no electrical noise and can be used near sensitive electronics.  They are also acoustically silent.
  8. Precise Temperature Control.  Thermoelectric coolers can control temperatures to better than +/- 0.1°C.  A thermostat maintains safe and steady temperatures within the case.
  9. Rapid Response.   Thermoelectric coolers cool immediately and support rapid temperature cycling.
  10. Environmentally Friendly.   Thermoelectric coolers do not use chlorofluorocarbons or other chemical refrigerants that may be harmful to the environment.  They do not generate gases of any kind.

How Do Thermoelectric Coolers Work?


The Peltier Effect The Peltier Effect is the underlying technology that permits the construction of thermoelectric coolers.  In 1834, Jean Peltier passed current through two dissimilar conductors and discovered that the junction of these conductors absorb or release heat depending on the direction of the current.  This phenomenon is the basis of thermoelectricity.

Our thermoelectric air conditioners operate on this principle.  Thermoelectric modules utilize two elements of a semiconductor constructed from doped bismuth telluride.  Upon application of direct current, these modules generate a cooling action countered by a generation of heat on the opposite side.  The modules are sandwiched between high performance aluminum heat sinks.  One or more high CFM axial fans pump the heat from the inside of your case to the outside without exposing your delicate electronics to any outside air or contaminates.

If you have questions about air conditioners for your shipping application, contact a Sierra Cases sales engineer today, 1-888.880.7728.