Leave a transit case in the sun and the interior can get hot enough to kill electronic components. Inlets and outlets for convection mitigate the problem if the ambient air is cool enough. But, they may draw in dust and moisture. Active cooling – thermoelectric or air conditioner – is an alternative but incurs installation, weight and extra costs. Continue reading
Any time you’re buying a case to hold powered-up electrical equipment, cooling should be a top concern. Without it, signals degrade and electronic components are likely to fail. Convective airflow (letting cool air in at the bottom and warm air leave from the top) might be appropriate for low ambient temperature, dust-free conditions. But most applications need a more sophisticated solution. Continue reading
For shipping and transit cases, traditional refrigeration technology is giving way to thermoelectric cooling. Here’s why: Continue reading
According to MIL-HDBK-310, “GLOBAL CLIMATIC DATA FOR DEVELOPING MILITARY PRODUCTS”, the highest temperature ever recorded is 58°C (136°F). This was measured in North Africa in 1922. However, in 2012, the World Meteorological Organization found flaws in the measurement method. So, the official record holder is now Furnace Creek Ranch in California with a temperature of 57°C (135°F). Continue reading
A defense contractor needed a transportable, air conditioned, rack mount case able to handle various climate conditions around the globe on land or by sea. Because it would be installed on the deck of a ship during operation, the case had to meet several military specifications including MIL-648C. Continue reading
We’re all familiar with electrical heating, but cooling by electricity? Here’s a primer to get you up to speed.
Most engineers are familiar with the thermocouple. A pair of dissimilar electrical conductors are arranged in parallel and joined at each end. Continue reading
High temperatures shorten the life of electronic components. That’s why cooling is essential. And, as designers continue to increase the power density of modern systems, the problem is getting worse. So, to avoid premature failure when electronics are mounted in a transit case, proper cooling is paramount.
Whether you’re part of a science team trekking across the frozen Antarctic with sensitive measurement devices, or a covert military unit using computers to monitor insurgent communications in the blistering heat of an Iraqi desert, success depends on the tools you use. Continue reading
