Glossary · Automation fundamentals, platforms and components
Heat dissipation
Also known as: Heat removal, Thermal management
German: Wärmeabfuhr
In electrical and electronic engineering, heat dissipation is the removal of heat produced by power losses in components, by conduction, convection or radiation, so that devices stay within their permitted temperature range.
- Automation components
In one sentence
Heat dissipation is the removal of heat from power losses in components so devices stay within their permitted temperature range.
Example
A control cabinet with drives losing 800 W in total is fitted with a filter fan and exhaust filter sized for this heat load.
How it applies
- Engineering: Cabinet design sums up the power losses of all devices and chooses passive ventilation, fans, heat exchangers or cooling units accordingly. Mounting distances and orientation from data sheets matter.
- Maintenance: Clogged filters and failed fans are common causes of overheating and derating.
- Documentation: Installation instructions should state required clearances, mounting positions and ambient temperature limits. Maintenance schedules should include checks of fans and filters. Hot surfaces are also a Thermal hazard that may need warnings.
- Commissioning: Measuring cabinet temperatures at full load confirms the thermal design before handover.
Heat dissipation vs. power loss
Power loss is the heat produced; heat dissipation is getting it out. Reducing losses through better Efficiency (energy conversion) also reduces the cooling needed.