MOISTURE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRICAL ENCLOSURES

Abstract

An electrical enclosure system is described herein. The electrical enclosure system can include an electrical enclosure having at least one wall forming a cavity. The electrical enclosure system can also include at least one electrical device disposed within the cavity of the electrical enclosure. The electrical enclosure system can further include a moisture pump assembly disposed in a first aperture in the at least one wall, where the moisture pump assembly passes ambient air into the cavity. The electrical enclosure system can also include a vent assembly disposed in a second aperture in the at least one wall, where the vent assembly passes cavity air from the cavity to outside the electrical enclosure.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to controlling an environment within electrical enclosures, and more particularly to systems, methods, and devices for moisture control systems for electrical enclosures.

BACKGROUND

Electrical enclosures are used in a number of applications (e.g., photovoltaic (PV) solar) and have a number of different sizes and configurations. Such electrical enclosures have one or more electrical devices disposed therein. Sometimes, the environments in which these electrical enclosures are located are subject to one or more environmental conditions (e.g., high temperatures, high humidity, moisture) that can be present inside an electrical enclosure. When this occurs, damage can occur to the electrical devices, causing the electrical devices to fail.

SUMMARY

In general, in one aspect, the disclosure relates to an electrical enclosure system. The electrical enclosure system can include an electrical enclosure comprising at least one wall forming a cavity. The electrical enclosure system can also include at least one electrical device disposed within the cavity of the electrical enclosure. The electrical enclosure system can further include a moisture pump assembly disposed in a first aperture in the at least one wall, where the moisture pump assembly passes ambient air into the cavity. The electrical enclosure system can also include a vent assembly disposed in a second aperture in the at least one wall, wherein the vent assembly passes cavity air from the cavity to outside the electrical enclosure.

In another aspect, the disclosure can generally relate to a moisture control system to provide environment control for an electrical enclosure. The moisture control system can include a moisture pump assembly disposed in a first aperture in at least one wall of the electrical enclosure, where the moisture pump assembly passes ambient air into a cavity formed by the at least one wall. The moisture control system can also include a vent assembly disposed in a second aperture in the at least one wall, where the vent assembly passes cavity air from the cavity to outside the electrical enclosure. The electrical enclosure can have disposed in the cavity at least one electrical device.

In yet another aspect, the disclosure can generally relate to a method for controlling a climate in a cavity of an electrical enclosure. The method can include receiving, using a moisture pump assembly, ambient air from an ambient environment outside the electrical enclosure. The method can also include sending, by the moisture pump assembly, the ambient air into the cavity of the electrical enclosure. The method can further include receiving, using a vent assembly, cavity air from the cavity of the electrical enclosure. The method can also include sending, by the vent assembly, the cavity air to the ambient environment outside the electrical enclosure.

These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate only example embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope, as the example embodiments may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the example embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions or positionings may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the drawings, reference numerals designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a moisture control system for electrical enclosures in accordance with certain example embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of a moisture pump assembly in accordance with certain example embodiments.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional side view of a vent assembly in accordance with certain example embodiments.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional side view of another moisture pump assembly in accordance with certain example embodiments.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional side view of another vent assembly in accordance with certain example embodiments.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of a method for controlling a climate in a cavity of an electrical enclosure in accordance with certain example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, example embodiments provide systems, methods, and devices for moisture control systems for electrical enclosures. Example moisture control systems for electrical enclosures provide a number of benefits. Such benefits can include, but are not limited to, operation by a user without tools (e.g., only by hand), portability of the electrical enclosures by a user, and securely mounting an electrical enclosure to a mounting structure on a temporary basis.

The example embodiments discussed herein can be directed to any type of application (e.g., a PV solar system, generation control systems, branch circuit management and protection). A user may be any person that interacts with example moisture control systems for electrical enclosures. Examples of a user may include, but are not limited to, an engineer, an electrician, an instrumentation and controls technician, a mechanic, an operator, a consultant, a contractor, and a manufacturer's representative.

The moisture control systems for electrical enclosures (or components thereof) described herein can be made of one or more of a number of suitable materials to allow the electrical enclosures to meet certain standards and/or regulations while also maintaining durability in light of the one or more conditions under which the electrical enclosures, including the example moisture control systems, can be exposed. Examples of such materials can include, but are not limited to, aluminum, stainless steel, fiberglass, glass, plastic, ceramic, and rubber.

Example moisture control systems for electrical enclosures, or portions thereof, described herein can be made from a single piece (as from a mold, injection mold, die cast, or extrusion process). In addition, or in the alternative, example moisture control systems for electrical enclosures, or portions thereof, can be made from multiple pieces that are mechanically coupled to each other. In such a case, the multiple pieces can be mechanically coupled to each other using one or more of a number of coupling methods, including but not limited to epoxy, welding, fastening devices, compression fittings, mating threads, and slotted fittings. One or more pieces that are mechanically coupled to each other can be coupled to each other in one or more of a number of ways, including but not limited to fixedly, hingedly, removeably, slidably, and threadably.

Components and/or features described herein can include elements that are described as coupling, mounting, fastening, securing, or other similar terms. Such terms are merely meant to distinguish various elements and/or features within a component or device and are not meant to limit the capability or function of that particular element and/or feature. For example, a feature described as a “coupling feature” can couple, mount, secure, fasten, and/or perform other functions aside from merely coupling.

A coupling feature (including a complementary coupling feature) as described herein can allow one or more components and/or portions of an example moisture control system (e.g., a moisture pump, a vent, a check valve) to become mechanically coupled, directly or indirectly, to another portion (e.g., electrical enclosure, check valve) of the moisture control system. A coupling feature can include, but is not limited to, a portion of a hinge, an aperture, a recessed area, a protrusion, a clamp, a slot, a spring clip, a tab, a detent, and mating threads. One portion of an example moisture control system can be coupled to a component of the moisture control system by the direct use of one or more coupling features.

In addition, or in the alternative, a portion of an example moisture control system can be coupled to a component of a moisture control system using one or more independent devices that interact with one or more coupling features disposed on a component of the moisture control system. Examples of such devices can include, but are not limited to, a pin, a hinge, a fastening device (e.g., a bolt, a screw, a rivet), and a spring. One coupling feature described herein can be the same as, or different than, one or more other coupling features described herein. A complementary coupling feature as described herein can be a coupling feature that mechanically couples, directly or indirectly, with another coupling feature.

Further, if a component of a figure is described but not expressly shown or labeled in that figure, the label used for a corresponding component in another figure can be inferred to that component. Conversely, if a component in a figure is labeled but not described, the description for such component can be substantially the same as the description for the corresponding component in another figure. The numbering scheme for the various components in the figures herein is such that each component is a three digit number and corresponding components in other figures have the identical last two digits.

In the foregoing figures showing example embodiments of moisture control systems for electrical enclosures, one or more of the components shown may be omitted, repeated, and/or substituted. Accordingly, example embodiments of moisture control systems for electrical enclosures should not be considered limited to the specific arrangements of components shown in any of the figures. For example, features shown in one or more figures or described with respect to one embodiment can be applied to another embodiment associated with a different figure or description.

As defined herein, an electrical enclosure is any type of cabinet or housing inside of which is disposed one or more electrical devices. Such electrical devices can include, but are not limited to, variable frequency drives (VFDs), controllers, relay coils, contactors, transformers, inverters, converters, fuses, electrical cables, and electrical conductors. In some cases, an electrical device can generate heat when operating. Examples of an electrical enclosure can include, but are not limited to, an electrical connector, a junction box, a motor control center, a breaker cabinet, an electrical housing, a conduit, a control panel, an indicating panel, and a control cabinet.

Further, as defined herein, the term “pump” can refer to any device or mechanism that moves a medium (e.g., air) therethrough. A pump can include electrical and/or mechanical components, as with an impeller driven by an electrical motor, or as with a fan or blower that rotates using a motor. In certain example embodiments, a pump can be entirely passive, and so does not include any electrical and/or mechanical components. For example, as described below with respect to FIGS. 2 and 4, an example pump moves air therethrough using only a differential in pressure and/or temperature between ambient air (air outside of an electrical enclosure) and air within the electrical enclosure. In other words, the pumps described below with respect to FIGS. 2 and 4 may not include an impeller, a motor, a fan, a blower, or any other electrical and/or mechanical component to move air therethrough.

Example embodiments are designed to control an amount of moisture within an electrical enclosure. Certain example embodiments can be used to keep the moisture (as measured, for example, by relative humidity using sensors within and/or outside the electrical enclosure) that is within an electrical enclosure within a range of values. In some cases, example embodiments can be used to eliminate substantially all moisture within an electrical enclosure. As such, example embodiments can operate continuously, at regular intervals, when the moisture within an electrical enclosure falls outside a range of values, on-demand from a user, and/or according to some other schedule.

In certain example embodiments, electrical enclosures to which example moisture control systems are coupled are subject to meeting certain standards and/or requirements. For example, the National Electric Code (NEC), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) set standards as to electrical enclosures, wiring, and electrical connections. Use of example embodiments described herein meet (and/or allow a corresponding device to meet) such standards when required. In some (e.g., PV solar) applications, additional standards particular to that application may be met by the electrical enclosures to which example moisture control systems are coupled.

For example, the example moisture control systems, when coupled to an electrical enclosure, can allow the electrical enclosure to meet the NEMA 4X standard. In such a case, the electrical enclosure is constructed to provide a degree of protection to components (e.g., electrical devices) disposed within the electrical enclosure against, at least, corrosion, falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow, ice, windblown dust, splashing water, and hose-directed water. As a specific example, an electrical enclosure with a NEMA 4X rating can provide protection with respect to harmful effects on electrical equipment disposed within the electrical enclosure due to ingress of water. Thus, the example moisture control system that is mechanically coupled to such an electrical enclosure must also meet these standards.

In addition, or in the alternative, example moisture control systems can be located in hazardous and/or marine environments. Examples of a hazardous location in which example embodiments can be used can include, but are not limited to, an airplane hangar, a drilling rig (as for oil, gas, or water), a production rig (as for oil or gas), a refinery, a chemical plant, a power plant, a mining operation, and a steel mill. Example moisture control systems can comply with one or more standards for one or more environments of use, where such standards are established and maintained by one or more authoritative entities, including but not limited to Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the National Electromechanical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). A hazardous environment can include an explosion-proof environment, which would require an electrical enclosure with an example moisture control system to meet one or more requirements, including but not limited to flame paths.

Example embodiments of moisture control systems for electrical enclosures will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of moisture control systems for electrical enclosures are shown. Moisture control systems for electrical enclosures may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of moisture control systems for electrical enclosures to those of ordinary skill in the art. Like, but not necessarily the same, elements (also sometimes called components) in the various figures are denoted by like reference numerals for consistency.

Terms such as “first”, “second”, “top”, “bottom”, “side”, “width”, “length”, “inner”, “outer”, “left”, and “right” are used merely to distinguish one component (or part of a component or state of a component) from another. Such terms are not meant to denote a preference or a particular orientation, and are not meant to limit embodiments of moisture control systems for electrical enclosures. In the following detailed description of the example embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of an electrical enclosure system 100 that includes a moisture control system 105 in accordance with certain example embodiments. The system 100 of FIG. 1 includes an electrical enclosure 110, an electrical enclosure 130, an electrical enclosure 135, and the moisture control system 105. The electrical enclosure 130 and the electrical enclosure 135 are each conduit and are each coupled to the electrical enclosure 110. The electrical enclosure 130 has a wall 123 that forms a cavity 124. Inside of the cavity 124 of the electrical enclosure 130 of FIG. 1 is an electrical cable 131, which extends through the electrical enclosure 130 and terminates inside the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110.

The electrical cable 131 has one or more electrical conductors 133 that are all enclosed within a jacket 132 that is made, at least in part, of electrically non-conductive material. Similarly, the electrical enclosure 135 has a wall 125 that forms a cavity 126. Inside of the cavity 126 of the electrical enclosure 135 of FIG. 1 is another electrical cable 136, which extends through the electrical enclosure 135 and terminates inside the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110. The electrical cable 136 has one or more electrical conductors 138 that are all enclosed within a jacket 137 that is made, at least in part, of electrically non-conductive material.

The electrical enclosure 110 has at least one wall 111 (in this case, a left side wall 111A, a top side wall 111B, a right side wall 111C, a bottom side wall 111D, a back wall 111E, and a cover (not shown)) that forms a cavity 112. There can be one or more electrical devices disposed in the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, aside from the ends of the electrical cable 131 and the electrical cable 136, a transformer 121, a VFD 120, and a number of electrical wires 139 are disposed inside the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110. In this case, the electrical conductors 133 of the electrical cable 131 are coupled to the transformer 121. The transformer 121 are coupled to one end of a number of electrical wires 139, and the other end of the electrical wires 139 are coupled to the VFD 120. Finally, the electrical conductors 138 of the electrical cable 136 are also coupled to the VFD 120.

If the electrical devices (in this case, the electrical conductors 133 of the electrical cable 131, the electrical conductors 138 of the electrical cable 136, the transformer 121, the VFD 120, and the electrical wires 139) disposed in the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110 are exposed to moisture, those electrical devices can be subject to corrosion, ground faults, and/or other issues that can adversely affect their operation. Similarly, excessive temperatures experienced by the electrical devices inside the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110 can adversely affect the performance of those electrical devices.

The example moisture control system 105 can be used to reduce moisture and/or temperatures in the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110. In certain example embodiments, the moisture control system 105 includes a moisture pump assembly 140 and a vent assembly 150. Details of the moisture pump assembly 140 are provided below with respect to FIGS. 2 and 4, and details of the vent assembly 150 are provided below with respect to FIGS. 3 and 5.

The moisture pump assembly 140 and the vent assembly 150 are each coupled to a wall 111 of the electrical enclosure 110. Specifically, the moisture pump assembly 140 and the vent assembly 150 are each disposed in an aperture in a wall 111 of the electrical enclosure 110. The moisture pump assembly 140 can be coupled to the same wall 111 or a different wall 111 compared to the wall 111 of the electrical enclosure 110 that the vent assembly 150 is coupled. For example, in this case, the moisture pump assembly 140 and the vent assembly 150 are both coupled to the left side wall 111A.

A moisture control system 105 can have multiple moisture pump assemblies 140 and/or multiple vent assemblies 150. In certain example embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the vent assembly 150 is disposed toward a top end of the electrical enclosure, and the moisture pump assembly 140 is disposed toward a bottom end of the electrical enclosure. In other words, the aperture in which the moisture pump assembly 140 is disposed can be located toward the bottom side wall 111D, and the aperture in which the vent assembly 150 is disposed can be located toward the top side wall 111B.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of a moisture pump assembly 140 in accordance with certain example embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in certain example embodiments, the moisture pump assembly 140 is configured to receive ambient air from the ambient environment 113 (i.e., outside the electrical enclosure 110), remove at least some of the moisture from the ambient air, and allow the ambient air with reduced moisture content to enter the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110. The moisture pump assembly 140 can include one or more components. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the moisture pump assembly 140 can include a moisture pump 260 and a valve 270 coupled to the moisture pump 260.

The moisture pump 260 can have at least one wall 263 that forms a channel 264 through which the ambient air flows. The moisture pump 260 can have one or more features that receive the ambient air from the ambient environment 113 and remove at least some of the moisture from the ambient air. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the moisture pump 260 can include an inlet 261 (also called a breather 261), one or more optional baffles 266 disposed within the channel 264, desiccant 265 disposed in some or all of the channel 264, and an outlet 262.

The desiccant 265 can be any substance that removes moisture. The desiccant 265 can be in solid, liquid, and/or gas form within the channel 264. Examples of the desiccant can include, but are not limited to silica, activated charcoal, calcium sulfate, and calcium chloride. The desiccant 265 can be designed to remove moisture within a range of temperatures that include the temperature of the ambient air and the temperature of the air (also called cavity air) inside the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110. In some cases, the moisture pump 260 can be configured in such a way that the desiccant 265 can be replaced within the channel 264 by a user. For example, one of the walls 263 of the moisture pump 260 can be removably coupled to one or more of the other walls 263 of the moisture pump 260, where removing a wall 263 provides access to the channel 264.

As discussed above, the baffles 266 can be optionally included in the channel 264. Baffles 266 can effectively elongate the channel 264 of the moisture pump 260, allowing the moisture content of the ambient air to be more greatly reduced. The inlet 261 and the outlet 262 can be or include one or more apertures, The outlet 262 can include one or more coupling features (as shown in FIG. 4 below) that couple to complementary coupling features of the valve 270. Similarly, also as shown in FIG. 4 below, the moisture pump 260 can include one or more coupling features that couple to complementary coupling features of a wall 111 of the electrical enclosure 110.

The moisture pump 260 can operate in one or more of a number of ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the moisture pump 260 can be without any valves or electronics. In such a case, the moisture pump 260 allows ambient air to pass through the channel 264 based on a differential in pressure between the pressure of the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110 and the pressure of the ambient environment 113. A pressure differential between the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110 and the ambient environment 113 can be based, at least in part, on a difference in temperature between the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110 and the ambient environment 113.

In certain example embodiments, the valve 270 regulates the amount of ambient air that flows from the channel 264 of the moisture pump 260 to the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110. In some cases, the valve 270 can act as a check valve, only allowing ambient air to flow into the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110 and preventing the cavity air from flowing through the moisture pump 260 into the ambient environment 113. The valve 270 can include an inlet 271, an outlet 272, at least one wall 273 that forms a cavity 274, and a valve assembly 275 disposed within the cavity 274. The valve 270 can be disposed between the outlet 262 of the moisture pump 260 and the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110.

The valve assembly 275 can include one or more of a number of components. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the valve assembly 275 can include a seat 276 disposed on the inner surface of a wall 273, a flapper 277, and a hinge 278 disposed on the inner surface of a wall 273 and to which the flapper 277 is movably coupled. The seat 276 is positioned and configured in such a way as to prevent the flapper 277 from moving beyond the seat 276 toward the inlet 271 of the valve 270. In this way, the valve assembly 275 prevents cavity air from flowing toward the moisture pump 260. When the valve assembly 275 moves from a closed position (when the flapper 277 abuts the seat 276) to an open position (when the flapper 277 moves away from the seat 276), ambient air flowing through the moisture pump 260 is allowed to flow into the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110.

The valve assembly 275 can operate (move between the closed position and the open position) in one or more of a number of ways. For example, the valve assembly 275 can operate based on pressure differential. In other words, when air flows through the inlet 271 at a flow rate sufficient enough to move the flapper 277 of the valve assembly 275 away from the seat 276, the valve 270 allows ambient air flowing through the moisture pump 260 to flow into the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110. As an alternative example, the valve assembly 275 can operate electrically. For example, an optional controller 279 of the valve 270 can be coupled to the valve assembly 275. In such a case, the controller 279 can operate the valve assembly 275 based on one or more of a number of conditions. Such conditions can include, but are not limited to, passage of time, time of day, operation status of one or more electrical devices (e.g., electrical device 120), temperature within the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110, and pressure within the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110.

The valve assembly 275, or any portion thereof, can be calibrated so that a minimum rate of air flow through the inlet 271 is required before the valve assembly 275 opens to allow ambient air to flow through the moisture pump 260 and into the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110. For example, the hinge 278 can be set to have a certain tension that must be overcome before the flapper 277 can be drawn away from the seat 276. The valve assembly can be calibrated in the field by a user and/or by a manufacturer. In certain example embodiments, the value 270 is optional.

The valve assembly 275 can have one or more alternative configurations compared to what is shown in FIG. 2. For example, the valve assembly 275 can be a guillotine shut off that operates mechanically, pneumatically, hydraulically, or in any other suitable fashion. As shown in FIG. 2, all components of the moisture pump assembly 140 can operate without the use of electricity. In certain example embodiments, the moisture pump assembly 140 can include one or more of a number of other components not shown in FIG. 2. Examples of such components can include, but are not limited to, piping, sensor devices (e.g., temperature sensor, pressure sensor, photocell), porous media (e.g., a filter), and removable desiccant cartridges.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional side view of a vent assembly 150 in accordance with certain example embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, in certain example embodiments, the vent assembly 150 is configured to receive cavity air from the the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110 and sent the cavity air into the ambient environment 113 (i.e., outside the electrical enclosure 110). The vent assembly 150 can include one or more components. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the vent assembly 150 can include a vent 290 and a valve 280 coupled to the vent 290. In this case, the valve 280 is disposed between the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110 and the inlet 291 of the vent 290.

In certain example embodiments, the valve 280 regulates the amount of cavity air that flows from the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110 to the vent 290. In some cases, as with the valve 270 of the moisture pump assembly 140, the valve 280 can act as a check valve, only allowing cavity air to flow through the vent 290 into the ambient environment 113 and preventing the ambient air from flowing into the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110. The valve 280 can include an inlet 281, an outlet 282, at least one wall 283 that forms a cavity 284, and a valve assembly 285 disposed within the cavity 284. The valve 280 can be disposed between the inlet 262 of the vent 290 (described below) and the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110.

The valve assembly 285 can include one or more of a number of components. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the valve assembly 285 can include a seat 286 disposed on the inner surface of a wall 283, a flapper 287, and a hinge 288 disposed on the inner surface of a wall 283 and to which the flapper 287 is movably coupled. The seat 286 is positioned and configured in such a way as to prevent the flapper 287 from moving beyond the seat 286 toward the inlet 281 of the valve 280. In this way, the valve assembly 285 prevents ambient air from flowing from the vent 290 into the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110. When the valve assembly 285 moves from a closed position (when the flapper 287 abuts the seat 286) to an open position (when the flapper 287 moves away from the seat 286), cavity air is allowed to flow into the vent 290.

As with the valve assembly 275 of the valve 270, the valve assembly 285 can operate (move between the closed position and the open position) in one or more of a number of ways. For example, the valve assembly 285 can operate based on pressure differential. In other words, when cavity air flows through the inlet 281 at a flow rate sufficient enough to move the flapper 287 of the valve assembly 285 away from the seat 286, the valve 280 allows the cavity air to flow into the vent 290. As an alternative example, the valve assembly 285 can operate electrically. For example, an optional controller 289 of the valve 280 can be coupled to the valve assembly 285. In such a case, the controller 289 can operate the valve assembly 285 based on one or more of a number of conditions. Such conditions can include, but are not limited to, passage of time, time of day, operation status of one or more electrical devices (e.g., electrical device 120), temperature within the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110, and pressure within the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110.

The valve assembly 285, or any portion thereof, can be calibrated so that a minimum rate of air flow through the outlet 291 is required before the valve assembly 285 opens to allow cavity air to flow through the vent 150 and into the ambient environment 113. For example, the hinge 288 can be set to have a certain tension that must be overcome before the flapper 287 can be drawn away from the seat 286. The valve assembly 285 can be calibrated in the field by a user and/or by a manufacturer. In certain example embodiments, the value 280 is optional.

The configuration of the valve 280 of the vent assembly 150 can be substantially the same as, or different than, the configuration of the valve 270 of the moisture pump assembly 140. The vent 290 can have at least one wall 293 that forms a channel 294 through which the cavity air flows. The channel 294 formed by the wall 293 can be straight or curved. For example, in this case, the channel 294 extends away from the valve 280 along the length of the valve 280, and then makes an approximately 90° bend in a downward direction relative to the length of the valve 280. The vent 290 can have one or more features that receive the cavity air from the valve 280. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the vent 290 can include an inlet 291, one or more optional baffles disposed within the channel 294 (not shown, but substantially similar to the baffles 266 described above with respect to FIG. 2), and an outlet 292.

In some cases, as shown in FIG. 3, the vent 290 can have at least one curvature or bend that helps direct any condensation that develops from the cavity air away from the cavity 112 of the electrical enclosure 110. The valve assembly 285 can have one or more alternative configurations compared to what is shown in FIG. 3. For example, the valve assembly 285 can be a guillotine shut off that operates mechanically, pneumatically, hydraulically, or in any other suitable fashion. As shown in FIG. 3, all components of the vent assembly 150 can operate without the use of electricity. In certain example embodiments, the vent assembly 150 can include one or more of a number of other components not shown in FIG. 3. Examples of such components can include, but are not limited to, piping, sensor devices (e.g., temperature sensor, pressure sensor, photocell), and porous media (e.g., a filter).

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of an electrical enclosure system 401 that includes a moisture pump assembly 440 in accordance with certain example embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 4 shows the moisture pump assembly 440 coupled to a wall 411 of an electrical enclosure 410. Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the moisture pump assembly 440 and the electrical enclosure 410 of FIG. 4 are substantially the same as the moisture pump assembly 140 and the electrical enclosure 110 of FIGS. 1 and 2, except as described below.

The various components of the moisture pump assembly 440 can include one or more of a number of coupling features that allow those components of the moisture pump assembly 440 to couple to each other. For example, FIG. 4 shows an example of how the moisture pump 460 and the valve 470 of the moisture pump assembly 440 can be coupled to each other. Specifically, at least a portion of the outer surface of the wall 473 of the valve 470 can have at least one coupling feature 409 disposed thereon. In this case, the coupling feature 409 is mating threads. Similarly, at least a portion of the inner surface of the outlet 462 of the moisture pump 460 can have at least one coupling feature 449 disposed thereon. In this case, the coupling feature 449 is mating threads that complement the coupling feature 409 of the valve 470. In this way, the valve 470 and the moisture pump 460 can be threadably coupled to each other.

In certain example embodiments, the valve 470 and/or the moisture pump 460 can include one or more other features and/or components that allow the electrical enclosure 410 to meet one or more of a number of industry standards. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the inner surface of the outlet 462 of the moisture pump 460 can include a channel 467 inside of which a sealing device 443 (e.g., a gasket, an o-ring, silicone) can be disposed. In such a case, the sealing device 443 can prevent moisture and/or other unwanted foreign materials (that could adversely affect the performance of the moisture pump 460) in the cavity air of the cavity 412 of the electrical enclosure 410 from tracking along the outer surface of the wall 473 of the valve 470 into the chamber 464 of the moisture pump 460.

In certain example embodiments, the moisture pump assembly 440 and the aperture in the electrical enclosure 410 in which the moisture pump assembly 440 is disposed can include one or more of a number of coupling features that allow the moisture pump assembly 440 and the electrical enclosure 410 to be coupled to each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, at least a portion of the outer surface of the wall 463 of the moisture pump 460 can have at least one coupling feature 468 disposed thereon. In this case, the coupling feature 468 is mating threads. Similarly, at least a portion of the wall 411 of the electrical enclosure 410 that forms the aperture in which the moisture pump assembly 440 is disposed can have at least one coupling feature 414 disposed thereon. In this case, the coupling feature 414 is mating threads that complement the coupling feature 468 of the moisture pump 460. In this way, the electrical enclosure 410 and the moisture pump assembly 440 can be threadably coupled to each other.

As an alternative to the moisture pump 460, some other component (e.g., the valve 470) of the moisture pump assembly 440 can include one or more coupling features that couple to complementary coupling features disposed in a wall 411 of the electrical enclosure 410. In certain example embodiments, to help the electrical enclosure 410 to meet applicable standards (e.g., NEMA 4X enclosure), one or more additional components and/or features can be added to the electrical enclosure system 401. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, one or more coupling features 444 can be coupled to the moisture pump 460 and abut against the wall 411 of the electrical enclosure 410. In this case, each of the two coupling features 444 shown in FIG. 4 is a nut that has mating threads 446 that complement the coupling feature 468 disposed on the outer surface of the wall 463 of the moisture pump 460.

One coupling feature 444 is exposed to the ambient environment 413 and abuts directly against an outer surface of the wall 411 of the electrical enclosure 410. The other coupling feature 444 is exposed to the cavity 412 and abuts indirectly against an inner surface of the wall 411 of the electrical enclosure 410. Disposed between the coupling feature 444 and the inner surface of the wall 411 of the electrical enclosure 410, within the cavity 412 of the electrical enclosure 410, in this case is an optional sealing device 448 (e.g., a rubber washer). The two coupling features 444 can help maintain the moisture pump assembly 440 in a fixed position relative to the electrical enclosure 410, and the sealing device 448 can be used to create an environmental seal where the moisture pump assembly 440 and the electrical enclosure 410 are coupled to each other. In addition, or in the alternative, an optional sealing device (not shown, but similar to sealing device 448) can be disposed between the coupling feature 444 and the outer surface of the wall 411 of the electrical enclosure 410 in the ambient environment 413.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of an electrical enclosure system 502 that includes a vent assembly 550 in accordance with certain example embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 5 shows the vent assembly 550 coupled to a wall 511 of an electrical enclosure 510. Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the vent assembly 550 and the electrical enclosure 510 of FIG. 5 are substantially the same as the vent assembly 150 and the electrical enclosure 110 of FIGS. 1 and 3, except as described below.

The various components of the vent assembly 550 can include one or more of a number of coupling features that allow those components of the vent assembly 550 to couple to each other. For example, FIG. 5 shows an example of how the vent 590 and the valve 580 of the vent assembly 550 can be coupled to each other. Specifically, at least a portion of the outer surface of the wall 583 of the valve 580 can have at least one coupling feature 597 disposed thereon. In this case, the coupling feature 597 is mating threads. Similarly, at least a portion of the inner surface of the inlet 591 of the vent 590 can have at least one coupling feature 596 disposed thereon. In this case, the coupling feature 596 is mating threads that complement the coupling feature 597 of the valve 580. In this way, the valve 580 and the vent 590 can be threadably coupled to each other.

In certain example embodiments, the valve 580 and/or the vent 590 can include one or more other features and/or components that allow the electrical enclosure 510 to meet one or more of a number of industry standards. For example, while not shown in FIG. 5, the inner surface of the inlet 591 of the vent 590 can include a channel inside of which a sealing device (e.g., a gasket, an o-ring, silicone) can be disposed. In such a case, the sealing device can prevent the cavity air of the cavity 512 of the electrical enclosure 510 from being released into the ambient environment 513 at a location aside from the outlet 592 of the vent 590.

In certain example embodiments, the vent assembly 550 and the aperture in the electrical enclosure 510 in which the vent assembly 550 is disposed can include one or more of a number of coupling features that allow the vent assembly 550 and the electrical enclosure 510 to be coupled to each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, at least a portion of the outer surface of the wall 583 of the valve 580 can have at least one coupling feature 595 disposed thereon. In this case, the coupling feature 595 is mating threads. Similarly, at least a portion of the wall 511 of the electrical enclosure 510 that forms the aperture in which the vent assembly 550 is disposed can have at least one coupling feature 514 disposed thereon. In this case, the coupling feature 514 is mating threads that complement the coupling feature 595 of the valve 580. In this way, the electrical enclosure 510 and the vent assembly 550 can be threadably coupled to each other.

As an alternative to the valve 580, some other component (e.g., the vent 590) of the vent assembly 550 can include one or more coupling features that couple to complementary coupling features disposed in a wall 511 of the electrical enclosure 510. In certain example embodiments, to help the electrical enclosure 510 to meet applicable standards (e.g., NEMA 4X enclosure), one or more additional components and/or features can be added to the electrical enclosure system 501. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, one or more coupling features 544 can be coupled to the valve 580 and abut against the wall 511 of the electrical enclosure 510. In this case, each of the two coupling features 544 shown in FIG. 5 is a nut that has mating threads 546 that complement the coupling feature 595 disposed on the outer surface of the wall 583 of the valve 580.

One coupling feature 544 is exposed to the ambient environment 513 and abuts directly against an outer surface of the wall 511 of the electrical enclosure 510. The other coupling feature 544 is exposed to the cavity 512 and abuts indirectly against an inner surface of the wall 511 of the electrical enclosure 510. Disposed between the coupling feature 544 and the inner surface of the wall 511 of the electrical enclosure 510, within the cavity 512 of the electrical enclosure 510, in this case is an optional sealing device 548 (e.g., a rubber washer). The two coupling features 544 can help maintain the vent assembly 550 in a fixed position relative to the electrical enclosure 510, and the sealing device 548 can be used to create an environmental seal where the vent assembly 550 and the electrical enclosure 510 are coupled to each other. In addition, or in the alternative, an optional sealing device (not shown, but similar to sealing device 548) can be disposed between the coupling feature 544 and the outer surface of the wall 511 of the electrical enclosure 510 in the ambient environment 513.

The cross-sectional shape, size, and configuration of one or more components of the moisture pump assembly 440, the vent assembly 550, and any apertures in a wall (e.g., wall 411, wall 511) of an electrical enclosure (e.g., electrical enclosure 410, electrical enclosure 510) can vary. In some cases, the cross-sectional shape, size, and configuration of one or more components of the moisture pump assembly 440, the vent assembly 550, and any apertures in a wall (e.g., wall 411, wall 511) of an electrical enclosure (e.g., electrical enclosure 410, electrical enclosure 510) depend upon the shape, size, and configuration of another component of an electrical enclosure system (e.g., electrical enclosure system 401, electrical enclosure system 502) that couples to such moisture pump assembly 440, vent assembly 550, and/or aperture in a wall of the electrical enclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of a method 600 for controlling a climate in a cavity of an electrical enclosure. While the various steps in this flowchart are presented and described sequentially, one of ordinary skill will appreciate that some or all of the steps may be executed in different orders, may be combined or omitted, and some or all of the steps may be executed in parallel. Further, in one or more of the example embodiments, one or more of the steps described below may be omitted, repeated, and/or performed in a different order. In addition, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that additional steps not shown in FIG. 6, may be included in performing this method. Accordingly, the specific arrangement of steps should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, the example method 600 begins at the START step and proceeds to step 602, where ambient air is received from an ambient environment 413 outside the electrical enclosure 410. The ambient air can be received using a moisture pump assembly 440 coupled to the electrical enclosure 410. The moisture pump assembly 440 can include a moisture pump 460 that receives the ambient air through an inlet 461. While the ambient air travels through a channel 464 of the moisture pump 460, the temperature and/or moisture content of the ambient air can be reduced using desiccant disposed within the channel 464. In certain example embodiments, the moisture pump 460 operates without the use of electricity. In such a case, a differential in pressure between the cavity 412 and the ambient environment 413 can cause the ambient air to be received by the moisture pump assembly 440 (and, more specifically, the moisture pump 460) from the ambient environment 413.

In step 604, the ambient air is sent into the cavity 412 of the electrical enclosure 410. The ambient air can be sent into the cavity 412 of the electrical enclosure 410 by the moisture pump assembly 440. Specifically, a valve 470 of the moisture pump assembly 440 can regulate the ambient air flowing from the moisture pump 460 to the cavity 412 of the electrical enclosure 410. For example, the valve 470 can act as a check valve that allows ambient air to flow from the ambient environment 413 through the moisture pump assembly 440 to the cavity 412, but prevents cavity air flowing from the cavity 412 through the moisture pump assembly 440 to the ambient environment 413. In certain example embodiments, the valve 470 operates without the use of electricity. In such a case, a differential in pressure between the cavity 412 and the ambient environment 413 can cause the ambient air to be sent by the moisture pump assembly 440 (and, more specifically, the valve 470) into the cavity 412 of the electrical enclosure 410.

In step 606, cavity air from the cavity 512 of the electrical enclosure 510 is received. The cavity air can be received by a vent assembly 550. For example, a valve assembly 585 of a valve 580 of the vent assembly 550 can allow cavity air from the cavity 512 to flow into the vent assembly 550. In certain example embodiments, the valve 580 operates without the use of electricity. In such a case, a differential in pressure between the cavity 512 and the ambient environment 513 can cause the cavity air to be received by the vent assembly 550 (and, more specifically, the valve 580) from the cavity 512 of the electrical enclosure 510.

In certain example embodiments, the valve 580 of the vent assembly 550 can regulate the cavity air flowing from the cavity 512 to the vent 590 of the vent assembly 550. For example, the valve 580 can act as a check valve that allows cavity air to flow from the cavity 512 through the vent assembly 550 to the ambient environment 513, but prevents ambient air from flowing from the ambient environment 513 through the vent assembly 550 to the cavity 512.

In step 608, the cavity air is sent to the ambient environment 513 outside the electrical enclosure 510. The cavity air can be sent to the ambient environment 513 by the vent assembly 550. For example, a vent 590 of the vent assembly 550 can receive the cavity air from the valve 580 and send the cavity air into the ambient environment 513. In certain example embodiments, the vent 590 operates without the use of electricity. In such a case, a differential in pressure between the cavity 512 and the ambient environment 513 can cause the cavity air to be sent by the vent assembly 550 (and, more specifically, the vent 590) into the ambient environment 513.

When step 608 is complete, the process can proceed to the END step. Alternatively, when step 608 is complete, the process can revert to step 602 and repeat itself in a substantially continuous loop. In other words, the method 600 of FIG. 6 can be performed substantially continuously for some period of time. In some cases, as when the steps in the method 600 require a sufficient pressure differential between the ambient environment and the cavity of the electrical enclosure to be performed, the method 600 can be performed continuously for those periods of time when the pressure differential between the ambient environment and the cavity of the electrical enclosure is sufficient.

Example embodiments provide for moisture control systems for electrical enclosures. Specifically, certain example embodiments allow for a moisture pump assembly coupled to one portion of an electrical enclosure, and a vent assembly coupled to another portion of the electrical enclosure. Example moisture control systems for electrical enclosures allow the climate within the cavity of an electrical enclosure to be regulated. For example, example moisture control systems can reduce moisture and/or temperatures within a cavity of an electrical enclosure. Example embodiments can allow an electrical enclosure to comply with applicable standards (e.g., NEMA 4X enclosure) and/or regulations. In some cases, example embodiments can operate using pressure differential between the ambient environment and the cavity of the electrical enclosure. In such a case, example moisture control systems can operate without electricity.

Although embodiments described herein are made with reference to example embodiments, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications are well within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the example embodiments described herein are not limited to any specifically discussed application and that the embodiments described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. From the description of the example embodiments, equivalents of the elements shown therein will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and ways of constructing other embodiments using the present disclosure will suggest themselves to practitioners of the art. Therefore, the scope of the example embodiments is not limited herein.

Claims

1. An electrical enclosure system comprising:

an electrical enclosure comprising at least one wall forming a cavity;

at least one electrical device disposed within the cavity of the electrical enclosure;

a moisture pump assembly disposed in a first aperture in the at least one wall, wherein the moisture pump assembly passes ambient air into the cavity; and

a vent assembly disposed in a second aperture in the at least one wall, wherein the vent assembly passes cavity air from the cavity to outside the electrical enclosure.

2. The electrical enclosure system of claim 1, wherein the moisture pump assembly passes the ambient air into the cavity based on a differential in pressure between the cavity and outside the electrical enclosure.

3. The electrical enclosure system of claim 1, wherein the vent assembly passes the cavity air from the cavity to outside the electrical enclosure based on a differential in pressure between the cavity and outside the electrical enclosure.

4. The electrical enclosure system of claim 1, wherein the first aperture in the at least one wall of the electrical enclosure is located toward a bottom end of the electrical enclosure.

5. The electrical enclosure system of claim 1, wherein the second aperture in the at least one wall of the electrical enclosure is located toward a top end of the electrical enclosure.

6. The electrical enclosure system of claim 1, wherein the at least one electrical device comprises a heat-generating device.

7. The electrical enclosure system of claim 1, wherein the moisture pump assembly comprises:

a moisture pump; and

a valve coupled to the moisture pump, wherein the valve is disposed between an outlet of the moisture pump and the cavity of the electrical enclosure.

8. The electrical enclosure system of claim 7, wherein the moisture pump comprises a channel disposed between an inlet and the outlet of the moisture pump, wherein the ambient air traverses the channel from the inlet to the outlet.

9. The electrical enclosure system of claim 8, wherein the moisture pump further comprises at least one baffle disposed in the channel.

10. The electrical enclosure system of claim 8, wherein the moisture pump further comprises desiccant disposed in the channel.

11. The electrical enclosure system of claim 7, wherein the valve is a check valve that prevents the cavity air from flowing through the channel of the moisture pump.

12. The electrical enclosure system of claim 1, wherein the vent assembly comprises:

a vent; and

a valve coupled to the vent, wherein the valve is disposed between the cavity and an inlet of the vent.

13. The electrical enclosure system of claim 12, wherein the vent comprises a channel disposed between the inlet and an outlet of the vent, wherein the cavity air traverses the channel from the inlet to the outlet.

14. The electrical enclosure system of claim 12, wherein the valve is a check valve that prevents the ambient air from flowing through the channel of the vent into the cavity of the electrical enclosure.

15. The electrical enclosure system of claim 1, wherein the electrical enclosure prevents the ingress of water into the cavity when the moisture pump assembly and the vent assembly are coupled to the electrical enclosure.

16. The electrical enclosure system of claim 1, wherein the electrical enclosure is located in and is rated for a hazardous location when the moisture pump assembly and the vent assembly are coupled to the electrical enclosure.

17. A moisture control system to provide environment control for an electrical enclosure, the system comprising:

a moisture pump assembly disposed in a first aperture in at least one wall of the electrical enclosure, wherein the moisture pump assembly passes ambient air into a cavity formed by the at least one wall; and

a vent assembly disposed in a second aperture in the at least one wall, wherein the vent assembly passes cavity air from the cavity to outside the electrical enclosure,

wherein the electrical enclosure has disposed in the cavity at least one electrical device.

18. A method for controlling a climate in a cavity of an electrical enclosure, the method comprising:

receiving, using a moisture pump assembly, ambient air from an ambient environment outside the electrical enclosure;

sending, by the moisture pump assembly, the ambient air into the cavity of the electrical enclosure;

receiving, using a vent assembly, cavity air from the cavity of the electrical enclosure; and

sending, by the vent assembly, the cavity air to the ambient environment outside the electrical enclosure.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the moisture pump assembly operates without electricity.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the moisture pump assembly removes moisture from the ambient air.