Panel AC Heat Load Calculator
Calculate the required cooling capacity for electrical enclosures based on physical and environmental factors
Calculator
Formulas & Information
Calculation Results
Surface Area:
Heat Transfer through Surface: W
Internal Heat Load: W
Altitude Correction Factor:
Total Heat Load: W
Required Cooling Capacity: W ( BTU/hr)
Heat Load Calculation Methodology
Surface Heat Transfer
Heat transfer through the enclosure surface is calculated based on:
- Enclosure material thermal conductivity (k-factor)
- Total surface area exposed to heat transfer
- Temperature difference between inside and outside
- Mounting type (affects exposed surface area)
K-Factor by Material
- Painted Steel: 5.5 W/m²·°C
- Stainless Steel: 3.7 W/m²·°C
- Aluminium: 12.0 W/m²·°C
- Fibreglass/Polycarbonate: 3.5 W/m²·°C
Internal Heat Load
All electrical equipment power is assumed to convert to heat (100% conversion).
Altitude Correction
Air density decreases with altitude, reducing cooling efficiency. The correction factor increases required capacity based on altitude.
Safety Factor
Additional capacity margin to account for variables such as:
- Door openings
- Seal deterioration
- Future equipment additions
- Temperature measurement inaccuracies
Formula
Total Heat Load = (Surface Heat Transfer + Internal Heat Load) Ă— Altitude Correction Ă— Safety Factor
Where Surface Heat Transfer = k-factor Ă— Surface Area Ă— Temperature Difference
