Heat exchanger
GlossaryDefinition
A heat exchanger is a cooling device that removes heat from an enclosure by transferring it to the surrounding air through a thermally conductive barrier.
Unlike air conditioners, heat exchangers use no refrigerants or compressors — they rely on efficient air-to-air or air-to-water heat transfer to maintain stable internal temperatures in sealed systems.
Context
At Vikinor, heat exchangers play a key role in passive and energy-efficient cooling for outdoor telecom and industrial enclosures.
They are ideal for environments where temperature control is required without the energy cost or maintenance of an active cooling system.
By leveraging DC-powered fans and optimized airflow channels, Vikinor heat exchangers provide reliable thermal management while maintaining the enclosure’s IP protection level.
Technical insight
Heat exchangers operate on the principle of conduction and convection, where heat passes through a separating wall from a warm airflow to a cooler one.
In an air-to-air design, two independent air circuits are used:
- Internal loop: Circulates air within the enclosure.
- External loop: Expels heat to the outside environment.
The two loops are thermally connected through an aluminum or copper core, ensuring effective heat dissipation while keeping contaminants, dust, and moisture out.
Vikinor’s heat exchangers are engineered for:
- High-performance DC fan systems for consistent airflow
- Corrosion-resistant materials for outdoor use
- Compact mounting designs compatible with telecom cabinets
- Maintenance-free operation with minimal energy use
Key advantages
- Energy-efficient cooling without refrigerants
- Fully sealed design — no dust or moisture ingress
- Quiet, reliable, and low-maintenance operation
- Extended equipment life through consistent thermal control
- Compatible with renewable and DC-powered systems
Applications
- Telecom base stations and outdoor cabinets
- Industrial control and automation enclosures
- Battery storage systems
- Energy and utility infrastructure cabinets
- Passive cooling for off-grid or low-maintenance installations
FAQ
A heat exchanger transfers heat through conduction and airflow, while an air conditioner uses a refrigerant-based compression cycle. Heat exchangers are simpler, more energy-efficient, and maintenance-free.
When the ambient temperature is lower than the desired internal temperature and a sealed, low-maintenance cooling solution is preferred.
Yes. Vikinor’s heat exchangers are designed to keep internal and external air separate, preserving IP55 or higher protection levels.
