Rittal SK 3378.380 Water-to-Air Heat Exchanger Cooling Kit with Fan

Rittal SK 3378.380: Advanced Water-to-Air Heat Exchanger Cooling Kit for Industrial Enclosures

The Rittal SK 3378.380 is a sophisticated water-to-air heat exchanger cooling kit designed for seamless integration into the Rittal VX25 enclosure system. This unit offers a robust solution for maintaining optimal internal temperatures within industrial enclosures, crucial for the reliable operation of sensitive electronic components and machinery. Its design prioritizes efficient heat dissipation, ensuring consistent performance even in demanding environments.

Product Specifications

| Feature                    | Specification                                                                       |

| :------------------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |

| Model Number               | SK 3378.380                                                                         |

| Type                       | Air/Water Heat Exchanger Cooling Kit                                                |

| Enclosure System           | Rittal VX25 baying system                                                           |

| Compatible Enclosure Depth | 600 mm or 800 mm                                                                    |

| Compatible Enclosure Height| 2,000 mm                                                                            |

| Total Cooling Output       | 9.5 kW (at L 35 °C / W 10 °C at 2000 l/h)          |

| Air Outlet Configuration   | 5 kW on each side, or 10 kW on one side only                                        |

| Water-Carrying Parts       | Copper/Brass (Cu/CuZn)                                        |

| Rated Operating Voltage    | 230 V, 1~, 50 Hz/60 Hz                                       |

| Rated Power (Pel)          | 350 W (at 50 Hz and 60 Hz)                                   |

| Rated Current (Max.)       | 2.65 A (at 50 Hz), 2.62 A (at 60 Hz)                         |

| Permissible Operating Pressure | 1 - 6 bar                                                       |

| Electrical Connection Type | Terminal clamp                                               |

| Cooling Medium             | Water (refer to internet for specifications)             |

| Water Inlet Temperature    | 7 °C - 30 °C                                              |

| Water Connections          | G ¾" internal thread                                      |

| Temperature Control        | e-Comfort Controller (factory setting +35 °C)             |

| Operating Temperature Range| 5 °C - 70 °C                                              |

| Dimensions (W x H x D)     | 300 mm x 2,000 mm x 800 mm                 |

| Noise Level                | 60 dB(A)                                                         |

| Pre-fuse                   | Miniature circuit-breaker/fuse: 4 A                                 |

| Degree of Protection       | IP55                                                                |

| Approvals                  | UL + C-UL (listed)                                                        |

| Color                      | RAL 7035                                                      |

Core Features & Market Positioning

The Rittal SK 3378.380 distinguishes itself through its robust construction and integration capabilities within the widely adopted VX25 enclosure system. Its air/water heat exchanger design offers an efficient method for thermal management, particularly beneficial in environments where ambient air quality may be a concern or when precise temperature control is paramount. The unit's ability to provide either distributed cooling (5 kW per side) or concentrated cooling (10 kW on one side) offers significant flexibility for various enclosure layouts and thermal load distributions. This positions the SK 3378.380 as a high-value solution for industries requiring reliable, high-performance thermal management without compromising on space or ease of integration. The use of copper/brass for water-carrying parts ensures durability and resistance to corrosion, further enhancing its market appeal for long-term industrial applications.

Key Application Scenarios

The Rittal SK 3378.380 is ideally suited for a wide array of industrial applications where maintaining stable operating temperatures within enclosures is critical. This includes:

  Industrial Automation: Protecting PLCs, drives, robots, and control systems from overheating in manufacturing and process automation environments.  Data Centers: Ensuring the reliable operation of IT infrastructure, servers, and networking equipment within data center racks, especially where ambient conditions are not conducive to direct air cooling.  Telecommunications: Safeguarding sensitive electronic equipment in base stations and network cabinets.  Energy Sector: Maintaining optimal temperatures for control and monitoring systems in power generation, transmission, and distribution facilities.  Harsh Industrial Environments: Its robust design and IP55 rating make it suitable for use in dusty, humid, or otherwise challenging industrial settings.

The flexibility in air outlet configuration allows it to be tailored to specific enclosure dimensions and heat dissipation requirements, making it a versatile choice for engineers designing complex industrial systems.

Practical System Integration Guidance

The Rittal SK 3378.380 is designed for straightforward integration, particularly within the VX25 enclosure system. The unit comes ready to connect, pre-wired to a terminal block, simplifying electrical hookups. Its flexible water connection options, allowing for connection at the top or bottom, provide installers with considerable latitude. The dimensions of 300 mm (width) x 2,000 mm (height) x 800 mm (depth) are engineered to fit standard VX25 enclosures of corresponding dimensions, facilitating baying configurations by simple screw fastening at the sides. The unit's G ¾" internal thread water connections are standard and compatible with most industrial water cooling circuits. For optimal performance and to prevent condensation, it's crucial to ensure proper water flow rates and maintain the water inlet temperature within the specified range of 7 °C to 30 °C.

Operation and Risk Mitigation

Safe and efficient operation of the Rittal SK 3378.380 relies on adherence to operational guidelines and proactive risk mitigation. The integrated e-Comfort Controller allows for precise temperature setting, with a factory default of +35 °C, adjustable within an operating range of 5 °C to 70 °C. A key aspect of risk mitigation involves monitoring the cooling medium. The system utilizes water, and adherence to recommended water quality specifications, as detailed in Rittal's technical documentation, is essential to prevent internal corrosion and maintain cooling efficiency. While the unit is rated IP55, protecting against dust ingress and water jets, it is important to ensure all connections are secure and that the unit is not exposed to conditions exceeding its ingress protection rating. Regular inspection of the water circuit for leaks and proper functioning of the fan and pump (if external) are critical maintenance steps to prevent system failures. In the event of an "Internal temp too high" alarm, checks should focus on water flow, fan operation, and potential blockages in the air or water paths. A "Door open" alarm typically indicates an issue with the door contact switch, which should be inspected and reset.

Scalability & Long-Term Value

The Rittal SK 3378.380 offers considerable long-term value and scalability, primarily through its integration within the Rittal ecosystem. As part of the VX25 system, it benefits from Rittal's commitment to modularity and compatibility, allowing for easy expansion or reconfiguration of enclosure suites. While the SK 3378.380 itself is a fixed cooling capacity unit, scalability in a broader sense is achieved by deploying multiple units or integrating them into larger thermal management strategies. Rittal's focus on IIoT and digital solutions means that while this specific model might not have direct IoT connectivity out-of-the-box, its operational parameters can be monitored and controlled through compatible Rittal control systems or SCADA integrations, enabling data-driven optimization and predictive maintenance. The robust construction with copper/brass water-carrying parts ensures longevity, reducing the total cost of ownership. Compatibility with Rittal's extensive range of accessories further enhances its adaptability to evolving industrial needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the cooling capacity of the Rittal SK 3378.380?

The Rittal SK 3378.380 offers a total cooling output of 9.5 kW. This capacity is specified under conditions of a 35°C liquid temperature and 10°C ambient temperature, with a water flow rate of 2000 liters per hour. It is crucial to maintain these parameters for optimal performance.

2. What are the dimensions of the Rittal SK 3378.380?

The Rittal SK 3378.380 has a compact footprint measuring 300 mm in width, 2,000 mm in height, and 800 mm in depth. These dimensions are specifically designed for seamless integration into Rittal's VX25 enclosure system, fitting 600 mm or 800 mm deep enclosures.

3. What type of cooling medium does the Rittal SK 3378.380 use?

This cooling kit utilizes water as its cooling medium. For optimal system longevity and performance, Rittal recommends using water that meets specific quality standards, as detailed in their technical documentation.

4. How is the Rittal SK 3378.380 controlled?

Control is managed via an integrated e-Comfort Controller. This unit allows for precise temperature setting, with a factory default setpoint of +35°C, and can be adjusted within an operating range of 5°C to 70°C.

5. What are the electrical connection requirements for the Rittal SK 3378.380?

The unit operates on a 230V, single-phase power supply, suitable for 50 Hz or 60 Hz frequencies. It features a terminal clamp connection for electrical hookup, simplifying installation procedures.

6. Can the Rittal SK 3378.380 be used in dusty environments?

Yes, the Rittal SK 3378.380 has an IP55 protection rating, which signifies it is dust-protected and shielded against water jets. This rating ensures reliable operation even in moderately challenging industrial conditions.

7. What materials are used for the water-carrying parts?

The water-carrying parts of the Rittal SK 3378.380 are constructed from a durable copper/brass (Cu/CuZn) alloy. This choice of material ensures excellent resistance to corrosion and long-term operational reliability in water-based cooling systems.

8. How is the Rittal SK 3378.380 installed within an enclosure?

The unit is designed for integration into Rittal VX25 enclosure systems. It can be bayed using side screws, and offers flexible water connection options at the top or bottom of the unit for ease of installation.

9. What is the maximum permissible operating pressure for the water circuit?

The water circuit of the Rittal SK 3378.380 can withstand a maximum operating pressure of 6 bar. It's essential to ensure that system pressures remain within this specified limit for safe and effective operation.

10. Does the Rittal SK 3378.380 offer any special approvals?

Yes, the Rittal SK 3378.380 holds UL and C-UL (listed) approvals. These certifications indicate compliance with North American safety standards, making it suitable for use in regulated environments.