SMA SMC 5000 Installation - Manual (Page 13)

SMA Technologie AG Overview
Installation Guide SMC50_60-11:SE2006 Page 13
3.2.1 OptiCool Temperature Management
With the patented dual compartment cooling system
OptiCool, SMA now offers a technical solution combin-
ing both passive and active cooling systems. An "intel-
ligent temperature management” is the result.
In order to achieve maximum efficiency the whole en-
closure of the inverter becomes part of the cooling sys-
tem. It does not only contain and protect the
components but also functions as a “cooling air distrib-
utor” and heat distributor.
The actual heat sink, as central component of the pas-
sive heat dissipation, is positioned within the enclosure
in such a way as to divide it into two compartments. The
highly sensitive electronics separated from the main
heat sources by the heat sink is securely protected from
external influences, such as moisture and dirt, in the
front waterproof compartment.
In the rear part, the temperature-intensive components,
such as chokes and transformers, which are either sep-
arately sealed or are intensive to ambient influences,
are installed.
A specifically designed active cooling system is posi-
tioned on the bottom of the rear compartment. Depend-
ing on the temperature of the power semiconductors
and the inductive components it is automatically activat-
ed and adjusts its speed according to the requirements
of a balanced heat dissipation within the device.
The air stream produced by the fans is effectively can-
alized through a stream tunnel. It dissipates the waste
heat of the heat sink as well as the components in-
stalled in this part.
Using OptiCool reduces the components' temperature in the entire inverter resulting
in high reliability and excellent overload performance. The efficiency of the inverter
and thus of the entire PV plant can therefore be increased.
Using a dual compartment system with a waterproof area for the electronics makes
the inverter suitable for inside as well as outside installation (near the PV generator).