ENCLOSURE FOR EQUIPMENT WHICH REQUIRES COOLING

摘要

Externally mounted enclosures for mobile radio base stations potentially experience a wide range of ambient temperatures. In temperate climates, it is possible for the heat generated by the internal electronics to be dissipated. by natural convention. In hotter climates this becomes difficult or impossible, however. An enclosure is disclosed having an inner case 2 for containing the equipment. The case 2 is formed with heat conductive fins 4 extending vertically, in use, so as to define channels 8 therebetween. An outer case 10 contains the inner case and defines air passages 12 into which the fins project. The outer case has vents 14 and 16 to allow convection through the channels between the fins. A fan unit 24 is located at or towards the upper end of the air passages and laterally of the air passages to draw air therefrom. Control means is provided for controlling operation of the fan unit according to temperature. The fan unit is located so that it does not obstruct the air passages and thus does not impede natural convection. When the fan unit is switched on, it increases the flow of air in the channels between the fins so increasing cooling.