In certain environments or systems where thermal management is critical, a custom thermal solution becomes a necessity. It enables precise management of specific systems and ensures optimal operation and safety. Custom thermal solutions are designed to meet the specific needs of installations by adapting to unique operating conditions.

In this article, we will explore the advantages of custom thermal solutions, how they work, the technologies used, as well as their industrial applications.

What is a custom thermal solution?

A custom thermal solution is a subassembly designed to manage a system or installation according to the unique specifications of its thermal environment. Unlike standard regulation systems, custom solutions are adapted to the specific requirements of each application, allowing precise control and improved performance of the system or installation according to the temperature conditions to which it is subjected.

Why choose a custom thermal solution?

Standardized solutions are often insufficient for environments requiring specific conditions.

A custom thermal solution allows:

• Electrical and mechanical optimization: adaptation to the precise conditions of the electrical assembly where applicable, as well as to the available mechanical space.
• Energy performance: reduction of energy consumption through more precise management of thermal needs. The use of bimetal technology, when possible, allows energy consumption reduction through the total or near-total elimination of electrical or electronic components for thermal detection and control functions.
• Reliability: fewer risks of failure, which extends equipment lifespan. The use of bimetal technology, when possible, offers unmatched reliability and durability.

How does a custom thermal solution work?

The thermal regulation principle

Custom thermal solutions use thermal sensors, controls, and electrical or mechanical actuators. These systems are automated and react in real time to temperature variations through commands that compensate for these variations in order to maintain or bring the system to a desired state.

In the case of conventional temperature regulation, regulation is achieved through the electrical control of air conditioning systems (heating, cooling, or ventilation) to maintain an optimal temperature.

Thermal regulation can also be achieved through the mechanical control of dampers, actuators, or valves for fluid, gas, or smoke regulation systems: stoves and chimneys, ventilation and air-conditioning circuits, solar thermal systems, fire safety systems, etc.

All these systems detect thermal variations and automatically control electrical or mechanical corrective actuators.

Bimetal technology provides both sensing and actuation functions within the same component: the bimetal. It simply requires the addition of a custom mechanical interface adapted to the surrounding system to be controlled.

Detection and adjustment process

Mechanisms used in custom thermal solutions

Thermal regulation systems may include:

• Thermal regulation thermostats: to monitor and control heating, air-conditioning, or ventilation systems in real time.
• Heating, air-conditioning, or ventilation systems: to regulate temperature according to the specific needs of the system.
• Thermal safety thermostats: to cut off power in the event of overheating and prevent equipment damage.
• Actuators, solenoid valves, or electric motors: to control ventilation systems or circuits, fire safety systems, hot water or cold water circuits, etc.
• Mechanical bimetal subassemblies: to actuate pistons, dampers, heating valves, ventilation systems, fire safety systems, anti-freeze safety systems, cold chain control systems, etc.

Advantages of custom thermal solutions

Improved energy efficiency

Custom thermal solutions allow optimal energy management by controlling their surrounding system precisely and without excess. The use of fully autonomous bimetal technology also eliminates the need for electrical or electronic components that consume energy.

Reduced maintenance costs

Thanks to more efficient thermal management, custom regulation systems reduce the risk of system or equipment failure. This minimizes maintenance and repair requirements and may reduce production downtime. The use of ultra-reliable and durable bimetal technology further enhances the maintenance-free advantage.

Increased installation safety

Protection against overheating through autonomous and custom thermal sensing and actuation devices reduces the risk of fire, freezing, or system and equipment failure. This continuous protection contributes to improved safety for industrial installations and personnel.

Equipment durability

Efficient thermal control of systems helps extend their lifespan. It prevents premature wear or detects overheating of certain elements and optimizes machine reliability.

Industrial applications of custom thermal solutions

Manufacturing industry

In production lines, custom thermal solutions allow machine overheating monitoring, operator burn protection, fire safety, and intelligent workshop temperature control.

Energy sector

Custom thermal solutions are used in:

• Electrical installations: fire safety for electrical panels, overheating monitoring of specific components, etc.
• Nuclear installations: autonomous overheating or fire monitoring in hazardous areas.
• Solar installations: overheating monitoring, control of safety or regulation dampers, photovoltaic panel orientation control, etc.
• Wood heating systems: combustion management through air channel control, smoke management through damper control optimizing combustion.

Automotive and aerospace sector

Vehicles and aircraft require sophisticated thermal solutions for engine fuel management and fire safety at different levels (engines, electrical control panels, pilot and passenger cabins, etc.). Custom solutions help prevent vehicle malfunctions in extreme situations and ensure passenger safety.

Data centers and IT systems

Data centers and other heat-sensitive infrastructures use custom thermal systems to prevent fires and regulate the temperature of servers and IT equipment, thereby ensuring optimal cooling.

Why choose a custom thermal solution?

For cost-effectiveness

Although a custom thermal solution may initially seem more expensive, it makes it possible to address situations impossible to solve with standard solutions and can generate significant long-term savings through optimized design adapted to the specific system.

For optimized performance

Custom thermal solutions optimize thermal management in specific environments by ensuring optimal performance throughout their lifecycle.

For flexibility

These solutions are flexible and adapt to the unique needs of each environment, allowing easy integration into complex systems.

Conclusion

Custom thermal solutions are the key to ensuring a cost-effective response to complex specific constraints, energy optimization, and durability of controlled or protected equipment. Thanks to technologies such as regulation or safety thermostats and bimetal technology, it is possible to achieve reliable and durable autonomous mechanical controls, secure and optimize equipment performance, and extend equipment lifespan.

To discuss solutions adapted to your specific needs, contact DELTA CONCEPT and discover how we can help you optimize the thermal management of your industrial installations or products.

FAQ

1. What is a custom thermal solution?

A custom thermal solution is a system designed to manage an industrial system or installation according to temperature conditions and the unique specifications of each environment.

2. Why is a custom thermal solution necessary in certain configurations?

Standardized solutions do not always meet the specific requirements of certain configurations. Custom solutions ensure optimal thermal management.

3. What are the advantages of custom thermal solutions?

They provide a response to complex specific constraints and offer improved energy efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, enhanced safety, and extended system lifespan.

4. How does a custom thermal solution improve the safety of systems or equipment?

These solutions, perfectly adapted to the mechanical and thermal constraints of the system, act directly and precisely on the elements to be secured, thereby guaranteeing their safety.

5. How do I choose the custom thermal solution suited to my needs?

It is necessary to consider the specific mechanical and thermal requirements, the desired temperature range, as well as the safety standards required for your sector or system.