Incorporating a vent in battery packs and electronic enclosures is an excellent way to ensure that their optimum functionality is always maintained. These vents prevent pressure buildup by allowing pressure to release from enclosures, they also prevent the ingress of water, dust, and other contaminants. The best part about them is that they are quite easy to incorporate into both battery packs and electronic enclosures.
Electronic enclosures and Battery Packs are designed to protect the components inside from various environmental factors such as dust, water, humidity, heat, and pressure. However, these factors can also affect the performance and lifespan of the enclosure itself.
For example, pressure differences between the inside and outside of the enclosure can cause stress on the seals and gaskets, leading to leaks and failures. Moisture and condensation can also accumulate inside the enclosure, causing corrosion and short circuits.
To prevent these problems, battery packs and electronic enclosures need to have a way to balance the pressure, while maintaining the ingress protection (IP) rating. This is where vents come in handy.
Vents are small components that allow air to flow in and out of the enclosure, while blocking contaminants such as water and dust. Vents can help to equalize the pressure, reduce the moisture and condensation, improve the thermal management, and extend the life of the product.
Vents are vital for battery packs and automotive electronics such as headlights, gearboxes, control units, etc. These applications are subject to vibration, impact, thermal cycling, etc. Vents are equally important for outdoor electronics such as LED lights, solar inverters, weather stations, junction boxes, CCTV cameras, sensors, etc. These applications are exposed to harsh conditions such as temperature fluctuations, rain, snow, dust, salt spray, etc.
There are many types of vents available, but not all of them are suitable for every application. The choice of vent depends on factors such as the size and shape of the enclosure, the IP rating required, the airflow needed, the installation method preferred, etc.
In this blog post, we will introduce you to three ways a vent can be incorporated in an electronic enclosure using PorVent® Pressure Release Vents – Screw-in Vents, Snap-fit Vents and Adhesive Discs.
Screw-in vents are one of the most common ways to incorporate a vent in a battery pack or an electronic enclosure. Screw-in vents have a threaded base that can be screwed into a pre-drilled hole in the enclosure wall. Screw-in vents are suitable for applications that require high IP ratings (up to IP69K) and high airflow rates. PorVent® screw-in vents have a robust design and a high-quality sPTFE membrane that provides excellent venting performance and protection.
Snap-fit vents are another way to incorporate a vent in an electronic enclosure. Snap-fit vents have a snap ring that can be inserted into a pre-cut slot in the enclosure wall. Snap-fit vents provide a quick and easy fitment that does not require any tools, screws, or fasteners. Typically, the male components and female components fit into each other, which creates a tight seal. PorVent® snap-fit vents have a high-quality sPTFE membrane that provides excellent venting performance and protection.
Adhesive disc vents are another way to incorporate a vent in an electronic enclosure. Adhesive disc vents are simply the sPTFE membrane with an adhesive backing that can be stuck onto the enclosure surface. Adhesive disc vents provide a low profile and discreet fitment. These thin and lightweight vents can fit in narrow spaces. PorVent® adhesive disc vents have a strong and durable adhesive that can bond to various materials. Adhesive vents are usually circular in shape and are sold in rolls.
Choosing the right venting solution is crucial to ensure the optimal performance of the battery and electronic components. By choosing the right venting method, you can ensure that your components are well protected.
Vents are essential for battery packs and electronic enclosures that need to balance the pressure and release the moisture, while maintaining the ingress protection. Vents can help to improve the performance and lifespan of the enclosure and the components inside. PorVent® Pressure Release Vents offer various options to suit different applications: screw-in, snap-fit and adhesive disc. Each way has its own advantages depending on the application requirements. PorVent® Pressure Release Vents are tested rigorously and have a high-quality sPTFE membrane that provides excellent venting performance and protection.