Date Posted: September 13, 2024

The need for more sustainable energy solutions has been at the forefront of thought for years as the world’s energy consumption continues to grow.

What is Alternative Energy?

Alternative Energy is a broad term covering multiple sustainable energy production methods. Each of these processes utilize natural resources that are replenished faster than they are consumed, leading to a more sustainable source.

While each of these processes is unique, they all use sensitive electronic components that have the potential to be exposed to harsh wind, heat and water. StrongBox offers multiple NEMA 3R and 4X weatherproof enclosures to keep these electrical systems safe and functioning properly.

Alternative Energy Types

Solar Energy

The Sun produces an enormous amount of energy using nuclear fusion, that is directed at our planet daily. The rate of energy produced is ten thousand times faster than the world population can consume it. As a result, solar energy is the most abundant source we can harness, and the technology has become much more accessible for both residential and municipal spaces.

Solar technologies can deliver heat, cooling, natural light, and electricity to many applications. These technologies convert sunlight into electrical energy through panels and mirrors.

• Photovoltaics (PV) also known as the common “solar panel” absorbs sunlight creating electrical charges that flow to the desired location. These are used to power homes, businesses, and smaller everyday electronics such as road signs.
• Concentrating Solar-Thermal Power (CSP) are systems that use mirrors to focus sunlight onto receivers that collect the energy and convert it to heat. The heat is used in large power plants that run turbines to create electricity.
• Solar Heating and Cooling (SHC) usesthermal energy from the sun that is collected and used to heat water or for air conditioning units to cool the air.

Electrical controls for solar applications can face very high temperatures and direct sunlight, neither of which are good for electronics. Electrical enclosures for solar energy need to be able to stand up to the heat and direct sunlight without warping, splintering or weakening over time. Stainless steel is an ideal choice for the solar industry because of its extreme heat resistance and rigidity. Fiberglass and carbon steel enclosures require UV resistant coatings to prevent fading and splintering in the sunlight. Once these coatings wear away, the material starts to break down, compromising the safety of the electrical system. With stainless steel, the UV inhibitors are inherent to the material. This means no need for specialized coatings or routine maintenance – making it ideal even for remote alternative energy applications.

Hydropower Energy

Hydropower harnesses energy from moving water to produce electricity. Natural water sources such as rivers and oceans are collected in reservoirs or moved from higher to lower elevations to produce energy.

• Run-of-River Energy systems harness the power of the rivers current to produce energy. They are often used to spin turbines which transfer the water’s energy to its source. The downside of these systems is that they’re entirely based on water levels. To maintain this water source, hydropower plants are often housed in a dam or reservoir to control the optimal water level and supply.
• Pump Storage Energy uses a reservoir of water to create a continuous loop of water through the system. The water flows downhill into the turbines which generate electricity. Once the water makes its way through, it is pumped back up hill into the reservoir, where it can be recycled again into the turbine system.
• Ocean Energy uses all forms of energy derived from the sea. Wave, tidal, and ocean thermal are the three main types of technology used.
  • Wave energy uses the swells of the ocean to make electricity, while tidal energy uses the current to capture the kinetic energy flowing in and out.
  • Ocean Thermal energy is generated by converting the temperature difference of the ocean’s surface water to the deeper sections of water. These systems are still in the early phase of commercial development, making them less cost effective than other sources.

In the near constant wet conditions of hydropower plants, ingress water and corrosion can be a major concern for enclosed electrical controls. Stainless steel electrical enclosures are highly regarded for their corrosion resistance and lasting durability. In addition, NEMA 3R and NEMA 4X rated stainless steel enclosures are designed to seal water out and keep electrical components dry. With a drainage channel flange around the enclosure opening, rain and spraying water is directed out and around. This flange also provides a flat sealing surface for the hydro-phobic gasket, offering maximum protection against water.

 Wind Energy

Wind energy is harnessed using wind turbines. The kinetic energy of the spinning blades creates electricity which is then stored and later used in applications. Turbines can be stand alone or grouped together in windfarms. Since these are based solely on the power of the wind; location, height, and terrain are important factors on placement of these systems. Turbines are often placed in large open plains or offshore with towers more than 900 feet tall.

Due to the often remote locations of wind energy plants, a reliable, durable enclosure is a must to protect electrical connections and controls. Stainless steel enclosures are an ideal choice as they maintain their strength, corrosion resistance and UV resistance with little to no maintenance. StrongBox’s heavy-duty stainless steel enclosures are built to withstand all these environmental stressors as well as accidental impacts.

Geothermal Energy

Heat produced from deep within the Earth is harnessed and collected to produce electricity. Geothermal power plants use the steam of water reservoirs that are found a few miles below the Earth’s surface to rotate turbines that produce electricity. Geothermal heat pumps are also used in residential households to efficiently exchange temperatures, heating homes in the winter and cooling homes in the summer.

It is important to utilize outdoor rated electrical enclosures to protect geothermal pump controls from harsh weather and accidental impacts in high traffic areas. Stainless steel outdoor electrical enclosures have a wide operating temperature range of -40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, making them ideal for the extreme heat and cold of geothermal applications.

Stainless Steel Enclosures for Alternative Energy

The multiple sensors and controls involved in a renewable energy system benefit greatly from a stainless steel electrical enclosure. A proper electrical enclosure protects sensitive components from vandalism, theft and harsh weather.

Benefits of Utilizing Weather Resistant Stainless-Steel Enclosures

If not properly protected, alternative energy controls can be subject to extreme wind, ice, water and temperature fluctuations. This threatens the reliability and safety of the electrical controls and can shorten the lifespan of the system overall. Stainless steel electrical enclosures are a superior choice for housing controls due to their durability in a wide range of weather conditions.

Corrosion Resistance

One of the most significant characteristics of stainless steel is its resistance to rust and corrosion. Especially in the constant wet conditions of hydro-electric plants and offshore wind and solar fields, stainless steel enclosures stand strong and last much longer than enclosures made of traditional steel or fiberglass. Stainless steel is comprised with a minimum of 11% chromium, this alloy creates a protective layer on the surface of the metal, resisting the oxidization process that causes rust. More importantly, this “protective layer” does not degrade or scratch off like paint or other coatings.

Enhanced Durability

Stainless steel is an extremely durable material that can withstand wide temperature fluctuations, harsh weather and even accidental impacts. Unlike inferior materials that will crack and degrade over time, stainless steel maintains its integrity for decades.

Temperature Regulation

Excessive heat can be devastating for electrical components. When exposed to direct sunlight and high temperatures, low-grade enclosures can absorb and trap heat, wreaking havoc on the enclosed electronics. However, the high chromium content in stainless steel allows the metal to reflect sunlight and dissipate heat effectively, keeping electronics cool. StrongBox includes filtered louvers on either side of our NEMA 3R controller enclosures to allow for crossflow ventilation. Additional accessories like thermostatically controlled fans can also be installed in StrongBox enclosures to control temperatures.

StrongBox Controller Enclosures

StrongBox manufactures multiple styles of NEMA 3R and 4X rated stainless steel enclosures, that are engineered to protect your components. These 100% stainless steel constructed enclosures are durable, long-lasting and are an ideal fit for the environments often seen in the alternative energy industry.

StrongBox Stainless Steel Enclosure Types

Heavy Duty Front Entry Enclosures

The ideal match for high-traffic and corrosive environments.They offer maximum long-lasting protection for harsh outdoor conditions with the added security of our t-handle latching system. Heavy duty enclosures feature multiple layers of protection with a pad lockable hasp concealed by a keyed access door. These durable enclosures are also outfitted with 100% stainless steel hardware and a sturdy continuous hinge to handle everything from severe weather to vandalism.

Heavy Duty Top Entry Enclosures

An ergonomic alternative to our front entry heavy duty enclosures. The continuous hinge flip top provides easy access for viewing and programming of electrical controls.Top entry enclosures feature an additional storage compartment in the base to conceal wires and auxiliary components.

Wall Mount Enclosures

Ideal for when you need to store your controllers up and out of the way. All sizes of 3R wall mount enclosures come with heavy-duty mounting brackets and a pre-cut bottom plate for easy installation and attaching of conduit.

NEMA 4X Enclosures

When additional protection from water, oil and dirt is needed, choose one of our standard NEMA 4X rated enclosures. These enclosures offer the ultimate protection from weather with a flange collar around all sides of the door face providing a watertight seal with the foam-in-place urethane gasket. These enclosures are wall mountable and include a slotted quarter-turn latch for simple access to controls.

Request a Quote for a Controller Enclosure

If you are looking for a long lasting and reliable enclosure to protect your alternative energy controls, StrongBox enclosures are the ideal solution. Our decades of experience and extensive range of stock options ensures a perfect-fit solution for any solar, wind, hydro or geothermal energy application.

Accessories

We provide a variety of accessories to enhance the functionality of your enclosures. From mounting accessories to controller subassemblies, StrongBox has everything you need to optimize your enclosure.

To learn more about our products or to request a quote, don’t hesitate to contact us online or call 760-735-2450 to speak to our dedicated customer service team.