Application of CFD modelling for energy efficient humidity management of an electronics enclosure in storage under severe climatic conditions

A CFD modelling methodology including experimental validation has been developed and applied for investigation of anti-moisture measures in a non- hermetic electronics enclosure containing a number of printed circuit boards, and placed in a severe storage environment. In the climatic test the temperature and the relative humidity have been varried from +33degC to +71degC and from 14% to 80%, respectively. Enclosure heater solutions have been parametrically studied by simulation. A heating strategy involving various power levels has been determined, which is just sufficient to maintain the internal relative humidity below 60%, thereby reducing the risk for dew formation on the electronics assembly.