Power unit enclosure

[OutbackL130]

I built an electric hydraulic power unit for operating 2 machines in my fabrication shop. The power unit is on a custom made cart. It needs to be enclosed with sheet metal and insulation to reduce noise and keep fingers away from the spinning shaft. How much air circulation is required? Will there be a problem with the hydraulics being fully enclosed without any louvers?

What do you think about adding two sets of louvers on one panel like this?

 

[oldnslo]

How often will this unit be running. If continuos you will have to monitor the temperature. If for short periods of time the enclosure with louvers should work just fine.

 

[OutbackL130]

It runs for 30 minutes to an hour a day. Temps seem to stay pretty reasonable. How do you determine a safe temperature to maintain?

 

[oldnslo]

Industrial environment typically 120 - 125 degrees F (50C) is considered maximum safe temperature. Above 130 degrees F (54 C) oil on the skin may leave scars.

 

[J_J]

If you are going to do louvers, do them near the top of the enclosure. and some at the bottom.

A small AC fan blowing through the unit would help also.