Projector Enclosures
Projector enclosures are pretty much a most cool situation or systems will most certainly shut down before the open credits run and for a professional installer, that's typically not a friend call from the client!!!
Enclosures are challenging but in an odd way, made easier because it's obvious need very aggressive cooling but it's also critical to cool projectors silently as well. There's 2 approaches to cooling which the best is to plan ahead and with a ducted system. Unfortunately still a lot of systems still require cooling after the fact but we still haven't met an enclosure we couldn't cool!
Challenges and Considerations. Typically projectors pull air in the front of the unit and then vent out the back and typically this airflow is pretty aggressive. Most enclosures are open to the front but then we're left to deal with a significant amount of hot air being blown into a small enclosure from the rear of the project. Then, things get a lot more challenging when the front is either enclosed or mostly enclosed and air does not flow freely into the enclosure.
Another challenge is definitely noise as most any application utilizing a project requires quiet operation. In one respect this somewhat kills two birds with one stone as it forces the use of larger fans as larger fans can spin slower and still move more air than multiple smaller fans running at near full speed. The other plus is the fans can continue to ramp up and protect the projector even further. Even if the fans end up being heard that's a far different call that the projector was a little loud versus the projector shut off mid movie!
Yet one more challenge is the small and confined space. In reality it is perhaps one of the most demanding situations we encounter as we typically state the goal with most cooling is simply to get air moving, doesn't have to be especially aggressive... but with projector enclosures, it does need to have the ability to move significant air quickly and quietly.
Types of Cooling Systems & Approaches
Ducted Cooling. This is by far the best and most efficient way to ventilate the enclosures. There is a challenge however as some projectors are compact so there is not much space where cooler air enters the projector and heated air exits. To combat this, it is an idea to create a foam divider between the front and rear of the projector within the enclosure. This will keep the hot air confined to the back of the enclosure with the possibility of hot air being recirculated through the intake. The air can then be drawn from that part of the enclosure, through the ducting...
Recommended Units. Projector enclosures should utilize the EC inline duct fans and this is an idea application for the enclosure venting kits. There is a 4" version and 6", click here for the 4" Enclosure Vent Package or for the 6" Enclosure Vent Package and obviously the difference is the desired airflow which would further recommend in most situations to use the 6" for the added airflow capability.Fan Unit Location. Where to install the inline duct fan can be a debate but the norm is either in the attic if there's attic space above, in a bulkhead/chase, an adjacent utility room or closet. It is very important that the unit is accessible and should be within 15 to 20' between the fan unit and enclosure. Also ensure at the fan location there is a 110V AC outlet/power source.Controlling the Fans. With this configuration the EC Temperature Controller (included in the packages) will be used which is much like a tstat so mount it where it's accessible, typically with the AV equipment but ensure it is not installed where it would be confused as an HVAC thermostat. The controller is wired to the fan unit using a 4 conductor wire and then the remote sensor version is supplied so run a 2 conductor between the enclosure and controller for the sensor.Enclosure with Closed Front. If the front of the projector enclosure is closed or partially blocked then air needs to be draw into the enclosure either by adding passive venting or additional duct work for the intake. Using a 2nd fan may also be required to inject cool air into the cabinet and if this is done then 1 controller can control both fan units so they work together with a push / pull configuration.
Local Cooling. If cannot or do not want to run ducting and use an inline duct fan then will need to use most likely multiple fan units to adequately ventilate the enclosure. How they are mounted will be dependent on simply where are able to vent from.
Recommended Units. The most recommended product is the HiFlo Pro or multiple HiFlo Lite Pro units and these would typically mount inside the enclosure exhausting air from the rear of the enclosure or into a bulkhead. There are also various grill options as well.Controller the Fan Speed. The ALT-PRO is the perfect controller as it will turn the fan on and off and also vary the fan speed based on temperature. The controller should be mounted in the enclosure or could be installed with equipment using a 4 conductor, 2 wires for the fan power and 2 wires for the sensor and would cut and splice the wiring.Enclosure with Closed Front. The same products are recommended but separate units that would draw air into the enclosure from the front of the projector and as was recommended with the Ducted Cooling, a divider should also be added for this configuration.
Projector enclosures definitely leave a lot of decisions to the installer but this is the foundation of the available solutions and we are always willing to help design such systems so please be in contact if have any questions.