Visual Journal of Technical and Vocational Education

Visual Journal of Technical and Vocational Education

Numerical Simulation of Moisture Condensation Risk in Electronic Board Enclosures: Parametric Study of Ventilation Design and Material Effects

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical and Vocational University (TVU), Tehran, Iran
Abstract
The reliability of electronic devices can be significantly compromised by moisture condensation within enclosures, leading to corrosion, electrical faults, and pollution accumulation. To address this, a numerical simulation study investigated the impact of ventilation hole dimensions and placement, enclosure material (aluminum, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride), and enclosure size under realistic 24-hour weather conditions in humid (Nowshahr) and dry (Tabriz) regions of Iran. Analyzing 15 distinct models through 24-hour transient simulations, the research found that in humid winter conditions, enclosures experienced over 14 hours daily with relative humidity exceeding 95%. Key results indicate that placing ventilation at the top minimizes condensation, and while more holes don't guarantee improvement, their location is critical. Smaller ventilation holes increase condensation, while larger ones are more effective. Notably, polymeric enclosures reduced condensation risk by 19.6-20.6% compared to aluminum in humid climates, whereas increasing enclosure size from 50mm to 100mm only yielded a 2-3% reduction. These findings provide valuable guidance for designing electronic enclosures that effectively mitigate moisture and enhance device longevity.
Keywords
Subjects

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Volume 2, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
October 2025
Pages 205-225

  • Receive Date 07 March 2025
  • Revise Date 14 May 2025
  • Accept Date 04 November 2025