Three-zone Type Thermal Shock Chamber

Three-zone Type

Thermal Shock Chamber

Without Moving Test Specimens

Features：There are high temperature area, low temperature area and independent test area. During the test, the sample is placed in the test area and remains still. The temperature shock is achieved by switching the hot and cold air flows through the air door.

Efficiency: The sample does not need to be moved, and different temperature shock tests can be performed by simply switching the air duct. Multiple samples can be tested at the same time, which makes the test more efficient.

Control system: Generally, two independent control systems are required to control the temperature of the high and low temperature zones and the test zone respectively to ensure that the temperature in each zone is accurate and stable.

Application scenarios: More suitable for situations that require a milder temperature shock process and higher test accuracy and sample protection, such as precision electronic components, optical devices, etc.

Cost price: The structure is complex, requiring more components and a more advanced control system, the manufacturing cost is high, and the price of the equipment is also higher.

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Electronics

Perform thermal shock tests on automotive engine control units (ECUs)

If the ECU fails during the test, such as failing to start normally or freezing, the fault needs to be analyzed in depth. The specific location and cause of the fault can be determined by checking the fault code, testing the circuit signal, etc. For faults caused by thermal shock, corresponding measures need to be taken to improve them, such as replacing high-temperature or low-temperature resistant electronic components, optimizing the layout of the circuit board, etc., to improve the reliability and stability of the ECU.

Materials

Thermal shock test of high thermal conductivity optical films

Rapid temperature changes can cause high thermal conductivity optical films to expand and contract, thereby generating stress inside the film. Thermal shock tests can check whether the film will suffer structural damage such as cracks, delamination, deformation, etc. due to this stress. If the test results are not ideal, corresponding improvement measures need to be taken, such as optimizing the film preparation process (such as adjusting deposition parameters, adding stabilizers, etc.), improving the material formulation (such as introducing new reinforcing phases or additives), etc.

New Energy Batteries

Solid-state battery cells undergo thermal shock tests

Simulate the sudden temperature changes that the battery may encounter during actual use. This test can quickly detect the battery’s tolerance to sudden temperature changes, focusing on whether the stress generated by thermal expansion and contraction inside the battery will cause structural damage (such as interface separation between electrodes and solid electrolytes, shell cracking, etc.), and the recovery of electrical performance after a sudden temperature change. For example, during the driving process of a vehicle, it may suddenly enter an environment with a large temperature difference such as a tunnel or an underground parking lot. The hot and cold shock test can simulate this situation.

Rubber Plastics

Thermal shock test for outdoor camera housing

Test the tolerance of the materials used in the camera housing, internal circuit boards, lenses and other components in alternating hot and cold environments. For example, check whether the housing material will crack or deform due to thermal expansion and contraction, affecting the protective performance of the camera; whether the electronic components on the circuit board will fail due to temperature changes. If the above problems occur, it is necessary to analyze the causes, improve and optimize the product, such as changing materials, improving structural design, etc., and then re-test.

Chip Semiconductor

Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) for thermal shock testing

Some high-performance, high-resolution 3D scanners are frequently started in high-temperature industrial environments or low-temperature outdoor environments. The FPGA will generate a lot of heat, and the surface temperature may be 30-50℃ higher than the ambient temperature, or even higher. After the scanning is stopped, the temperature will drop rapidly. In this case, the FPGA must have good resistance to cold and heat shock to ensure the reliability of the scanner and the accuracy of the detection results.

Biomedical

Thermal shock test of medical spray stored at low temperature

Recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor spray can promote wound healing. Growth factors are unstable at higher temperatures and are easily degraded and inactivated. They are usually stored at 2-8°C to maintain their biological activity and stability. When the patient takes it out of the refrigerator and uses it immediately at room temperature or high temperature, such as outdoors in summer, where the ambient temperature may reach over 30°C, the spray will quickly experience a temperature increase. Determine whether the drug ingredients in the spray are stable under conditions of drastic temperature changes, whether they will degrade, deteriorate, or produce impurities, in order to ensure the quality of the drug during actual use and transportation.

Selection criteria when buying a thermal shock chamber

Three-chamber and two-chamber thermal shock test chamber selection guide

Whether to choose a three-chamber or two-chamber hot and cold shock test chamber depends on your test needs, budget and sample characteristics. The following is a comparison between the two:

1. Working principle

Three-chamber: Contains a high temperature chamber, a low temperature chamber and a test chamber. The sample does not move in the test chamber and switches the temperature through the damper.

Two-chamber: Only a high temperature chamber and a low temperature chamber, and the sample moves between the two chambers through a hanging basket.

2. Temperature conversion speed

Three-chamber: The conversion speed is fast, usually completed within 5 seconds.

Two-chamber: The conversion speed is slow, usually taking tens of seconds to several minutes.

3. Sample adaptability
Three-chamber: Suitable for samples that are sensitive to temperature changes, such as electronic components, PCBs, etc.

Two-chamber: Suitable for samples that are not sensitive to temperature changes, such as metals, plastics, etc.

4. Test efficiency
Three-chamber: High efficiency, suitable for tests with frequent temperature changes.

Two-chamber: Low efficiency, suitable for long-term stable temperature testing.

5. Equipment cost
Three-chamber type: high cost and complex structure.

Two-chamber type: low cost and simple structure.

6. Maintenance and operation
Three-chamber type: complex maintenance and high technical requirements for operation.

Two-chamber type: simple maintenance and relatively easy operation.

7. Space requirements
Three-chamber type: occupies a large space.

Two-chamber type: occupies a small space.

Selection suggestions
Choose the three-chamber type: if the test requires rapid temperature changes and the sample is sensitive to temperature.

Choose the two-chamber type: if the test does not require a high temperature change speed and the budget is limited.

How to choose air-cooled or water-cooled thermal shock test chamber

When choosing between air-cooled and water-cooled thermal shock test chambers, several factors need to be considered. The specific analysis is as follows:

Cooling Capacity

Water-cooled：Water-cooled cooling systems have excellent heat dissipation performance. They can more effectively dissipate heat, resulting in relatively strong refrigeration capacity. In cases where rapid cooling or maintenance of a low-temperature environment is required, water-cooled units can reach the set temperature more quickly with more stable temperature control. They are suitable for applications with high precision temperature control requirements and wide temperature ranges, such as high and low temperature shock tests in the aerospace and electronic components industries.
Air-cooled：Air-cooled systems rely on air convection for heat dissipation, so their refrigeration capacity is relatively weak. They are generally suitable for situations where the refrigeration requirements are not extremely high, the temperature range is relatively narrow, and rapid cooling is not required. For example, they can be used in the preliminary testing of some small electronic products.

Environmental Adaptability

Water-cooled：Water-cooled test chambers require a stable cooling water supply system, which imposes certain requirements on the operating environment. If there is no convenient water source or cooling water circulation system near the laboratory, installing and using a water-cooled test chamber can be cumbersome, and additional space is needed to place the cooling equipment. However, in areas with abundant water sources and high ambient temperatures, the heat dissipation advantage of water-cooled systems can be better utilized to ensure the stable operation of the equipment.
Air-cooled：Air-cooled test chambers have stronger environmental adaptability as they do not require a dedicated cooling water system. They only need good ventilation conditions, making them suitable for use in areas with limited water sources or dry environments, such as the laboratories of small enterprises or office environments.

Maintenance Costs

Water-cooled：Water-cooled systems require regular checks of the cooling water quality and level to prevent scale formation and pipe blockages. Maintenance work is relatively complex, and the maintenance costs are relatively high. It is also necessary to regularly replace the coolant and maintain the cooling equipment, such as water pumps and cooling towers.
Air-cooled：Air-cooled systems are relatively simple to maintain. The main tasks are to regularly clean the air filter and check the operation of the fan to ensure good heat dissipation. There is no need to maintain a complex water-cooled system, resulting in lower maintenance costs.

Operating Costs

Water-cooled：Although water-cooled systems have high refrigeration efficiency, if the cooling water is circulated and cooled by a chiller, the operation of the chiller will also consume a certain amount of energy, potentially leading to higher overall operating costs. However, if natural water sources or industrial cooling water are used and the water cost is low, the operating costs may be reduced.
Air-cooled：During operation, air-cooled systems mainly consume electricity for the compressor and fan. The operating costs are relatively stable and generally do not fluctuate significantly due to the energy consumption of the cooling water system. In areas with low electricity prices, the operating cost advantage of air-cooled systems becomes more prominent.

Equipment Volume and Installation

Water-cooled：In addition to the main body of the test chamber, water-cooled systems also require auxiliary equipment such as cooling towers and cooling water pumps, which generally take up a large area. The installation process is relatively complex, and the connection and layout of water pipelines need to be considered.
Air-cooled：Air-cooled systems are relatively simple in structure, with a smaller equipment volume and convenient installation. It is only necessary to place the equipment in an appropriate position and connect the power supply, requiring lower installation space and conditions.

What standards does the thermal shock test chamber support

Thermal shock test chambers, whether two-zone or three-zone, are designed to meet various international, national, and industry standards to ensure their performance, reliability, and safety. Below is a comprehensive list of standards that thermal shock test chambers typically support:

1. International Standards

IEC 60068-2-1: Environmental testing - Part 2-1: Tests - Test A: Cold.
IEC 60068-2-2: Environmental testing - Part 2-2: Tests - Test B: Dry heat.
IEC 60068-2-14: Environmental testing - Part 2-14: Tests - Test N: Change of temperature.
ISO 16750-4: Road vehicles - Environmental conditions and testing for electrical and electronic equipment - Part 4: Climatic loads.

2. National Standards

GB/T 2423.1: Environmental testing for electric and electronic products - Part 2: Test methods - Test A: Cold.
GB/T 2423.2: Environmental testing for electric and electronic products - Part 2: Test methods - Test B: Dry heat.
GB/T 2423.22: Environmental testing for electric and electronic products - Part 2: Test methods - Test N: Change of temperature.
GB/T 10592: Technical specifications for high and low temperature test chambers.
GB/T 5170.2: Inspection methods for basic parameters of environmental testing equipment for electric and electronic products - Temperature testing equipment.

3. Industry Standards

MIL-STD-810: Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests (US Military Standard, includes temperature shock testing).
JIS C 60068-2-14: Environmental testing - Part 2-14: Tests - Test N: Change of temperature (Japanese Industrial Standard).
GJB 150.5A: Environmental test methods for military equipment - Temperature shock test (Chinese Military Standard).

4. Other Relevant Standards

ASTM D618: Standard Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing (includes temperature shock considerations).
EN 60068-2-14: Environmental testing - Part 2-14: Tests - Test N: Change of temperature (European Standard).

5. Performance Standards

Temperature Range: The extreme high and low temperatures the chamber can achieve.
Temperature Uniformity: Typically ≤ ±2°C.
Temperature Fluctuation: Typically ≤ ±0.5°C.
Temperature Transition Time: Usually within 5 seconds for three-zone chambers and within minutes for two-zone chambers.
Recovery Time: Time to stabilize at the set temperature, usually within 5 minutes.

6. Safety and Environmental Standards

CE Marking: Indicates conformity with health, safety, and environmental protection standards for products sold within the European Economic Area.
RoHS Compliance: Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive.
UL Certification: Underwriters Laboratories certification for safety.

7. Calibration and Verification Standards

JJF 1101: Calibration specification for environmental testing devices with temperature and humidity.
ISO/IEC 17025: General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.

Summary

Thermal shock test chambers support a wide range of standards to ensure they meet the rigorous demands of various industries, including electronics, automotive, aerospace, and materials testing. When selecting a thermal shock test chamber, it is crucial to verify that it complies with the specific standards relevant to your testing requirements. This ensures the accuracy of test results and the reliability of the equipment.

What are the safety protection functions of the thermal shock test chamber

1. Adjustable Test Product Over-Temperature Protection

🔹 Function: Protects the test sample from excessive heat exposure by setting an upper temperature limit.
🔹 Analysis: This feature is crucial for preventing damage to sensitive electronic components, plastics, and coatings during testing. If the product’s temperature exceeds the limit, the system can shut down or adjust heating accordingly.

2. Test Space Temperature Fuse

🔹 Function: A fuse that trips when the chamber's internal temperature exceeds a critical threshold, cutting off power to prevent overheating.
🔹 Analysis: Acts as a fail-safe mechanism to prevent runaway heating conditions. This is a last line of defense in case of thermostat or controller failure, ensuring user and equipment safety.

3. Air Conditioning Channel Limit Over-Temperature

🔹 Function: Monitors and controls the air ducts used for temperature regulation, ensuring they do not overheat.
🔹 Analysis: Protects the internal components of the air conditioning system (heating and cooling elements) from excessive thermal stress, which could lead to system failure or inefficient operation.

4. Blower Motor Overheating

🔹 Function: Detects excessive temperature in the blower motor, which circulates air inside the chamber, and stops it to prevent damage.
🔹 Analysis: If the motor overheats, it could lead to improper temperature distribution, system failure, or even fire risks. This protection ensures stable operation and prolongs motor lifespan.

5. Inside and Outside Air Pressure Balance Device

🔹 Function: Maintains pressure equilibrium between the chamber’s interior and the external environment.
🔹 Analysis: Rapid temperature changes can cause pressure imbalances, potentially damaging the chamber structure or affecting test accuracy. A balance device prevents these issues by allowing controlled air exchange.

6. Complete Machine Leakage Protection

🔹 Function: Detects electrical leaks and automatically disconnects power to prevent electric shock and fire hazards.
🔹 Analysis: Critical for operator safety and equipment protection, especially in high-humidity environments where moisture might cause short circuits or insulation failures.

7. High-Temperature Box Over-Temperature Protection

🔹 Function: Monitors and prevents excessive heat buildup in the hot zone of the chamber.
🔹 Analysis: Protects internal components and test samples from overheating beyond set limits, ensuring safety and compliance with test standards.

8. Low-Temperature Box Over-Temperature Protection

🔹 Function: Ensures the cold zone does not drop below its operational threshold, preventing damage to refrigeration components.
🔹 Analysis: Prevents compressor overload, freezing of components, and potential malfunctions in temperature control systems.

Final Thoughts:

Each of these protection measures is vital for ensuring the reliability, accuracy, and safety of the thermal shock test chamber. Proper temperature control, pressure balance, electrical safety, and mechanical protection all contribute to the long-term performance of the chamber.

Specifications

Note: (A=width, B=depth, C=height, abc=width, depth and height of inner box respectively, unit: mm)

model	PW-CTS3-80-40	PW-CTS3-150-40	PW-CTS3-250-40
Volume (L)	80L	150L	250L
a	500	500	700
b	400	600	500
c	400	500	700
A	1650	1800	1500
B	1700	1850	1850
C	1780	1900	2300
Pₘₐₓ	About 20KW	About 23KW	About 30KW
Voltage V	380	380	380