Power supplies, like any other electronic equipment, require power to operate. Because they are not 100% efficient, some power is converted to heat. This excess heat will raise the temperature of the power supply to some equilibrium temperature.

  The equilibrium temperature depends on several factors such as the amount of power turned into heat, temperature of the environment and the surface area. The power dissipated as heat is determined by the circuit topology and defined by the power supply specifications. Temperature of the environment is defined by the specific application. The one element which the power supply user can easily manipulate is the surface area. Heat sinks increase the effective surface area of the power supply.

  There are three cooling methods available: conduction, convection and radiation. These three methods are usually analyzed and described separately. However, heat removal is always a combination of these methods.

  Conduction is very important in electronic equipment and is the only mode of heat transfer occurring in solids.  Conduction is transmission of heat by transfer of kinetic energy from one molecule to another and it can occur in a solid, liquid, or gas. In liquids, conduction and convection can occur simultaneously, while all three modes of heat transfer occur simultaneously in a gaseous environment. Radiation is the sole mode of heat transfer in a vacuum.

Martek Power Abbott's power supplies are designed so that cooling is accomplished primarily by conduction through a solid heat sink and then by convection into the surrounding environment. Therefore, the power supply must be heat sunk at the baseplate.

Martek Power Abbott's power modules have one mounting surface (baseplate) which is made of flat, very smooth and polished aluminum. The surface to which the power supplies are mounted (heat sink) must also be flat and smooth in order to provide good contact between the mounting surface of the unit and the heat sink. Prior to mounting the power supply, cover at least 90% of the baseplate of the module with electrically non-conductive but thermal conductive material that Martek Power Abbott provides with each unit.

  For more information concerning heatsinking your Abbott power module you can:

1. Download detailed thermal equations
2. Several companies specialize in the manufacture and integration of heatsinks. Two such firms are Aavid and Thermalloy. Their websites may contain more detailed information and other related products.