Overview

Venting to Improve Performance, Value and Profit
Protective Vents for Solar Energy Systems - Applications

Solar energy systems are challenged by the changing demands of evolving technologies, by harsh operating conditions that can threaten performance, and by customer demands for decades-long service life.

Advanced venting solutions from Gore can help reduce engineering complexity and fabrication costs while maintaining higher system efficiency over the long lifespan customers expect.

 

 

 

GORE Protective Vents for solar system housings are engineered to deliver higher performance over the long term, helping solar systems to do the same. Gore vents:

  • provide rapid pressure equalization to ensure the seals maintain the original level of Ingress Protection (IP) rating over the life of the product;
  • block ingress of liquids and contaminants like salts, sand, or dust;
  • diffuse water vapor more effectively, minimizing condensation damage and improving system power output;
  • are available in screw-in, snap-fit or welded membrane styles for easy integration into any housing design;
  • are tested and proven to meet the world’s most demanding enclosure-protection standards including Underwriters Laboratory (UL), Technischer Überwachungsverein (TÜV) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

GORE® Protective Vents can help your enclosure meet IP and NEMA protection standards. 

Learn More

Why Vent?

Electronic enclosures that are installed outdoors are vulnerable to a wide range of environmental hazards that can affect the performance, reliability and life expectancy of the sensitive electronics within.

Problems for Outdoor Electronics:

Failed Seals

GORE Protective Vents equalize overpressures and vacuums that would stress the seals of outdoor telecom enclosures.

GORE® Vents protects seals from stress by continuously equalizing over-pressures or vacuums within

Pressure differentials are created when a sealed enclosure is exposed to rapid, extreme or recurring changes in ambient conditions. Extreme changes in temperature (a sudden thunderstorm on a hot, sunny day), altitude changes (in transit), or the repetitive heating and cooling cycles of internal telecommunications components — any of these can cause a pressure differential within a sealed enclosure. A rapid decrease in temperature, for example, can create a vacuum inside the enclosure. If this pressure differential is not dissipated, the vacuum places continual stress on the housing seals. Over time, this can cause seals to fail, allowing moisture and other contaminants such as dust, dirt and other particulates to be drawn inside, and compromising the functionality of components like telecom air filters, for example.

Condensation

GORE® Protective Vents allow moisture to escape from electronics enclosures for heavy-duty equipment.
Moisture can also get inside telecommunication enclosures by diffusion — the process by which vapor moves by natural molecular motion through the walls of a polymer enclosure. When water vapor enters a sealed enclosure and has no way to escape, it will condense to a liquid state. If this condensation remains inside the sealed enclosure, it can compromise lens function and corrode sensitive electronics and battery contacts used in “hot” telecommunication systems, or those used for network cabinet cooling.
Reliable Solutions with GORE Protective Vents:

Equalize Pressures to Protect Housing Enclosures and Seals

Prevent Contamination to Protect Electronics

Reduce Condensation to Protect Against Corrosion

Protect Against Hazardous Gas Buildup

During normal operation and recharging cycles, batteries can generate heat and emit hydrogen or other gases. This can create a hazardous, or even explosive, situation. GORE Protective Vents effectively dissipate hazardous gas molecules. By continuously equalizing pressures inside and outside the battery compartment, they reduce explosion hazards, while maintaining an effective barrier to liquids and particulates.

Gas molecules pass through the membrane

Applications

Venting Solutions for a Variety of Solar Applications
Junction Box
Junction Box Water can cause corrosion and shorts to the electronics in junction boxes. By equalizing pressure inside the box, GORE Protective Vents prevent stress on the housing seals, so water cannot enter.
CPV Modules
CPV Modules The large dimensions of the CPV modules make them susceptible to pressure differentials caused by temperature changes. Installing GORE Protective Vents in the housing equalizes pressure and increases efficiency.
String Combiner Box
String Combiner Box Regardless of the size and volume of the string combiner box, Gore can customize a venting solution to ensure the reliability of the seals and gaskets, protecting the connectors from shorts caused by water.
Tracking Equipment
Tracking Equipment Exposure to water and other contaminants can compromise the mechanical components of the tracking system. GORE Protective Vents provide a barrier against liquid and other contaminants that can lead to corrosion.
Micro / String Inverter
Micro / String Inverter Corrosion can quickly damage the sensitive electronics inside the micro/string inverter. GORE Protective Vents prevent degradation by providing a durable barrier against water, oils and other liquids.
Monitoring Equipment
Monitoring Equipment Condensation can compromise the performance of control components. By allowing moisture vapor to diffuse easily, GORE Protective Vents reduce the potential for condensation inside the enclosures.

 

Product Comparison

Adhesive Vents

Adhesive Series

Screw-in Vents

Screw-In Series

Snap-in Vents

Snap-In Series

IP / NEMA Rating

Better Ingress Protection

Find out which of our vents can help your enclosure deliver the desired protection level according to Ingress Protection (IP) or NEMA Standards.

Resources

GORE® Protective Vents - Solar Energy Systems - Brochure

GORE® Protective Vents - Solar Energy Systems

Brochures, 1.33 MB

GORE® Protective Vents: Positioning Recommendations

GORE® Protective Vents: Positioning Recommendations

Technical Information, 415.54 KB

View all resources for GORE Protective Vents for Solar Energy Systems

Recent News

News

Safeguard Equipment and Your Investment: New GORE® Protective Vent for Gearboxes

Posted November 21, 2024

Safeguard Equipment and Your Investment: New GORE® Protective Vent for Gearboxes. A new venting solution to extend the life of oil-filled gearboxes, traditional and e-motors/drivetrains in heavy equipment, rail, marine and new energy applications.

Event

Webinar: Moisture, the Silent Enemy of Electronics

October 1, 2024

In this FREE WEBINAR, you’ll learn about how to master moisture management in sealed enclosures & protect your battery and electronics.

Event

Discover the world of Gore at IEEE SENSORS 2024 in Kobe, Japan!

October 20, 2024 - October 23, 2024

Join us at IEEE SENSORS 2024 , a renowned event in the field of sensor technology and innovation. We are excited to announce that W. L. GORE & Associates G.K. will be unveiling cutting edge solutions at booth #6 during the conference, from October 21st to October 23rd.

News

8-year field study proves GORE® Protective Vents to be a lasting safeguard

Posted August 13, 2024

Optimizing the performance and durability of outdoor electronics. For electronic equipment to function reliably outdoors, intact sealing of the enclosure is vitally important. Download White Paper as PDF.

View all News & Events

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Not for use in food, drug, cosmetic or medical device manufacturing, processing, or packaging operations.