WHAT IS COLD AISLE CONTAINMENT
Cold Aisle Containment isolates the cooled supply air from the CRAC units within direct proximity of the air intake of critical equipment.
An enormous amount of energy is used every day to maintain an acceptable intake temperature to the IT equipment. In recent years, there has been no greater positive impact on the cooling of data centers than the introduction of containment. The energy savings alone has saved hundreds of millions of dollars and has greatly decreased data centers’ carbon footprint. Data center containment has virtually changed the way IT facilities are designed and operated by fully separating cold supply from hot equipment exhaust air.
ENERGY EFFICIENT
Establish optimal operating efficiencies
The natural properties of cold air requires doors to prevent it from flowing out from the aisle ends. Cold aisle containment (CAC) ensures that the IT equipment is being cooled within the manufacturers’ specifications. Hot spots, like a weak link in a chain, impacts the ability to achieve the efficient operating conditions recommended by the new ASHRAE TC 9.9 guidelines. CAC creates a uniform and predictable airflow that eliminates hot spots, ensuring optimal operating efficiencies
SPACE EFFICIENT
Data Center space is expensive. Minimize your footprint.
Data center space is expensive. Many companies do not populate the top 15% of the rack due to inconsistent supply air temperature. The area at the top of the rack is typically affected by hot exhaust air recirculation. Cold aisle containment systems are designed to eliminate these hot spots, allowing data centers to get more out their space. Under populating the rack increases the space cost per server ratio (Sp ~ SerR). While most ROI formulas compute the real cost of cooling saved, the increase in rack population alone saves companies millions of dollars towards new data center expansion. For CoLo sites, this would mean increased revenue per square foot.
SEEING IS BELIEVING — PROJECT EXAMPLES
Cold Aisle Containment Solutions
A variety of cold aisle containment configurations are shown below. These are actual customer projects, custom designed for their unique challenges.
Cold Aisle Containment
Non-Raised Floor Example 1
Non-raised floor & overhead air conditioning system is present; containment is achieved through single sliding doors, custom ceiling panels, and cooling being ducted into the aisle via the Polar Roof and diffusers.
Cold Aisle Containment
Non-Raised Floor Example 2
Based upon the Rack Hat System, this cold aisle containment project comprises vinyl strip doors, vinyl Rack Hat, and the Polar Roof system.
Cold Aisle Containment
Raised Floor Example 1
With cooling provided through a raised floor, this cold aisle containment project uses rigid wall panels in conjunction with the Polar Cap 2 roof system to provide containment in aisles with missing rows.
Cold Aisle Containment
Raised Floor Example 2
Cold aisle containment system featuring raised flooring, perforated floor tiles, single sliding doors and the Polar Roof system.
Cold Aisle Containment
Raised Floor Example 3
Cold aisle containment system featuring raised flooring, perforated floor tiles, dual sliding doors and the Polar Cap 2 retractable roof system.
Thoroughly understand your Options
The decision affects the longevity of your facility and your bottom line
Intelligent data center solutions begin with understanding your unique situation. Let us educate you in the latest insights and options, so you can make informed and confident decisions for your facility.
