How to Choose Between Hot-Aisle and Cold-Aisle Containment
DC Infrastructure
How to Choose Between Hot-Aisle and Cold-Aisle Containment
By Patrick Pedroso
March 7, 2023 - 7 min
What is Aisle containment?
Aisle containment is a proven technique for optimizing data center cooling.. It builds upon the best practice of arranging racks and cabinets with the fronts of racks in one row facing the fronts of racks in an adjacent row. That way, hot exhaust air from the back is less likely to be drawn into nearby equipment. An aisle containment solution further minimizes hot and cold air mixing by capturing the air within a given aisle.
There are two choices for data center hot-aisle and cold-aisle containment — and there isn’t much guidance out in the marketplace as to which way to go. However, there are a few variables that can help you decide. It depends on how the data center is cooled and where the heat is rejected.
Why Cold-Aisle Containment
Data Center cold-aisle containment is by far the more common technique. Generally, doors are installed at each end of the aisle so that the aisle fills with chilled air. Sometimes a roof is used as well. In addition to focusing chilled air on the intake side of the equipment, cold-aisle containment makes the environment more comfortable for IT staff.
Why Hot-Aisle Containment
Data Center hot-aisle containment has value as well, although it’s somewhat less intuitive. The goal of hot-aisle containment is to trap exhaust air at its hottest point and provide it with a direct path into the AC return. Hot-aisle containment increases the cooling capacity of AC units, which is measured as the ratio of the difference between supply and return air temperatures.
With that in mind, there are three situations when hot-aisle containment would be the preferred method.
Chilled air is not effectively getting into the aisle. If you’re going to box off the cold aisle, you need to ensure that chilled air is getting into the space. Otherwise, the chilled air will simply blow over the cold aisle into the hot aisle and not cool the equipment.
The data center has a slab floor. Cold-aisle containment is most often used in environments where cold air is generated outside the containment area and brought in through the floor. If you have a slab floor, you’d have to bring the containment system up to the ceiling of the cold aisle to capture the chilled air and keep the hot air out.
You’re using in-row cooling. In-row cooling units are most efficient when the return air is as hot as possible, so hot-aisle containment should be used. Also, if the in-row cooling unit fails in a cold-aisle containment configuration, chilled air won’t get to the IT equipment.
Here are some best practices for data center aisle containment
Seal gaps and leaks: Containment systems are only effective if they are properly sealed. Gaps and leaks can allow hot air to mix with cold air, reducing the efficiency of cooling systems. Ensure that all gaps and leaks are properly sealed using materials such as brush seals, gaskets, or adhesive strips.
Use blanking panels: Blanking panels are used to fill empty spaces in server racks, preventing hot air from escaping and cold air from being wasted. This can improve cooling efficiency and reduce energy costs.
Monitor temperature and humidity: Monitoring temperature and humidity levels in the data center is important for ensuring that cooling systems are operating within the recommended range. Use sensors to monitor temperature and humidity levels, and adjust cooling systems as necessary.
Regularly maintain containment systems: Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure that containment systems continue to function properly. This includes inspecting seals and panels, replacing damaged components, and cleaning equipment.
Consider raising the roof to allow more headroom. Most containment systems have a flat roof that goes over the tops of the racks. Many data centers are using 48U and 52U racks, which means a ladder is needed to get to the gear at the top. It’s recommend raising the roof four to six inches.
There are no hard and fast rules as to the choice between cold-aisle and hot-aisle containment. But if you understand how AC systems work and how your data center cooling is designed, you can identify situations where hot-aisle containment is preferred. Contact Us for more information about Data Center Cooling Solutions.
Patrick is a Global IT Solutions Architect for Rahi, specializing in product design and launch, IT infrastructure design, technical sales and project management. His focus is on innovative data center and lab infrastructure design and using leading-edge solutions to solve IT and business problems.
Blogs Press Release Brochure Case Studies Webinar Events Videos Pages |Remove All
error: Content is protected !!
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of all the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.