With the recent boom of containment solutions in the data center industry, enterprises have become wary about which one to opt for between hot and cold aisle containment solutions. According to some genuine sources, it is reported that a significant number of data centers in the nation have already embraced either hot or cold aisle containment. While these surveys have typically nudged into the big shots, medium and micro centers have either invested or are considering their inclusivity. This high ask and trend of the containment system has raised the elephant in the room i.e. which one to go, hot or cold aisle containment? To make it simpler for you and your system, let’s break it down-

Demystifying – Hot and Cold Aisle Containment Systems

In this type of system, the server structures are positioned like a string, with the anterior of the individual structures meeting the cold aisle. Warm air is basically eliminated through the rear side of the servers and channelized into a chamber above the linear structures (in the form of a rack). Post that, the chamber is isolated from the rest of the room, and the hot air gets ejected from the space by the cooling systems.

In the case of the cold aisle containment system, the architectural getup is almost the same as the hot aisle, where cooling systems are positioned thoughtfully on the respective sides. Here the structures in the form of a linear framework, one over another, meet the cold aisle, and chilly air is guided through the pierced tiles on the floor/doors at the anterior of the linear framework.

The chilled air ultimately channels through the hardware/resources and is passed via the rear end of individual servers into a backing chamber.

Benefits and Hurdles of Cold Aisle Containment Systems

If you take deep insights into the current preferences in this industry, most data centers opt for cold aisle containment solutions, based on their virtues. This includes the ease of installation without the need for additional altercations in the architecture to manage exhaust air. If you look at the overall implementation methodology, it simply asks for the installation of the doors at the rear ends of the aisle and a roof. This convenience factor makes it an affordable and adaptable alternative for modernizing existing data centers, particularly those with overhead interferences like power systems, ductwork, lighting, and network distribution.

Regarding the challenges of a cold aisle containment system- the main hurdle comes when the workplace gets warmed up (apart from the containment) and the workers start to feel uneasy. Accurately matching the thermals of the equipment with that of the containment aisle is crucial to refrain from wasting energy by overcooling particular equipment.

For instance, if there is a plethora of equipment in an aisle that can operate at 30 degrees but there is an odd piece of equipment that requires 25 degrees, you will be depreciating energy over cooling the greater part of the equipment. This diminishing supply of appropriate air thermals will hamper the economic benefits of the containment system.

Subsequently, the system efficiency might be hampered if there is a leakage of conditioned air from equipment ducts. An expert team like us at Network Techlab, offering standard data center containment solutions would always recommend the installation of fire and suppression systems (FDAS) in an isolated space.

Advantages and Hurdles of Hot Aisle Containment Systems

Compared to the above type, hot aisle containment fills the center with chilly air and is normally considered more systematized. All the air draining from the raised floor openings is guided in the cold space, knocking out the requirement for raised floors. Hot aisle containment is appropriate for standalone equipment and network racks positioned outside the containment system.

In terms of challenges, hot aisle containment systems are exorbitant compared to the other aisle containment types and require a methodical medium for air to navigate effectively, where it comprises a drop ceiling as a backing air chamber. Subsequently,  summery temperatures in the hot aisle can cause issues in the overall operations as well. While new-age server construction has made servers easy to modify, hot aisle containment still needs examining lighting, fire suppression, electrical outlets, and other systems for their potential to operate at higher temperatures.

Evangelism Towards Selecting the Best Containment System

Before jumping to conclusions and getting your hands on a particular data center, there are a few elements that you need to consider-

• First, you need to consider the layout of your data center. If it is already constructed, you might not have a say in which aisle you can choose. However, the option of choosing will be available to you if you are building up a new data center from scratch.
• Another factor that has an influence is the mode of tools that your data center will be incorporating. If you operate with “n” number of systems, that ooze a lot of energy, then you should think of a hot aisle containment strategy. Secondly, if your data center doesn’t have a big budget, you can go for the other type.
• The third factor is related to the climate your team is operating. If it’s summery, opt for the hot aisle containment and vice versa.

All in all, there always will be multiple factors that will alter your decision towards getting a proper containment solution. The only way out from here is to understand the principles of these solutions thoroughly. Ultimately, the sole outcome that you seek is to smartly control the humidity and temperature while driving maximum efficiency, isn’t it?

Get in touch with our team at Network Techlab for more info defining our effective data center containment solutions. Start your sustainable plan with us today.