Design and Installation Challenges: Aisle Containment Systems 1
We all know the Benefits of Containment 1. Reduces Total Cost of Data Center Ownership 2. Eliminates hot spots 3. Supports higher heat and power densities 4. Eliminates CRAH fan energy waste 5. Maximizes CRAH cooling coil efficiency 6. Increases chiller efficiency
Common Types of Containment Hot Aisle Containment (lid) - Close Coupled Cooling (In-Row, Overhead) Hot Aisle Containment Vertical Exhaust Cold Aisle Containment lid or vertical air chamber Cabinet Level Containment Vertical Exhaust Cooling is placed adjacent to IT equipment reducing supply and return air paths Hot aisle is enclosed typically at the rear edge of the cabinets and sides Similar to hot aisle system except containment is at the front edge of the cabinet Similar to hot/cold aisle containment but dramatically different So which is best?
What is the Best Type of Containment? Hot-aisle and Cold Aisle Containment Efficiencies Reveal No Significant Differences Copyright 2011 Intel Corporation. Data from: The Datacenter 2020, which is a joint T-Systems and Intel data center test laboratory in the Munich-based Euroindustriepark. www.datacenter2020.com
Let s take a closer look Cold Aisle Containment (Lid Style) Requirements Air delivery via raised floor. All cabling should be overhead to reduce underfloor airflow restrictions. Pros Does not require exhuast duct. Can usually be added to existing room without too much difficulty. Cons Must provide for lighting and sprinkler heads within the containment area (lid penetrations, equipment support and servicing). Must invest in complete aisle structure up front. Difficult to add/move cabinets once completed.
Cold Aisle Containment Vertical Air Chamber
Cold Aisle Containment Vertical Air Chamber Requirements Air delivery to the cold aisle via raised floor or downflow from ceiling plenum Pros Increased aisle air volume - longer runtime on power outage. Easier to work around sprinkler heads and lighting systems. Cons Must invest in complete aisle structure up front. Difficult to add/move cabinets once completed.
Cold Aisle Containment Vertical Air Chamber
Hot Aisle Containment Vertical Exhaust
Hot Aisle Containment Vertical Exhaust Requirements Ceiling return air plenum or ductwork to exhaust return air Pros Easier to work around sprinkler heads and lighting systems. Cons Uncomfortable aisle temperatures for performing work in An Employee-Owned Corporation 800-834-4969 www.chatsworth.com
Hot Aisle Containment Close Coupled / In Row Cooling
Hot Aisle Containment Close Coupled / In Row Cooling Requirements In Row / Close Coupled cooling units Pros Provides a solution where alternative cooling strategies cannot be used Cons Must provide for lighting and sprinkler heads within the containment area (lid penetrations, equipment support and servicing). Must invest in complete aisle structure up front. Difficult to add/move cabinets once completed Takes up valuable floor space High initial install cost High ongoing maintenance costs
Cabinet Level Containment (Vertical Exhaust Duct)
Cabinet Level Containment (Vertical Exhaust Duct) Requirements Ceiling return air plenum or ductwork to exhaust return air Pros Easier to work around sprinkler heads and lighting systems. High Kw capacity (30 Kw) Lowest air leakage as compared to other solutions Easily add, move or relocate cabinets Lower install cost built one cabinet at a time versus complete build Cons
Your room dictates your solution Data Center Cooling Design - General Recommendations Is there a raised floor capable of delivering the needed volume of supply air? Is there a ceiling return air plenum space or can ductwork be installed capable of moving the needed volume of return air? Are new cabinets being deployed? Recommended Solution Yes Yes Yes Chimney Cabinets Yes Yes No HAC (cabinet supported) ducted to return plenum Yes No Yes CAC Yes No No CAC (cabinet supported) No Yes Yes Chimney Cabinets No Yes No HAC (cabinet supported) ducted to return plenum No No Yes HAC w/ceiling panels and close coupled cooling No No No HAC (cabinet supported) w/ceiling panels and close coupled cooling
So, you ve decided on Aisle Containment, however. Your cabinets have different: Heights Widths Depths
Your challenge is how to Contain them!
You need to achieve something like this:
Dealing with height and width variances Infill Panels Required Maximum Flexibility Allows on site engineering Simple assembly Simple to Order
Consider the Frame Structure Top Containment Row Length Extrusion Gusset plate Width Extrusion 3/8-16UNC screw Vertical Extrusion Containment Row length Extrusion Gusset plate Width Extrusion
Framing Up Extrusion C Extrusion A = 94 (uncut) Extrusion B = Length cut Extrusion C = Width cut Extrusion D = Height cut Extrusion B Extrusion D Extrusion A Extrusion A Extrusion A
Attaching Polycarbonate Panels
Doors Aisle Containment Doors Compatible with all containment options Independent self-supporting assembly Self-closing double sliding doors Self-closing single sliding door Arrives pre-assembled Door mounting kits Door installation template Foam Seal
Doors Door mounting brackets; flush or offset Self-closing double sliding doors Concealed mounting Optional Raised floor offset kit Door installation template
Aisle View
Top View
How to contain a single row against a wall
How do I bring in my cable tray???
Consider how you will seal cable runway openings that penetrate the containment
Running cable inside the containment area
Perhaps you would be better off to run your bulk cable on the outside of the containment
Filling gaps between cabinets For example, when a pillar is located in the middle of your cabinet run, and you need to seal around it, consider using and infill panel.
You may need to build a corner unit to stretch a short row on one side of the aisle
Consider how you will anchor the structure to the floor
Frame it now Fill it later!
Overlooked Issues Lack of air control Cabinet with no air dam. Server Air is uncontrolled
Overlooked Issues Poor Airflow Control and Wire Management Open spaces allow hot air to flow through cabinet and mix with cooling air Air flow from servers is blocked; cable support arms become heat sinks
Overlooked Issues Raised Floor Concerns Cut tiles can impact airflows and cooling capacities
Any questions? 39