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Views: 122 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2022-11-22 Origin: Site
Did you know that 80% of data centers have implemented or are considering installing cold or hot aisle containment solutions? With so many facilities using some form of containment, many wonder whether it is better to contain the hot aisle or the cold aisle. The answer? Both.
Ultimately, the goal of hot aisle and cold aisle containment is the same - to improve the data center environment in a way that reduces operating costs and increases cooling capacity. Every server room is unique, so there is no clear answer as to which type of system should be used in a data center. For this reason, it is important that you understand the differences between these two types of containment systems.
A cold aisle containment (CAC) system in a data center has doors at the end of the aisle and partitions in the ceiling that act as a physical barrier to contain the supply airflow. These doors are necessary to prevent air from escaping from the end of the aisle.
This creates uniform airflow and controlled temperatures at the IT entrance. Hot spots affect the ability of a data center to achieve the most efficient operating conditions. the CAC system is designed to eliminate these hot spots.
A hot aisle containment (HAC) system uses a physical barrier to direct hot exhaust air back toward the air conditioner. The advantage of this system lies in the natural properties that cause hot air to rise. The hot air is directed upward into the air conditioning return, much like the gap in a floor-to-ceiling window.
The benefit of hot aisle containment is twofold - it increases cooling capacity and saves energy. The hot aisle is known to double the cooling capacity of computer room air conditioning (CRAC) systems because it isolates the hot air exiting the server racks. This ensures that it returns to the air conditioning coils without mixing with the cold air.
While cold aisle containment is easier and often less expensive to implement, hot aisle containment is usually more effective. Unfortunately, the higher temperatures present in hot aisle systems can create uncomfortable working conditions for technicians.
Ultimately, you will need to evaluate your computer room and determine which containment system is more conducive to your environment before deciding which system to use.
