Aisle Containment Systems

Build-to-Suit Aisle Containment Solutions by CoolShield

CoolShield has been an industry leader in the aisle containment industry since 2010. Lean on our experience and expertise. Our containment solutions can be built to suit any size data center.

What is Aisle Containment?

Aisle containment is a cooling system that completely separates the cold supply airflow from the hot equipment exhaust air.​

Aisle containment creates an even and consistent supply intake temperature for data center equipment and electronics. The returning air is warmer and drier when it reaches the AC coil.

Why is Aisle Containment so Important?

Aisle containment is an important environmental control standard in the data center industry because it removes the risk of servers and other sensitive electronics from overheating, which in turn saves companies upwards of thousands of dollars in energy costs a year. With a proper containment system in place the data center manager’s ability to fully separate cold airflow from exhaust air coming from hot equipment is an option that can be monitored precisely. The result is a supply temperature that is uniform and predictable.

There can be either hot or cold containment implemented, depending on your particular facility’s layout.

Active data centers run extremely hot. The worst enemy of a data center is a non-monitored, poorly designed system without a sufficient cooling system in place. Servers have their own internal cooling mechanisms, but the hot air from the surrounding environment still makes its way into the server intakes. The result is overheating, which results in reduced server performance and/or equipment damage due to excessive heat. The only solution to maintaining a constant temperature is aisle containment.

The data center manager’s primary responsibilities is to keep the machines operating at an ideal temperature, which is between 70° and 75° F. A lay person would suggest that a manager could simply cool the entire room. For many reasons, this is both inefficient and costly. Many data centers and server farms are extremely large structures with a plethora of air that needs constant cycling. Furthermore, the costs of managing a data center skyrockets as these facilities became larger and more complex.

Learn more about Cold Aisle Containment
Learn more about Hot Aisle Containment

Get A Quote
aisle containment diagram showing hot and cold airflow

HAC vs CAC

Hot Aisle Vs Cold Aisle Containment Systems

rendering of a room contained in a hot aisle

Aisle containment is a layout design for server racks and other computing equipment in a data center. The goal of a hot or cold aisle configuration is to conserve energy and lower cooling costs by managing air flow.

Designing the proper containment system requires lining server racks in rows (or aisles) with the cold air intakes facing one direction and hot air exhaust facing the other. This makes one side of the row hot and the other side cold.

The system is built around an CRAC (Computer room air conditioning unit) AC unit. The cold air intake side of the row faces the CRAC output ducts.This is the cold aisle. The hot aisle is where the hot side of the row typically pours into the CRAC intake. Cooling capacity will increase. Keeping these aisles separated from one another is the core of containment.

Proper aisle containment creates a physical barrier that separates the hot and cold air from mixing. Containment panels or strips create a partition to isolate either the server supply air (cold aisle) or the exhaust air (hot aisle). Preventing the supply and exhaust air from mixing significantly increases the capacity and cooling efficiency of the cooling infrastructure.

Some data centers focus on one or the other. Site conditions dictate the best approach. At most sites, it is easier to implement a cold aisle containment system because there are typically cable trays and other obstructions above the hot aisle. It is very difficult to implement a hot aisle system if there is not a return plenum.

Containment Structure

The Cool Shield Aluminum Channel

aluminum channel for aisle containment airflow

The aluminum channel is the heart of any aisle containment system. The proprietary combination of slotted and threaded sides has proven incredibly versatile for use in containment ceiling panels, vertical panels, containment walls, doors and more. There are several versions of the channel to specifically meet any design criteria.

Why Our Containment Solutions Are the Best

Quality Materials and Design

facility producing materials used for building an aisle containment system

Cool Shield containment channels use high-quality 6063 aluminum alloy with a durable two-step anodization process. Available in clear, black, or powder coated in custom colors. In addition, we manufacture standard brackets with 11-gauge galvanized steel for superior strength. Cool Shield offers both flexible aisle containment strip and containment panel solutions that comply with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 75 standards. Our standard polycarbonate and strip materials feature ASTM International E-84 Class A ratings. We also offer FM 4910-approved solid panels in clear and opaque finishes.

Sliding and hinged containment doors are fabricated with post-formed steel frames for maximum sturdiness and performance when putting an aisle containment system in place. Hardware such as hinges, rollers and handles provide lasting functionality. Doors are designed to meet applicable Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

In addition, our aisle containment accessories including blanking panels, foam strips and cable covers feature UL94-V0, the highest rating available for this type material.

How Our Containment Works

Aisle Containment Capabilities Video

Frequently Asked Questions

Aisle Containment FAQs

The short answer is yes, you can install your own Cool Shield solution. However, in most instances we do recommend installation by one of our trained installers. Even though all components are cut to size and we do provide detailed drawings, each site usually has unforeseen challenges during installation. Our experienced installers have encountered and overcome many obstacles and can make sure your project functions as designed. A professional install will cost more up front but can provide better and faster returns by ensuring effective containment.
The process by which drop away panels work is as follows: Drop away panels are thin plastic panels which in turn have a low melting point. At 135 degrees the panels, which are framed by the Cool Shield Channel, will start to shrink at the edges. This causes the panels to fall to the ground. They are very light weight and pose no risk of injury. Most temperature activated fire suppressions systems activate at 150 to 175 degrees so the panels will be out of the way before a discharge. It is important to note that drop away panels are not smoke activated. We recommend checking with local fire inspectors prior to any purchase.
Yes. FM Global products relates to a flammability standard set forth by insurance companies. Some insurance companies either require the use of FM approved materials or provide a discount if they are used. It is a rather stringent standard with relatively few approved products but Cool Shield does offer FM 4910 rated solid and drop away panels.
Yes. Cool Shield offers both strip and panel solutions which comply with the NFPA 75 standards. We can also design and implement solutions with release mechanisms which can integrate with the fire control panel. Your Project Manager can work with you on a compliant design for your specific application.
NFPA 75 is the Standard for the Fire Protection of Information Technology Equipment. It is their first standard which specifically provides guidelines for aisle containment. It recommends the type of materials which should be used and the proper methods for removing obstructions if there is a smoke or fire event. It is important to remember that these are standards only and the final approval of any design or installation is at the discretion of the local fire inspector.
Yes. Standard fusible links are the least complicated and most cost effective option for removing obstructions at a specified temperature. We have used them on dozens of installations. However, some fire marshals have concerns about the operability of standard fusible links because they are temperature activated only and do nothing if there is smoke. NFPA 75 does not support the use of standard fusible links however, some customers still choose to use them. We recommend you discuss the use of fusible links with your local fire marshal before making a purchase.
Fusible links are typically composed of two pieces of metal held together by a chemical compound. At a specified temperature the compound will lose adhesiveness causing the two pieces of metal to separate. The standard fusible links that we use are UL rated to separate at 135 degrees. Electronic links work the same way but are heated to the release point by an electrical wire instead of the ambient air. They can be wired to the fire control panel or other relay.
Unless there are both smoke and fire sensors inside and outside the isolated area, the containment will create an obstruction for both water and gas based suppression systems. Our Project Managers can assist you in determining a plan to overcome this issue. We recommend that all customers discuss their containment plans and design with their local fire marshal prior to purchase.
Yes, however you will need to determine the load bearing capacity of your ceiling grid and compare it to the weight of the containment system. You will generally not want to exceed more than 50% of the weight capacity of the ceiling. We can use lightweight panels or strips to keep weight as low as possible. We do have many other mounting options if this is not feasible.

The short answer is that both HAC and CAC are nearly equally effective because they prevent supply and exhaust air from mixing. Cold aisle containment (CAC) provides excellent control over supply temperatures to optimize CRAC set points. Hot aisle containment (HAC) returns warmer air to CRAC units which can increase cooling capacity. The best approach for your data center will be dictated by your site conditions. At most existing sites, it is easier to implement a CAC solution because there are typically cable trays and other obstructions above the hot aisle. It is also very difficult to implement hot aisle containment if there is not a return plenum. Our Project Managers can help you determine which approach would be most effective in your data center.

If properly installed you can expect 20-50% reduction in cooling costs. Each site will be different due to the site conditions, cooling infrastructure, rack density and other factors. Efficiency is maximized if the cooling systems with variable speed fans and there is a good return air path.

Containment Products & Accessories

01

Sliding and Hinged Doors

Learn More

02

Sliding, Solid and Thermal Panels

Learn More

03

Containment Accessories

Learn More

Data Center Containment Specialists

Get in touch with us, and start improving the airflow in your critical space today.

Contact Us
CONTACT US