Aisle containment is a well-known practice in data center cooling and airflow management that has become increasingly popular in past years. And for good reason, containment significantly reduces energy costs and increases rack densities by providing a complete barrier around the IT equipment to control airflow. However, full containment solutions on the market today often require a 3rd party to measure, quote, design, customize, and install the products, often making containment too expensive or cumbersome for many data centers. This often leaves data center managers looking for an alternative solution…

While there are a few alternatives to full containment on the market, many aren’t quite as effective and others are simply an unattractive addition to any data center. Even so, the most common downfall we found among both full containment and alternative solutions is the inability to migrate the hardware as changes in the computer room occur. Once installed, the majority of these solutions are permanent. At Upsite Technologies we recognized this as a problem in the market, which is why we created the AisleLok Modular Containment solution.

So now the big question that all of you may be asking is “What’s modular containment?” Well, I’m glad you asked…

Modular Containment Explained

AisleLok Modular Containment is the first out-of-the box containment solution that can be self-installed in just minutes without the use of tools. This innovative solution is the first of its kind in the industry, and provides data center managers an alternative to the complex traditional containment systems. The AisleLok Modular Containment solution consists of two main components:

• Rack Top Baffle – Baffles made of clear polycarbonate material, which attach magnetically to the top of the rack and are available in 30˚ or 90˚ angles.

• Bi-Directional Doors – Swinging doors made of clear polycarbonate material, which attach magnetically to the sides of racks and are available in varying heights.

In addition, we also offer:

• Adjustable Rack Gap Panel – Adjustable filler panel that attaches magnetically to fill empty spaces between two racks.

Features & Benefits

Keeping the needs of data center manager’s in mind, the AisleLok Modular Containment solution can be installed in minutes without any tools or construction, resulting in minimal disruption in the data center. In addition, it is extremely easy to order because no measuring, designing or special engineering is required. Finally, what really sets the AisleLok Modular Containment apart from the pack is its flexible design, allowing for easy application to either the hot or cold aisle. This also allows for simple reconfiguration, making the AisleLok Modular Containment easily adaptable to your computer room as it changes and evolves.

So how does this compare to full containment? According to CFD analysis conducted by 3rd parties, as well as Upsite’s own field data, the AisleLok Modular Containment can achieve similar core benefits of traditional containment, including the following:

• Higher rack densities

• Lower inlet temperatures

• Reduced energy costs

Most importantly, these benefits can be realized without the costs or inconveniences that accompany the current containment options. The major benefit of AisleLok Modular Containment is its ability to attain a similar level of efficacy with a simple and cost-effective design.

Conclusion

With containment becoming a widely adopted practice in the industry, many data center managers find themselves at a cross roads: expensive yet effective full containment solutions, or marginally effective and unattractive low cost alternative solutions. The AisleLok Modular Containment solution gives data center managers something in between: an elegant airflow management solution that has the core benefits of containment and aisle separation, but with greater flexibility and attractive price value.