In an open aisle configuration, supply and return air temperatures will typically be set at 12°C and 24°C respectively. Because air mixing occurs, the room has to be kept at an artificially low temperature. Raised floors are commonly used in data centers to provide an efficient way to deliver cold air from the computer room air conditioner (CRAC) unit to server racks. Cold aisles are ormed by the space. Hot aisle and cold aisle containment are foundational concepts in data center design. In this guide, we'll break down how hot aisle and cold aisle configurations. Beyond implementing basic measures such as sealing moisture out of the data center and improving air flow, aisle containment to prevent the mixing of hot and cold air stands out as a method that can dramatically reduce energy costs, minimize hot spots and improve the carbon footprint of data. Traditional open aisle data centers use perimeter PAC (precision air conditioning) or CRAC (computer room air conditioning) units to channel cold air up through a raised floor void via grilles positioned in front of the IT cabinets.
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