Aisle Containment

AISLE CONTAINMENT & RAISED FLOOR SOLUTION

Aisle containment is a method used in data centers to improve cooling efficiency and manage airflow by physically isolating either the hot aisle or the cold aisle. This separation prevents hot and cold air from mixing, allowing the cooling system to operate more effectively and maintain consistent equipment inlet temperatures.

There are two main configurations:

• • Cold Aisle Containment: Encloses the cold aisle to trap and direct cooled air to the front of servers.

• • Hot Aisle Containment: Encloses the hot aisle to capture and direct hot exhaust air back to the cooling units.

Why Aisle Containment May Be Required

• • Improved Cooling Efficiency: Prevents recirculation of hot air, improving the effectiveness of the cooling system.

• • Energy Cost Reduction: Optimized airflow reduces the load on cooling units, lowering energy consumption.

• • Supports Higher Rack Density: With better thermal management, data centers can safely support more equipment per square foot.

• • Stable Thermal Conditions: Minimizes hot spots and maintains predictable cooling performance.

• • Compliance and Reliability: Helps meet environmental standards and uptime requirements by ensuring proper thermal management.

How Raised Floor Systems Support Aisle Containment

A raised floor system plays a key role in enhancing aisle containment strategies:

• • Air Delivery Path: In cold aisle containment, perforated floor tiles in the cold aisle allow conditioned air to rise directly into equipment intakes.

• • Cable Management: Raised floors provide space to run power and data cabling, keeping overhead space clear for containment infrastructure like ducts or return plenums.

• • Flexibility: Floor tiles can be adjusted to align with changing rack layouts or containment expansions.

• • Pressure Control: Contained aisles rely on consistent air pressure—raised floors help regulate airflow distribution to support this.

By combining a raised floor with aisle containment, data centers can achieve a more controlled and efficient cooling environment.

Best Cooling Solutions for Aisle Containment

The most effective cooling systems used alongside aisle containment include:

• • In-Row Cooling Units: Deliver targeted cooling next to the heat source.

• • CRAC Units with Raised Floor Distribution: Push cooled air under the floor and up into the cold aisle.

• • Chilled Water or DX Systems: Can be integrated with in-row or perimeter units to complement containment.

The choice depends on the existing infrastructure, rack layout, and performance requirements.

How Modern Power & Cooling Technology (MPCT) Can Support

MPCT offers complete solutions for aisle containment and raised floor systems, from design to installation.

Here is how MPCT supports your implementation:

• • Site Assessment & System Design
    MPCT evaluates your data center layout, airflow, and heat loads to recommend the most effective containment and flooring strategy.

• • Raised Floor Supply & Installation
    MPCT provides and installs raised floor systems, including solid and perforated tiles, ramps, and cable access solutions, designed to integrate seamlessly with aisle containment systems.

• • Custom-Engineered Containment
    MPCT designs and installs hot or cold aisle containment enclosures that work with your raised floor and cooling setup, optimizing airflow and improving energy efficiency.

• • Cooling System Integration
    Containment solutions are engineered to complement existing CRAC, or in-row systems for consistent temperature and airflow management.

• • Turnkey Installation & Project Delivery
    MPCT manages the full implementation process, coordinating with facility teams or contractors to ensure a smooth rollout.

• • Ongoing Support
    Post-installation, MPCT offers maintenance, system optimization, and scalability planning to support future growth.

MPCT delivers fully integrated raised floor and aisle containment systems, tailored to your site conditions and cooling requirements. Whether upgrading an existing space or building from the ground up, MPCT ensures your data center operates efficiently, reliably, and with room to scale.