THM-04 · Thermal path · source-backed
Aisle containment
A physical barrier reduces hot/cold mixing, but fire protection, egress, controls and failure behavior must be coordinated.
How it works
Contain either the supply or return air zone so rack inlet and exhaust streams remain separated.
Where it fits
Air-cooled rooms seeking more predictable rack inlet conditions and higher usable density.
Where it breaks
The enclosure is treated as a standalone accessory rather than a change to the room system.
Tradeoff register
- Reduces mixing
- Can improve usable capacity
- Adds coordination with life safety and controls
Interactive teaching model
This card connects to the airflow lab. Its output is a bounded calculation or an illustrative directional model, not measured site data or a commissioned design result.
Source register
These sources support the teaching summary. Use current standards, site engineering and authority approval for real work.
- Best Practices Guide for Energy-Efficient Data Center Design
U.S. Department of Energy · Public web page and downloadable guide · reviewed 2026-08-26. Rights note: Link and summarize; asset reuse requires a separate rights check. - ASHRAE Data Center Resources and Thermal Guidelines
ASHRAE · Public catalog; technical publications may be paid · reviewed 2026-08-26. Rights note: Link and summarize public descriptions; do not reproduce protected publication content.