THM-02 · Thermal path · source-backed
Hot-aisle / cold-aisle layout
Alternating rack orientation creates coherent supply and return zones before physical containment is added.
How it works
Face rack inlets toward a common cold aisle and exhausts toward a common hot aisle.
Where it fits
Nearly every air-cooled white space as a foundational layout discipline.
Where it breaks
Floor openings, cable cutouts, blanking gaps and room returns still allow major short-circuit paths.
Tradeoff register
- Low-cost organizing principle
- Enables later containment
- Orientation alone does not stop mixing
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.