Smart Designs

Polargy provides detailed containment designs for hot and cold aisle containment projects. For new construction projects, Polargy develops shop drawings from architectural drawings in CAD and prepares record drawings after the installations. We also offer a design assist service where we work closely with the architect's engineers and assist in the development of a final design for a project. Since containment is typically the last piece of the data center to be installed, bringing our experience and competency to the project saves time and prevents rework. For retrofits with less specific documentation requirements Polargy will prepare basic design documents from layout drawings and field measurements.

Design Approach: Hot Aisle Containment vs. Cold Aisle Containment

For containment deployments a common question is which is better to contain, the hot aisle or the cold aisle. For retrofits, often the site’s architecture and fire suppression system dictate cold aisle containment in order to meet the ROI objectives. However, for new construction the debate is more open ended. In some cases the site’s architecture will call for a particular direction but more often than not there will be a choice. Arguments in favor of cold aisle containment include having a smaller space to cool, a more direct supply air path, and positive air pressure keeping hot air out. Arguments in favor of hot aisle containment include longer run through if there is a cooling failure and a more comfortable working environment.