Upsite Technologies, Inc. has announced today its most recent enhancements to the AisleLok® Under Rack Panel. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis recently revealed that the Under Rack Panel reduced intake temperatures as a result of eliminating exhaust air recirculation under the rack; up to $50,000 in annual energy savings for a 20,000 square foot data center.

The advanced aisle airflow management solution now includes pre-scored lines for a tool-less height adjustment and thicker, more aggressive adhesive tape for uneven surfaces. The upgrades have been designed to allow for easier modification and the flexibility to seal large and unique openings underneath IT cabinets of varying heights.

The product features two sizes: 27.5 inch and 31.5 inch panels, which are customizable to seal a variety of gaps under the server rack. The unique design incorporates a rigid PVC support frame co-extruded with a flexible sealing material. The new double sided adhesive provides a permanent and non-particulating attachment to the rack. The flexible sealing material easily conforms to floor surfaces under the rack and can be customized as needed.

“In order to seal a wide range of gap sizes, the AisleLok® Under Rack Panel can now be hand-torn to produce a custom fit,” said Lars Strong, senior engineer, Upsite Technologies. “Along with its stronger adhesive, the Under Rack Panel’s price point and potential for an impressive ROI make it an even more appealing airflow management solution. They’re now a welcome addition to data centers both large and small.”

CFD analysis of a model data center revealed the impact of sealing small gaps using the AisleLok® Under Rack Panel, finding that the product reduced temperatures as a result of eliminating exhaust air recirculation under the rack. Temperatures for servers in the bottom of the rack were reduced by an average of 10.5° F, with a maximum reduction of 18.9° F. Additionally, at the room level, cooling unit fan speeds were reduced by ten percent without causing any IT equipment intake air temperatures to exceed the ASHRAE®-recommended maximum of 80.6° F. During the study of the 2,260 square foot model data center, fan speed reduction resulted in energy savings of $5,318 annually (@$0.10/kWhr). On a larger scale, this equates to nearly $50,000.00 in annual energy savings for a 20,000 square foot data center.  In combination with the attractive pricing of the AisleLok® Under Rack Panel, simple payback was achieved in about two months. While results may vary depending on the layout of data center, the CFD results clearly demonstrated the large impact that sealing this small space can have.

Upsite’s AisleLok® Modular Containment was named winner of the “Bright Idea” category at the 2015 Modern Infrastructure Impact Awards.