What is the function of an air containment system in a data centre?

The function of an air containment system in a data centre is pivotal in enhancing cooling efficiency by effectively segregating hot and cold air streams. This segregation is critical because it ensures that the cold air supplied to the server racks is not mixed with the hot air expelled by the equipment. By maintaining this separation, the system improves the overall cooling effectiveness, allowing for more efficient operation.

When cold air is directed solely into cold aisles, where servers take in the air, and hot air is allowed to flow into hot aisles, where it can be expelled and cooled down again, it minimizes heat buildup and maximizes the performance of the cooling infrastructure. This can lead to reduced energy consumption as the cooling systems do not have to work as hard to maintain optimal temperatures. Furthermore, efficient cooling helps in prolonging the life of the equipment, reducing the risk of overheating and ensuring reliability in operations.

The other options address functions that are not relevant to an air containment system. Regulating electrical connections is a task for electrical infrastructure, while reducing physical space relates more to equipment layout rather than air containment. Backup power provision is a function of power management systems and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). Hence, the focus on air containment directly contributes to the data centre's