Polargy’s Containment ‘Drop Away’ Panels

Containment systems are an increasingly popular way to improve data center energy efficiency, preventing hot and cold air from mixing. But containment systems require that companies consider how to manage fire suppression. This week Polargy, Inc. announced the PolarPlex overhead Drop Away Panel for its hot and cold aisle containment systems.

Each translucent PolarPlex panel prevents the mixing of hot and cold air above the data center racks. In the event of a fire, the heat-sensitive panels fall away from their frames, allowing fire-suppression systems to operate without obstruction. Polargy says PolarPlex is a UL-listed containment system approved for use below sprinkler heads and has been approved by fire officials in numerous American municipalities.

“These groundbreaking built-to-order panels are lightweight and weigh less than a pound per square foot. Panels are economical because there is no need to modify existing lighting and fire-suppression systems, and because they are easy to install,” said Cary Frame, President of Polargy. “A PolarPlex containment system eliminates thermal mixing without requiring painful retrofitting.”

Polargy said it is partnering with Bluestone Energy Services, a design-build energy conservation firm headquartered in Norwell, Mass., and New Jersey-based distributor NER Data Products. The company has created a brief video that illustrates how the product works: