Retractable computer rack aisle roof

摘要

A roof for a computer rack aisle is provided. The roof has a canopy that may be flexible and/or fire-resistant. The canopy has a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position the canopy may cover the top of an aisle between two computer racks, while in the retracted position the aisle can be uncovered. A canopy retractor is provided to move the canopy from the extended position to the retracted position when a predetermined condition is met. The canopy has first and second lateral edges that are slidably received within the channels of guide tracks to facilitate the smooth movement from the extend position to the retracted position.

主权项

1. A method for moving a canopy of a computer rack air containment system to a retracted position, the method comprising:
positioning an elongated canopy of a computer rack air containment system in an extended position, the computer rack air containment system comprising:
a first row of computer racks housing electrical computer equipment, the first row of computer racks having a top surface that extends from a first end to an opposing second end;a second row of computer racks housing electrical computer equipment, the second row being spaced apart from the first row so that an aisle if formed therebetween that extends between a first end and an opposing second end, the second row of computer racks having a top surface that extends from a first end to an opposing second end;a first canopy guide track bounding a channel and extending along the top surface of the first row of computer racks at least partially between the first end and the opposing second end thereof;a second canopy guide track bounding a channel and extending along the top surface of the second row of computer racks at least partially between the first end and the opposing second end thereof;a canopy retractor disposed at the second end of the aisle;the elongated canopy having a first end an opposing second end with opposing side edges extending therebetween, the canopy in the extended position having the opposing side edges being slidably received with corresponding ones of the channels of the first and second canopy guide tracks so that at least a portion of the canopy horizontally spans across the aisle so as to cover the aisle, the first end of the canopy being disposed at the first end of the aisle, and the second end of the canopy being disposed at the second end of the aisle; andactivating the canopy retractor so that the canopy retractor retracts the canopy toward the second end of the aisle into a retracted position so as to uncover the aisle when a sensor detects a predetermined condition.