Modular thermal isolation barrier for data processing equipment structure

A method of thermally segregating cool air from heated exhaust air in a data processing equipment structure, the method comprising:

• providing a data processing equipment structure having a structural framework and a plurality of panels secured to and at least substantially enclosing the structural framework, wherein the structural framework defines an equipment structure footprint;
• arranging at least one electronic equipment enclosure in place of a removed one of the plurality of panels such that a first portion is positioned within the equipment structure footprint and a second portion is positioned outside of the equipment structure footprint, whereby a gap exists between an enclosure panel of the at least one electronic equipment enclosure and a frame member of the structural framework;
• and
• deploying an edge seal having a generally uniform cross-sectional shape to occupy the gap to prevent air circulation therethrough, wherein the edge seal includes a rigid base portion arranged relative to the frame member of the structural framework and a resilient seal portion extending from the rigid base portion and being deflected by the enclosure panel of the at least one electronic equipment enclosure, thereby establishing a seal thereagainst.

A method of thermally segregating cool air from heated exhaust air in a data processing equipment structure, the method comprising:

• providing a data processing equipment structure having a structural framework;
• and
• forming a barrier between first and second parallel members of the structural framework, wherein forming the barrier includes
• deploying a first modular thermal isolation barrier relative to the first member of the structural framework, the first modular thermal isolation barrier including each of a first barrier panel secured to the first member of the structural framework and a first edge seal, and
• deploying a second modular thermal isolation barrier relative to the second member of the structural framework, the second modular thermal isolation barrier including each of a second barrier panel secured to the second member of the structural framework and a second edge seal, and
• wherein the first and second edge seals each include a rigid base portion that receives an end of the respective barrier panel and a resilient seal portion that extends from the respective rigid base portion, the resilient seal portions of each of the first and second edge seals engaging, and being deflected by, one another to establish the barrier.