Subsea data center main structure and method of construction thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to offshore platform construction foundation technical field, specifically to a kind of seabed data center main structure and its construction method, main structure includes from top to bottom and closes upper block, data warehouse and jacket.The construction method is to separate jacket into horizontal base, three-dimensional assembly frame and column leg pipe and make separately.Data warehouse is divided into five sections, four sections are sequentially stacked into the installation position of double-spliced H-shaped steel structure in horizontal base, and the topmost section is installed and welded at the bottom of upper block.Upper block is divided into upper deck, lower deck and middle deck, respectively made and installed and welded, lower deck carries a data warehouse section, and the entire upper block is reserved installation point and finally inserted into column leg pipe.Finally, align upper block with three-dimensional assembly frame and column leg pipe, bottom data warehouse section and data warehouse section on horizontal base are closed, and the overall structure is built.The present application is built in modularization, reduces tooling usage, shortens construction time and saves cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of construction foundation technology for offshore platforms, specifically to a main structure for an underwater data center and its construction method. Background Technology

[0002] Offshore wind power, with its abundant resources, high efficiency, and proximity to load centers, has become a crucial pillar of my country's new energy transformation. However, with the large-scale development of offshore wind power, the challenge of grid integration is becoming increasingly prominent. Meanwhile, in the current digital age, the explosive growth of the digital economy is driving a surge in demand for intelligent computing power, significantly increasing the power consumption of data centers. Computing power and electricity are two key drivers of economic and social development, and their coordinated development is essential. High-time-sensitivity scenarios such as large-scale artificial intelligence models place a rigid demand on localized computing power supply. However, issues such as scarce land resources, increasingly stringent energy consumption standards, and cross-regional latency limitations in developed regions of various countries constrain the development of data centers. As the core area of ​​my country's computing power demand, the southeastern coastal region is facing the triple constraints of high energy consumption, limited land, and power shortages. Building submarine data centers to adapt to this development has become an important solution. How to successfully, cost-effectively, and efficiently build high-quality submarine data centers has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a main structure for an underwater data center and a method for constructing it, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A method for constructing the main structure of an underwater data center, including S1. Process the sub-components of the guide frame, data compartment, and upper module; S1.1. Produce a horizontal base with legs and a three-dimensional assembly frame respectively; S1.2, process several data warehouse segments respectively (e.g. Figure 6 (as shown) S1.3. Machining the upper deck, middle deck, lower deck, and column leg tubes respectively; The column-leg tubes include straight tubes of different diameters and corresponding tapered tubes; The upper deck, middle deck, and lower deck all have pre-reserved installation points for the corresponding column leg tubes; The lower deck has a corresponding data bay section at its bottom center; S2. Assemble the jacket, data bay, and upper module; S2.1 Fix the horizontal base made in step S1.1; S2.2. The data silo segments obtained in step S1.2 are stacked sequentially onto the horizontal base to obtain the main body of the data silo. S2.3 Install the three-dimensional assembly frame prepared in step S1.1 onto the horizontal base to obtain the main body of the guide frame; S2.4. The three decks made in step S1.3 are assembled in sequence and the column leg tubes are inserted to obtain the upper block with legs and data compartment segments. S3. Align and join the column legs of the upper module and the support legs of the main body of the jacket frame, and weld and join the data warehouse segments of the upper module and the main body of the data warehouse to obtain the main structure of the seabed data center.

[0005] Preferably, steps S1 to S3 are performed sequentially; Steps S1.1 to S1.3 may be performed individually or simultaneously; Steps S2.1 and S2.4 can be performed individually or simultaneously. Step S2.2 is performed after step S2.1 is completed, and step S2.3 is performed after step S2.2 is completed.

[0006] Preferably, all components in steps S1 to S3 are manufactured on a cylindrical jig.

[0007] Preferably, in step S1.1, the support leg side pieces of the horizontal base are vertical, and the support leg side pieces of the three-dimensional assembly frame have bends and are equipped with X-shaped supports welded on. The horizontal base has a double H-shaped steel structure welded to its center and a reserved installation position for the data compartment. The side panels of the horizontal base's legs and the double H-shaped steel structure are combined to form a complete sub-structure. The support legs and side panels of the three-dimensional assembly frame and the additional X-shaped supports come together to form a complete sectional structure; The horizontal base and the legs of the 3D assembly frame are made horizontally, and then flipped over to install the corresponding support tubes vertically.

[0008] Preferably, before assembling the horizontal base in step S1, a ground survey line is drawn in advance, four gantry frames are arranged, and steel plates are laid on top of the gantry frames to facilitate the subsequent transportation of the main structure of the underwater data center.

[0009] Preferably, in step S1.2, the platform panel and the cylinder wall panel are prepared; The data warehouse segments on the upper module do not require the installation of welding platform plates and platform structures. The bottom data warehouse segment does not require the installation of welding platform structures. The remaining data warehouse segments have welding platform structures installed on the back of the platform panels. All data warehouse segments have welding cylinder wall panels installed on the front of the platform panels or directly.

[0010] Preferably, when all data compartments are fabricated in segments in step S1.2, a ring-shaped jig should be arranged in advance, and a guide plate with a Y-shaped opening should be set on the top of the jig. The cylindrical wall of the data compartment is then installed and closed, and the reinforcing material of the cylindrical wall is installed and welded in the vertical position.

[0011] Preferably, the deck panels are prepared in step S1.3; All decks are fabricated through the steps of deck splicing, frame installation and welding, flipping and sending to the painting room for painting. After the middle deck is flipped, corrugated plates and round tube structures need to be installed and then painted. The lower deck needs to have corresponding data compartment sections fabricated and joined with the deck before being flipped as a whole, and then corrugated plates and round tube structures are installed and painted. The position of the column leg tubes must be constantly checked during all deck fabrication.

[0012] Preferably, in steps S1 to S3, the data compartment as a whole is increased by one-thousandth of the cylinder diameter for welding shrinkage allowance, and the data compartment at the bottom of the upper block is increased by 30mm for closing and trimming allowance. In step S2, electromechanical equipment needs to be hoisted into the different data warehouse sections and different decks before they are joined together. In step S1, air test, vacuum test and water flushing test are used to test the structural tightness of different cylinders of the data compartment.

[0013] The main structure of the unique underwater data center was built based on the above construction method.

[0014] Compared to existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: By optimizing the construction process and adopting a modular construction method, the amount of tooling used is reduced, construction time is shortened, and costs are saved. The data warehouse uniquely uses a jig with guide plates to achieve vertical installation of reinforcing members, reducing unnecessary components and saving installation space. The jacket frame uses a horizontal base directly as its foundation, compressing the overall construction height, saving costs, and reducing risk management costs. The connection of column leg tubes to the three-dimensional assembly frame and the merging of data warehouse segments to drive the overall connection of the upper modules to the remaining two parts are more ingenious. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the submarine data center; Figure 2 This is a diagram of the overall structure of the data warehouse; Figure 3 This is the overall structure diagram of the upper module; Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the horizontal base structure; Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of a three-dimensional assembly frame; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the segmented structure of the data warehouse; Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the assembly process of the main data warehouse. Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the lower deck; Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the main legs of the 3D assembly frame; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the column leg tube installation; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a data warehouse security experiment.

[0016] In the diagram: 1. Upper module; 2. Data warehouse; 3. Jacket frame; 4. Upper deck; 5. Middle deck; 6. Lower deck; 7. Main pipe; 8. Support pipe; 9. Double-section H-beam steel structure; 10. Main leg; 11. X-type support; 12. Jig frame; 13. Data warehouse section; 14. Mechanical and electrical equipment; 15. Gantry; 16. Column leg pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Please see Figures 1-11 This invention discloses a main structure for an underwater data center and its construction method.

[0018] A main structure for an underwater data center, such as Figure 1 As shown, from top to bottom, it includes an upper block 1, a data compartment 2, and a jacket frame 3. The main body of the data compartment 2 is inserted into the main body of the jacket frame and is joined and connected with the data compartment segment 13 at the bottom of the upper block 1. At the same time, the upper part of the jacket frame 3 is inserted into the upper block 1 in advance and is connected with the main body of the jacket frame below.

[0019] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the upper module 1 is divided into three parts: upper deck 4, middle deck 5, and lower deck 6. Both middle deck 5 and lower deck 6 are equipped with stiffeners, corrugated sheets, and round pipes. Upper deck 4 is only equipped with stiffeners for capping. Installation holes for the relevant legs of the jacket support 3 are pre-drilled in all three decks. After the three decks are stacked and welded sequentially, they form two internal chambers for housing equipment.

[0020] Each deck consists of a deck structure, an outer wall structure, and a cabin structure, and plays a role in integrating core equipment and functions, including key auxiliary equipment, power conversion and management monitoring systems, cooling system auxiliary equipment, etc. required for data center operation.

[0021] The catheter holder is divided into three parts, such as... Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 10 As shown, the structure consists of a horizontal base at the bottom, a three-dimensional assembly frame in the middle, and upper column leg tubes 16. The column leg tubes 16 are inserted into the mounting holes of the legs and welded after the upper component 1 is assembled. The horizontal base and the three-dimensional assembly frame are manufactured separately; their assembly yields the main body of the jacket structure. The main body of the jacket structure is subsequently connected to the column leg tubes 16 installed in the upper component 1.

[0022] The jacket structure is the core support system of the submarine data center. Its role is involved throughout the entire life cycle of the data center, including fixation, load transfer, environmental adaptation, and operation and maintenance. It is the "submarine skeleton" that ensures the safe and stable operation of the data center.

[0023] like Figure 2 As shown, data warehouse 2 consists of five parts, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the four data warehouse segments 13 below are sequentially stacked and welded based on the already installed guide frame body, with the uppermost data warehouse segment 13 as follows: Figure 8 As shown, the upper module 1 is pre-welded to the bottom of the lower deck 6. When the upper module 1 and the guide frame 3 are finally connected, all data compartment segments 13 are aligned and welded simultaneously to form a closed internal chamber of the data compartment 2. In fact, four chambers are formed. Considering the structural design, the two uppermost data compartment segments 13 are not layered but are joined together to form a raised internal chamber.

[0024] Data Warehouse 2 is a cylindrical structure with four internal platforms. It is the core functional unit of the entire system, referring to the integrated carrier of servers, storage devices, and supporting infrastructure deployed within a sealed underwater enclosure. Its role is not only that of a traditional data center's "data storage and computing hub," but also, relying on the unique underwater environment, it achieves innovative breakthroughs in high efficiency, low energy consumption, and high reliability.

[0025] The final pile tower structure is supported by a horizontal base and a three-dimensional assembly frame, with a core data warehouse 2 containing four equipment chambers at its center, and an upper block 1 containing two equipment chambers on top.

[0026] A method for constructing the main structure of an underwater data center, including S1. Machining the main components of the guide frame 3, data compartment 2, and upper module 1: S1.1. Produce a horizontal base with legs and a three-dimensional assembly frame respectively.

[0027] Among them, such as Figure 4 As shown, the horizontal base consists of a composite frame structure formed by welding two side panels, two horizontal support pipes 8, and I-beams. Four I-beams are selected to form a closed rectangular frame structure. Four shorter I-beam segments are welded to the four inner corners of this rectangular frame structure, all aligned along the same rectangular path. This structure formed by the four short I-beams is the installation location for the subsequent data compartment 2. Two parallel horizontal support pipes 8 are welded to opposite corners of the outer rectangular frame structure, forming a double-section H-beam structure 9. The side panels consist of two symmetrical main pipes 7 with a horizontally welded fitting in between. The double-section H-beam structure 9 is connected to the two oppositely positioned side panels at the same horizontal height via the horizontal support pipes 8 on both sides, ensuring the entire structure is flush and completing the fabrication of the horizontal base.

[0028] Specifically, the supervisor oversees group 7 for welding the circumferential seam: At the group assembly station, the roller support positions are adjusted as required. During assembly, the longitudinal seams need to be staggered by 90°. Simultaneously, straightness is checked by repeatedly checking along the length of the cylinder at three radial angles: 0°, 120°, and 240°, using a steel wire to ensure straightness meets technical specifications. After passing the straightness check, the entire circumferential weld is performed using submerged arc welding according to the approved WPS, followed by flaw detection. After the small segment welding is completed, the straightness is rechecked. The column tip, grouting pipeline, and bracket accessories are installed. After installation, welding is performed as required. The welding accuracy dimensional error requirement here is ≤3mm, and straightness is detected using laser with a requirement of 1mm / m, with a maximum error of 3mm within any 3m range and a maximum error of 8mm within any 12m range.

[0029] Before assembling the side panels, determine the installation direction of the hooks according to the longitudinal seam positions specified in the drawings. Then, mark the corresponding assembly center lines at the assembly nodes of the side panels and mark them with a punch. Hoist the main pipe 7 and horizontal braces of the side panels sequentially onto the designated side panel assembly jig 12. After adjusting them to the correct positions according to the floor plan, secure them with fixing plates and install the process supports. The overall levelness deviation of the side panels should be ±5mm.

[0030] Before assembling the horizontal base, mark the ground layout lines and arrange four gantry frames 15 (gantry frame 15 fixtures are used for subsequent shipment and loading onto ships after the overall fabrication is completed). Simultaneously, place 50mm thick steel plates on the jig 12. Use a 350T gantry crane to hoist the side panels onto the designated assembly jig 12. After adjusting the dimensions, secure them with guy ropes; once firmly secured, the hooks can be removed. After the first side panel is in place, hoist and position the double-section H-beam steel structure 9. Adjust according to the positioning lines, and after the dimensions are in place, spot weld and secure with clamps. Temporary support structures need to be installed before hoisting. The double-section H-beam steel structure 9 uses the center lines of the upper and lower horizontal braces as a reference, with a levelness deviation of ±5mm. Using another 350T gantry crane, the other side panel is hoisted onto the designated jig 12. During positioning, a 6mm allowance for welding shrinkage must be added when opening the gap. After adjusting the dimensions, do not remove the hooks; maintain a certain tension on the hoisting ropes. Re-measure the overall dimensions of the horizontal base and conduct a pre-welding inspection. After confirming that everything is correct, weld according to the specified WPS requirements. Welding accuracy ensures that the parallelism deviation after welding is controlled within 10mm, and the overall flatness deviation of the upper end face is ±5mm.

[0031] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the 3D assembly frame consists of two side panels of two different types. One type of side panel with legs consists of two obliquely placed main legs 10 (e.g., Figure 9As shown), one type of side panel consists of a horizontal brace and two intersecting diagonal braces (X-type support 11), while another type of side panel without legs consists of two intersecting diagonal braces. Side panels of the same type are arranged opposite each other, and different side panels are arranged adjacent to each other. Finally, they are welded together to complete the fabrication of the three-dimensional assembly frame.

[0032] Specifically, this section consists of four main legs 10. The main legs 10 are manufactured from sheet metal through processes such as sheet metal cutting, beveling / transition machining, rolling, longitudinal seam welding, re-rounding, and cylindrical assembly welding. The requirements for the assembly welding circumferential seam of the main legs 10 are consistent with those of the relevant parts of the horizontal base, and will not be elaborated upon here. It is necessary to inspect their diameter, length, straightness, and other data. After passing the inspection, subsequent processing can proceed.

[0033] After the intersecting line cutting is completed, eight pairs of horizontal and diagonal bracing pipes are assembled according to the drawings. During assembly, the longitudinal seams must be staggered by ≥90°. After assembly, circumferential welding is performed according to the specified WPS requirements. A 100% UT + 100% MT inspection is required after welding. The overall straightness requirement is 1mm / m, with a maximum deviation of 3mm within any 3m range and 8mm within any 12m range. The misalignment variation must be <3mm.

[0034] Before assembling the side panels with legs, determine the installation direction of the hooks according to the longitudinal seam positions specified in the drawings. Then, mark the assembly center line at the assembly nodes of the side panels and mark the center line with a punch. Hoist the main legs 10, cross braces, and diagonal braces sequentially onto the designated assembly jig 12, adjust them according to the ground line, and secure them with fixing plates. The overall levelness deviation should be ±5mm. Weld the entire assembly according to the specified WPS requirements, paying attention to symmetrical welding. The welding sequence is as follows: first weld the cross diagonal braces, then weld the diagonal braces and one side of the main legs 10, then weld the cross braces, and finally weld the diagonal braces and the other side of the main legs 10, and the cross braces and the other side of the main legs 10. Before welding, measure the main dimensions to ensure they meet the requirements. The overall levelness deviation should be within ±5mm, the assembly dimension deviation of the cross braces and diagonal braces should be ±3mm, and the height difference Δh of the upper surface of the main legs 10 should be ≤8mm. Install and weld the cable conduit assembly, anti-collision assembly, sacrificial anode, and other accessories as needed. Multiple modular vehicles are used to transport the legged side panels to the painting workshop for vehicle painting.

[0035] When installing the two types of side panels, a gantry crane is used to erect the foundation frame 12, with an overall flatness of less than 3mm. Ground lines are drawn according to the drawings, with a deviation of less than 1mm. Before erection, the positioning center lines for two shafts and two support pipe 8 components need to be drawn on the four main legs 10 of the two legged side panels. The positioning lines are based on the upper plane of the legged side panel. For ease of on-site operation during actual assembly, the top line can be reversed to the bottom as a reference line for checking the height. After the lines are drawn, according to the side panel hoisting diagram, a 350T gantry crane is used to hoist the side panel onto the designated frame 12. After adjusting the dimensions, it is secured with guy ropes. The hooks can only be removed after secure fixing. The support pipe 8 components of the legless side panel are hoisted onto the frame, positioned according to the positioning lines, and after the dimensions are adjusted, they are spot-welded and secured with clamps. After securing the free end with guy ropes, release the hooks and weld the two side panels. The positioning deviation of the 8-component support pipe should be ±5mm, and the levelness deviation should be ±5mm based on the center lines of the upper and lower horizontal braces. Use a 350T gantry crane to hoist the other side panel with legs onto the jig 12 for positioning. During positioning, add 6mm for welding shrinkage when opening the gap. After adjusting the dimensions, spot weld to fix it, keeping the hooks in place to maintain a certain load. Re-measure the overall assembly dimensions and conduct a pre-welding inspection. After confirming that everything is correct, weld according to the specified WPS requirements. If there are significant dimensional deviations during the final welding, adjust them promptly. The opening deviation and parallelism deviation after welding should be controlled within 10mm. The overall upper end flatness deviation should be ±5mm, and the positioning dimension deviation of the horizontal braces, diagonal braces, and horizontal supports should be ±5mm. Similarly, weld the other side panel without legs.

[0036] S1.2, Process the four data warehouse segments 13 respectively; The data warehouse segment 13 is made by cutting steel plates, flat iron, and T-shaped materials to produce cylinder wall panels and platform panels respectively. After the cylinder wall flat plate is rolled into a circle, it forms three arc-shaped cylinder wall sections to be joined together. After the platform structure is installed and welded, the platform panel is flipped and placed on the predetermined jig 12. The cylinder wall and the cylinder wall stiffeners are installed and welded to the flipped platform deck, thus completing the production of a single data warehouse segment 13.

[0037] The data compartment 2 is designed with three panels in the diameter direction and is divided into five data compartment segments 13 in the height direction, labeled from bottom to top. The fifth data compartment segment 13 is joined with the upper block 1, with a height of 1800mm, but a 30mm allowance needs to be added at the bottom (one-thousandth of the diameter of the data compartment 2 cylinder for welding shrinkage allowance). The first to fourth data compartment segments 13 are stacked and joined sequentially on the horizontal base of the guide frame 3, according to the installation position of the data compartment 2. The first and second data compartment segments 13 are both 3500mm high but have different structures, the third data compartment segment 13 is 3400mm high, and the fourth data compartment segment 13 is 5000mm high.

[0038] Each of the second, third, and fourth data module segments 13 has a deck platform, all manufactured in reverse configuration. The deck platform of the first data module segment 13 is manufactured in normal configuration. Reverse configuration refers to the process where the deck platform panels are welded together, and the deck structure and platform are installed and welded to the front of the current orientation before finally flipping it over to achieve the normal configuration of the deck. In other words, production is first carried out on the back of the sheet metal, and finally, the platform is flipped over to achieve the normal configuration. The deck platform requires leveling. The fifth data module segment 13, which is the data module segment 13 at the bottom of the upper block 1, does not have a platform mounted on it.

[0039] The existing technology generally involves making an arc-shaped jig 12, then flipping it over, and finally assembling and welding it.

[0040] This application innovates by pre-arranging twelve equally divided points on a ring according to the design drawings for the cylindrical jig 12, ensuring that the overall levelness does not exceed 3mm. A guide plate with a Y-shaped transverse opening is installed on the top of the jig 12. A central cylinder is set at the center position, and the jig 12 is fixed to the foundation using expansion bolts. Then, the center is moved to the top plate of the jig 12. Temporary supports for the inner deck are set, and the height of the temporary supports is set according to the design height of the deck platform of different data compartment sections 13. During phased installation, the deck platform is hoisted to the top surface of the four temporary support structures, requiring that the deviation between the center position of the deck platform and the center position of the ground line be less than 2mm. The elevation of the deck platform from the top surface of the jig 12 is measured, requiring that the measurement points be no less than four points, and the height difference between the four directions be less than 3mm.

[0041] The three cylindrical wall sections are hoisted onto the jig 12 in sequence, with the outer diameter Ф14000+12mm used for installation. After installation, the verticality of the cylindrical sections is checked, and the verticality deviation is less than 3mm. The gap between the splicing plates is adjusted, and the gap is required to be less than 3mm. The overall difference in the flatness tolerance L1-L2 of the upper and lower openings of the cylindrical sections is less than 3mm. The elevation of the deck platform from the top surface of jig 12 is measured, and the measurement points are required to be at least four points in each direction, with a height difference of less than 3mm.

[0042] Draw the installation lines for the stiffeners. Place the total station at the center and draw the installation lines on the cylinder wall, with each angle being 5.625°. Install the upper and lower stiffeners of the deck platform separately. The stiffeners can be divided into T-shaped stiffeners and bulb flat steel stiffeners, set at a ratio of 12:48. T-shaped stiffeners require interlocking installation, with the break point offset 300mm from the plate joint break point. The break point of the bulb flat steel structure is the same as the plate joint break point. After the stiffeners are installed, install the closure joint. The closure joint must use conformal material and be installed on one side of the closure joint; no conformal material is installed on the other side. During welding, first weld the cylinder wall plates, then weld the cylinder butt joint of the closure joint, then weld secondary structures such as the bulb flat steel, followed by the T-shaped stiffener structure, and finally weld the joint between the deck platform and the cylinder. After welding, perform weld sealing and flaw detection according to the drawings, measure the cylinder accuracy, and perform fire correction on any non-conforming areas. The three cylindrical welded sections underwent a vacuum sealing test. After passing the test, they were sent to the painting workshop for painting, but the joint between the top and bottom openings was not painted at this time. The sections were then placed on jig 12 for sandblasting and painting.

[0043] The most unique part is the first data compartment segment 13. After its deck is assembled, it is installed in a normal way, and the reinforcement structure will be directly installed and welded on the front. Finally, another deck will be installed and welded on top of these structures. That is, the lower deck 6 is assembled first, then the deck structure is installed, the second lower deck 6 is installed after welding is completed, and finally the cylinder wall plate and cylinder wall plate reinforcement are installed.

[0044] The airtightness of the data compartment 2 cylindrical structure was tested using appropriate airtightness testing methods, taking into account its structural characteristics. In the first data compartment segment 13, the double-layer bottom structure of the bottom segment was tested for airtightness using an air test, while the remaining welded seams were tested for airtightness using a vacuum test. Figure 11 As shown, the wavy lines indicate the weld locations, requiring a vacuum test. The double-layer bottom structure below the wavy lines requires an air test. Vacuum tightness tests are performed on the cylinder welds in the second, third, and fourth data compartment segments 13.

[0045] The airtightness test method for section 13 of the first data compartment is as follows: The compartment is maintained at an inflation test pressure of 0.02 MPa for 60 minutes. After the pressure reaches the required level, the air inlet valve is closed. Observe whether the pointer on the pressure gauge drops rapidly. If the pointer drops rapidly, check for leaks or incomplete sealing. If the pressure stabilizes and there is no obvious leakage after 15 minutes of static pressure testing, the pressure is reduced to 0.015 MPa. Soap solution is then sprayed to inspect the welds; no bubbles are produced, indicating that the test is successful.

[0046] Select appropriate locations to weld lifting lugs based on the mass of each data warehouse segment 13 for subsequent hoisting and stacking.

[0047] S1.3. Produce the upper deck 4, the middle deck 5, and the lower deck 6 respectively; The upper deck 4, middle deck 5 and lower deck 6 are all reserved with positions for the subsequent installation of the corresponding support legs 16; The lower deck 6 has a corresponding data compartment segment 13 at its bottom center.

[0048] The upper deck 4 is manufactured through the steps of deck splicing, frame installation and welding, and flipping it over to the painting room for painting. The middle deck 5 is produced by splicing deck panels, installing and welding the frame, turning it over and installing corrugated plates and round pipe structures, and then sending it to the painting room for painting. The lower deck 6 is constructed by simultaneously splicing deck panels, installing welded frames, rolling and splicing plates, installing reinforcing materials, then assembling the cylinder onto the deck, turning it over, installing corrugated plates and round pipe structures, and sending it to the painting room for painting.

[0049] Deck fabrication process: Draw the ground line of the main control points for structural assembly, requiring an error within 1mm. The main control points include the structural center point of the upper column leg pipe 16 of the jacket frame 3, the overall center point of the deck, the center point of the crane, and the center point of the elevator shaft.

[0050] Erect the assembly frame 12, using seamless pipes with a diameter of Ф325mm. The frame 12 is a flat frame 12 with a height of 800mm. After leveling, the flatness tolerance should be less than 3mm. It is required to reserve the positions of the 3 column legs 16 of the guide frame and the positions of the main legs 10 of the crane.

[0051] Segmented reverse fabrication: Based on the design drawings, using the top surface of the deck as the base, deck panels are assembled on jig 12, deck lines are marked, and the position lines of the deck structure are drawn. A 3mm welding shrinkage allowance is required between main structures, and a 1mm shrinkage allowance is required for secondary structures built independently. The lower deck 6 requires additional marking of the installation position lines for the data compartment segment 13 cylinder. During marking, the center points of the jacket support 3 column leg pipe 16 structure and the center point of the crane crane base are verified.

[0052] The installation includes the main structure of the deck frame, the reinforcement of secondary structures, the installation of the jacket support 3-leg tube 16, and the installation of the shell alignment reinforcement structure. After installation, the position of the jacket support 3-leg tube 16 is checked.

[0053] For the lower deck 6, additional data compartment segments 13 are fabricated and then assembled on the bottom surface. After assembly, the entire segment is installed onto the deck frame. The positions of data compartment segments 13 are then marked. The cylindrical structure is installed according to the installation lines, ensuring verticality; the verticality of the cylindrical structure must be less than 3mm.

[0054] The main structure of the deck frame, the reinforced structure, the data compartment segment 13 cylinder, and the deck weld seal were welded sequentially (positions were checked before welding). Based on the post-weld dimensions, the relative positions of the four jacket support 3-leg tubes 16 were checked. If no issues were found, the four leg tubes 16 were welded last. Segmental corrections were performed, and the main positional dimensions were checked, including the positions of the jacket support 3-leg tubes 16 and the central cylinder. The contact area between the data compartment segment 13 and the lower deck 6 was a splash zone; a water flushing test was used to verify the structural tightness. Different structural tightness testing methods were used for all welds depending on the specific method used. A differentiated tightness testing strategy for different areas of the data compartment 2 cylinder was summarized. Based on the structural characteristics and usage environment differences of the bottom segment double bottom, the remaining cylinder welds, and the top splash zone, three targeted tightness testing methods—air testing, vacuum testing, and water flushing testing—were innovatively matched. This broke through the limitations of traditional single testing methods and achieved precise adaptation of "structure-function-environment".

[0055] Select the installation position of the lifting lugs according to the total weight of the corresponding deck, install and weld the lifting lugs for subsequent turning, and turn the truck over by lifting the main side with a 350T gantry crane, while cooperating with the other side of the truck crane to lift the auxiliary side. Keep the main side of the truck crane in place throughout the process, release the truck crane and move its position to the opposite end of the main side, and lift and raise the auxiliary side again until both ends are horizontal, thus completing the turning.

[0056] After the deck is turned over, the closure frame 12 is installed on the front of the deck frame as required, with a height of 1200mm. The deck is hoisted onto the closure frame 12, and the corrugated sheets and column structure are installed. Welding is then performed after installation. Before installing the corrugated sheets, channel steel needs to be installed on the corrugated sheets and connected to form a mesh structure. After the corrugated sheets are installed, their dimensions and verticality are checked as required.

[0057] Similarly, the deck is transferred to the painting workshop, placed on the jig 12, and sandblasted and painted.

[0058] The three decks are all fabricated as a whole in layers, and then joined together in step S2.3 after the fabrication is completed.

[0059] Steps S1.1 to S1.3 are not sequential; performing them simultaneously is the most time-efficient.

[0060] S2, Components for assembling the guide frame 3, data compartment 2, and upper module 1; S2.1 Fixing Step S1.1: After the horizontal base is fabricated, it must be placed on the gantry 15. The top tolerance of the four gantry 15s must be less than 3mm, and a 50mm thick steel plate must be laid on top of the gantry 15. Install temporary supports in the middle of the horizontal base. The temporary supports must use 800H-beam steel, and the ground and H-beam steel must be reliably connected. Mark the cylinder ground layout line and center position, and mark the cylinder structure installation line on the surface of the horizontal base. The center of the ground layout line should coincide with the center of the horizontal base, with an error of less than 3mm. Adjust the horizontal base to be level, with an error of less than 3mm.

[0061] S2.2. The data warehouse segments 13 obtained in step S1.2 are sequentially stacked onto the horizontal base and passed through the three-dimensional assembly frame to obtain the main body of data warehouse 2; As required, hoist the first data compartment segment 13 to the installation position on the horizontal base, ensuring that the center of data compartment segment 13 coincides with the center of the ground line. Then, adjust the verticality of data compartment segment 13, requiring a verticality error of less than 3mm. Next, install and weld the structure connecting data compartment segment 13 to the horizontal base, and erect scaffolding at the joint.

[0062] Before merging with the next data warehouse segment 13, the equipment and outfitting components must be moved into the warehouse. After the equipment is moved in, the next segment will be merged. After merging, the merging seam is welded, and flaw detection and subsequent airtightness tests are conducted. The airtightness of the merging seam is tested by vacuuming. Finally, the paint is applied for touch-up, and the verticality and other data are checked after merging.

[0063] S2.3 Install the three-dimensional assembly frame prepared in step S1.1 onto the horizontal base to obtain the main body of the guide frame.

[0064] S2.4. Follow the steps in S1.3 to align and connect the three decks. First, splice the lower deck 6 and the middle deck 5. Finally, splice the upper deck 4 onto the middle deck 5 to obtain the upper block 1 with legs and data compartment segment 13.

[0065] Equipment bases need to be welded in advance within the front area enclosed by corrugated plates, and then the equipment is hoisted into the hold. Scaffolding should be erected at the joint. On the middle deck 5, 40-ton Type A lifting lugs need to be installed in the corresponding positions. After the lugs are installed, 100% UT + 100% MT flaw detection should be performed. Lifting lugs are installed on the edges of the upper deck 4. The lower deck 6 and middle deck 5 are each lifted using 300-ton jacks.

[0066] The upper support legs of the jacket frame 3, namely the upper support legs of the jacket frame 3, are inserted into the pile leg tubes (the tapered tubes are installed first, followed by the straight tubes). They are then welded as required. After welding, the relative position dimensions of the four support legs 16 are checked.

[0067] Here, the data compartment segment 13, which is installed and welded at the bottom of the lower deck 6, is reinforced with welded stiffeners between itself and the inserted leg pipes. This is to maintain structural stability and ensure installation accuracy. Therefore, it is necessary to compare whether the center of this data compartment segment 13 is aligned with the center of the four leg pipes 16. This is related to whether the subsequent closure can proceed smoothly.

[0068] Steps S2.1 and S2.4 are not sequential and can be performed simultaneously to save time. Step S2.2 must be performed after step S2.1, and step S2.3 must be performed after step S2.2.

[0069] S3. Align and connect the column leg tubes 16 of the upper block 1 with the legs of the main body of the jacket frame. At the same time, weld and close the data compartment segment 13 of the upper block 1 and the main body of the data compartment 2. This is the most critical point in the entire construction process. All the production, assembly, welding, testing, verification, and error accuracy requirements of all components are to ensure that the center of the data compartment segment 13 at the bottom of the lower deck 6 in the upper block 1 can be aligned with the center of the main body of the data compartment 2 installed on the horizontal base of the jacket frame 3. At the same time, the four main legs 10 on the three-dimensional assembly frame at the top of the segmented jacket frame can also be aligned smoothly with the column leg tubes 16 that have been aligned in the upper block 1. The jacket frame 3 is successfully closed as a whole, and the entire data compartment 2 is closed, finally obtaining the main structure of the seabed data center.

[0070] Throughout the process, scaffolding, ladders, and other components are added as needed in the corresponding sections.

[0071] The entire construction method and structure hinges on two core components: First, dividing the jacket structure 3 into three sections. The bottom two sections can be directly spliced, while the top section requires layered installation onto the three decks of the upper module 1 and alignment. Second, dividing the data compartment 2 into five sections. The bottom four sections are sequentially aligned and stacked onto the horizontal base, while the top data compartment section 13 is welded to the bottom of the lower deck 6 of the upper module 1. The docking and installation of the jacket structure main body (horizontal base and three-dimensional assembly frame) and the data compartment 2 main body (the lower four data compartment sections 13) are relatively independent and far less difficult than the final assembly stage. However, excessive errors in these two core components will prevent the jacket structure 3 and data compartment 2 from merging, and will also cause the upper module 1 and the already docked jacket structure main body to fail to merging with the data compartment 2 main body. This is because the merging of the upper module 1 and the main structure relies on the merging of the two core components. Errors in this stage will ultimately lead to the failure of the entire subsea data center structure construction.

[0072] Submarine data centers are a new type of data storage and computing facility. Their core concept is to place servers on the seabed and reduce energy consumption through natural cooling by seawater. These data centers can not only store and process large amounts of data, but also provide underlying support for the development of the digital economy and facilitate the secure flow of data.

[0073] The structure and construction method of the subsea data center, through optimized construction process and modular construction, reduces the amount of tooling used, shortens construction time, and saves costs. Data Warehouse 2 utilizes vertically installed stiffeners and welding, reducing the use of jigs 12 and saving significant space. The uppermost data warehouse segment 13 is installed at the bottom of the upper module 1, reducing the workload at the overall assembly point. The innovation of the jacket structure 3 lies in using a horizontal base structure as a foundation, reducing the overall construction height of the jacket structure 3 and also reducing the use of angled jigs 12, thus lowering material costs and safety management risks. The innovation of the upper module 1 lies in using the legs of the jacket structure 3 and the bottom data warehouse segment 13 to assemble different main components, smoothly completing the assembly of the entire upper module 1. As long as the installation and dimensional errors of each part can be well controlled, the overall construction difficulty is reduced.

[0074] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for constructing the main structure of an underwater data center, characterized in that: include S1. Process the sub-components of the guide frame, data compartment, and upper module; S1.

1. Produce a horizontal base with legs and a three-dimensional assembly frame respectively; S1.2, Process several data warehouse segments respectively; Except for the data warehouse segments that are joined together with the upper module, all other data warehouse segments are equipped with deck platforms. The bottom of the data warehouse segments that are joined together with the upper module is provided with welding shrinkage allowance. The data warehouse segments are positioned and joined together on the erected circular distribution frame in the form of vertical welding. S1.

3. Machining the upper deck, middle deck, lower deck, and column leg tubes respectively; The column-leg tubes include straight tubes of different diameters and corresponding tapered tubes; The upper deck, middle deck, and lower deck all have pre-reserved installation points for the corresponding column leg tubes; The lower deck has a corresponding data bay section at its bottom center; S2. Assemble the jacket, data bay, and upper module; S2.1 Fix the horizontal base made in step S1.1; S2.

2. The data silo segments obtained in step S1.2 are stacked sequentially onto the horizontal base to obtain the main body of the data silo. S2.3 Install the three-dimensional assembly frame prepared in step S1.1 onto the horizontal base to obtain the main body of the guide frame; S2.

4. The three decks made in step S1.3 are assembled in sequence and the column leg tubes are inserted to obtain the upper block with legs and data compartment segments. S3. Align and join the column legs of the upper module and the support legs of the main body of the jacket frame, and weld and join the data warehouse segments of the upper module and the main body of the data warehouse to obtain the main structure of the seabed data center.

2. The construction method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Steps S1 through S3 are performed sequentially; Steps S1.1 to S1.3 may be performed individually or simultaneously; Steps S2.1 and S2.4 can be performed individually or simultaneously. Step S2.2 is performed after step S2.1 is completed, and step S2.3 is performed after step S2.2 is completed.

3. The construction method according to claim 1, characterized in that: All components in steps S1 to S3 are manufactured on a cylindrical jig.

4. The construction method according to claim 3, characterized in that: In step S1.1, the support leg side pieces of the horizontal base are vertical, and the support leg side pieces of the three-dimensional assembly frame have folded corners and are equipped with X-shaped supports welded on. The horizontal base has a double H-shaped steel structure welded to its center and a reserved installation position for the data compartment. The side panels of the horizontal base's legs and the double H-shaped steel structure are combined to form a complete sub-structure. The support legs and side panels of the three-dimensional assembly frame and the additional X-shaped supports come together to form a complete sectional structure; The horizontal base and the legs of the 3D assembly frame are made horizontally, and then flipped over to install the corresponding support tubes vertically.

5. The construction method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Before assembling the horizontal base in step S1, a ground survey line is drawn in advance, four gantry frames are arranged, and steel plates are laid on top of the gantry frames to facilitate the subsequent transportation of the main structure of the underwater data center.

6. The construction method according to claim 3, characterized in that: In step S1.2, the platform panels and cylinder wall panels are prepared; The data warehouse segments on the upper module do not require the installation of welding platform plates and platform structures. The bottom data warehouse segment does not require the installation of welding platform structures. The remaining data warehouse segments have welding platform structures installed on the back of the platform panels. All data warehouse segments have welding cylinder wall panels installed on the front of the platform panels or directly.

7. The construction method according to claim 6, characterized in that: In step S1.2, when all data silos are fabricated in segments, a ring-shaped jig needs to be arranged in advance, and a guide plate with a Y-shaped opening is set on the top of the jig. The cylindrical wall of the data silo is then installed and closed, and the reinforcing material of the cylindrical wall is installed and welded in the vertical position.

8. The construction method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S1.3, the deck panels are fabricated; All decks are fabricated through the steps of deck splicing, frame installation and welding, flipping and sending to the painting room for painting. After the middle deck is flipped, corrugated plates and round tube structures need to be installed and then painted. The lower deck needs to have corresponding data compartment sections fabricated and joined with the deck before being flipped as a whole, corrugated plates and round tube structures installed and painted. The position of the column leg tubes must be constantly checked during all deck fabrication.

9. The construction method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In steps S1 to S3, the overall data compartment is given a welding shrinkage allowance of one-thousandth of the cylinder diameter, and the data compartment at the bottom of the upper module is given a 30mm closing and trimming allowance. In step S2, electromechanical equipment needs to be hoisted into the different data warehouse sections and different decks before they are joined together. In step S1, air test, vacuum test and water flushing test are used to test the structural tightness of different cylinders of the data compartment.

10. A main structure for an underwater data center, characterized in that: Obtained by the construction method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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