An integrated surface and underwater data center

Abstract

The application discloses an integrated water surface and underwater data center, which comprises a water surface data center platform and one or more underwater sub-data centers; the water surface data center platform is connected with the underwater sub-data centers when maintenance or data exchange is performed; the water surface data center platform comprises a water surface cabin, a first data center air conditioning system is arranged in the water surface cabin, and an air supply opening of the first data center air conditioning system is connected to a first server cabinet through a first data center cold channel; the underwater sub-data center comprises an underwater cabin, a second data center air conditioning system is arranged in the underwater cabin, and an air supply opening of the second data center air conditioning system is connected to a second server cabinet through a second data center cold channel. The underwater sub-data center is only used for expansion, so that the load capacity of the data center platform is increased. The design can make the capacity configuration of the water surface data center platform flexible and reduce the early investment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of data center technology, and more specifically to an integrated surface and underwater data center. Background Technology

[0002] The construction of data centers is booming across the country, but their energy consumption accounts for more than 2% of the total energy consumption of the national power grid, and this figure continues to grow rapidly. New data centers typically have a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of around 1.3 or 1.25. Data centers are also major water consumers; currently, most data center cooling systems are water-cooled, with open cooling towers on the cooling water side. Water usage equipment for cooling water evaporation and wastewater discharge results in a Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) between 1.2 and 1.5. Finding a balance between data center performance, heat dissipation, and PUE / WUE values ​​has become a significant challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an integrated surface and underwater data center that can be deployed quickly, is easy to build, makes full use of deep constant-temperature seawater for cooling, reduces the data center's PUE and WUE, and is simple and convenient to maintain.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this application is as follows: an integrated surface and underwater data center, comprising a surface data center platform and one or more underwater sub-data centers; during maintenance or data exchange, the surface data center platform is connected to the underwater sub-data centers; the surface data center platform includes a surface compartment, in which a first data center air conditioning system is installed, the air outlet of which is connected to a first server rack via a first data center cold aisle, and the first server rack is also located in the surface compartment; the underwater sub-data centers include an underwater compartment, in which a second data center air conditioning system is installed, the air outlet of which is connected to a second server rack via a second data center cold aisle, and the second server rack is also located in the underwater compartment.

[0005] Furthermore, the bottom and side walls of the above-water compartment are double-layered panel structures, and the underwater compartment is also a double-layered panel structure.

[0006] Furthermore, the floating data center platform also includes a second-floor platform, on which a sewage treatment system is installed, with multiple freshwater tanks of the sewage treatment system arranged on the first side of the second-floor platform.

[0007] Furthermore, the floating data center platform is connected to lifting columns around its perimeter, and each lifting column is connected to a rack on its outer side. The rack is connected to a gear, which is connected to a hydraulic system located at the four corners of the second-floor platform.

[0008] Furthermore, a photovoltaic power generation system is provided on the second side of the second-floor platform, and a wind power generation system is provided around the second-floor platform. The photovoltaic power generation system, the wind power generation system, and the diesel power generation system are connected together.

[0009] Furthermore, the diesel generator system is located in a cabinet in the middle of the second-floor platform and is connected to the hydraulic gear lifting system, the living area electrical equipment, the seawater heat exchange system, the sewage treatment system, the server cabinet, and the air conditioning system to provide power to them. Next to the diesel generator system is a UPS system, which serves as a backup power source and is also connected to the hydraulic gear lifting system, the living area electrical equipment, the seawater heat exchange system, the sewage treatment system, the server cabinet, and the air conditioning system.

[0010] Furthermore, the floating data center platform also includes a main platform, which is located between the floating cabin and the second-floor platform, and is equipped with a seawater natural heat exchange system.

[0011] Furthermore, lifeboats are symmetrically arranged on the first and third sides of the second-floor platform, with the lifeboat on the first side located next to the freshwater tank; a living area for maintenance personnel is located on the fourth side of the second-floor platform, and a crane is connected to the outside of the fourth side.

[0012] As a further step, when the floating data center platform needs to be expanded, at least one of the first, second, and fourth sides of the floating data center platform is connected to the top of the maintenance channel via a connecting staircase, and the bottom of the maintenance channel is connected to the underwater sub-data center.

[0013] Furthermore, the lifting column is a hollow structure, with the inlet and outlet pipes of the seawater natural heat exchange system located inside the lifting column.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention can achieve the following technical effects:

[0015] 1) This integrated surface and underwater data center can be modularly assembled and quickly deployed to the required area according to needs, making construction, transportation, and installation convenient. The surface data center platform has lifting columns, which can be self-lifting, lowering, and fixed without the need for additional fixing auxiliary equipment. It can be moved and repositioned as required during subsequent use, and can be moved in advance even in extreme weather to ensure the safety of the data center.

[0016] 2) This integrated surface and underwater data center comprises a surface data center platform and several underwater sub-data centers. When expansion is needed, the surface data center platform can connect to underwater sub-data centers on three sides, and each side can connect to multiple underwater sub-data centers via platform corridors. The surface data center platform serves as the main power source, maintenance area, and cooling distribution center, acting as the hub for all sub-data centers. The underwater sub-data centers are only used for expansion, increasing the load capacity of the data center platform. This design allows for flexible capacity configuration of the surface data center platform, reducing initial investment; additional external underwater sub-data centers can be added later as needed.

[0017] 3) This integrated surface and underwater data center uses deep, constant-temperature seawater as the data center's cooling source, ensuring that the data center has stable low-temperature cold water for natural heat exchange throughout the year. It eliminates the need for large chillers, cooling towers, and a large number of auxiliary pipelines, greatly reducing the data center's PUE and WUE values ​​and achieving energy conservation and environmental protection.

[0018] 4) This integrated surface and underwater data center can perform online inspection and maintenance of servers without going into the water, improving the security and operational efficiency of the data center.

[0019] 5) This integrated surface and underwater data center utilizes the data center platform's diesel generator system and UPS system to achieve power self-sufficiency and fully cope with emergencies. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an integrated surface and underwater data center structure.

[0021] Figure 2 A side view of an integrated surface and underwater data center;

[0022] Figure 3 A top view of an integrated surface and underwater data center;

[0023] The numbers in the diagram are as follows: 1. Crane; 2. Hydraulic system; 3. Lifeboat; 4. Second-floor platform; 5. Gear; 6. Wind power generation system; 7. Lifting column legs; 8. Maintenance access; 9. Underwater sub-data center; 10. Connecting staircase; 11. Photovoltaic power generation system; 12. Second data center air conditioning system; 13. Second server rack; 14. Surface compartment; 15. First data center air conditioning system; 16. First server rack; 17. Freshwater tank; 18. UPS system; 19. Diesel power generation system. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0025] like Figure 1-3 As shown, this embodiment provides an integrated surface and underwater data center, including a surface data center platform and one or more underwater sub-data centers;

[0026] The floating data center platform includes a two-story platform, a main platform, and a floating cabin arranged from top to bottom. Stairs connect the two-story platform and the main platform, and also connect the main platform and the floating cabin. A first data center air conditioning system is located at a corner of the floating cabin. This system utilizes refrigerant compression circulation for cooling. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant releases heat into the sea through a natural seawater heat exchange system. A data center cold aisle precisely delivers the cold air generated by the first data center air conditioning system to the first server rack, cooling the servers and reducing cold air loss. The first server rack is used to house and install servers. The natural seawater heat exchange system is located on one side between the main platform and the two-story platform. This system replaces the precision air conditioning system's air-cooled cooling system, using low-temperature seawater to carry away the heat from the refrigerant and transfer it into the ocean. Hydraulic systems are installed at the four corners of the second-floor platform, using them as a power source to drive gears to rotate in both directions. The rotation of the gears further drives the racks on the lifting columns to move up and down, thus raising and lowering the columns. These lifting columns support the floating data center platform. A diesel generator system is located in a cabinet on one side of the central side of the second-floor platform, supplying power to various systems and equipment. A UPS system is located next to the diesel generator system, providing backup power for the floating data center platform in short periods. A sewage treatment system is installed on the second-floor platform to treat domestic sewage, ensuring environmentally friendly discharge. Multiple freshwater tanks of this sewage treatment system are arranged on the first side of the second-floor platform, providing freshwater for daily use by staff. A photovoltaic power generation system, using monocrystalline silicon photovoltaics, is installed on the second side of the second-floor platform to provide some green electricity for the platform. Lifeboats for personnel escape are symmetrically arranged on the first and third sides of the second-floor platform. A living area for maintenance personnel is located on the fourth side of the second-floor platform, providing working and living space for staff. A support platform is located outside this fourth side, on which a crane is installed for hoisting materials and improving work efficiency. The wind power generation system is installed around the second-floor platform to provide some green electricity to the platform, which is generated by wind power.

[0027] The underwater sub-data center can expand the surface data center platform to accommodate more servers and improve platform utilization efficiency. This application connects and fixes the underwater sub-data center to the surface data center platform to form a whole through a docking staircase. The underwater sub-data center includes an underwater compartment, which is equipped with a second data center air conditioning system and a second server rack. The data center cold aisle precisely delivers the cold air generated by the second data center air conditioning system to the second server rack to cool the servers and reduce the loss of cold air. The second server rack is used to house and install servers. An operation and maintenance channel is welded to the upper part of one end of the underwater sub-data center, which provides access for staff to enter the underwater sub-data center. All underwater sub-data centers are installed and arranged during the platform construction process.

[0028] Preferably, the bottom and side walls of the surface compartment are double-layered plate structures, and the underwater compartment is also a double-layered plate structure, that is, the outer shell covers the outer side of the inner shell, and there is a cavity between the two filled with air. In the event of a collision, even if the outer shell leaks, the inner shell can ensure the integrity of the interior of the compartment and prevent water immersion, thus protecting the server's safety.

[0029] The installation method for the aforementioned integrated surface and underwater data centers is as follows: When the surface data center platform departs from port, a hydraulic system rotates the gears forward, driving the racks on the lifting legs to raise them. The surface data center platform floats on the water and is towed to the designated deployment location by a powered vessel. Then, the gears reverse, driving the racks on the lifting legs to lower them, and the surface data center platform rises and settles into position, completing the deployment. When the underwater sub-data center departs from port, its double-layered structure is hollow, allowing it to float on the sea surface. It is towed to the designated deployment location by a powered vessel, and then the double-layered structure is filled with seawater. Under gravity, the underwater sub-data center settles on the seabed. During data center operation, a natural seawater heat exchange system circulates cooling seawater, achieving heat exchange for the data center's air conditioning system.

[0030] The surface compartments of the floating data center platform and the underwater compartments of the underwater sub-data center can store a large number of servers.

[0031] It should be noted that the hydraulic system, sewage treatment system, seawater natural heat exchange system, wind power generation system, photovoltaic power generation system, first data center air conditioning system, second data center air conditioning system, UPS system, and diesel power generation system in this application are all existing mature systems and are purchased components.

[0032] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An integrated surface and underwater data center, characterized in that, The system includes a surface data center platform and one or more underwater sub-data centers. During maintenance or data exchange, the surface data center platform is connected to the underwater sub-data centers. The surface data center platform includes a surface compartment, a second-level platform, and a main platform. The surface compartment houses a first data center air conditioning system, whose air outlets are connected to a first server rack via a cold aisle. The first server rack is located within the surface compartment. The underwater sub-data centers include an underwater compartment housing a second data center air conditioning system, whose air outlets are connected to a second server rack via a cold aisle. The second server rack is located within the underwater compartment. The bottom and side walls of the above-water compartment are double-layered panel structures, and the underwater compartment is also a double-layered panel structure. A sewage treatment system is installed on the second-floor platform, and multiple freshwater tanks of the sewage treatment system are arranged on the first side of the second-floor platform. The floating data center platform is connected to lifting columns around its perimeter. Each lifting column is connected to a rack on its outer side. The rack is connected to a gear, which is connected to a hydraulic system. The hydraulic system is located at the four corners of the second-floor platform. The main platform is located between the water cabin and the second-floor platform, and a seawater natural heat exchange system is installed on the main platform; The lifting column is a hollow structure, and the inlet and outlet pipes of the seawater natural heat exchange system are located inside the lifting column. A photovoltaic power generation system is installed on the second side of the second-floor platform, and a wind power generation system is installed around the second-floor platform. The photovoltaic power generation system, the wind power generation system, and the diesel power generation system are connected together. The diesel generator system is located in a cabinet in the middle of the second-floor platform and is connected to the hydraulic gear lifting system, the living area electrical equipment, the seawater heat exchange system, the sewage treatment system, the server cabinet, and the air conditioning system to provide power to them. Next to the diesel generator system is a UPS system, which serves as a backup power source and is also connected to the hydraulic gear lifting system, the living area electrical equipment, the seawater heat exchange system, the sewage treatment system, the server cabinet, and the air conditioning system. The second-floor platform is symmetrically equipped with lifeboats on the first and third sides, with the lifeboat on the first side located next to the freshwater tank; the fourth side of the second-floor platform is equipped with a living area for maintenance personnel, and a crane is connected to the outside of the fourth side. When the floating data center platform needs to be expanded, at least one of the first, second and fourth sides of the floating data center platform is connected to the top of the operation and maintenance channel via a connecting staircase, and the bottom of the operation and maintenance channel is connected to the underwater sub-data center. The installation method for the aforementioned integrated surface and underwater data centers is as follows: When the surface data center platform leaves port, the hydraulic system rotates the gears forward, driving the racks on the lifting columns to raise the columns, allowing the platform to float on the water. It is then towed to the designated deployment location by a powered vessel. The gears then reverse, driving the racks on the lifting columns to lower them, and the surface data center platform rises and settles into position, completing the deployment. When the underwater sub-data center leaves port, its double-layered structure, being hollow inside, allows it to float on the sea surface. It is towed to the designated deployment location by a powered vessel, and then the double-layered structure is filled with seawater. Under gravity, the underwater sub-data center settles on the seabed. During operation, the seawater natural heat exchange system circulates cooling seawater, achieving heat exchange for the data center's air conditioning system.

Images