Modular information technology infrastructure

Abstract

In some embodiments, a modular information technology infrastructure system may include a frame for supporting over one or more rows of computer equipment racks; a duct network supported by the frame for distributing cooling fluid to and from the computer equipment rack; a power network supported by the frame for providing power to the computer equipment rack; and a communication tray supported by the frame for facilitating communication to and from the computer equipment rack. The frame may be suspended from above and / or disposed atop the plurality of legs. The frame is foldable into a transport configuration and expandable into an operational configuration. Two or more modules may be coupled in series and / or in parallel.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 721,414, filed November 15, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally pertains to data centers, and more specifically to data center infrastructure. Background Technology

[0004] The power and cooling density requirements of data centers, as well as the overall demand for data centers, are increasing rapidly. This necessitates the rapid and efficient deployment of new and upgraded data center infrastructure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The applicant has created new and useful apparatus, systems, and methods for modular information technology (IT) infrastructure. Modular IT infrastructure systems according to this disclosure can provide simple yet highly flexible building blocks for key elements of IT rack systems and / or related components (e.g., cooling distribution units, power distribution units, etc.), such as cooling fluid and power distribution, IT cable management, and air control. Multiple modular IT infrastructure systems can be integrated and tested in the factory and then shipped individually or as large single units to the customer's data center. Modular IT infrastructure systems can be unpacked, assembled together, and installed above one or more rows of IT racks and / or their space. Once in place, the modular IT infrastructure system can be commissioned, and IT racks can be moved into place and connected to the modular IT infrastructure system. Factory-integrated modular IT infrastructure systems according to this disclosure can reduce on-site design and manpower requirements and shorten overall project timelines.

[0006] In at least one embodiment, the modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure may include: a frame supported above one or more rows of computer equipment racks; a piping network supported by the frame for distributing cooling fluid to and from the computer equipment racks; a power network supported by the frame for supplying power to the computer equipment racks; a communication tray supported by the frame for facilitating communication to and from the computer equipment racks; or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the frame may be suspended from above and / or mounted on top of a plurality of legs extending upward from the floor. In at least one embodiment, the system may include one or more extension frames coupled to the frame and at least partially positioned below, at least partially positioned above, at least partially positioned above, and / or between two or more support legs, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the frame and / or extension frames may be foldable, telescoping, or otherwise collapsible between transport and operational configurations to minimize transport dimensions, for example. In at least one embodiment, the frame and / or extended frame occupy a smaller volume in the transport configuration than in the operational configuration.

[0007] In at least one embodiment, the modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure can be coupled in series and / or in parallel with one or more other modular information technology infrastructure systems. In at least one embodiment, a first end of a first frame can be coupled to a second end of a second frame, for example, wherein a first conduit network of the first frame is coupled to a second conduit network of the second frame, a first power network of the first frame is coupled to a second power network of the second frame, a first communication tray of the first frame is coupled to a second communication tray of the second frame, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the first frame can be coupled to the second frame, for example, wherein a first conduit network of the first frame extends parallel to a second conduit network of the second frame, a first power network of the first frame extends parallel to a second power network of the second frame, a first communication tray of the first frame extends parallel to a second communication tray of the second frame, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, multiple modular information technology infrastructure systems according to this disclosure can be coupled in series or end-to-end with each other, and / or two or more modular information technology infrastructure systems according to this disclosure can be coupled in parallel with each other.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, the frame may have length, and a piping network, power network, communication tray, or any combination thereof may extend along the length of the frame. In at least one embodiment, the piping network may include supply pipes, return pipes, multiple piping drops for coupling the supply pipes and / or return pipes to a plumbing system in a computer equipment rack, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the piping drops may be positioned along the length of the frame and / or the piping network. In at least one embodiment, the piping network or the modular IT infrastructure system as a whole may include a drip tray positioned below the supply pipes and / or return pipes. In at least one embodiment, the supply pipes, return pipes, drip tray, or any combination thereof may extend horizontally and / or along the length of the frame.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the power network may include one or more power buses, other conductors, and / or multiple connectors to supply power to each of the computer equipment racks. In at least one embodiment, the connectors may be positioned along the length of the frame and / or the power bus or conductor. In at least one embodiment, the power bus may extend horizontally and / or along the length of the frame.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the frame may be positioned above two rows of computer equipment racks and above the aisle between the two rows of computer equipment racks. In at least one embodiment, the frame may be positioned between and above two rows of computer equipment racks, and above the aisle between the two rows of computer equipment racks.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, the modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure may include one or more luminaires for illuminating the passageway between two rows of computer equipment racks. In at least one embodiment, the luminaires may be coupled to the frame and / or a power network. In at least one embodiment, the modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure may include one or more panels for guiding hot air from the passageway between the two rows of computer equipment racks to a hot air return chamber (plenum).

[0012] In at least one embodiment, a method of assembling information technology infrastructure may include: constructing a frame; coupling a piping network to the frame; coupling a power network to the frame; testing the piping network and / or the power network; transporting the frame to a construction site; supporting the frame above the floor of the construction site; coupling the piping network to a cooling fluid supply system at the construction site; coupling the power network to a power supply system at the construction site; commissioning the piping network and / or the power network; installing at least one row of computer equipment racks below the frame; coupling the piping network to the computer equipment racks; coupling the power network to the computer equipment racks; or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, supporting the frame above the floor of the construction site may include suspending the frame from above and / or coupling the frame to the top of a plurality of legs extending upward from the floor.

[0013] In at least one embodiment, the method of assembling information technology infrastructure may include compressing the frame into a transport configuration before transporting it to the construction site and / or expanding the frame into an operational configuration after transporting it to the construction site. In at least one embodiment, the frame occupies less space in the transport configuration and / or has smaller external dimensions in the operational configuration than in the operational configuration.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the method of assembling information technology infrastructure may include, for example, coupling a first end of a first frame to a second end of a second frame, coupling a first piping network of the first frame to a second piping network of the second frame, coupling a first power network of the first frame to a second power network of the second frame, or any combination thereof, after the frame is transported to the construction site and / or before commissioning the piping and power networks. In at least one embodiment, the method of assembling information technology infrastructure may include, for example, coupling the first frame and the second frame in parallel after the frame is transported to the construction site and / or before commissioning the piping and power networks, wherein the first piping network of the first frame extends parallel to the second piping network of the second frame and / or the first power network of the first frame extends parallel to the second power network of the second frame. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of one of many embodiments of a modular information technology infrastructure system according to the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2 This is an end view of one of many embodiments of a modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 3This is a side view of one of many embodiments of a modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a top view of one of the many embodiments of the modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of one of many embodiments of the modules of the modular information technology infrastructure system according to the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 6 This is an end view of another embodiment of a modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modular information technology infrastructure system according to the present disclosure, shown as being assembled.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a top view of another embodiment of the modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a top view of yet another embodiment of the modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a top view of yet another embodiment of the modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a side view of another embodiment of a modular information technology infrastructure system according to the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 12 is a side view of yet another embodiment of the modular information technology infrastructure system according to the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a side view of yet another embodiment of the modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 14 This is a top view of another embodiment of the modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 15This is a top view of yet another embodiment of the modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 16 This is a side view of another embodiment of a modular information technology infrastructure system according to the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating one of many embodiments of a method for assembling information technology infrastructure according to this disclosure.

[0032] Figure 18 This is an end view of one of many embodiments of a modular information technology infrastructure system with an extended framework according to this disclosure.

[0033] Figure 19 This is a side view of another embodiment of a modular information technology infrastructure system with an extended framework according to this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The accompanying drawings described above and the written description of specific structures and functions below are not intended to limit the scope of the applicant's invention or the scope of the appended claims. Rather, the drawings and written description are provided to teach any person skilled in the art to make and use the patent-protected invention. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, for clarity and understanding, not all features of commercially viable embodiments of the invention have been described or shown. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that the development of actual commercially viable embodiments incorporating various aspects of the invention will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve the developer's ultimate goals for the commercial implementation. Such implementation-specific decisions may include, but are not limited to, compliance with system-related, commercially relevant, governmental-related constraints, and other constraints that may vary by particular implementation, location, and over time. While the developer's efforts may be complex and time-consuming in an absolute sense, such efforts will be routine tasks for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure. It must be understood that the invention disclosed and taught herein is susceptible to many and various modifications and alternatives.

[0035] The use of singular terms such as, but not limited to, “a” is not intended as a limitation on the number of items. Furthermore, the use of relational terms such as, but not limited to, “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,” “below,” “above,” and “side” in the written description is for clarity when specifically referring to the accompanying drawings and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the appended claims. The terms “comprising” and “such as” are illustrative, not restrictive. The terms “coupled,” “coupled,” “coupled,” “coupler,” and similar terms are used extensively herein and may include any method or means for fixing, joining, bonding, fastening, attaching, engaging, inserting therein, forming thereon or therein, communicating one or more components, or otherwise associating one or more components together, for example mechanically, magnetically, electrically, chemically, operatively, directly, or indirectly through intermediate elements, and may also include, but is not limited to, integrally forming one functional component with another functional component in a monolithic manner. Coupling can occur in any direction, including rotationally. Furthermore, all parts and components of this disclosure that can be physically and inherently implemented include both hypothetical and real features, regardless of whether such features are explicitly described herein. All features include, but are not limited to, features such as axis, ends, inner and outer surfaces, internal space, top, bottom, sides, boundaries, dimensions (e.g., height, length, width, thickness), mass, weight, volume, and density.

[0036] Any process flowcharts discussed herein illustrate the operation of possible implementations of systems and methods according to various embodiments of this disclosure. Each box in the flowchart may represent one or more modules, segments, or portions of such an implementation. In some implementations, the subjects indicated in the boxes may not occur in the order depicted in the diagram. For example, boxes shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously.

[0037] The applicant has created novel and useful apparatus, systems, and methods for modular information technology (IT) infrastructure. Modular IT infrastructure systems according to this disclosure provide simple yet highly flexible building blocks for key elements of IT rack systems and / or related components (e.g., cooling distribution units, power distribution units, etc.), such as cooling fluid and power distribution, IT cable management, and air control. Multiple modular IT infrastructure systems can be integrated and tested in the factory and then shipped individually or as large single units to the customer's data center. Modular IT infrastructure systems can be unpacked, assembled together, and independently placed above one or more rows of IT racks. Once in place, the modular IT infrastructure systems can be commissioned, and then the IT racks can be rolled into place and connected to them. Factory-integrated modular IT infrastructure systems according to this disclosure reduce on-site design and manpower requirements and shorten overall project timelines.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of one of many embodiments of a modular information technology infrastructure system according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is an end view of one of many embodiments of a modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure. Figure 3 This is a side view of one of many embodiments of a modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure. Figure 4 This is a top view of one of the many embodiments of the modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of one of many embodiments of the modules of the modular information technology infrastructure system according to the present disclosure. Figure 6 This is an end view of another embodiment of a modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modular information technology infrastructure system according to the present disclosure, shown as being assembled. Figure 8 This is a top view of another embodiment of the modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure. Figure 9 This is a top view of yet another embodiment of the modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure. Figure 10 This is a top view of yet another embodiment of the modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure. Figure 11Figure 12 is a side view of another embodiment of the modular information technology infrastructure system according to the present disclosure. Figure 13 This is a side view of yet another embodiment of the modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure. Figure 14 This is a top view of another embodiment of the modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure. Figure 15 This is a top view of yet another embodiment of the modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure. Figure 16 This is a side view of another embodiment of a modular information technology infrastructure system according to the present disclosure. Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating one of many embodiments of a method for assembling information technology infrastructure according to this disclosure. Figure 18 This is an end view of one of many embodiments of a modular information technology infrastructure system with an extended framework according to this disclosure. Figure 19 This is a side view of another embodiment of a modular information technology infrastructure system with an extended framework according to this disclosure. Figures 1 to 19 They are described in combination.

[0039] In at least one embodiment, the modular information technology infrastructure system 100 according to this disclosure may include: one or more frames 110 that can be supported above one or more rows 120 of computer equipment racks 122; one or more pipe networks 130 supported by the frames 110 for distributing cooling fluid to and from the computer equipment racks 122; one or more power networks 140 supported by the frames 110 for supplying power to the computer equipment racks 122; one or more communication trays 150 supported by the frames 110 for facilitating communication to and from the computer equipment racks 122; or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the frames 110 and / or other system components may be suspended from above, for example from a support structure in the ceiling (or a portion of the ceiling), and / or positioned on top of a plurality of legs 112 extending upward from the floor 114. In at least one embodiment, (one or more) frames 110 and / or other system components may be arranged collectively as a whole assembly, in one or more parts or subassemblies, temporarily during the installation process (e.g., via one or more temporary support columns or other structures), or in any combination thereof above a row or more rows 120 of computer equipment racks 122 (and / or their space, as appropriate).

[0040] In at least one embodiment, the modular information technology infrastructure system 100 according to this disclosure may be or include one module and / or multiple modules, which may be identical or different from each other. In at least one embodiment, the modular information technology infrastructure system 100 according to this disclosure may be or include one independent module and / or consist of multiple modules, each module may be independent or dependently coupled to each other. In at least one embodiment, the modular information technology infrastructure system 100 according to this disclosure may be coupled in series and / or in parallel with one or more other modular information technology infrastructure systems 100. In at least one embodiment, the modular information technology infrastructure system 100 according to this disclosure may be or include multiple identical modules connected in series and / or pairs of mirrored modules connected in parallel. In at least one embodiment, multiple modular information technology infrastructure systems 100 according to this disclosure may be coupled in series or end-to-end with each other, and / or two or more modular information technology infrastructure systems 100 according to this disclosure may be coupled in parallel with each other.

[0041] In at least one embodiment, a first end of the first frame 110 may be coupled to a second end of the second frame 110. For example, a first conduit network 130 of the first frame 110 may be coupled to a second conduit network 130 of the second frame 110, a first power network 140 of the first frame 110 may be coupled to a second power network 140 of the second frame 110, a first communication tray 150 of the first frame 110 may be coupled to a second communication tray 150 of the second frame 110, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the first frame 110, the first conduit network 130, the first power network 140, the first communication tray 150, or any combination thereof may be identical to the second frame 110, the second conduit network 130, the second power network 140, the second communication tray 150, or any combination thereof.

[0042] In at least one embodiment, the first frame 110 may be coupled to the second frame 110 in parallel, for example, using one or more connecting or crossing members 116. In at least one embodiment, the first frame 110 may be coupled to the second frame 110, for example, a first conduit network 130 of the first frame 110 extending parallel to a second conduit network 130 of the second frame 110, a first power network 140 of the first frame 110 extending parallel to a second power network 140 of the second frame 110, a first communication tray 150 of the first frame 110 extending parallel to a second communication tray 150 of the second frame 110, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the first frame 110, the first conduit network 130, the first power network 140, the first communication tray 150, or any combination thereof may be mirror images of the second frame 110, the second conduit network 130, the second power network 140, the second communication tray 150, or any combination thereof.

[0043] In at least one embodiment, frame 110 may have a length, such as in the longitudinal direction, and the piping network 130, power network 140, communication tray 150, or any combination thereof may be arranged along the length of frame 110 and / or may otherwise have at least substantially the same length as frame 110. In at least one embodiment, frame 110 may be eight feet long and may be sized to pass through a standard door, such as three feet wide and seven feet high. In at least one embodiment, two frames 110 coupled in parallel may be eight feet long and may be sized to pass through a standard double door, such as six feet wide and seven feet high. The foregoing dimensions are only a few of many advantageous examples, and one or more frames 110 may have any dimensions required or desired for a given implementation of this disclosure.

[0044] In at least one embodiment, the frame 110 is foldable, expandable, or otherwise shrinkable between an operational configuration and a transport configuration to minimize, for example, the transport dimensions of the frame 110. In at least one embodiment, the frame 110 may occupy less space or volume in a transport configuration than in an operational configuration; this may include dimensional reduction in one or more directions. In at least one embodiment, two or more portions of the frame 110 may be folded and / or stacked relative to each other. In at least one embodiment, one or more external dimensions of the frame 110 may be reduced for a transport configuration, such as for transport to a construction site, and then expanded for an operational configuration, such as for installation and / or commissioning.

[0045] In at least one embodiment, frame 110 may be eight feet long and arranged to pass through a standard door in a transport or operational configuration. In at least one embodiment, frame 110 may be eight feet long, arranged to pass through a standard door in a transport configuration, and arranged to extend beyond the size of a standard door in an operational configuration. In at least one embodiment, two frames 110 coupled in parallel may be eight feet long and arranged to pass through a standard double door in a transport or operational configuration. In at least one embodiment, two parallel frames 110 may be eight feet long, arranged to pass through a standard double door in a transport configuration, and arranged to extend beyond the size of a standard double door in an operational configuration. The foregoing dimensions are merely some of many advantageous examples, and one or more frames 110 may have any size required or desired by a given implementation of this disclosure.

[0046] In at least one embodiment, the piping network 130 may include one or more supply pipes 132, one or more return pipes 134, one or more piping drops 136 for coupling the supply pipes 132 and / or return pipes 134 to the piping system in the computer equipment rack 122, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the piping drops 136 may be positioned along the length of the frame 110 and / or the piping network 130. In at least one embodiment, the piping drops 136 may include one or more valves to selectively isolate each computer equipment rack 122 in the computer equipment rack 122, for example, for allowing the computer equipment rack 122 to be hot-swapped into and / or out of the piping network 130 of the frame 110 of each module. In at least one embodiment, the piping network 130 or the modular information technology infrastructure system 100 may typically include one or more drip trays 138 positioned below the supply pipes 132, return pipes 134, valves, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the supply tube 132, return tube 134, drip tray 138, or any combination thereof may extend horizontally and / or along the length of the frame 110. In at least one embodiment, a network of pipes 130 supported by one frame 110 may be coupled end-to-end to another network of pipes 130 supported by another frame 110. In at least one embodiment, the network of pipes 130 may include, for example, one or more ultrasonic vibration units on the pipes for agitating and removing contaminants, which may be captured or filtered by integrated filter elements. In at least one embodiment, the supply tube 132 and / or return tube 134 may have a diameter of 4 inches, a diameter of 6 inches, a diameter between 4 inches and 6 inches, a diameter between 2 inches and 10 inches, other sizes, or any combination thereof.

[0047] In at least one embodiment, the power network 140 may include one or more conductors 142, such as a power bus, and / or multiple connectors 144, to supply power to each of the computer equipment racks 122. In at least one embodiment, the connector 144 may be or include one or more junction boxes, terminals, lugs, sockets, other connectors, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the connector 144 may be positioned along the length of the frame 110 and / or the power bus or conductor 142. In at least one embodiment, the conductor 142 may extend horizontally and / or along the frame 110. In at least one embodiment, the conductor 142 may be arranged in a horizontal or flat orientation, a vertical or edge orientation, an angled orientation, or any combination thereof.

[0048] In at least one embodiment, the conductor 142 may have a length at least substantially the same as the length of the frame 110 and extend along the length of the frame 110 and / or be offset relative to the frame 110. For example, in at least one embodiment, the conductor 142 may extend horizontally along the frame 110, extending beyond one end of the frame 110 to facilitate connection to another power network 140 of another frame 110. In at least one embodiment, the conductor 142 may have a length at least substantially the same as the frame and extend beyond one end of the frame 110, while not extending to (or being configured to be shorter than) the other end of the frame 110. In at least one embodiment, a power network 140 supported by one frame 110 may be coupled end-to-end to another power network 140 supported by another frame 110. In at least one embodiment, the conductor 142 may be or include two to four buses or other conductors, each bus or other conductor having a rated current between four hundred amperes and one thousand amperes.

[0049] In at least one embodiment, the communication tray 150 may include one or more trays for laying copper cables or other conductive cables and / or one or more trays for laying fiber optic cables or other non-conductive cables. In at least one embodiment, the communication trays 150 may be arranged parallel to each other, for example, vertically or side-by-side. In at least one embodiment, the communication tray 150 may extend horizontally and / or along the length of the frame 110. In at least one embodiment, one communication tray 150 supported by one frame 110 may be coupled end-to-end to another communication tray 150 supported by another frame 110. In at least one embodiment, the communication tray 150 may include one or more trays that are five inches high and twelve inches wide. In at least one embodiment, for each frame 110, the communication tray 150 may include one or more trays that are eight feet long and aligned end-to-end. The foregoing dimensions are only a few of many advantageous examples, and one or more communication trays 150 may have any size required or desired by a given implementation of this disclosure.

[0050] In at least one embodiment, one or more frames 110 may be at least partially disposed above one or more rows of 120 computer equipment racks 122 and / or above the passageway 124 between two rows of 120 computer equipment racks 122. In at least one embodiment, one or more frames 110 may be at least partially disposed between and above two rows of 120 computer equipment racks 122 and at least partially disposed above the passageway 124 between two rows of 120 computer equipment racks 122. In at least one embodiment, one or more frames 110 may be at least partially disposed between and above two rows of 120 computer equipment racks 122, and at least partially disposed above the passageway 124 between two rows of 120 computer equipment racks 122.

[0051] In at least one embodiment, the passage 124 between two rows of 120 computer equipment racks 122 may be a hot aisle, for example, for containing hot air exhausted from the computer equipment racks 122. In at least one embodiment, the modular information technology infrastructure system 100 according to this disclosure may include one or more panels 126 for directing hot air to one or more locations, for example, from the passage 124 between the two rows of 120 computer equipment racks 122 to a hot air return chamber or duct 128. In at least one embodiment, the modular information technology infrastructure system 100 according to this disclosure may include one or more panels 126 for directing cold air to one or more locations, for example, from a cold air supply chamber or duct to the passage 124 between the two rows of 120 computer equipment racks 122. In at least one embodiment, one or more panels 126 may be arranged for vertical air containment, horizontal air containment, angled air containment, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, one or more panels 126 may be disposed at least partially above the frame 110 (e.g., for inter-row cooling), at least partially below the frame 110, at least partially inside or beside the frame 110, or any combination thereof.

[0052] In at least one embodiment, the modular information technology infrastructure system 100 according to this disclosure may include one or more luminaires 160 for illuminating aisles 124 between two rows of 120 computer equipment racks 122. In at least one embodiment, the luminaires 160 may be coupled to a frame 110 and / or a power network 140. In at least one embodiment, the luminaires 160 may be supported by the frame 110 and / or powered by the power network 140. In at least one embodiment, the luminaires 160 may be indirectly supported by the frame 110, for example, by coupling to a communication tray 150 and / or a drip tray 138.

[0053] In at least one embodiment, the modular information technology infrastructure system 100 according to this disclosure may include one or more extension frames 170 for increasing or otherwise adjusting or compensating for vertical spacing or height-related considerations, and / or for otherwise supporting one or more other system components. In at least one embodiment, one or more extension frames 170 may be coupled to and at least partially disposed above frame 110, for example, to utilize space above frame 110 and / or to couple frame 110 to a support structure (e.g., beams, ceiling joints, etc.) disposed above frame 110. In at least one embodiment, one or more extension frames 170 may be coupled to and at least partially disposed below frame 110, for example, to utilize space below frame 110 (e.g., between frame 110 and one or more racks 122) and / or to couple frame 110 to a support structure (e.g., one or more legs 112) disposed below or beside frame 110. For example, in at least one embodiment, one or more extension frames 170 may be suspended from frame 110, for example above one or more rows 120 and / or racks 122, and / or may be arranged to support one or more other system components above said rows 120 and / or racks 122. As another example, in at least one embodiment, one or more extension frames 170 may be disposed below frame 110 and coupled to one or more legs 112 for structurally supporting frame 110 and / or one or more other system components.

[0054] In at least one embodiment, one or more extension frames 170 are foldable, stacked, or otherwise fitted between an operational configuration and a transport configuration to, for example, minimize the transport dimensions of the extension frame 170. In at least one embodiment, the extension frame 170 may occupy less space or volume in a transport configuration than in an operational configuration, which may include dimensional reduction in one or more directions. In at least one embodiment, two or more portions of the extension frame 170 may be folded and / or stacked relative to each other. In at least one embodiment, one or more external dimensions of the extension frame 170 may be reduced for a transport configuration, such as for transport to a construction site, and then expanded for an operational configuration, such as for installation and / or commissioning. In at least one embodiment, one or more extension frames 170 are foldable, stacked, or otherwise adjusted between multiple different operational configurations, which may facilitate the installation of the frame 110 in any of multiple different vertically spaced configurations.

[0055] In at least one embodiment, the method 200 for assembling information technology infrastructure may include: constructing a frame 110, as shown in step 210; coupling a piping network 130 and / or a power network 140 to the frame 110, as shown in step 220; testing the piping network 130 and / or the power network 140, as shown in step 230; transporting the frame 110 to a construction site, as shown in step 240; or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the method 200 may include: supporting the frame 110 above a floor 114 at the construction site, as shown in step 250; coupling the piping network 130 to a cooling fluid supply system at the construction site and / or coupling the power network 140 to a power supply system at the construction site, as shown in step 260; commissioning the piping network 130 and / or the power network 140, as shown in step 270; or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the first frame may be supported in a temporary position on the floor of the construction site, and the first piping network may be coupled to the cooling fluid supply system and / or the first electrical network to the power supply system before the first frame is supported in its final or installed position on the floor of the construction site. In at least one embodiment, the first piping network may be coupled to the cooling fluid supply system and / or the first electrical network to the power supply system after the first frame has been supported or installed in its final or installed position.

[0056] In at least one embodiment, method 200 may include: mounting at least one row 120 computer equipment racks 122 below the frame 110, as shown in step 280; coupling a piping network 130 and / or a power network 140 to the computer equipment racks 122, as shown in step 290; or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, supporting the frame 110 above a floor 114 at the construction site may include suspending the frame 110 from above and / or coupling the frame 110 to the top of a plurality of legs 112 extending upward from the floor 114.

[0057] In at least one embodiment, the method 200 for assembling information technology infrastructure may include: compressing or shrinking the frame 110 into a transport configuration, as shown in step 235, for example, before transporting the frame 110 to the construction site; and / or, for example, expanding or extending the frame 110 into an operational configuration, as shown in step 245, after transporting the frame 110 to the construction site. In at least one embodiment, the frame 110 may occupy a smaller volume or space in the transport configuration than in the operational configuration.

[0058] In at least one embodiment, the method 200 for assembling information technology infrastructure may include, for example, coupling one module to another, and / or coupling multiple modules to each other, as shown in step 255, after transporting frame 110 to the construction site and / or before commissioning piping network 130 and / or power network 140. In at least one embodiment, coupling one module to another and / or coupling multiple modules to each other may include coupling a first end of first frame 110 to a second end of second frame 110, coupling a first piping network 130 of first frame 110 to a second piping network 130 of second frame 110, coupling a first power network 140 of first frame 110 to a second power network 140 of second frame 110, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, coupling one module to another and / or coupling multiple modules to each other may include coupling a first frame 110 to a second frame 110 in parallel, wherein a first conduit network 130 of the first frame 110 extends parallel to a second conduit network 130 of the second frame 110, and / or a first power network 140 of the first frame 110 extends parallel to a second power network 140 of the second frame 110.

[0059] In at least one embodiment, the modular information technology infrastructure system 100 according to this disclosure may be or include one or more pre-assembled modules, each pre-assembled module having one or more frames 110 supporting a piping network 130, a power network 140, a communication tray 150, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, each pre-assembled module may be shrunk to, for example, as small as eight feet long, six and a half feet high, and four and a half feet wide, or smaller (e.g., for retrofit applications). In at least one embodiment, the modular information technology infrastructure system 100 according to this disclosure may include a plurality of frames 110 extending up to forty-eight feet between legs 112 in a single-row or double-row configuration. In at least one embodiment, the modular information technology infrastructure system 100 according to this disclosure may operate in a cluster (e.g., independently) and / or pod mode, without large spacing between computer equipment racks 122 and / or modules.

[0060] In at least one embodiment, the modular information technology infrastructure system 100 according to this disclosure may include one or more slides (e.g., those commonly found in wine cellars and / or libraries) and / or permanent or temporary scaffolding for accessing components of the system 100. In at least one embodiment, the modular information technology infrastructure system 100 according to this disclosure may include components found in more conventional data center coolant distribution units and / or air handling units, such as one or more pumps, one or more fans, one or more air and / or coolant filtration units, one or more coolant tanks, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the modular information technology infrastructure system 100 according to this disclosure may be arranged to integrate with one or more other modular systems or components, and may include one or more remote and / or other power panels and / or be operatively coupled to one or more remote and / or other power panels, configurable via a configurator, or any combination thereof.

[0061] In at least one embodiment, the modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure may include: a frame that can be supported above one or more rows of computer equipment racks; a piping network supported by the frame for distributing cooling fluid to and from the computer equipment racks; a power network supported by the frame for supplying power to the computer equipment racks; a communication tray supported by the frame for facilitating communication to and from the computer equipment racks; or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the frame may be suspended from above and / or positioned on top of a plurality of legs extending upward from the floor. In at least one embodiment, the system may include one or more extension frames coupled to the frame and positioned at least partially below, at least partially above, at least partially above, and / or between two or more support legs, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the frame and / or extension frames are foldable, folded, or otherwise nested between a transport configuration and an operational configuration to minimize transport dimensions, for example. In at least one embodiment, the volume occupied by the frame and / or extension frames in the transport configuration may be smaller than the volume occupied in the operational configuration.

[0062] In at least one embodiment, the modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure can be coupled in series and / or in parallel with one or more other modular information technology infrastructure systems. In at least one embodiment, a first end of a first frame can be coupled to a second end of a second frame, for example, a first conduit network of the first frame coupled to a second conduit network of the second frame, a first power network of the first frame coupled to a second power network of the second frame, a first communication tray of the first frame coupled to a second communication tray of the second frame, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the first frame can be coupled to the second frame, for example, a first conduit network of the first frame extending parallel to a second conduit network of the second frame, a first power network of the first frame extending parallel to a second power network of the second frame, a first communication tray of the first frame extending parallel to a second communication tray of the second frame, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, multiple modular information technology infrastructure systems according to this disclosure can be coupled in series or end-to-end with each other, and / or two or more modular information technology infrastructure systems according to this disclosure can be coupled in parallel with each other.

[0063] In at least one embodiment, the frame may have a length, wherein a piping network, power network, communication tray, or any combination thereof extends along the length of the frame. In at least one embodiment, the piping network may include supply pipes, return pipes, a plurality of pipe downpipes for coupling the supply pipes and / or return pipes to a piping system in a computer equipment rack, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the pipe downpipes may be positioned along the length of the frame and / or the piping network. In at least one embodiment, the piping network or modular information technology infrastructure system may typically include a drip tray positioned below the supply pipes and / or return pipes. In at least one embodiment, the supply pipes, return pipes, drip trays, or any combination thereof may extend horizontally and / or along the length of the frame.

[0064] In at least one embodiment, the power network may include one or more power buses, other conductors, and / or multiple connectors for supplying power to each of the computer racks. In at least one embodiment, the connectors may be positioned along the length of the frame and / or the power bus or conductor. In at least one embodiment, the power bus may extend horizontally and / or extend along the length of the frame.

[0065] In at least one embodiment, the frame may be positioned above two rows of computer equipment racks and above the aisle between the two rows of computer equipment racks. In at least one embodiment, the frame may be positioned between and above two rows of computer equipment racks, and above the aisle between the two rows of computer equipment racks.

[0066] In at least one embodiment, the modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure may include one or more luminaires for illuminating the passageway between two rows of computer equipment racks. In at least one embodiment, the luminaires may be coupled to the frame and / or a power network. In at least one embodiment, the modular information technology infrastructure system according to this disclosure may include one or more panels for guiding hot air from the passageway between the two rows of computer equipment racks to a hot air return chamber.

[0067] In at least one embodiment, a method of assembling information technology infrastructure may include constructing a frame, coupling a piping network to the frame, coupling a power network to the frame, testing the piping network and / or the power network, transporting the frame to a construction site, supporting the frame above the floor of the construction site, coupling the piping network to a cooling fluid supply system at the construction site, coupling the power network to a power supply system at the construction site, commissioning the piping network and / or the power network, installing at least one row of computer equipment racks below the frame, coupling the piping network to the computer equipment racks, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, supporting the frame above the floor of the construction site may include suspending the frame from above and / or coupling the frame to the top of a plurality of legs extending upward from the floor. In at least one embodiment, the first frame may be supported above the floor of the construction site in a temporary location, and prior to the final or installation location of supporting the first frame above the floor of the construction site, the first piping network may be coupled to a cooling fluid supply system and / or the first power network may be coupled to a power supply system. In at least one embodiment, after the first frame is supported or positioned in its final or installed position, the first piping network may be coupled to a cooling fluid supply system and / or the first electrical network may be coupled to a power supply system.

[0068] In at least one embodiment, the method of assembling information technology infrastructure may include compressing the frame into a transport configuration before transporting it to the construction site and / or expanding the frame into an operational configuration after transporting it to the construction site. In at least one embodiment, the frame may occupy less volume in the transport configuration than in the operational configuration.

[0069] In at least one embodiment, the method of assembling information technology infrastructure may include, for example, coupling a first end of a first frame to a second end of a second frame, coupling a first piping network of the first frame to a second piping network of the second frame, coupling a first power network of the first frame to a second power network of the second frame, or any combination thereof, after the frame is transported to the construction site and / or before commissioning the piping and power networks. In at least one embodiment, the method of assembling information technology infrastructure may include, for example, coupling the first frame and the second frame in parallel after the frame is transported to the construction site and / or before commissioning the piping and power networks, wherein the first piping network of the first frame extends parallel to the second piping network of the second frame and / or the first power network of the first frame extends parallel to the second power network of the second frame.

[0070] Without departing from the spirit of the applicant's disclosure, other and additional embodiments utilizing one or more aspects of this disclosure are conceivable. For example, apparatuses, systems, and methods can be implemented for many different types and sizes across many different industries. Furthermore, various methods and embodiments of apparatuses, systems, and methods can be combined with each other to produce variations of the disclosed methods and embodiments. Discussion of singular elements can include plural elements, and vice versa. Unless otherwise specifically limited, the order of steps can occur in various sequences. The individual steps described herein can be combined with other steps, interspersed with stated steps, and / or broken down into multiple steps. Similarly, elements have been functionally described and can be implemented as individual components or combined into components with multiple functions.

[0071] The invention has been described in the context of preferred and other embodiments, and not every embodiment of the invention has been described. Obvious modifications and variations to the described embodiments will be available to those skilled in the art who will benefit from this disclosure. The disclosed and undisclosed embodiments are not intended to limit or constrain the scope or applicability of the invention as envisioned by the applicant, but rather, in accordance with patent law, the applicant intends to fully protect all such modifications and improvements that fall within the scope or range of equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A modular information technology infrastructure system, comprising: A first frame, the first frame being configured to be supported above at least one row of computer equipment racks; A first piping network, supported by the first frame, is used to distribute cooling fluid to and from the computer equipment rack; A first power network, supported by the first frame, is used to provide power to the computer equipment rack; as well as A first communication tray, supported by the first frame, is used to facilitate communication to and from the computer equipment rack.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The first frame is configured to hang from above.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The first frame is configured to sit on top of a plurality of legs extending upward from the floor.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The first frame is foldable between a transport configuration and an operational configuration; and wherein the frame occupies a smaller volume in the transport configuration than in the operational configuration.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The first frame is capable of nesting between a transport configuration and an operational configuration; and wherein the frame occupies a smaller volume in the transport configuration than in the operational configuration.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The first frame is configured to stack between a transport configuration and an operational configuration; and wherein the frame occupies a smaller volume in the transport configuration than in the operational configuration.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein, A first end of the first frame is configured to be coupled to a second end of the second frame, wherein the first conduit network is coupled to a second conduit network of the second frame, and the first power network is coupled to a second power network of the second frame.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The first frame is configured to be coupled to the second frame, wherein the first conduit network extends parallel to the second conduit network of the second frame, the first power network extends parallel to the second power network of the second frame, and the first communication tray extends parallel to the second communication tray of the second frame.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The first frame has a length, and wherein the first pipe network, the first power network, and the first communication tray extend along the length of the frame.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein, The first piping network includes: a horizontal supply pipe extending along the length of the frame; a horizontal return pipe extending along the length of the frame; and a plurality of pipe downpipes configured to couple the horizontal supply pipe and the horizontal return pipe to a piping system in the computer equipment rack.

11. The system of claim 10 further includes a drip tray positioned below the horizontal supply pipe and the horizontal return pipe.

12. The system according to claim 9, wherein, The first power network includes a horizontal power bus and a plurality of connectors positioned along the horizontal power bus for supplying power to each of the computer equipment racks.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The first frame is configured to be positioned above two rows of computer equipment racks and a passageway between the two rows of computer equipment racks.

14. The system of claim 13, further comprising at least one luminaire configured to illuminate the channel.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The at least one luminaire is coupled to the first power network.

16. The system of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of panels configured to guide hot air from the channel to a hot air return chamber.

17. A method for assembling information technology infrastructure, the method comprising: Build the first framework; Couple the first pipeline network to the first frame; Couple the first power network to the first frame; Test the first pipeline network and the first power network; The first frame was transported to the construction site; Couple the first piping network to the cooling fluid supply system at the construction site; Couple the first power network to the power supply system at the construction site; The first frame is supported above the floor of the construction site; Debug the first pipeline network and the first power network; At least one row of computer equipment racks is installed below the first frame; Couple the first pipeline network to the at least one row of computer equipment racks; as well as The first power network is coupled to the at least one row of computer equipment racks.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, Supporting the first frame above the floor of the construction site includes suspending the first frame from above.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein, Supporting the first frame above the floor of the construction site includes coupling the first frame to the top of a plurality of legs extending upward from the floor.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: The first frame is compressed into a transport configuration before being transported to the construction site; as well as After the first frame is transported to the construction site, the first frame is expanded into an operational configuration; The first frame occupies a smaller volume in the transport configuration than in the operation configuration.

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