DATA CENTER MODULE AND PROCESS

Description

[0001] Various embodiments relate to a data center module and a method.

[0002] To accommodate continuous growth, container data centers have become popular in recent years. These containers house the individual components of a data center in a transportable container. Such containers can be prefabricated and pre-installed by manufacturers at the factory, thus enabling the efficient, modular construction of larger data centers at any location.

[0003] Traditionally, the container data center is built and assembled on-site, and its components are then wired together. When assembling and wiring the components, particular attention is often paid to the reliability of the entire container data center, as reliability can be crucial for a wide range of services that the container data center could provide. Therefore, the actual reliability is only tested once the container data center as a whole is fully constructed and operational. The test results are subsequently classified and certified for the container data center (also known as data center certification). However, changes to the container data center may require recertification of the data center under certain circumstances.

[0004] EP 2 941 110 A1 discloses a system for providing computing capacity comprising a base module and two or more fin modules coupled to the base module.

[0005] DE 10 2011 054704 A1 shows a data center with server cells for accommodating one or more servers.

[0006] According to various embodiments, it has been clearly recognized that data center certification makes it possible to arrange logistically independent components of the container data center within a container and to certify each container individually in advance (also referred to as pre-certification). In other words, the container containing the component can be individually tested for its physical structure for its reliability and thus receive pre-certification even before the data center is fully constructed or even before the container is transported to its final location.

[0007] According to various embodiments, several individually pre-certified containers are provided, which are combined to form a data center module without affecting their pre-certification. This makes it possible to put the individually pre-certified containers into operation as quickly as possible and with a high degree of reliability. For example, the use of individually pre-certified containers can accelerate and / or simplify (e.g., reduce the cost) the construction of the data center or its data center certification, thus meeting the increasing demand for shorter times from planning to commissioning.

[0008] Different availability classes 1 to 4 require specific arrangements and duplications (redundancies) of typical components and supply routes for power, network, or internet for media supply, and cooling for waste heat disposal. In addition, there are also structural requirements (e.g., requirements for the burglar resistance class of doors or fire and smoke protection requirements, space requirements for maintenance and upkeep) for each availability class. The availability classes are assigned the average expected availability of IT components (information technology components) as a percentage per operating year.

[0009] With a data center or a development for availability class 3, availability classes 2 or 1 can also be met by omitting or not using components.

[0010] It becomes clear that cost advantages can be achieved by developing a flexible module platform that aims for the highest possible availability and covers as many use cases as possible, and that the idea and the associated intellectual work must be protected from imitation in order to be able to transfer it to series production.

[0011] According to various embodiments, a configuration for the data center module or method is provided that does not require any installations in the container walls and doors, and provides the media supply and removal, air vents, and an access and insertion door only via a double wall behind the container door wings at the front. This simplifies international transport and burglary protection, but above all also allows for 3-sided scaling in the x, y, and z directions.

[0012] In other words, each individually pre-certified container is deployed in such a way that its connection to the rest of the data center requires no modifications to those components of the container that meet the pre-certification requirements. Thus, each individually pre-certified container can be added to the data center "as is," possibly relocated within it, or removed from the data center (e.g., for replacement) without affecting the data center's certification. Furthermore, scalability to larger data centers can be achieved modularly, and international container transport can be simplified.

[0013] For example, several individually pre-certified containers (e.g., so-called 20-foot containers) of the same design, which are arranged symmetrically to each other, can be used to create a network (e.g., with 1.0 megawatts or more) that serves as a data center module and is optionally scalable horizontally and / or vertically. Instead of two symmetrically arranged containers, a larger container (e.g., a so-called 40-foot container) can also be used, which has two symmetrically arranged segments.

[0014] According to various embodiments, a data center module according to claim 1 is presented.

[0015] It shows Figure 1 a method according to various embodiments in a schematic flowchart; Figures 2 and 3 each shows a supply chain according to various embodiments in a schematic supply diagram; Figures 4 and5 a data center module (e.g. a 40ft data center module) according to various embodiments in a schematic supply diagram; Figure 6 a data center according to various embodiments in a schematic supply diagram; Figure 7 a pre-certified container according to various embodiments in a schematic construction diagram; Figure 8 several availability classes according to various embodiments in a schematic diagram; and Figures 9 , 10 and 11 each a supply chain according to different embodiments in a schematic supply diagram.

[0016] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "fore," "rear," etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the described figure(s). Since components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0017] Throughout this description, the terms "connected," "attached," and "coupled" are used to describe both a direct and an indirect connection (e.g., resistive and / or electrically conductive, e.g., an electrically conductive connection), a direct or indirect connection, and a direct or indirect coupling. In the figures, identical or similar elements are provided with identical reference numerals where appropriate.

[0018] According to various embodiments, the term "coupled" or "coupling" can be understood in the sense of a (e.g., mechanical, hydrostatic, thermal, and / or electrical, but also data-related), e.g., direct or indirect, connection to an interaction chain. Several coupled elements can, for example, interact with each other along the interaction chain (e.g., communicatively), so that a medium (e.g., information, energy, and / or matter) can be exchanged between them. For example, two coupled elements can exchange an interaction with each other, e.g., a mechanical, hydrostatic, thermal, and / or electrical, but also data-related interaction. According to various embodiments, "coupled" can be understood in the sense of a mechanical (e.g., physical) coupling, e.g., by means of direct physical contact.A clutch can be designed to transmit a mechanical interaction (e.g. force, torque, etc.).

[0019] According to various embodiments, an ISO container (e.g., a 20ft container) with three openable side walls (also referred to as loose walls), a so-called "3-side-door container," is provided as a transport unit and assembly module. The outer shell of the ISO container can be unaltered (i.e., there are no connections on the outer walls of the container on at least two or three sides), so that it retains its CSC certification (COC - "Convention for Safe Containers") and is thus internationally transportable and, in addition, unobtrusive (e.g., does not suggest any conclusions about its contents). This is achieved, for example, by means of several intermediate walls (e.g., inner walls) on the two end faces of the container, which are arranged behind the loose walls (e.g., having hinged doors) and carry a security door with access control and flange connections.For example, two 20ft containers can be joined at their ends to form a pair of the first type, thus forming a 40-foot (approximately 12.2 meter) long unit. Alternatively, or additionally, two 20ft containers can be joined at their long sides to form a pair of the second type, thus forming a shared central aisle. For example, two pairs of containers of the same type can be joined in this way to form a space-saving and functional combination. The containers in each pair can be mirrored to each other. However, other containers, such as 40ft containers or non-ISO containers, can also be used.

[0020] In this way, interconnected data center modules, e.g., with an electrical output of 1 MW (megawatt) or more, can be deployed, comprising one or more pairs of containers (e.g., of the same type). Optionally, vertical scaling can be achieved by stacking multiple data center modules.

[0021] Various embodiments provide a container that can be equipped, for example, with a computing system (e.g., a computer, server, or multiple processor racks) for the modular construction of a high-performance data center. One effect of the container form is that a data center formed from such containers can be modularly expanded, and that, for example, each individual container can be prefabricated by the manufacturer at the factory and pre-certified with regard to the reliability of the computing system.

[0022] One effect of pre-certification is that the containers no longer need to be certified after they have been transported to the data center site. This allows the data center to be commissioned at the destination more quickly and with less effort.

[0023] The or each container (e.g. an ISO container) can, for example, be or become designed in accordance with ISO Standard 668. This has the effect that transport of the containers on ships, trains and trucks is standardized and therefore easy. In various embodiments, the container can have an external length of 13,716 m (45 ft), 12,192 m (40 ft, e.g. as a standard container or sea container), 9,125 m (30 ft), 6,058 m (20 ft, e.g. as a standard container or sea container), 2,991 m (10 ft), 2,438 m (8 ft) or 1,968 m (6 ft), an external height of 2,591 m (e.g. as a standard container) or 2,896 m (also known as a high-cube container), and an external width of 2,438 m. For example, a so-called 20ft container has an external length of 6,058 m, an external height of 2,591 m and an external width of 2,438 m. A so-called 40ft container (e.g. 40ft HC container) has an external length of 12,192 m, an external height of 2,000 m and a width of 2,438 m.896 m and an outer width of 2,438 m. In one example, the container may have an outer dimension (length x width x height) of 6,058 m x 2,438 m x 2,896 m. The container may have an inner dimension (length x width x height of the interior) of 5,853 m x 2,342 m x 2,697 m.

[0024] In one embodiment, each substantially fully openable side wall (also referred to as a loose wall) of the container is designed as a multi-leaf, foldable, or detachable wall. Alternatively or additionally, the loose wall can be designed such that it can be resealed in accordance with ISO Standard 668, and / or such that the container cannot be distinguished from other containers. In this embodiment, shipping of the container using conventional freight forwarders and shipping routes is thus easily enabled, using trucks, trains, and ships. The or each loose wall can, for example, comprise or be formed from wall elements that are positively connected to a housing of the container, e.g., connected by means of a bearing, pins, and / or screws.

[0025] The computing system of the or each container comprises one or more computing units, configured, for example, to accommodate a large number of processors and / or storage media in high density. Processors can be server processors (CPUs), graphics card processors (GPUs), crypto processors, ASICs, FPGAs, TPUs (tensor processing units), or cryptocurrency mining hardware. Storage media can be mechanical hard disks (HDDs) or solid-state drives (SSDs).

[0026] In various embodiments, the container can have multiple supply paths with a feed interface that is configured to supply at least one medium to the container from outside (e.g., by coupling an uninterruptible power supply to the feed interface). The medium can, for example, be a temperature-controlled fluid (also referred to as temperature control fluid, e.g., cooling water), electrical energy, and / or a communication signal (e.g., a network signal). Each supply path can be configured to functionally interact with the computing system and to forward the respectively supplied medium to the computing system. The set of supply and disposal paths within the container can also be referred to herein as infrastructure. Depending on the type of medium (temperature control fluid, electrical energy, and / or communication signal), the infrastructure can be referred to as temperature control infrastructure, energy supply infrastructure (e.g.,Power supply infrastructure or telecommunications infrastructure. For example, the temperature control infrastructure can be configured to extract thermal energy from the computer system along the supply path. Optionally, critical supply paths or components of the container can be provided redundantly.

[0027] Redundancy refers to the presence of functionally identical or comparable resources in a technical system, not all of which are normally required for trouble-free operation. Functional redundancy can involve multiple parallel supply paths required for operation, so that in the event of a supply path failure or during maintenance, another supply path ensures uninterrupted operation. Optionally, the mutually redundant supply paths can be spatially separated from one another, e.g., by protective walls and / or spatial spacing (e.g., by arranging them on opposite sides of the container) to ensure additional safety.

[0028] Redundancy of an element used to operate the computer system (e.g., a supply path, a component thereof, or a processor) can be understood here, for example, as meaning that at least one functionally identical or comparable copy of the element is present, and that the element and its copy are also configured such that switching between them is possible, e.g., without interrupting the operation of the computer system. The element and its copy can then be configured to be mutually redundant (also referred to as a mutually redundant pair).

[0029] The switching between two mutually redundant elements (e.g. from a first supply path to a supply path that is redundant with it) can, for example, be automated if a malfunction has been detected in the active element. The malfunction can, for example, be identified as critical, i.e. that it could lead to a failure or partial failure of the computer system. The switching can, for example, be carried out using a transfer switch, e.g., automatically. Pre-certification can, for example, require that the container has at least partially redundant infrastructure. Alternatively or additionally, e.g., if a container as part of a data center itself only has some of the typical data center components (e.g.,the transformers, generators and the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) can be centralised and / or located outside it), the redundant components and supply paths can meet at least some of the requirements for pre-certification (e.g. the container can have two redundant electrical sub-distribution boards and two supply paths), so that pre-certification in principle certifies the expected availability if the requirements are also met outside the container (e.g. classified as "supports availability class x", where x=1, 2, 3 or 4).

[0030] According to various embodiments, the redundancy can be implemented as N+1 redundancy. N+1 redundancy means that the computing system requires a maximum of (e.g., exactly) N supply paths for operation, with at least N+1 supply paths being present in the container. The N+1st supply path can be configured as a passive standby supply path. If one of the N supply paths fails or requires maintenance, its function can be taken over by the N+1st supply path, e.g., without interrupting the operation of the computing system. If two of the N supply paths fail, this can result in a failure or partial failure of the computing system (corresponding, for example, to availability class "VK 3" according to DIN EN 50600 or "Tier 3" according to the North American standard of the Uptime Institute). This could be counteracted by using a higher level of redundancy, e.g., by implementing the redundancy as parallel redundancy.With parallel redundancy, at least 2·N supply paths are available, e.g. 2·(N+1) supply paths (corresponds, for example, to availability class "VK 4" according to DIN EN 50600 or "Tier 4" according to the North American standard of the Uptime Institute).

[0031] Single-path supply lines without duplication of components, on the other hand, can comply with "VK 1" or "Tier 1" standards, whereby, in addition to the availability classes, more extensive structural requirements (e.g., burglar protection, fire protection, and more) can be defined in the standards. The data center module, for example, can be constructed according to "VK 3" or "Tier 3" standards. A "VK 4" or "Tier 4" standard can be more complex to meet (e.g., suitable for critical infrastructures, as required by energy suppliers).

[0032] Fig.1illustrates a method 100 according to various embodiments in a schematic flow diagram for handling a plurality of containers 102. Each container 102 may have a housing 1102g, which may have adjacent (e.g., four) side walls, a ceiling, and a floor surrounding an interior of the container. Furthermore, the housing 1102g may have a supporting housing structure (e.g., a rack or frame) to which the plurality of side walls, the ceiling, and the floor are attached. Of the side walls of the container 102, a plurality of side walls 102s may be substantially completely opened (also referred to as loose walls 102s). For example, each loose wall 102s may have at least one (i.e., exactly one or more than one) wall element that can be opened, e.g., by being mounted in a removable, movable, or form-fitting manner (e.g., by means of hinges). The remainder of the loose wall 102s, e.g.,The bearing and / or the frame can, for example, be integrally connected (e.g., welded) to the housing structure or be part of it. The at least one wall element of each loose wall 102s can, for example, be configured to be opened and / or reclosed without causing damage. For example, each loose wall 102s can be closed by means of a locking device (e.g., a locking latch or a lock).

[0033] A substantially completely open loose wall 102s can be understood as meaning that on the housing side of the container 102 on which the loose wall 102s is arranged, the interior of the container can be or become substantially completely exposed. For example, the interior of the container 102 can have a height 102h, wherein an opening 102o provided by the open loose wall 102s exposes at least 80% (e.g., 90%) of the height 102h. Alternatively or additionally, the opening 102o can expose at least 80% (e.g., 90%) of a length 102b or width of the interior (cf. the inner dimension). The housing structure can optionally segment the opening 102o. For example, the loose wall 102s can consist of at least approximately 75% (e.g., 80%, 90%, or 95%) of the opening 102o, which can be covered by the at least one wall element.

[0034] The container 102 can have a computing system 104 inside, which has a plurality (e.g., at least 10, at least 100, or at least 1000) of processors. The container 102 can further have an infrastructure 106 inside for supplying power to the computing system 104 (also referred to as a power supply infrastructure or electricity infrastructure). The power supply infrastructure 106 of each container 102 can be individually pre-certified 110 with regard to the reliability of the computing system 104. Optionally, multiple infrastructures or the entire container as part of a data center or the container with additional technology containers can be pre-certified. The container with the pre-certified power supply infrastructure 106 is also referred to below as a pre-certified container 102 (FOC or, simply, as a container).

[0035] Pre-certification 110 can clearly represent the level of reliability of the computer system. For example, the reliability (also referred to as availability) can be more than 95%, e.g., at least approximately 98.97%, e.g., at least approximately 99%, e.g., at least approximately 99.9% (also referred to as high reliability), e.g., at least approximately 99.99% (also referred to as very high reliability), e.g., at least approximately 99.999%. The reliability can be classified depending on the certification type, i.e., divided into classes (also referred to as availability classes).

[0036] For example, a pre-certification according to DIN EN 50600 (from 2013, e.g. DIN EN 50600-1 from 2013, or DIN EN 50600-2-2 from 2014 or DIN EN 50600-2-3 from 2015) can indicate that the reliability of at least approximately 98.97% is classified as availability class 1, the reliability of at least approximately 99.9% is classified as availability class 2, the reliability of at least approximately 99.99% is classified as availability class 3, or the reliability of at least approximately 99.999% is classified as availability class 4.

[0037] For example, a pre-certification according to American Tier classification (e.g. from 2015) may indicate that the reliability of at least approximately 99.671% is classified as Availability Class 1 (also referred to as Tier 1), a reliability of at least approximately 99.749% is classified as Availability Class 2 (also referred to as Tier 2), a reliability of at least approximately 99.982% is classified as Availability Class 3 (also referred to as Tier 3), or a reliability of at least approximately 99.995% is classified as Availability Class 4 (also referred to as Tier 4).

[0038] However, other (e.g. commercial) certification types can also be used, e.g. a Bitcom certification (e.g. according to the Bitcom Guidelines 2013) or an InfraOpt certification (from 2017).

[0039] Depending on the certification type or availability class, various requirements for the pre-certification can be met, as described in more detail later, for example, at least N+1 redundancy (or 2·N redundancy) of the energy supply infrastructure 106. The pre-certification 110 described here (with regard to reliability) must be distinguished from other certification types, in particular from those certification types that certify compliance with protection requirements (e.g., CE / ETSI or SEMKO). Such protection requirements can relate, for example, to environmental protection, user protection (e.g., their integrity), protection against manipulation, or data protection, and can, for example, be prescribed by law.

[0040] The method 100 can comprise in 101: providing a plurality of FOCs 102. The provision 101 can optionally comprise in 103: relocating the plurality of FOCs 102, e.g., to land, water, and / or air. The method 100 can comprise in 103: arranging the plurality of FOCs 102 relative to one another such that two FOCs 102 of the plurality of FOCs 102 are arranged directly adjacent to one another. For example, they can be arranged with at least two (e.g., end-side or longitudinal-side) loose walls 102s facing one another. The method 100 can comprise in 105: opening one of the plurality of loose walls 102s of the or each FOC 102, which faces another FOC 102 of the plurality of FOCs 102. The FOC 102 may be configured such that when the loose wall 102s is opened, the pre-certification of the FOC 102 (e.g., its energy supply infrastructure 106) is retained.For this purpose, the or each loose wall 102s of the FOC 102 can, for example, be free of elements that influence the pre-certification, e.g., that influence the fulfillment of the requirement according to the pre-certification. This clearly makes it possible to ensure that after connecting the interior of the multiple FOCs 102, no certification of the FOC 102 is required. This accelerates the deployment of the data center module 151 comprising the multiple FOCs 102.

[0041] The or each FOC 102 can optionally have a temperature control infrastructure (also referred to as temperature control infrastructure) and / or telecommunications infrastructure (also referred to as telecommunications infrastructure). Optionally, the telecommunications infrastructure (e.g., a network infrastructure) and / or temperature control infrastructure of each FOC 102 can also be individually pre-certified 110 with respect to the reliability of the computer system 104, or the entire container 102 can be pre-certified 110, including its one or more (e.g., different) infrastructures.

[0042] The adjacent FOCs 102 can provide a data center module 151. Multiple data center modules 151 can be combined to form a data center, e.g., by coupling each FOC 102 to an external supply module arrangement 202.

[0043] The method 100 may comprise in 107: coupling the plurality of FOCs 102 to one another and / or to at least one external supply module arrangement 202. The or each supply module arrangement 202 may comprise one or more than one additional module, e.g. optionally a telecommunications module 202t, an energy module 202z, a temperature control module 202k (e.g. cooling module) and / or a gas extinguishing module 202f.

[0044] For example, multiple supply module assemblies 202 may be provided, each of which is directly coupled to exactly one FOC 102 or exactly one container pair. Optionally, multiple supply module assemblies 202 may be coupled to the same FOC 102 or container pair.

[0045] The coupling may, for example, comprise coupling the telecommunications infrastructure of the FOC 102 to each other and / or to the telecommunications module 202t, coupling the temperature control infrastructure of the FOC 102 to each other and / or to the temperature control module 202k, and / or coupling the energy supply infrastructure 106 of the FOC 102 to each other and / or to the energy module 202z.

[0046] For ease of understanding, reference may be made below more generally to an infrastructure of the FOC 102, wherein what is described for the infrastructure may apply to the energy supply infrastructure 106, the temperature control infrastructure and / or the telecommunications infrastructure (e.g., by analogy). Coupling an infrastructure may generally be effected by means of a coupling interface 722, to which the infrastructure has corresponding connections. For example, the infrastructure of an FOC 102 may be coupled to the supply module arrangement 202 by means of a feed-in interface (generally, the first coupling interface) or to an immediately adjacent FOC 102 by means of a container-to-container interface (generally, the second coupling interface).

[0047] The infrastructure (e.g., the telecommunications infrastructure, energy supply infrastructure, and / or temperature control infrastructure) can, for example, comprise a plurality of first supply lines that couple the feed-in interface to the computing system or a terminal device (e.g., a heat exchanger) of the infrastructure. Alternatively or additionally, the infrastructure can comprise a plurality of second supply lines that couple the container-to-container interface (CC interface) to the computing system and / or the feed-in interface.

[0048] For example, the telecommunications infrastructure comprises a plurality of network lines that couple the coupling interface to the computer system for connecting the plurality of processors to a local and / or global network (e.g., the Internet). For example, the temperature control infrastructure comprises a plurality of fluid lines (e.g., supply and return pipes) that couple the coupling interface(s) to the computer system, allowing thermal energy to be extracted from the computer system.

[0049] The supply lines can, for example, be arranged in trays (e.g., suspended cable trays) on the ceiling and / or in the floor of the FOC 102 and be spaced from the loose walls 102s. For example, a raised floor can be used to lay the supply lines. The coupling interface(s) 722 can, for example, be attached to partition walls and be spaced from the loose walls 102s. This can ensure that the pre-certification is not lost by opening the loose walls 102s. In order to provide electrical power for operating the computing system 104 of the FOC 102, each (e.g., the first and / or the second) coupling interface 722 can be configured to provide the electrical power or double it, e.g., a power of, for example, more than approximately 100 kW, more than approximately 150 kW, more than approximately 200 kW, more than approximately 250 kW, or more than approximately 500 kW (kilowatts).

[0050] In various embodiments, the computing system comprises a plurality of computing units, each of which comprises at least one receiving device (e.g., comprising a rack, such as a 19-inch rack or a 21-inch rack) for receiving processors. This receiving device(s) may, for example, be shelves for receiving processor cards and / or entire servers (so-called "rigs"). The or each computing unit may optionally comprise a cooling device for cooling the processors (i.e., for removing thermal energy), e.g., a passive cooler and / or a heat exchanger.

[0051] Fig.2illustrates a supply chain 200 according to various embodiments in a schematic supply diagram, in which a power flow diagram with various technology attachment containers is shown. A data center may have one or more than one supply chain 200, each of which may include a supply module arrangement 202 (e.g., including a supply container and / or technology container, and optionally including an electrical container and / or hydraulic container) and at least one FOC 102 of the data center module 151.

[0052] The supply module arrangement 202 can, for example, have a lock module 212 (e.g., a spatially separated lock). The telecommunications module 202t can, for example, have two mutually redundant telecommunications connections 214. Accordingly, the telecommunications infrastructure (also referred to as the telecommunications infrastructure) can have at least two redundant telecommunications supply paths, each of which can be coupled to one of the telecommunications connections 214. Alternatively or additionally, the telecommunications infrastructure or a telecommunications path can be connected to the telecommunications connections 214 in a path-redundant manner on the opposite side of the container.

[0053] The energy module 202z can, for example, have a low-voltage main distribution board 218 and two mutually redundant uninterruptible power supplies 216 (UPS) coupled thereto, each of which can be designed for 250 kW (kilowatts) or more, for example. The low-voltage main distribution board 218 can, for example, be coupled to a regional interconnected grid 218v. The energy module 202z can, for example, have one or more than one power generator 220, e.g., an emergency power generator. The power generator 220 can, for example, have an internal combustion engine (e.g., a diesel engine). The power generator can, for example, be supplied by a diesel tank 221 for 72 or 96 hours. Accordingly, the energy supply infrastructure 106 can have at least two mutually redundant energy supply paths, each of which can be or become coupled to one of the UPS 216.Each power supply path can, for example, have one or more than one sub-distribution device 106u (also referred to as UV), each UV 106u of which can be or become coupled to one of the multiple UPSs 216. This allows redundantly supplied electrical energy to be provided, wherein each supply path can compensate for the failure of another supply path. For example, a first UV 106u can have a first power line 106l and a second UV 106u can have a second power line 914, wherein the first and second power lines are configured to supply the same processor with power. Optionally, the power supply infrastructure can have a basic power distribution 106n separate from the computing system 104, which, for example, supplies power to components of the FOC 102 that are not associated with the computing system 104 (e.g., lighting, ventilation, cooling), i.e., clearly provides a basic power supply.

[0054] The temperature control module 202k (here, for example, arranged together with the energy module 202z in a technology container) of the supply module arrangement 202 can be configured to extract thermal energy from the interior of the FOC 102 (e.g., the computing system 104), for example by means of a cooling fluid (e.g., a liquid). For example, the temperature control module 202k can have one or more heat pumps 222, which can be configured redundantly to one another, for example. For example, the temperature control module 202k can provide one or more cooling circuits 224 (e.g., with different cooling water / hot water temperature levels and respective supply and return lines) with the FOC 102. For this purpose, the temperature control infrastructure 114 of the FOC 102 can have one or more fluid lines 114l, which are coupled to one or more processor coolers 104w of the computing system 104.The or each processor cooler 104w can be configured to extract thermal energy from the processors of the computer system 104 and supply it to the cooling circuit 224. The resulting warm water can be removed from the FOC 102 and / or cooled by means of the heat pumps 222.

[0055] The temperature control infrastructure of the FOC 102 can, for example, have one or more than one air conditioning unit 104l (e.g., a recirculating air cooling device) coupled to a cooling fluid supply of the cooling circuit 224. The or each air conditioning unit 104l can be configured to extract thermal energy from the air within the FOC 102 (i.e., to cool it) and / or to supply cooled air to the computing system. At least two fluid lines 114l and / or air conditioning units 104l can optionally be configured to be redundant with one another. The cooling circuit 224 can, for example, be cooled and / or supplied by means of a cooling tower, by means of a body of water (e.g., river water and / or lake water), by means of local cooling, by means of district cooling, by means of a refrigeration machine, and / or by means of a heat pump 222.

[0056] The supply module arrangement 202 can optionally have an emergency module 242, which can, for example, supply one or more than one fire extinguishing device 242l of the FOC 102 (e.g., having an extinguishing gas supply). At least two fire extinguishing devices 242l (general fire extinguishing infrastructure 242l) of the FOC 102 can optionally be redundant with each other. One fire extinguishing device 242l can supply (e.g., exactly) one or two FOC 102s, which can be connected to each other by means of the lines 242l. Necessary overpressure openings can be arranged on the front side next to the doors of the lock 212, close to the ceiling above the normal power distribution 106, and can optionally be extended to the outside via a duct above the medium-voltage distribution 218.

[0057] Each supply path of one or more than one infrastructure, such as the power infrastructure 106, the temperature control infrastructure 114, the telecommunications infrastructure 214 and / or the fire extinguishing infrastructure 242l, may have at least one corresponding pair of mutually redundant connections and / or a pair of supply and return lines at the feed interface 412.

[0058] The feed-in interfaces 412, 722 can be designed as standardized connections, e.g. as a flange connection, a standard plug connection or otherwise.

[0059] Fig.3 illustrates a supply chain 300 according to various embodiments in a schematic supply diagram in which an energy flow diagram with various technology attachment containers is shown, e.g. the supply chain 200.

[0060] The supply module assembly 202 of the supply chain 300 may include a ventilation module 302. The FOC 102 may include an air intake opening 302a (e.g., warm exhaust air) and an air discharge opening 302z (e.g., cold supply air), which may be coupled to the ventilation module 302. The ventilation module 302 may further provide an air duct system 302l that interconnects the air intake opening 302a and the air discharge opening 302z, as well as the outside air opening 302o and the exhaust air opening 302f.

[0061] The air duct system 302l can contain a recirculation bypass 302u and a cooling bypass 302v. By opening the air dampers 312v and closing the dampers 312w, the system can be operated in recirculation mode via the recirculation bypass 302u. By closing the air dampers 312v and opening the dampers 312w, the system can be operated in outside air mode (also known as free cooling). With the air dampers 312v and 312w partially open, the supply air 302z (free cooling) can be increased to a minimum temperature level in outside air mode using a partial volume flow via the recirculation bypass 302u (supply air temperature control).

[0062] The air duct system 302l can have at least one fan 302p, which is configured to extract air from the FOC 102 via the air intake opening 302a (warm exhaust air), to direct the air through a heat exchanger 302k (e.g., to cool it by means of this), and to supply it via the air discharge opening 302z (e.g., cold supply air) (also referred to as recirculation mode). The fan 302p can also perform the function of transporting cold air via the outside air opening 302o via the supply air opening 302z (also referred to as free cooling). The fan 302k can also perform the function of maintaining the FOC 102 at an overpressure in order to prevent or minimize the ingress of dust or smoke, e.g., when doors are opened.

[0063] An air filter 312f can be arranged as close as possible to the outside air opening 302o, which filters the outside air or additionally the recirculated air and keeps the FOC 102, the duct system 302l and its components 302p, 302k and optionally the components 312p, 202e largely dust-free.

[0064] The ventilation module 302 may further comprise a heat pump 222 with its fluid lines 222l and one or more heat exchangers 302k for the side to be cooled and 302e for heat dissipation. The heat pump(s) or chiller(s) are supplied, for example, with normal current 106n.

[0065] Alternatively, the heat exchanger 302k can also be cooled by means of a body of water (e.g. river / lake water), by means of local cooling, by means of district cooling, by means of a refrigeration machine 302w and / or by means of the heat dissipation pipe system 224.

[0066] The ventilation module 302 may further comprise a heat dissipation arrangement 302v configured to dissipate thermal energy to the outside and to avoid attachments outside the container 302. The heat dissipation arrangement 302v may comprise a heat exchanger 302e coupled to the heat pump 222 via the pipe system 222l. The heat dissipation arrangement 302v may further comprise an additional fan 312p configured to direct colder outside air 302o through the cooling bypass 302v and over the heat exchanger 302e, and to discharge it heated to the outside air via an exhaust air grille 302f. In this case, the air flow is directed through the open air flaps 312v and blocked by the closed flaps 312w.

[0067] The ventilation module 302 has, for example, an air output in the range of 1000 to 11000 m 3 / h (cubic meters per hour) at a pressure of 50 to 200 Pa (Pascal), for example an air output in the range of 9000 to 11000 m 3 / h at a pressure of 75 to 175 Pa, or for example an air output in the range of 9800 to 10200 m 3 / h at a pressure of 100 to 150 Pa.

[0068] The heat exchanger 202k can, for example, have a capacity of 90 kW or more, and the heat pump can, for example, have a nominal heat output of 120 kW or more.

[0069] Fig.4illustrates a data center module 151 according to various embodiments in a schematic supply diagram 400. The data center module 151 may comprise two FOCs 102 (also referred to as a container pair), which are coupled to each other via their CC interfaces 402. The data center module 151 (e.g., each FOC 102 thereof) may optionally be coupled to a supply module arrangement 202 via its feed interface(s) 412, e.g., according to the supply chain 200 or 300.

[0070] Each FOC 102 of the container pair can have the feed-in interface 412 opposite the CC interface 402, which is optionally coupled to the supply module arrangement 202 assigned to the FOC 102 or to one or more of the central supply systems 202z, 202k, 202f. The CC interface 402 can be configured to couple the supply lines of the infrastructure (e.g., the energy supply infrastructure, the telecommunications infrastructure, and / or the temperature control or gas extinguishing infrastructure) of the two FOC 102 to one another. For this purpose, the infrastructures of the two FOC 102 can be configured, for example, to be mirror-symmetrical to one another, e.g., their CC interface 402 and / or supply lines.

[0071] The CC interface 402 makes it possible to use the components of the supply module arrangement 202 that are redundant to one FOC 102 for two FOCs 102. For example, one or more than one first connection 202a of the feed-in interface 412 (also referred to as first feed-in connection 202a) of the first FOC 102 can be or become coupled to a second FOC 102 via its CC interface 402. Alternatively or additionally, one or more than one second feed-in connection 202b of the second FOC 102 can be or become coupled to the first FOC 102 via its CC interface 402. A plurality of first feed-in connections 202a and / or a plurality of second feed-in connections can be arranged redundantly to one another and / or on opposite sides of the feed-in interface 412. Each first and / or second feed connection 202b may, for example, be configured to supply energy, telecommunications and / or extinguishing gas.

[0072] Fig.5 illustrates a data center module 151 according to various embodiments in a schematic supply diagram 500. The data center module 151, its FOC 102, can be coupled to multiple supply module arrangements 202, e.g., according to the supply chain 200 or 300.

[0073] Each FOC 102 can have three adjacent loose walls 102s. To form the data center module 151, the loose walls 102s of each FOC 102 can be opened (e.g., disassembled), and the adjacent FOCs 102s can be physically connected to one another via an expansion joint. In other words, a loose wall 102s can have a removable or pivoting wall element (illustratively, a large door). However, the loose walls 102s can also be configured differently. For example, a loose wall 102s can have a folding door (also referred to as a folding wall).

[0074] Thus, a first loose wall 102s and a second loose wall 102s of each FOC 102, facing another FOC 102, can be opened. The first loose wall 102s can be opened to expose the frontal CC interface 402. A third loose wall 102s can be opened to expose the frontal feed-in interface 412. Optionally, the feed-in interface 412 and the CC interface 402 can be arranged and designed identically or in a mirrored manner (e.g., identical diameters and spacings).

[0075] The fourth side wall 112s (also referred to as fixed wall 112s) can, for example, be configured monolithically and / or integrally connected to the housing structure of the FOC 102 or be part of it.

[0076] Along the longitudinal extent of each FOC 102 (i.e., on its long sides), it can have two aisles 102g, 112g, between which the screening system 104 is arranged, each aisle being arranged between the screening system 104 and a side wall of the FOC 102 (e.g., spatially separated from each other). A first aisle 112g adjacent to the second loose wall 102s can be narrower than a second aisle 112g adjacent to the fixed wall 112s. In other words, the screening system 104 can be arranged closer to the second loose wall 102s than to the fixed wall 112s.

[0077] This makes it possible to install a wider screening system 104 without the aisle width becoming too narrow. Illustratively, the second aisles 112g of the FOC 102 can be adjacent to one another and thus connected to one another (to form a central aisle 112g, 112g) by means of the open second loose wall 102s, thus providing sufficient aisle width. For example, the width of the central aisle can fulfill a pre-certification requirement or accommodate a customer's request for sufficient maintenance space. Alternatively or additionally, the aisle width of every second aisle 112g can be less than 0.7 m (meters) and / or greater than 0.3 m. Alternatively or additionally, the aisle width of every first aisle 102g can be greater than 0.7 m.

[0078] With the gas extinguishing interface 242l, the room network consisting of two FOC 102 installed next to each other can be supplied efficiently and in accordance with standards by (e.g. exactly) one gas extinguishing control center 202f or one gas cylinder system 242 or one control system.

[0079] More than two FOCs 102 can be arranged horizontally next to each other, as shown in supply diagram 500. Alternatively or additionally, more than two FOCs 102 can be arranged one above the other (e.g., stacked).

[0080] The pair of FOCs 102 coupled to each other via the CC interface 402 can be referred to as a container pair of the first type. Two container pairs of the first type can each form the central aisle 112g, 112g. Alternatively or in addition to a container pair of the first type, an FOC 102 can be used that has two computing systems and infrastructures constructed mirror-symmetrically to each other (so that the CC interface 402 is omitted).

[0081] In other words, an FOC 102 can stand alone and / or be connected at the short end(s) to a supply module 202 (e.g. comprising a technical container, an electrical container and / or a hydraulic container) and optionally to a ventilation container 302 (cf. Fig.2 and 3 ).

[0082] In an additional setup configuration, two FOC 102s (e.g., two 20ft containers) can be combined with the short end face to form a composite (e.g., a 40ft variant) (also referred to as a longitudinal composite). Alternatively, or in addition to the longitudinal composite of two FOC 102s, a larger one (e.g., a 40ft container) can be used, which allows the interface 402 ( Fig.4 ) between the two FOC 102 is not necessary.

[0083] Two FOC 102s can also be combined with each other via the long loose wall 102s (also called a wide connection) to create a wider rear or middle maintenance aisle without having to create a longitudinal connection (e.g. a 40ft connection) via the interface 402 (see. Fig.5 , respectively upper wide network or lower wide network of the data center module 151). However, a large wide network (general room network) can also be created using four FOC 102 ( Fig.5 ), of which, for example, two FOC 102 are provided as a longitudinal connection.

[0084] Alternatively or additionally, a vertical combination / extension can be carried out, for example up to a maximum of 6 FOC 102s are arranged one above the other.

[0085] The basis of all installation configurations can be the same or symmetrically constructed platform of the FOC 102, which can only be designed mirror-symmetrically with respect to the outer walls 102s of the FOC 102.

[0086] An FOC 102 as an IT container can be connected individually or in combination with one or more technical containers and / or one or more electrical containers, hydraulic containers or fire extinguishing containers and other infrastructure components such as generators, directly or indirectly to a data center.

[0087] Fig.6 1 illustrates a data center 600 according to various embodiments in a schematic supply diagram. Several data center modules 151 of the data center 600 can be arranged horizontally next to one another, as shown in the supply diagram. Alternatively or additionally, several data center modules 151 of the data center 600 can be arranged one above the other (e.g., stacked).

[0088] Each container pair 602 of each data center module 151 may be coupled to two supply module arrangements 202, e.g., according to the supply chain 200 or 300. The two supply module arrangements 202 may be redundant to each other and / or each may be coupled to two container pairs 602 (e.g., by means of separate supply routes 642).

[0089] The data center may include a medium-voltage main distribution board 604 coupled to each supply module assembly 202. Each supply module assembly 202 may optionally be coupled to a fuel supply 606 (e.g., supplying gas or diesel). Each supply module assembly 202 may include a plurality of modularly provided supply devices (then also referred to as modules), e.g., a transformer 612, a power generator 220, a low-voltage main distribution board 218, a UPS 216, a standard power distribution board 616, a cold water supply board 618 (e.g., cold water generation 618), a cooling tower 620, a heat pump system 222, and / or an emergency module 242 (e.g., having an extinguishing gas reservoir).

[0090] In various embodiments, the heat pumps 222 of the supply module arrangement 202 are high-temperature heat pumps. Depending on the heat pump, heat can then be extracted from the FOC 102 from a temperature level of, for example, at least 30°C, for example, at least 40°C, for example, at least 50°C, for example, at least 60°C, and this heat can be raised to a higher temperature level of, for example, at least 50°C, for example, at least 60°C, for example, at least 70°C, or 85°C.

[0091] Alternatively or in addition to the cold water generation system 618, a district cooling connection 618f may be provided. In addition to the heat pump system 222 in conjunction with the cooling tower 620, a district or local heating line 222f may be connected to supply the waste heat for use.

[0092] Fig.7illustrates a pre-certified FOC 102 according to various embodiments in a schematic assembly diagram 700. The FOC 102 can have at least three loose walls 102s in its housing structure 1102g, optionally one fixed wall 112s and one or more than one infrastructure 702 (e.g., the energy supply infrastructure 106, the temperature control infrastructure, and / or the telecommunications infrastructure). The fixed wall 112s can, for example, run along a longitudinal extent of the FOC 102 and / or be arranged on a long side of the FOC 102. The fixed wall 112s and the second loose wall 102s (also referred to as long side walls) can be arranged opposite one another. Furthermore, the first loose wall 102s and the third loose wall 102s (also referred to as end loose walls) can be arranged opposite one another.

[0093] A partition wall 102z (e.g., attached to the housing structure) can be arranged between the computer system 104 and the first loose wall 102s and the third loose wall 102s. The computer system 104 and / or the supply lines 702l of the infrastructure 702 can be arranged between the two partition walls 102z. Each partition wall 102z can optionally have a door opening 712, in which, for example, a door 712t (also referred to as a personnel door 712t) can be arranged. The door opening 712 can, for example, have a width of less than half the internal dimension of the FOC 102 and / or approximately 1.5 m, e.g., approximately 1 m. The personnel door 712t can be a security door. The security door 712t can be lockable and / or fireproof and / or smoke-tight. For example, the security door 712t can enable access control.

[0094] Furthermore, the infrastructure 702 can have at least one pair (e.g., two pairs) of mutually redundant supply paths 702u, each pair of which couples the feed-in interface 412 to the computing system 104. For example, each computing unit 104a, 104b of the computing system 104 can be coupled to a pair of mutually redundant supply paths 702u. For this purpose, the computing unit 104a, 104b can, for example, be configured to switch between a pair of mutually redundant infrastructure connections 704n (e.g., per computing unit 104a, 104b) of the computing system 104. Alternatively or additionally, the infrastructure 702 can be configured to switch between the mutually redundant supply paths 702 of a pair. The switching can be effected, for example, by means of an automatic transfer switch. The infrastructure connection can be configured to couple the infrastructure to the computing system 104.The infrastructure connection can be, for example, a power supply or a telecommunications device of the computer system 104.

[0095] For example, the feed interface 412 can have at least one pair of mutually redundant feed connections 412a, 412b, of which a first feed connection 412a is coupled to the computing system 104 (e.g., each computing unit 104a, 104b) by means of at least one first supply line 702l, and of which a second feed connection 412b is coupled to the computing system 104 (e.g., each computing unit 104a, 104b) by means of at least one second supply line 702l. Each of the supply paths can, for example, have a plurality of supply lines and / or a distribution unit that couples the plurality of supply lines to the feed interface 412.

[0096] Optionally, the infrastructure 702 can couple the feeder interface 412 to the CC interface 402. For example, the CC interface 402 can have mutually redundant CC ports 402a, 402b, of which at least a first CC port 402a is coupled to the at least one first feeder port 412a, and at least a second CC port 402b is coupled to the at least one second feeder port 412b. The CC interface 402 and / or the feeder interface 412 can each be mounted on different partition walls 102z.

[0097] Optionally, an additional partition wall 102z can be arranged on the fixed wall 112s and support one or more components of the FOC 102, e.g., the infrastructure 702, a user interface, or the like. The additional partition wall 102z allows the fixed wall 112s to remain unchanged and / or to provide additional thermal insulation for the FOC 102.

[0098] The pre-certified FOC 102 can, for example, be transported internationally via established container distribution channels such as trucks, inland waterway vessels, and ocean-going container ships. The FOC can be externally unaltered to retain the international CSC certificate or another transport certificate (e.g., for international transport) and / or to appear as inconspicuous as possible. For example, all container exterior walls can be essentially completely unfinished (e.g., without holes or fixtures) to retain the CSC approval for international transport. This is made possible, for example, by means of the partition walls 102z.

[0099] The FOC 102 (or the computer system 104), for example, can be configured to be highly fail-safe, using a redundant infrastructure 702 that meets, for example, the requirements of a European and / or international certification regarding the fail-safe nature of the computer system 104 (e.g., at least according to availability class 3). The FOC 102 can clearly enable the highest possible power density with high fail-safe performance and a practical, data center-typical interior design. Furthermore, maximum applicability can be achieved, e.g., by the FOC 102 being a standard 20-foot container, a standard 40-foot container (e.g., for scaling), or a standard 10-foot container. Optionally, pairing and thus increased modularity can be achieved by mirror-symmetrically designing multiple FOC 102s. Alternatively or additionally, the media supply (e.g., energy, temperature control fluid, fresh air, communication, etc.) can be integrated.) from the outside using modular supply devices, e.g., using building services containers that can be attached to the front. The FOC 102 can optionally be equipped with a raised floor for electrostatic discharge and / or to accommodate the supply lines.

[0100] The FOC 102 can be designed as a container that can be opened on multiple sides (e.g., three sides), which can, for example, only be fed in at one end (e.g., has media inserted) and / or has a personnel door at only one end, so that a data center that is scalable in four directions (top, left, right and towards the other end) can be formed.

[0101] The use of the second aisle 112g on both sides (as a maintenance aisle) compensates for the narrow width of the FOC 102. This compensates for the limited space behind the computing units 104a, 104b. One or more loose walls 102s can be opened, e.g., removed, if necessary, e.g., for expansion with additional FOC 102s.

[0102] The or each FOC 102 of the data center module 151 can be commissioned at a location that (e.g., its supply module arrangement) also meets the requirements regarding reliability (e.g., internet speed, earthquake safety, flood safety, power availability, etc.). The location can, for example, have: two separate power supply lines, two connections to different internet service providers (e.g., fiber optic), an optional heating network for dissipating reused waste heat, an optional district cooling connection and / or underground water connection, an optional gas connection, and an optional drinking water and / or wastewater connection.

[0103] One or more than one medium can be provided locally by means of the supply module arrangement 202, e.g. cold water (approximately 18°C ​​and / or 24°C and / or with a temperature difference of 6 Kelvin or more), a dry cooling system (e.g. by means of gas), a low voltage 400 V (alternating current - AC) generated from a medium voltage (by means of a transformer 612), an uninterruptible power supply (e.g. by means of a UPS), an optional generator power supply (e.g. by means of a generator), an optional central extinguishing gas, an optional central water-to-water heat transport.

[0104] The UPS may, for example, comprise an electrical energy storage device (e.g., accumulators or other batteries) configured to provide power corresponding to the power consumption of the computer system for several minutes (e.g., approximately 15 minutes or more). The generator may optionally comprise a storage tank configured to hold fuel (e.g., gas or diesel) according to the generator's consumption for at least 24 hours (e.g., 72 hours, 96 hours, or more). The water-to-water heat transfer may be provided by a heat pump, e.g., a high-temperature heat pump system.

[0105] The infrastructure 702 can be configured to meet the requirements of availability class 2 or higher (e.g., availability class 3) with regard to the reliability of the computer system 104 and can be pre-certified accordingly, e.g., according to Tier and / or DIN EN 50600.

[0106] The enclosure structure (e.g., fixed wall) of the FOC 102 may be made of steel, which may optionally have one or more personnel doors. The frame of the FOC may comprise four corner steel beams and their horizontal steel connecting beams (and optionally the floor structure) adjacent to the intermediate walls 102z. The enclosure structure may be configured to support the weight of the FOC 102 or more (e.g., at least two or three times its weight). This allows multiple FOC 102s to be stacked on top of each other (e.g., up to eight FOC 102s). Optionally, the FOC may be free of windows (e.g., glazing). Each loose wall 102s may be a non-load-bearing side wall, the removal of which does not substantially affect the load-bearing capacity of the FOC 102.

[0107] The frontal partition walls 102z can, for example, be designed to be burglar-proof (e.g., made of metal) and optionally have lockable and / or burglar-proof doors 712t, which are connected to each other by means of the first aisle 102g. The burglar-proof protection of the partition walls 102z or at least the pedestrian door(s) can, for example, meet the requirements of a resistance class (RC) according to DIN EN 1627 (from 2011), e.g., resistance class 2 (RC2) or higher, e.g., resistance class 3 (RC3) or higher. The frontal partition walls 102z can be designed as tight and pressure-resistant walls so stable (e.g. with a reduced distance between the studs) that an extinguishing gas system 242 or 202f causes less or no (clearly inadmissible) deflections in the event of activation and / or can be equipped with an overpressure flap 242k (e.g. above next to the door opening 712 with dimensions of 250x250 mm or smaller), which enables a safe discharge of an extinguishing gas.

[0108] The optional raised floor of the FOC 102 can serve as a technical privacy screen, raise the bottom edge of the door above snow height, and / or provide flood protection. The supply lines can be located within the raised floor. This also increases safety. The raised floor can optionally feature one or more fire detectors (e.g., at least two lines, for external alarm or activation of an extinguishing gas system / triggering or extinguishing gas system) and / or an extinguishing gas outlet or a pressure relief opening to the outside or within the raised floor. Optionally, the raised floor can be connected to a smoke aspiration system or an early smoke detection system for a pre-alarm and shutdown of all ventilation systems.

[0109] Optionally, the CC interface can be configured as a feed-in interface, enabling a two-way media supply. For a two-way media supply of the FOC 102 (e.g., with cooling fluid and / or energy), twice as many supply lines (e.g., twice the redundancy, e.g., 2·(N+1)) can be provided, which further increases the dissipated power (to, e.g., 250 kW or more). Alternatively or additionally, a path-redundant supply from the ice feed interface 412 and the CC interface can be enabled, e.g., with electrical energy.

[0110] The supply lines of the temperature control infrastructure 114 can, for example, be routed completely through the FOC and / or connect flange or blind flange covers of the docking interfaces 722 to each other at the front ends of the FOC 102. Shut-off valves at the front ends and / or between two computing units 104a, 104b can enable redundancy switching and / or a two-sided media supply.

[0111] The power supply infrastructure 106 can have two separate UVs 106u and / or separate cable routes, for example, to meet the requirements of availability class 2 (e.g., Tier 2) and higher (e.g., supply with UPS power A and B). The cable routes can be routed continuously through the entire FOC 102 in the raised floor, for example, to enable two mutually redundant supply paths from the power feed interfaces 412 on opposite ends of the FOC 102 (e.g., first power supply on the left and second power supply on the right in a 40-ft FOC). Each supply path or each UV 106u can be configured to provide a supply power of at least 250 kW (kilowatts) or less. For example, the cross-section of the supply lines of each supply path can be configured to provide the supply power either at 220 V (volts) or at 110 V.Alternatively or additionally, each supply path of the energy supply infrastructure 106 may be configured to provide a power of approximately 250 kW or more per 6 meters of longitudinal extension of the FOC 102 and / or to provide a total of approximately 500 kW or more (e.g., with less or no redundancy).

[0112] For example, the basic power supply via the energy supply infrastructure 106 does not necessarily have to be secured by a UPS and / or can be provided by an emergency power generator. The FOC 102 can, for example, be free of a heat pump and / or a UPS 216.

[0113] Each supply path of the power supply infrastructure 106 can, for example, have several (e.g., four) power strips and / or separate and / or protect three power phases. Each of the power strips can optionally be configured to switch to the other power supply path using an automatic transfer switch in the event of a failure of one of the power supply paths. This allows components of the computer system 104 that do not have two power supplies to be supplied in a fail-safe manner.

[0114] Each power supply path (e.g., its power strip) can optionally be coupled to the telecommunications infrastructure 914 and / or implement a remote access protocol configured to control and / or read the power supply path via telecommunications (e.g., a network and / or Internet). This allows, for example, temperature and / or power to be read. Alternatively or additionally, the remote access protocol can implement serial switching of the power strips on and / or off. This prevents excessive electromagnetic fields.

[0115] Optionally, the supply paths 702l of the or each pair of mutually redundant supply paths 702l (e.g., of the energy supply infrastructure and / or the telecommunications infrastructure) can be arranged on opposite sides (e.g., the long sides) of the FOC 102 (e.g., the computer system can be arranged between them). This allows, for example, an availability class of 3 or 4 to be achieved.

[0116] Optionally, the FOC 102 can be configured to provide a mirroring of the data of the computer system 104 to another FOC of the or another data center module 151 by means of the CC interface 402.

[0117] Furthermore, the FOC 102 can have a fire extinguishing device that meets the requirements of the pre-certification. For example, a fire extinguisher bottle can be arranged in each FOC 102, which can satisfy, for example, an availability class 1. For an availability class 2 or more, a fire extinguishing device of the FOC 102 can have an early fire warning system (e.g., having a smoke or heat detector) and / or automatically request and / or supply an extinguishing agent (e.g., the extinguishing gas) to the interior of the FOC 102 upon detection of a fire. Optionally, the fire extinguishing device of the FOC 102 can be configured to supply a volume of extinguishing agent (e.g., gas) specified in accordance with the pre-certification and / or to provide extinguishing within a time specified in accordance with the pre-certification.The fire early warning system may, for example, be configured to draw air from the raised floor and / or the UV 106u and the screening systems 104 and check for the presence of smoke particles.

[0118] Fig.8 illustrates several availability classes according to various embodiments in a schematic diagram 800. Each of availability classes 1 to 4 can impose requirements on the infrastructure 702 (e.g., the energy supply infrastructure, the temperature control infrastructure, and / or the telecommunications infrastructure) of the FOC, which are individually met by each FOC 102 of the data center module 151, so that it can also be or become pre-certified if, for example, the corresponding structural and safety requirements are also met. The availability class x+1 can have at least the requirements of availability class x (x = 1 to 3).

[0119] According to availability class 1: the energy supply infrastructure can have at least one supply path (also referred to as energy supply path) and the telecommunications infrastructure can have at least one supply path (also referred to as telecommunications supply path), e.g. with direct connections and without redundancies in the supply paths and their components.

[0120] According to availability class 2: the at least one energy supply path can have at least one pair of mutually redundant components (e.g. power strips and / or UV), the at least one telecommunications supply path can be permanently installed, and the temperature control infrastructure can have at least one supply path (also referred to as temperature control supply path). According to availability class 2, optionally: the telecommunications supply path can have at least two telecommunications feed-in connections, the container floor (e.g. raised floor) can have a stability certificate (also referred to as statics certificate), the air conditioning units and / or heat pumps of the temperature control infrastructure can be present in duplicate, the temperature control infrastructure can implement fully automatic switching to an external cold water supply (i.e. an additional cold water connection), and / or the heat exchangers for water cooling can be arranged outside the FOC.

[0121] According to availability class 3: the energy supply infrastructure can have at least two supply paths, of which each supply path can optionally have at least one pair of mutually redundant components (or each component can be part of a pair of mutually redundant components), the telecommunications infrastructure can have several permanently installed supply paths, of which at least one pair is configured to be redundant, and the temperature control supply path can have at least one pair of redundant components. According to availability class 3, optionally: each infrastructure (i.e. the energy supply infrastructure, the telecommunications infrastructure and the temperature control infrastructure) can have at least one pair of mutually redundant supply paths, the energy supply infrastructure can have at least one pair of mutually redundant UV 106u, the FOC can have a fire early warning system, the FOC 102 can have a fire extinguishing device (e.g.by means of gas), at least one (e.g. each) personnel door 712t of the FOC 102 must be configured as a safety door.

[0122] According to availability class 4: the energy supply infrastructure can have at least two supply paths, each of which is fully maintenance-tolerant, the telecommunications infrastructure can have several permanently installed supply paths whose supply lines are arranged on different sides of the FOC, and the temperature control infrastructure can have several supply paths whose supply lines are arranged on different sides of the FOC.

[0123] According to availability class 3, the computer system can optionally have one or more than one pair of mutually redundant computing units 104a, 104b.

[0124] The requirements for the availability class(es) can be defined, for example, according to DIN EN 50600.

[0125] Fig.9Illustrates a supply chain 900 according to various embodiments in a schematic supply diagram with schematic redundancy pairing 901. The supply chain 900 can include the supply module arrangement 202 and the FOC 102. The supply chain 900 can, for example, be configured like the supply chain 200 or 300. However, the FOC 102 can also be provided without the supply module arrangement 202. The feed interface 412 can be arranged within the housing 1102g of the FOC 102 (also referred to as the container housing 1102g).

[0126] The temperature control infrastructure 114 (e.g., comprising the air conditioning system 104l) may have at least one pair of mutually redundant supply paths, each supply path having a hot water and / or cold water connection 952 (e.g., flanges) at the feed-in interface 412. The energy supply infrastructure 106 may have at least one pair of mutually redundant supply paths, each supply path having at least one UV 106u and / or at least one power feed-in connection 916 at the feed-in interface 412. The telecommunications infrastructure 914 may have at least one pair of mutually redundant supply paths, each supply path having at least one network line and / or one network connection at the feed-in interface 412 (e.g., via telecommunications interface 924s).Each computing unit 104a, 104b of the computing system 104 can optionally be coupled to each pair of mutually redundant supply paths of the telecommunications infrastructure 914, the energy supply infrastructure 106 and / or the temperature control infrastructure 114.

[0127] This supply chain 900 can, for example, correspond to the structure of an availability class 3 data center, of which the FOC(s) 102 is / are a part.

[0128] Fig.10 1 illustrates a supply chain 1000 according to various embodiments in a schematic supply diagram. The supply chain 1000 can, for example, be configured like the supply chain 200, 300, or 900. The FOC 102 can also be provided without the supply module assembly 202.

[0129] The power supply infrastructure 106 can have at least one pair of mutually redundant power supply paths, e.g., a first power supply path 106a (also referred to as supply path A) and a second power supply path 106b (also referred to as supply path B) that is redundant therewith. Each power supply path can have a UV 106u and can be coupled to a power supply unit 104n of the computing system. The power supplies 104n can be redundant to one another and / or configured to supply the processors 104p (or computing systems) with electrical power. The or each UV 106u (also referred to as tertiary distribution device 106u or tertiary distribution) can have one or more than one protected socket 1002 (e.g., in the form of a power strip, also referred to as a power distribution unit or PDU). Each of the sockets 1002 can be coupled to one of the two mutually redundant power supplies 104n of the computer system 104.

[0130] The tertiary distribution device 106u can be clearly understood as horizontal distribution cabling, i.e. the distribution of the supplied energy within a FOC 102 (also referred to as floor cabling) to various subsystems.

[0131] The power distribution in the FOC 102 (tertiary distribution) for an availability class 3 may, for example, be the same as the availability class 2 and / or the availability class 4. According to the availability class 3, the FOC 102 may have a pair of power feed connections 916 (A and B) and / or a pair of electrical UV 106u (tertiary distribution), between which switching can be carried out (e.g., by means of a transfer switch).

[0132] Fig.111 illustrates a supply chain 1100 according to various embodiments in a schematic supply diagram. The supply chain 1100 can, for example, be configured like the supply chain 200, 300, 900, or 1000. The FOC 102 can also be provided without the supply module assembly 202.

[0133] The telecommunications infrastructure 914 may include at least one pair of mutually redundant telecommunications supply paths, e.g., a first telecommunications supply path 914a and a second telecommunications supply path 914b, each of which may include a telecommunications interface 924s and at least one telecommunications distribution. The at least one telecommunications distribution may include a main distribution 1102, an intermediate distribution 1104, and / or a zone distribution 1106.

[0134] Each of the telecommunications supply paths 914a, 914b may be coupled to one of two mutually redundant telecommunications devices 104t of the computing system 104. The mutually redundant telecommunications devices 104t may be configured to connect the processors 104p (or computing systems) to a network and / or process messages according to a telecommunications protocol.

Claims

1. Computing centre module (151), having: multiple containers (102), wherein each container (102) has • multiple side walls (102s) which completely expose an interior of the container (102); • a computing system (104) within the container (102), wherein the computing system (104) has a plurality of processors (104p); • a power supply infrastructure (106) within the container (102) for supplying electrical power to the computing system (104); • wherein the power supply infrastructure (106) of each container (102) of the computing centre module (151) is individually pre-certified with respect to a reliability of the computing system (104) by means of an availability class, which places demands on the infrastructure (106) of the containers (102), which demands are met by each container (102) of the computing centre module (151), characterized in that each container (102) has an infeed interface (412) and a container-to-container interface (402), which interfaces are coupled to one another by means of the power supply infrastructure (106), wherein the container-to-container interface (402) and / or the infeed interface (412) of each container (102) is held by an intermediate wall (102z), which is arranged between one of the multiple side walls (102s) and the computing system (104).

2. Computing centre module (151) according to Claim 1, wherein the power supply infrastructure (106) has at least two supply paths.

3. Computing centre module (151) according to Claim 2, wherein the power supply infrastructure has a transfer switch, which can be switched over between the two supply paths for supplying power to the computing system (104).

4. Computing centre module (151) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the power supply infrastructure (106) is redundant at least in terms of components.

5. Computing centre module (151) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the intermediate wall (102z) has a door (712t).

6. Computing centre module (151) according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the multiple side walls (102s) of each container (102) have three side walls (102s).

7. Computing centre module (151) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein each side wall of the multiple side walls (102s) of each container (102) has a form-fitted wall element.

8. Computing centre module (151) according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein each side wall of the multiple side walls (102s) of each container (102) facing another container (102) of the multiple containers (102) is open.

9. Computing centre module (151) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the multiple containers (102) have two, four or more containers (102).

10. Computing centre module (151) according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the computing system (104) of each of the containers comprises mutually redundant processors (104p) and / or power supplies.

11. Computing centre module (151) according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, wherein each container (102) of the multiple containers (102) is an ISO container.

12. Computing centre module (151) according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein, for each container (102): the computing system (104) is closer to a first side wall of the multiple side walls (102s) of the container (102) facing another container (102) of the multiple containers (102) than to a second side wall of the container (102), wherein the second side wall is opposite the first side wall.

13. Method (100) for multiple containers (102), wherein each container (102) has • multiple side walls (102s) which completely expose an interior of the container (102); • a computing system (104) within the container (102), wherein the computing system (104) has a plurality of processors (104p); • a power supply infrastructure within the container (102) for supplying electrical power to the computing system (104); • wherein the power supply infrastructure of each container (102) of the computing centre module (151) is individually pre-certified with respect to a reliability of the computing system (104) by means of an availability class, which places demands on the infrastructure (106) of the containers (102), which demands are fulfilled by each container (102) of the computing centre module (151), wherein each container (102) has an infeed interface (412) and a container-to-container interface (402), which interfaces are coupled to one another by means of the power supply infrastructure (106), wherein the container-to-container interface (402) and / or the infeed interface (412) of each container (102) is held by an intermediate wall (102z), which is arranged between one of the multiple side walls (102s) and the computing system (104), the method (100) comprising: • arranging (103) the multiple containers (102) relative to one another such that in each case two containers (102) of the multiple containers (102) are arranged immediately adjacent to one another; and • for each of the containers (102), opening (105) one of the multiple side walls (102s) of the container (102) facing another container (102) of the multiple containers (102), wherein, when the side wall is opened, the pre-certification of the power supply infrastructure of the container (102) is maintained.