Data center

Abstract

We provide data centers with high cooling efficiency. [Solution] The data center comprises a container consisting of a floor, a ceiling, and walls; a partition plate dividing the inside of the container into a front chamber and a rear chamber; a rack installed close to the partition plate for mounting multiple electronic devices; and an exhaust fan mechanism for exhausting air from inside the container. The partition plate is provided with multiple flow holes corresponding to the exhaust ports of the multiple electronic devices mounted on the racks; the rear chamber side of the wall or the ceiling is provided with an exhaust port for exhausting air from inside the container; the exhaust port for exhausting air from inside the container is provided with a mounting structure for detachably attaching an exhaust duct; and the floor has a floor plate with an air intake port for drawing air into the inside of the container, and multiple leg members that form a gap between the floor plate and the floor surface to introduce air into the air intake port from all sides.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a container-type data center.

Background Art

[0002] A data center is known as a facility for performing huge computational processes such as so-called Bitcoin mining that verifies transactions on the Bitcoin network and generates new Bitcoins. Data centers range from large-scale ones that house hundreds of thousands of servers and storage devices to small-scale ones that house dozens to thousands of servers and storage devices. Compared to large-scale data centers that need to be installed as buildings, small-scale data centers have a smaller installation space and can be installed at low cost in a short period of time. Therefore, in a distributed system that plays an important role in modern IT infrastructure and application design, small-scale data centers are an essential facility. Since such small-scale data centers have lower processing capabilities than large-scale data centers, low-cost operation is essential when trying to make a profit from operating small-scale data centers. Even in small-scale data centers, as in large-scale data centers, it is important to cool servers and other equipment and manage the operating temperature. However, introducing a cooling system like that employed in large-scale data centers increases the operating cost.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] An object is to provide a data center with high cooling efficiency.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] A data center according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a container consisting of a floor, a ceiling, and walls; a partition plate dividing the inside of the container into a front chamber and a rear chamber; a rack installed in close proximity to the partition plate for mounting multiple electronic devices; and an exhaust fan mechanism for exhausting air from inside the container. The partition plate is provided with multiple flow holes corresponding to the exhaust ports of the multiple electronic devices mounted on the racks; the rear chamber side portion of the wall or the ceiling portion is provided with an exhaust port for exhausting air from inside the container; the exhaust port for exhausting air from inside the container is provided with a mounting structure for detachably attaching an exhaust duct; and the floor portion has a floor plate with an air intake port for drawing air into the inside of the container, and a plurality of leg members that form a gap between the floor plate and the floor surface to introduce air into the air intake port from all four sides. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0005] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the data center according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a bottom view of Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the structure of the data center as shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the rear room side of the data center shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the state with the partition plate from Figure 4 removed. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the airflow within the data center as shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the airflow inside a data center in which a container exhaust port is provided in the wall, according to a first modified example of this embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an external perspective view of a data center equipped with a long exhaust duct, according to a second modified example of this embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an external perspective view of a data center equipped with an exhaust duct having multiple outlets, according to a third modified example of this embodiment. [Figure 10]Figure 10 is an external perspective view of a data center with an air intake provided in the wall, according to a fourth modified example of this embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows the airflow within the data center as shown in Figure 10. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an external perspective view of a data center equipped with a linear intake duct, according to a fifth modified example of this embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is an external perspective view of a data center equipped with an intake duct having a bent section, according to a sixth modified example of this embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is an external perspective view of a data center equipped with a circulation duct according to a seventh modified example of this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The basic structure of the data center 1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 5. The data center 1 according to this embodiment is based on a container 2. The container 2 is rectangular in shape in plan view and side view, and has a ceiling 3, walls 4, and a floor 5. Of course, the shape of the container 2 is not limited to this, and it may be circular, elliptical, polygonal, or other in plan view.

[0007] The floor section 5 comprises a floor plate 51 and a plurality of leg members 53. The floor plate 51 is provided with a plurality of air intake ports 51a, which serve as an air intake section for drawing outside air into the container 2. Of course, the air intake section may consist of a single air intake port 51a. The plurality of air intake ports 51a are located on the front chamber side of the container 2. The plurality of leg members 53 form a gap between the floor plate 51 and the floor surface to introduce outside air from all sides to the air intake ports 51a provided in the floor plate 51. As shown in Figure 2, the plurality of leg members 53 are arranged distributed along the periphery of the underside of the floor plate 51 so that the data center 1 (container 2) can be lifted by a forklift. Specifically, they are arranged along the periphery of the floor plate 51 in positions that avoid the parts into which the two forks of the forklift are inserted. Note that the plurality of leg members 53 is just one example of a leg section. The leg section may consist of a single leg member 53.

[0008] The wall section 4 has wall panels 41 (side panels). The wall panels 41 are provided with an entrance / exit door 43 and a control panel 45. Cables such as control cables, power cables, and communication cables are introduced into the interior of the container 2 via the control panel 45. The entrance / exit door 43 and the control panel 45 are located on the front compartment 2a side of the container 2. However, the entrance / exit door 43 and the control panel 45 may also be located on the rear compartment 2b side of the container 2, or they may be located in two places: on the front compartment 2a side and on the rear compartment 2b side of the container 2.

[0009] The ceiling section 3 has a ceiling panel 31 (top panel). The ceiling panel 31 is provided with multiple exhaust ports 31a, which serve as exhaust ports for exhausting the air inside the container 2 to the outside of the container 2. The multiple exhaust ports 31a are located on the rear compartment 2b side of the container 2. Each exhaust port 31a is provided with an exhaust duct attachment / detachment structure 67 for attaching and detaching an exhaust duct, and an exhaust fan mechanism 65. Known structures such as snap-fit ​​fitting structures and bolt fastening structures are used for the attachment / detachment structure. The exhaust fan mechanism 65 consists of an exhaust fan and a motor that drives the fan. In addition, lashing rings 35 are provided at each of the four corners of the ceiling panel 31, which are used to fix the container 2 to the installation location with chains or wires.

[0010] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, the container 2 has a partition plate 61 for dividing the interior of the container 2 into a front chamber 2a and a rear chamber 2b, and a rack 63 positioned close to the partition plate 61 in the front chamber 2a for mounting multiple electronic devices 90. Multiple electronic devices 90 are mounted on the rack 63 so that their exhaust ports 90a face the rear chamber 2b. For example, the multiple electronic devices 90 are arranged in a line along the vertical, horizontal, and lateral directions. Vertical is the direction from the floor 5 to the ceiling 3, and horizontal is the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and parallel to the partition plate 61. The partition plate 61 is provided with multiple airflow holes 61a corresponding to the exhaust ports 90a of the multiple electronic devices 90. Air inside the container 2 flows between the front chamber 2a and the rear chamber 2b only through the airflow holes 61a. The airflow holes 61a are configured with a shape and dimensions that match the dimensions of the exhaust port 90a portion or the rear portion of the electronic devices 90. The exhaust port 90a of the electronic device 90, which is mounted on the rack 63, is fitted into the flow hole 61a of the partition plate 61, and the exhaust port 90a of the electronic device 90 is exposed to the rear chamber 2b. This prevents the warm air exhausted from the exhaust port 90a of the electronic device 90 from flowing back into the front chamber 2a, and also allows the air flowing from the front chamber 2a to the rear chamber 2b to be concentrated on the electronic device 90. Since the air taken in from the intake port 51a provided in the floor 5 of the front chamber 2a can be concentrated on the electronic device 90, the cooling efficiency of the electronic device 90 can be improved.

[0011] As shown in Figure 6, according to the data center 1 of this embodiment, when the exhaust fan mechanism 65 is driven, the air drawn into the front chamber 2a from the intake port 51a provided in the floor 5 of the container 2 cools the electronic equipment 90, passes through the rear chamber 2b from the exhaust port 90a of the electronic equipment 90, and is exhausted to the outside of the container 2 from the exhaust port 31a of the container 2 provided in the ceiling 3 at the top of the container 2. By providing the exhaust port 31a in the ceiling 3, which is the top of the container 2, warm air that is exhausted from the exhaust port 90a of the electronic equipment 90 and tends to accumulate at the top of the container 2 can be efficiently exhausted to the outside from the exhaust port 31a of the container 2.

[0012] If the data center 1 according to this embodiment is installed outdoors, dust, plant debris (seeds, leaves, etc.), insects, etc. may enter the inside of the container 2 through the air intake 51a provided in the floor 5 of the container 2. Since the electronic equipment 90 located inside the container 2 is precision machinery, if dust, plant debris, insects, etc. enter the inside of the equipment, the electronic equipment 90 may be damaged. In addition, communication and power supply environments are often not established outdoors, and significant costs will be incurred to install them.

[0013] The data center 1 according to this embodiment is intended to be installed in place of machine tools located in a machine tool room within a factory. Generally, machine tool rooms are kept clean from a quality control perspective, the room temperature is maintained at a relatively low and constant level, and the communication environment and power supply necessary for operating the data center 1 are in place. Therefore, when the data center 1 according to this embodiment is installed indoors, such as in a machine tool room, there are virtually no risks that would occur if it were installed outdoors. Moreover, by providing an air intake 51a in the floor 5 of the container 2, cold air stagnating on the floor of the machine tool room can be drawn into the container 2, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the electronic equipment 90. Thus, providing the air intake 51a in the floor 5 of the container 2, which is the lower part of the container 2, is one of the characteristic structures of the data center 1 according to this embodiment.

[0014] In addition, in a machine tool room, an exhaust duct is often provided in advance for discharging dust, harmful gases, heat, oil fumes, and mists from the machine tool. In the data center 1 according to the present embodiment, a detachable structure 67 of an exhaust duct with a variable direction for attaching and detaching the exhaust duct is provided at each of the plurality of exhaust ports 31a. For example, by connecting an exhaust duct pre-installed in a factory or the like to the detachable structure 67 of the exhaust port 31a of the container 2, the warm air generated in the data center 1 can be discharged to the outside of the machine tool room through the exhaust duct attached to the detachable structure 67 of the exhaust duct without newly installing an exhaust duct. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the room temperature of the machine tool room from rising, that is, to prevent the temperature of the air taken into the container 2 from rising, and as a result, the cooling efficiency of the data center 1 can be improved.

[0015] <( In the case of a large-scale factory where a plurality of machine tools are installed, not all machine tools are always in operation, and there are also machine tools whose operation is stopped according to the order receiving situation or the like. The data center 1 according to the present embodiment is of a container type and is configured to be lifted by a forklift, so it can be immediately installed in place of a machine tool whose operation has been temporarily stopped. Thus, the container-type data center 1 according to the present embodiment requires less labor for installation, can be installed indoors with a prepared communication environment, power supply environment, and exhaust pipe facilities, and can be immediately put into operation. For example, thereby, the profit and loss generated by the stoppage of the machine tool operation can be reduced by the profit obtained from the operation of the data center 1.

[0016] According to this embodiment, the data center 1 suitable for indoor installation can be provided. Of course, the container-type data sensor according to this embodiment is typically assumed to be used indoors, but it does not deny outdoor use. When used outdoors, install an insect-proof net or dust filter on the intake port 51a so that insects, dust, etc. do not enter from the intake port 51a. Install a bird-proof net or the like on the exhaust port of the exhaust duct so that birds or the like do not enter from the exhaust port of the exhaust duct. Make the exhaust port of the exhaust duct face downward to prevent rainwater from entering. When the data center is not in use, take measures such as shielding it with a damper or shutter. By doing so, it can be used safely as in the case of indoor installation.

[0017] If the air inside the container 2 can be exhausted from the exhaust port 31a to the outside of the container 2, the exhaust fan mechanism 65 does not have to be provided at the exhaust port 31a. For example, the exhaust fan mechanism 65 may be provided in the rear chamber 2b, or may be provided in both the front chamber 2a and the rear chamber 2b. Also, the exhaust fan mechanism 65 may be provided inside the exhaust duct.

[0018] In the data center 1 according to this embodiment, the exhaust port 31a was provided in the ceiling portion 3. However, the position where the exhaust port 31a is provided is not limited to the ceiling portion 3. As shown in the first modification example of FIG. 7, the exhaust port 41a may be provided in the wall portion 4. In this case, the exhaust port 41a is provided on the rear chamber 2b side of the container 2 and at a position near the center of the height of the wall portion 4. This position is at the same height as the uppermost electronic device 90 among the plurality of electronic devices 90 arranged in the rack 63. Of course, the exhaust port 41a may be provided at a position in the upper part of the container 2 closer to the ceiling portion 3. The position in the upper part of the container 2 here refers to a position above (ceiling portion side) the position of the electronic device 90 arranged inside the container 2. Thereby, similar to the case where the exhaust port 41a is provided in the ceiling portion 3, the warm air exhausted from the exhaust port 90a of the electronic device 90 and likely to stay in the upper part of the container 2 can be efficiently exhausted to the outside from the exhaust port 41a of the container 2.

[0019] The data center 1 according to this embodiment does not have an exhaust duct as a component. However, the data center 1 according to this embodiment may have an exhaust duct as a component. By designing the exhaust duct, the warm air exhausted from the exhaust port 31a of the container 2 can be effectively utilized. The second and third modified examples of the data center 1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 8 and 9. The data center 1 according to the second and third modified examples is equipped with an exhaust duct as a component.

[0020] As shown in Figure 8, the data center 1 according to the second modified example has a long exhaust duct 200 attached to the exhaust duct attachment structure 67. The exhaust duct 200 is heated by the warm air exhausted from the exhaust port 31a of the container 2, and can therefore function as a heating device itself. For example, by burying the heated exhaust duct 200 in the ground inside the greenhouse, the ground can be heated by the exhaust duct 200, preventing frost from forming on the ground. Alternatively, by exposing the exhaust port of the exhaust duct 200 inside the greenhouse outside the machine tool room, the warm air exhausted from the exhaust port of the exhaust duct 200 can directly heat the inside of the greenhouse.

[0021] As shown in the third modified example in Figure 9, the exhaust duct 300 attached to the exhaust duct attachment structure 67 may be provided with multiple outlets 301 along its length. This allows each outlet 301 to function as a heating device that blows out warm air, and multiple locations along the wiring path of the exhaust duct 300 can be warmed by the warm air blown out from the outlets 301.

[0022] In the data center 1 according to this embodiment, the air intake 51a was provided in the floor 5. However, the location where the air intake 51a is provided is not limited to the floor 5. As shown in the fourth modified example in Figure 10, the air intake 41b may be provided in the wall 4. In this case, the air intake 41b is provided on the front chamber 2a side of the container 2, at a lower position of the container 2 closer to the floor 5. The lower position of the container 2 here is a position closer to the floor 5 than the center of the height of the wall 4. Of course, this does not negate the possibility of providing it near the center of the height. This can also be expressed in terms of the relative positional relationship with the electronic equipment 90, where the lower position of the container 2 is the same in the height direction as the electronic equipment 90 located closest to the floor 5 among the multiple electronic equipment 90 arranged inside the container 2. This produces the same effect as when the air intake 41b is provided in the floor 5. In other words, as shown in Figure 11, when the exhaust fan mechanism 65 is driven, the air drawn into the front chamber 2a from the intake port 41b provided in the lower wall 4 of the container 2 cools the electronic equipment 90, passes through the exhaust port 90a of the electronic equipment 90 to the rear chamber 2b, and is exhausted to the outside of the container 2 from the exhaust port 31a provided in the ceiling 3 at the top of the container 2. The intake port 41b provided in the lower wall 4 of the container 2 allows cold air stagnating on the floor surface where the data center 1 is installed to be drawn into the inside of the container 2, enabling efficient cooling of the electronic equipment 90. The airflow is upward from the floor 5 side to the ceiling 3 side, which prevents unnatural airflow and enables efficient cooling of the electronic equipment 90.

[0023] In the data center 1 according to this embodiment, the duct attachment / detachment structure 67 was provided only at the exhaust port 31a, but the duct attachment / detachment structure may also be provided at the intake port 41b. That is, the data center 1 according to this embodiment may have an intake duct attachment / detachment structure as a component, and may further have an intake duct that is attached to the intake duct attachment / detachment structure. By modifying the intake duct, the air taken into the container 2 via the intake duct can be made colder. The fifth and sixth modified examples of the data center 1 according to this embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. The data center 1 according to the fifth and sixth modified examples includes an intake duct as a component.

[0024] As shown in Figure 12, the data center 1 according to the fifth modified example has a long intake duct 400 attached to an intake duct attachment / detachment structure 69 provided at the intake port 41b. For example, by placing the intake port of the intake duct 400 in an air-conditioned room or outdoors where the temperature is lower than that of the machine tool room, cooler air can be drawn into the container 2 via the intake duct 400, thereby enhancing the cooling effect of the electronic equipment 90.

[0025] As shown in the sixth modified example in Figure 13, a long intake duct 500, which has a U-shaped bend in the middle, is attached to the intake duct attachment structure 69, and the bent portion is submerged in the pool. This allows cold air introduced from the intake port of the intake duct 500 and cooled by the pool to be drawn into the container 2, thereby enhancing the cooling effect of the electronic equipment 90. The intake duct 500 may be flexible so that its middle portion can be bent in any direction according to the wiring environment.

[0026] The data center 1 according to the second and third modifications is equipped with an exhaust duct, and the data center 1 according to the fifth and sixth modifications is equipped with an intake duct. However, as shown in the seventh modification in Figure 14, the data center 1 may also have a circulation duct 600. By attaching one end of the circulation duct 600 to a detachable structure 69 provided at the intake port 41b and the other end to a detachable structure 67 provided at the exhaust port 31a, the air exhausted from the container 2 can be recirculated. By wiring the circulation duct 600 to a place where the temperature is lower than the room temperature of the machine tool room, such as inside a swimming pool or outdoors, cold air can be constantly drawn into the inside of the container 2, and the water in the pool can be heated, so its use in bath facilities and heated swimming pool facilities is envisioned.

[0027] It should be noted that the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and various modifications can be made during implementation without departing from the gist of the invention. Furthermore, each embodiment may be combined as appropriate, and in that case, the combined effects can be obtained. Moreover, the embodiments described above include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by selecting combinations from the multiple constituent elements disclosed. For example, if the problem can be solved and effects obtained even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, then the configuration with these deleted constituent elements can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0028] 1...Data center, 2...Container, 3...Ceiling, 4...Walls, 5...Floor, 31...Ceiling panel, 35...Lashing ring, 41...Wall panel, 41a...Container exhaust vent, 43...Door, 45...Control panel, 51...Floor panel, 51a...Air intake, 53...Leg member, 61...Partition plate, 61a...Flow hole, 63...Rack, 65...Exhaust fan mechanism, 67, 69...Detachable structure, 90...Electronic equipment, 90a...Exhaust vent for electronic equipment.

Claims

1. A container consisting of a floor, ceiling, and walls, A partition plate divides the interior of the container into a front compartment and a rear compartment, A rack is installed in a position close to the partition plate and is used to mount multiple electronic devices. The container is equipped with an exhaust fan mechanism for exhausting the air inside the container, The partition plate is provided with a plurality of flow holes corresponding to the exhaust ports of the plurality of electronic devices placed on the rack. The wall or ceiling portion is provided with an exhaust port for exhausting the air inside the container, and the exhaust port for exhausting the air inside the container is provided with a mounting structure for detachably attaching an exhaust duct. The data center comprises a floor plate having an air intake for drawing air into the container, and a plurality of leg members that form a gap between the floor plate and the floor surface to introduce air into the air intake from all sides.

2. The data center according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of leg members are distributed and arranged on the underside of the floor plate so that the forks of a forklift can be inserted into the gap.

3. A container consisting of a floor, ceiling, and walls, A partition plate divides the interior of the container into a front compartment and a rear compartment, A rack is installed in a position close to the partition plate and is used to mount multiple electronic devices. The container is equipped with an exhaust fan mechanism for exhausting the air inside the container, The partition plate is provided with a plurality of flow holes corresponding to the exhaust ports of the plurality of electronic devices placed on the rack. The wall portion on the rear side or the ceiling portion on the rear side is provided with an exhaust port for exhausting the air inside the container. The exhaust port for exhausting the air inside the container is provided with a mounting structure for detachably attaching an exhaust duct. A data center in which the wall portion on the front chamber side is provided with an air intake for drawing air into the container.

4. The data center according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an exhaust duct that can be detachably attached to the aforementioned mounting structure.

5. The data center according to claim 4, wherein the exhaust duct is provided with a plurality of outlets.

6. The data center according to claim 3, wherein the intake port is provided with another mounting structure for detachably attaching an intake duct.

7. The data center according to claim 6, further comprising an intake duct that can be detachably attached to the aforementioned other mounting structure.

8. The container further comprises a circulation duct for recirculating the air exhausted from the container, The data center according to claim 6, wherein one end of the circulation duct is attached to the mounting structure and the other end is attached to the other mounting structure.

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