Modular Data Center

Abstract

We provide modular data centers that can be easily installed on a small scale and can be expanded or contracted. [Solution] A modular data center (1) is constructed by connecting a plurality of unit units, each of which is made up of a rectangular parallelepiped above-floor unit (20) formed from pillars and beams and a rectangular parallelepiped under-floor unit (30) formed from pillars and beams, and each of which is made up of an above-floor unit and an under-floor unit connected vertically, and each of which is made up of a data hall unit (21) that stores servers in the above-floor unit, an electrical room unit (22) that stores electrical equipment in the above-floor unit, an outdoor unit (23) that stores cooling equipment in the above-floor unit, and a piping unit (35) that passes piping, ducts, and electrical wires through the under-floor unit, and each of which is connected to form a modular data center (1).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular data center that can be installed on a small scale by combining modularized units. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the spread of the Internet and the expansion of cloud computing services, data centers, which process and store huge amounts of data, have become increasingly important. In particular, advances in technologies such as AI (artificial intelligence), IoT (Internet of Things), and big data analysis have led to a rapid increase in data traffic at companies and public institutions, resulting in a growing global demand for high-performance, highly efficient data centers to cope with this increase.

[0003] Furthermore, with growing awareness of sustainability, there is a growing demand for environmentally friendly data centers that reduce power consumption and improve cooling efficiency. Against this background, active technological development is being carried out to solve issues such as processing capacity, energy efficiency, operating costs, and scalability in data centers.

[0004] However, building a conventional large-scale data center requires a huge investment of around 100 billion yen and takes 4 to 7 years to complete. In addition, the performance required of a data center frequently changes every few years, and the required cooling performance and the corresponding floor load also change.

[0005] One solution to the installation costs and time is the "container-type data center" described in Patent Document 1. A container-type data center houses servers, power supplies, cooling equipment, etc. inside a container. By using a container-type data center, it is possible to set up a small-scale data center in a short period of time while keeping costs down. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2025-27789 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, containerized data centers are limited in the amount of equipment they can accommodate, making it difficult to change servers and cooling equipment to meet changing performance requirements. Furthermore, because containerized data centers cannot be stacked, expansion quickly reaches its limits on small sites.

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a modular data center that can be easily installed on a small scale and is expandable and contractible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A building for a data center, a floor-mounted unit (20) in which a floor is laid on a rectangular parallelepiped frame made of pillars and beams; The underfloor unit (30) is a rectangular parallelepiped frame made up of pillars and beams. The floor units are data hall units (21) that house servers, electrical room units (22) that house electrical equipment, or outdoor units (23) that house cooling equipment. The underfloor unit has pipes, ducts and electrical wires running through it. The data hall unit, the electrical room unit and the outdoor unit are connected to each other, and the data hall unit, the electrical room unit and the outdoor unit are connected to each other. Each of but, The number of units corresponds to It is connected to the underfloor unit at the top and bottom, a roof and walls are attached to the data hall unit and the electrical room unit; Modular data center.

[0010] A server room is formed by connecting multiple data hall units, an electrical room is formed by connecting multiple electrical room units, and an outdoor unit storage area is formed by connecting multiple outdoor units. Things are preferred.

[0011] It is preferable that the underfloor unit has sides open to the atmosphere and is breathable.

[0012] The above-floor unit and the under-floor unit are connected vertically. Preferably, the individual units can be stacked and connected together. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The modular data center of the present invention uses modularized units, which reduces installation costs and allows data centers to be installed on a small scale. It also allows data centers to be installed on small plots of land where it was previously difficult to plan a data center. Furthermore, when the required capacity changes, the number of units can be increased or decreased to accommodate the change. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a first configuration example of a modular data center. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a second configuration example of a modular data center. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a configuration example 3 of a modular data center. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a first configuration example of a modular data center. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a second configuration example of a modular data center. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the cooling area of ​​a modular data center according to a first configuration example. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the cooling area of ​​a modular data center configuration example 2. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the interior of a modular data center according to a first configuration example. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the interior of a modular data center according to a second configuration example. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a second example of a modular data center configuration. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a second example of a modular data center configuration. [Figure 12]A floor plan of a large-scale example modular data center configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] An example of an embodiment of a modular data center of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are merely examples and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and various modifications and improvements can be made by those skilled in the art. The dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements of components, and the like described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and can be changed as appropriate depending on the conditions, applications, design requirements, and the like to which they are applied. In addition, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals in the specification and drawings, and duplicate explanations may be omitted as appropriate.

[0016] <Overview> Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example 1 of a modular data center, and Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration example 2. The modular data center 1 according to this embodiment is configured to include an upper floor unit 20, an under floor unit 30, a staircase 17, and an elevator 18.

[0017] The upper and lower floor units 20 and 30 integrated vertically are defined as a "unit unit," and a floor is formed by connecting multiple units horizontally. Then, by attaching exterior walls 13, interior walls 14, roof 15, slats 16, stairs 17, and elevators 18 to the floor, the modular data center 1 is formed as a building as a whole.

[0018] Configuration example 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a configuration in which eight unit units are arranged and connected in a single row, and configuration example 2 shown in FIG. 2 is a configuration in which eight unit units are arranged and connected in two rows of four. The number of connected unit units is not limited to eight, and it is also possible to configure a configuration in which nine or more unit units are connected. FIG. 12 shows a plan view of an even larger configuration example. Furthermore, the arrangement of the unit units is not limited to a rectangular shape, and they may also be arranged and connected in, for example, an L-shape or a T-shape.

[0019] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing Configuration Example 3 of a modular data center, showing that the individual units can be stacked vertically up to three levels. In other words, it can be constructed as a three-story data center. In Configuration Example 3, eight individual units are arranged in two rows, and these are stacked three levels high (24 individual units are connected).

[0020] <Floor-mounted unit> FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a first configuration example of a modular data center, and FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a second configuration example. The above-floor unit 20 is a floor laid on a rectangular parallelepiped frame made up of four pillars 11 and eight beams 12. Further reinforcing materials can be added depending on the layout of openings and equipment. The shapes, dimensions, and number of the materials used are not limited to these, and various conventional materials can be used. In this example, the frame has external dimensions of approximately 3m wide x 6m deep x 3m high. This is slightly wider than a conventional 20ft container, which is approximately 2.4m wide x 6.1m deep x 2.6m high, making it possible to transport it on a low-bed trailer.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the cooling area in Configuration Example 1 of the modular data center, and FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the cooling area in Configuration Example 2. The data hall unit 21 functions as a server room, with servers installed on the floor of the above-floor unit 20. The data hall unit 21 further includes exterior walls 13, interior walls 14, and a roof 15, forming an air-conditioned indoor space with a ceiling. The hatched area in Figures 6 and 7 is enclosed by the interior walls 14 and is an air-conditioned area for dissipating heat generated by electronic devices such as servers and the air-conditioning system to the outside. The water piping required for heat dissipation is located under the floor and connects to the server equipment and air-conditioning equipment installed in the data hall unit 21. The water piping passes through the piping unit 35 and is connected to the outdoor unit installed in the outdoor unit 23 for processing. This allows for proper processing of waste heat from the servers and also allows for manual inspection and maintenance.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the interior of a modular data center according to a first configuration example, and FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the interior of a modular data center according to a second configuration example. The electrical room unit 22 is a unit that functions as an electrical room for receiving, transforming, and distributing power by installing electrical equipment such as a cubicle on the floor of the above-floor unit 20. The electrical room unit 22 further includes an exterior wall 13 and a roof 15, and is configured as an indoor space with a ceiling. The hatched area in Figures 8 and 9 is the indoor area surrounded by the exterior wall 13 and the roof 15.

[0023] The outdoor unit 23 is a unit that functions as a storage area for outdoor units, with cooling equipment such as outdoor units installed on the floor of the above-floor unit 20. The outdoor unit 23 has slats 16 with gaps on the sides instead of the exterior walls 13, and is structured without a roof 15, which allows natural ventilation and allows waste heat to be efficiently released into the outside air.

[0024] The entrance unit 24 is a unit that is provided with an entrance / exit, entrance hall, EPS, etc. on the floor of the above-floor unit 20. The entrance unit 24 further includes an outer wall 13, an inner wall 14, and a roof 15, and is configured as a ceilinged indoor space. This unit can be provided with a work space to be used during maintenance, etc., or a front room that serves as an entrance / exit to the server room. Because the work space and front room are surrounded by the inner wall 14, they can also be made into air-conditioned areas by installing air conditioners. This allows for efficient management and maintenance of the servers.

[0025] <Underfloor unit> The under-floor unit 30 is a rectangular parallelepiped frame made up of four pillars 11 and eight beams 12, just like the above-floor unit 20. In this embodiment, the frame is approximately 3 m wide x 6 m deep x 1.5 m high. In other words, it is a rectangular parallelepiped frame with the same planar area as the above-floor unit 20 but half the height. Of course, the shapes, dimensions, and numbers of the components used are not limited to these, and various conventional components can be used.

[0026] The lowest underfloor unit 30 is installed on a foundation structure designed and constructed according to the conditions of the site where it will be installed. The foundation structure, including whether to use pile foundations, whether to use underground beams, and the foundation shape, are selected appropriately according to the properties of the ground. Furthermore, when installing in an area with a high risk of flooding, it is possible to take measures to protect the entire modular data center 1 from flooding by raising the height of the foundation structure. In this way, by preparing an appropriate foundation structure depending on the site where the data center will be installed and then building a modular data center on top of that, it is possible to standardize and commonize the design of the superstructure, improve construction productivity, and reduce construction costs.

[0027] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a second configuration example of a modular data center. The underfloor unit 30 is used exclusively as a piping unit 35. The piping unit 35 does not have any floor, wall, or roof panels, but has slats 16 on its exterior sides. The piping unit 35 functions as a space for wiring and piping communication lines, power lines, ducts, refrigerant pipes, and the like that connect the devices installed within each unit. For example, it can be used to connect ducts from the outdoor unit's cooler to the data hall unit's outlet, or to connect refrigerant pipes to liquid-cooled servers, or to connect power lines from the electrical equipment in the electrical room unit to the servers in the data hall unit and to the lights in each room.

[0028] FIG. 11 is an elevation view of a second configuration example of a modular data center. In this embodiment, the exterior wall 13 is made up of five stacked boards each about 3 m or 6 m long and about 0.6 m high. However, it is not limited to this, and boards about 12 m long may be used, or each side may be made up of a single board. In this embodiment, the blades 16 are made of 50 mm square timber with a length of approximately 12 m. However, various conventional rod materials can be used without being limited to this. By providing the blades 16, it is possible to prevent people and animals from entering while allowing air to pass through, and to prevent damage to pipes, etc. while ventilating.

[0029] <Vibration isolation device> The first (lowest) underfloor unit 30 is placed on a foundation installed on the ground GL. In this case, a seismic isolation structure can be achieved by installing a vibration isolation device 19 between the foundation and the underfloor unit 30. As the vibration isolation device 19, various conventional devices such as rubber bearings, sliding bearings, oil dampers, and lead bumpers can be used.

[0030] <stairs> Staircase 17 is an external staircase attached to the side of the entrance unit. The first floor is at a height (approximately 2.4 m) equal to the combined height of the foundation, underfloor unit 30, and beams 12 of the above-floor unit 20, so even with a single-story structure, stairs are necessary for people to ascend into the data center. If the data center has a two- or three-story structure, stairs 17 of a corresponding height will be installed. By making the stairs 17 a return staircase, they can also serve as a landing for elevators 18.

[0031] <Elevator> Elevators 18 are installed together with the stairs 17. They are used to transport items that cannot be carried up stairs, such as servers, electrical equipment, and air conditioners. As with the stairs 17, items of a height appropriate for the configuration of the data center are installed. [Industrial Applicability]

[0032] The modular data center of the present invention can be easily installed on a small scale, and is expandable and scalable, making it an invention that is expected to make a significant contribution to society. [Explanation of symbols]

[0033] 1 Modular Data Center 11 Pillar material 12 Beam material 13 Exterior Wall 14 Inner wall 15 Roof 16 wainscot 17 stairs 18 Elevator 19 Vibration isolation device 20 Floor Unit 21 Data Hall Unit 211 Server 22 Electrical Room Unit 221 Electrical Equipment 23 Outdoor Unit 231 Outdoor unit 24 Entrance Unit 241 Front room 30 Underfloor unit 35 Piping unit

Claims

1. A building for a data center, The floor unit is a rectangular frame made of pillars and beams, with the floor laid on top. It is equipped with an underfloor unit, which is a rectangular parallelepiped frame made of pillars and beams. The floor unit is a data hall unit that houses a server, an electrical room unit that houses electrical equipment, or an outdoor unit that houses cooling equipment, The underfloor unit has pipes, ducts and electrical wires passing through it, The data hall units, the electrical room units, and the outdoor units are connected together, and each of the data hall units, the electrical room units, and the outdoor units is connected vertically to a corresponding number of the underfloor units; a roof and walls are attached to the data hall unit and the electrical room unit; Modular data center.

2. A server room is formed by connecting a plurality of the data hall units, An electric chamber is formed by connecting a plurality of the electric chamber units, A storage space for outdoor units is formed by connecting a plurality of the outdoor units. The modular data center of claim 1 .

3. The underfloor unit has a side that is open to the atmosphere and has ventilation. The modular data center according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Each unit in which the above-floor unit and the under-floor unit are connected vertically can be stacked and connected. The modular data center according to claim 1 or 2.

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