Container Data Center Cooling With Closed-Loop Fan Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data processing centers require substantial time and resources for expansion or relocation due to the need for custom architectural designs, compliance with building codes, and the challenge of maintaining continuous operation without disrupting services.
Innovation Solution
A portable data center housed in a movable enclosure with a closed-loop air flow path and adjustable fan control, allowing for efficient cooling and protection of computer systems while enabling secure, vibration-resistant transportation and rapid deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional building structures are used for data processing centers, then security and environmental control are improved, but portability and deployment speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The data processing center is segmented into modular units housed within standardized shipping containers. Each container functions as an independent, self-contained module with integrated cooling, security, and environmental controls, allowing flexible deployment and reconfiguration while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized shipping containers serve multiple functions: structural housing, security enclosure, environmental control chamber, and portable transport unit. This multi-functionality enables the system to maintain reliability through proven container designs while simultaneously achieving portability and rapid deployment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom architectural designs are created for data processing centers, then functional requirements are met, but time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
All environmental controls, cooling systems, security features, and structural configurations are pre-engineered and pre-assembled within standardized container designs. This preliminary action eliminates the need for custom architectural design and on-site construction, reducing deployment time while maintaining functional adaptability through modular configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
Functional requirements are met by configuring standardized containers with different internal arrangements, equipment selections, and environmental parameters rather than designing custom structures. This allows rapid adaptation to various functional needs by changing system parameters rather than physical architecture.
3Reliability
If building permits and code compliance are obtained, then legal and safety requirements are satisfied, but project timeline extends
Solution Approach 1:
The solution uses replicated, pre-certified container designs that have been previously approved for various applications. These standardized configurations serve as proven templates that simplify permit approval processes, as regulatory bodies can reference existing approvals rather than reviewing custom designs from scratch.
4Adaptability or versatility
If data processing centers are relocated or expanded, then business needs are met, but operational disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data processing center is divided into independent container modules that can be expanded or relocated separately. This segmentation allows incremental capacity additions without shutting down the entire facility, as new modules can be integrated while existing ones continue operating.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular container design enables continuous operation during expansion or relocation activities. Existing containers maintain service while new ones are prepared and integrated, ensuring uninterrupted data processing operations throughout the expansion process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid expansion or relocation of data processing capabilities with minimal disruption, ensuring continuous operation and protecting sensitive equipment from environmental and physical hazards.
Implementation Method 1
Fans provided on computer equipment are used to circulate cool interior building air across integrated circuit chips, circuit boards, and power supplies
Implementation Method 2
The portable data center also includes heat exchangers, a refrigerant fluid distribution system, and a control system
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a plurality of fans operatively disposed in a shipping container. The fans are arranged in a plurality of banks within a closed fluid path. Each bank has a sub-set of the fans arranged in a plurality of horizontal layers. Two banks form an adjacent pair in the closed fluid path if a fluid exiting one of the two banks next enters the other of the two banks. The method includes determining a proposed fluid flow rate for each of the banks. The method also includes modifying each of the flow rates by a respective scaling factor such that the flow rates for each adjacent pair satisfy a continuity criteria. The method further includes controlling the fans based on the modified flow rates.