Container Data Center Cooling via Air Mover Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of deploying and expanding data centers due to increased power and cooling demands, as well as the time-consuming and expensive process of constructing and relocating conventional rack-based systems.
Innovation Solution
A container-based data center system where computers are housed in shipping containers with rows of rack assemblies, utilizing air mover modules to efficiently move cooling air between the computers and exhaust regions, reducing the need for internal fans and enabling easy transportation and relocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional rack-based systems are used with computers stacked in racks, then computer density is achieved, but deployment cost and complexity increase dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the data center into modular container units, each containing segmented rows of rack assemblies. Computers are organized in standardized racks that can be independently deployed and relocated, reducing overall deployment complexity while maintaining high density
Solution Approach 2:
The rack assemblies are designed as universal modules that can be configured in different container sizes and arrangements. The standardized rack design (19 inches wide, 30 inches deep, 74 inches high) provides multi-functionality across different deployment scenarios, reducing deployment complexity
2Productivity
If more computers are deployed in data centers, then computing capacity increases, but power and cooling demands increase dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pneumatic principles through air mover modules that force cooling air through designated pathways. Air movers are positioned to push cool air from the aisle through the computer intakes and exhaust out the back, creating controlled airflow that efficiently removes heat from high-density computer configurations
Solution Approach 2:
Air mover modules serve as intermediary devices between the cooling infrastructure and computer components. These air movers mediate the heat removal process by actively transporting cooling air through the rack assemblies, enabling efficient cooling of high-density deployments
3Reliability
If conventional data centers are constructed, then computing infrastructure is established, but construction time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rack assemblies are pre-configured with computers installed and cables connected before being placed into containers. This preliminary assembly action occurs in controlled manufacturing environments, significantly reducing on-site construction time while maintaining infrastructure reliability through standardized installation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The data center infrastructure is segmented into independent container units that can be manufactured separately and assembled quickly on-site. This segmentation allows parallel manufacturing of multiple units, reducing overall construction time while maintaining stable, reliable infrastructure through modular design
4Adaptability or versatility
If data centers need to be relocated, then flexibility is achieved, but relocation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The data center is divided into relocatable container segments that can be independently moved. Each container contains complete rack assemblies that function autonomously, enabling flexible relocation without complex reconfiguration while maintaining operational integrity during and after relocation
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with dynamic reconfigurability, allowing rack assemblies to be easily repositioned within containers and between containers. This dynamic design enables flexible relocation and reconfiguration without complex disassembly procedures, reducing relocation complexity
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
This solution reduces deployment and relocation costs, simplifies the setup process, and improves cooling efficiency by using air mover modules to manage airflow within the container-based data center, allowing for rapid deployment and flexible location changes.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the air mover modules includes a plurality of fans for forcing air to pass through the computers
Implementation Method 2
Each of the air mover modules includes a plurality of fans for forcing air to pass through the computers
Data Source
AI summary
A computing system and method of operating a computing system is provided. The computer system includes: a housing comprising a shipping container having a first interior lateral wall and a second interior lateral wall; a first row of equipment provided along the first interior lateral wall with a first exhaust region between the first row of equipment and the first interior lateral wall; a second row of equipment provided along the second interior lateral wall with a second exhaust region between the second row of equipment and the second interior lateral wall; and an aisle provided between the first row of equipment and the second row of equipment; wherein said first and second rows of equipment each comprise a plurality of rack assemblies and a plurality of computers supported by the plurality of rack assemblies such that front sides of the computers face the aisle and back sides of the computers face either the first or second interior lateral walls, said front and back sides of the computers including vents enabling cooling air to pass through the computers between the aisle and the first and second exhaust regions.