Container Data Center Natural Ventilation Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data center container solutions are not energy-efficient and environmentally friendly due to high energy consumption and power density, compromising the overall cost and ecological footprint of data centers, especially when cooling systems are pushed to their limits.
Innovation Solution
A container-based data center design featuring ventilators and air intake openings arranged to promote natural ventilation, with computer bays positioned in the middle for optimal airflow and cooling, utilizing ambient air for cooling and incorporating additional cooling systems as needed, while minimizing heavy electrical infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cooling systems are used in container-based data centers, then cooling capacity is sufficient, but energy consumption increases and PUE deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses natural ventilation and ambient air cooling where the environment provides the cooling effect without active mechanical intervention. The container design leverages natural convection currents and wind-driven airflow to remove heat, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for energy-intensive conventional cooling equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical cooling systems (compressors, condensers, refrigerant cycles) with passive thermal management approaches. Natural convection and forced convection through strategically placed vents and openings substitute for mechanical refrigeration, dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate cooling capacity.
2Reliability
If heavy electrical infrastructure is installed for cooling, then cooling reliability is ensured, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the heavy electrical infrastructure typically required for conventional cooling systems. By eliminating compressors, condensers, refrigerant distribution networks, and associated high-power electrical systems, the design achieves cooling without the complex mechanical and electrical infrastructure, reducing both installation complexity and ongoing maintenance requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If container is designed for transportability, then mobility is improved, but cooling efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The container design integrates multiple functions into a single unified structure. The same container shell that provides transportability and structural integrity also serves as the thermal management system through integrated ventilation openings and convection channels. This multi-functional design achieves both mobility and cooling efficiency without requiring separate dedicated cooling infrastructure.
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 design enhances energy efficiency, reduces installation and operational costs, and minimizes environmental impact by leveraging natural ventilation and ambient air cooling, creating a more sustainable and cost-effective data center solution.
Implementation Method 1
on the opposite longitudinal lateral face, at least one ventilator arranged to move the air from the interior to the exterior of the container
Implementation Method 2
on one longitudinal lateral face, at least one opening made to allow the entry of air into the container
Data Source
AI summary
A container fitted in a technical infrastructure including on a longitudinal side face, at least one opening arranged to allow the intake of air inside the container; on the opposite longitudinal side face, at least one fan arranged to expel the air from the inside to the outside of the container; and computer racks disposed in the middle of the container along its longitudinal axis.