Shipping Container Data Center With Shock-Isolated Rack Cooling
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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 complexity of integrating computer systems from multiple suppliers, while also needing to protect sensitive equipment from physical damage and environmental factors during movement.
Innovation Solution
A portable data center housed in a shipping container with a shock-absorbing mount, a chilled water cooling system, and a power distribution system that allows for easy relocation and configuration, featuring a self-damping resilient spring base support and a cooling system that transfers heat outside the container, ensuring continuous operation and protection from shocks and vibrations.
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 relocation and expansion require substantial time and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The data processing center is divided into modular rack units that can be independently installed, removed, and relocated within the container. Each rack is a self-contained module with standardized mounting interfaces, allowing rapid reconfiguration without affecting the entire system or requiring building construction modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The containerized design transforms the traditionally static data center into a dynamic, relocatable system. The entire data processing facility can be moved by transporting the container on standard shipping infrastructure, enabling rapid relocation that would be impossible with conventional building-attached data centers.
2Ease of operation
If computer systems are moved without protection, then relocation is simple, but physical shocks and vibrations may damage sensitive equipment
Solution Approach 1:
Shock-absorbing mounts are pre-installed at each rack location within the container. These mounts are designed to absorb and dissipate shock and vibration energy during transport, protecting the computer equipment before damage can occur. The cushioning is built into the mounting structure itself, not added as a separate protective measure.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock-absorbing mount acts as an intermediary element between the rigid container structure and the sensitive computer equipment. It provides a compliant interface that isolates the equipment from mechanical disturbances while maintaining secure mounting, allowing simple relocation without compromising equipment integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom architectural designs are created for each data processing center, then specific requirements are met, but complexity and time for implementation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The containerized data center uses standardized rack units and mounting interfaces that can accommodate various computer equipment configurations. The same basic container and rack structure can be adapted to different operational requirements by simply changing which equipment is installed in the racks, without requiring custom architectural designs for each installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows customization through parameter changes rather than structural redesign. Equipment specifications, rack configurations, and system parameters can be adjusted to meet specific requirements while maintaining the same fundamental containerized architecture, reducing design complexity while preserving adaptability.
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 deployment and expansion of data processing capabilities without disrupting operations, protecting sensitive equipment from physical shocks and environmental factors, while maintaining efficient cooling and power distribution, thus addressing the challenges of conventional data center expansions and relocations.
Implementation Method 1
The rack is secured to the container with a shock absorbing mount
Implementation Method 2
The shock absorbing mount includes a base support and a top restraint
Implementation Method 3
A cooling system includes a heat exchange module that takes heat generated by the computer system from inside the container and transfers the heat outside the container
Implementation Method 4
A cooling system includes a heat exchange module that takes heat generated by the computer system from inside the container and transfers the heat outside the container
Implementation Method 5
A portable data center housed in a shipping container with a shock-absorbing mount, a chilled water cooling system
Implementation Method 6
A power supply link is provided for the computer system that is connected to a power supply disposed outside the container
Implementation Method 7
A portable data center housed in a shipping container with a shock-absorbing mount, a chilled water cooling system, and a power supply link that includes a dehumidifier
Data Source
AI summary
A movable data center is disclosed that comprises a portable container in which an operable computer system is assembled. A data link, power supply link and cooling system are provided through ports on the exterior of the container. The computer system is assembled to a rack that is secured to the container with a shock absorbing mechanism.