Mobile Data Center Container Thermal and Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data centers face challenges such as limited physical space, the need for frequent equipment updates, remote or hard-to-access locations, high upfront investment costs, and requirements for versatility, capacity growth, redundancy, availability, reliability, and security, which conventional data processing centers struggle to meet, especially in mobile and temporary use scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The mobile Data Processing Centre (DPC) Kio/ATOM utilizes ISO standard containers with thermal insulation, an Automatic Transfer Switch, Uninterruptible Power Supply System with N+1 redundancy, smart microprocessors for temperature and humidity control, clamping means for secure cabinet installation, fire protection, surveillance systems, and bullet-resistant construction to optimize space and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional data centers are built in buildings, then they provide sufficient space and power, but they have high construction costs, long deployment time, and lack mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The data center is segmented into modular container units (20ft, 40ft, 53ft ISO containers) that can be independently deployed and scaled. Each container is a self-contained module with integrated IT equipment, cooling, and power systems, allowing flexible deployment without requiring large continuous building spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The container-based design provides universal functionality by integrating multiple data center functions (IT equipment housing, cooling, power distribution, networking) into a single mobile unit. The standardized container format allows the same platform to serve different deployment scenarios from small edge locations to large centralized facilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If data centers are made mobile using containers, then mobility and deployment flexibility are improved, but space optimization and equipment capacity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional systems are merged into the container structure: IT equipment racks are integrated with cooling units, power distribution panels, and networking infrastructure. The cooling units are positioned to serve multiple racks simultaneously, and power systems are consolidated to efficiently serve the entire container footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The design optimizes vertical space utilization by stacking equipment racks and utilizing the full height of the container interior. Cooling units are positioned in overhead or side configurations to maximize floor space for equipment. The container structure itself serves as both the housing and the structural support framework.
3Reliability
If equipment is updated in conventional data centers, then performance is improved, but downtime occurs during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The modular container design enables continuous operation during maintenance by allowing individual containers or equipment racks to be serviced independently while others remain operational. Hot-swappable power and networking components allow updates without shutting down the entire system. The standardized interfaces enable rapid replacement of failed components.
Solution Approach 2:
Redundant power systems and dual-path networking infrastructure serve as intermediaries that maintain service continuity during maintenance operations. The system can switch between primary and backup power sources, and between different networking paths, allowing maintenance on one component without affecting overall system availability.
4Reliability
If data centers are centralized in buildings, then infrastructure stability is improved, but access to remote locations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The data center infrastructure transitions from a static building-based installation to a dynamic mobile platform. The containerized design allows the infrastructure to be transported via truck or rail to remote locations, then quickly deployed and connected to local power and networking. The modular design maintains infrastructure stability through standardized components while enabling dynamic repositioning.
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
Kio/ATOM provides a scalable, reliable, and secure mobile data center solution that optimizes space usage, ensures continuous operation during maintenance, and meets growth and security requirements, offering improved capacity, redundancy, and flexibility for temporary or remote deployments.
Implementation Method 1
adapting each of their internal walls with a thermal insulation intended to maintain the required temperature in the different areas that comprise the container
Implementation Method 2
the first section (3) in order to locate the heat exchangers (5)
Implementation Method 3
the second section (4) wherein there are located the evaporators (8)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present mobile processing data centre comprises a support structure, which consisting in ISO standard containers of 10, 20, 40 or 53 feet, wherein the container comprises: a) automatic transfer switch; b) uninterruptible power system; c) precision air conditioners; d) cabinets having a bearing and rails system, and 42 RMS in order to install the IT equipment; f) two levels of trays ladder type installed on the top of the cabinets, one tray for data wiring and other for power wiring; g) removable floor panels; and h) additionally the mobile data centre comprises a fire protection system "zero-footprint".