Modular Data Center Layout With Sealed Cold/Hot Aisles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data centers face long construction periods and high energy consumption due to inefficient cooling systems, which fail to meet customer requirements promptly.
Innovation Solution
A modular data machine room design incorporating a data cabinet subsystem, cooling subsystem, power distribution subsystem, and sealing subsystem, allowing flexible configuration and improved airflow circulation to enhance cooling efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional data center construction methods are used, then infrastructure stability is ensured, but construction period becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The data center is divided into modular units (data cabinets, cooling units, power distribution units) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each module contains integrated components, allowing parallel construction and rapid deployment without requiring complete infrastructure installation before operational readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
Modular units are pre-assembled and pre-tested in manufacturing facilities before deployment to the data center site. This preliminary preparation includes installing equipment, configuring systems, and validating functionality, which significantly reduces on-site construction time and accelerates the overall deployment process.
2Loss of energy
If conventional cooling systems are used, then cooling coverage is sufficient, but cooling efficiency is low and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
Cooling units are positioned in close proximity to data cabinet groups they serve, creating localized cooling zones. This reduces the distance for cold air transport, minimizes heat gain during air travel, and improves cooling efficiency by delivering chilled air directly to heat-generating equipment without excessive energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Cold channels and hot channels are introduced as intermediary pathways between cooling units and data cabinets. These dedicated airflow corridors guide cold air efficiently to equipment and channel hot air back to cooling units, preventing air mixing and maintaining thermal efficiency throughout the system.
3Productivity
If data cabinets are arranged in rows without sealing, then accessibility is improved, but airflow overflow occurs and cooling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Sealing structures (doors, panels, or flexible barriers) are installed at strategic locations within data cabinet groups to contain and direct airflow. These sealing elements can be opened or adjusted when maintenance access is needed, providing a balance between airflow containment for cooling efficiency and accessibility for operational maintenance.
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
The modular design shortens construction time, meets customer requirements flexibly, prevents airflow overflow, ensures single circulation, and improves cooling efficiency, thereby reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing subsystem seals a channel between the two columns of data cabinet groups into a cold/hot channel
Implementation Method 2
the cooling subsystem includes at least one cooling unit, and the at least one cooling unit is arranged in the two columns of data cabinet groups
Data Source
AI summary
A modular data machine room includes a data cabinet subsystem, a cooling subsystem and a power distribution subsystem. The data cabinet subsystem includes two columns of data cabinet groups, and each column of data cabinet group includes at least one data cabinet. The cooling subsystem includes at least one cooling unit, and the cooling unit is arranged in the two columns of data cabinet groups. Each data cabinet and cooling unit is connected with the power distribution subsystem through an interface. The machine room further includes a sealing subsystem, which seals a cold/hot channel between the two columns of data cabinet groups. The machine room has a short construction period and a high cooling efficiency.