Modular Data Center Base Electrical Module Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wall mount IT racks are difficult to install due to their size and weight, and are complex to configure as they lack integrated power terminals, a maintenance bypass switch, filtered fan compartments, and removable racking frames.

Innovation Solution

A modular data center design that separates the structure into a base electrical module with integrated power connection terminals, a maintenance bypass switch, and fan module, along with removable frames for UPS and IT equipment, allowing for easier installation and configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If wall mount IT racks are made compact, then installation space is reduced, but installation difficulty increases due to size and weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverack sizeVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rack system is divided into separate modular components: a base electrical module containing power distribution units and a separate racking frame for mounting equipment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation by enabling modular assembly rather than handling a single heavy unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If wall mount IT racks include integrated power terminals and bypass switches, then system functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Power distribution units, bypass switches, and electrical terminals are integrated into the base electrical module as standardized components. This merging provides comprehensive power management functionality while maintaining simplicity through pre-integrated designs that reduce configuration complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base electrical module serves multiple functions: it provides power distribution through PDUs, enables maintenance bypass operations, and offers mounting points for equipment. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise be separate systems into a single integrated unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If IT racks include fan compartments for cooling, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fan cooling system is extracted as a separate functional module that can be independently configured and installed. This allows the cooling functionality to be added without complicating the primary rack structure, as the fan compartment operates as a distinct component with its own mounting and control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS20240023268A1Optimized micro data center
Publication Date: 2024.01.18 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORP
  • US20240023268A1 patent drawing
  • US20240023268A1 patent drawing
  • US20240023268A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A modular data center comprises a base electrical module including an uninterruptible power supply (“UPS”) bypass switch, a power connection terminal coupled to the bypass switch, and a UPS power connector, a UPS rack coupled to the base electrical module and configured to house a UPS that receives power from the UPS power connector, and an information technology (“IT”) equipment rack coupled to the base electrical module and configured to house IT equipment that receives power from the base electrical module, the base electrical module being external to the IT equipment rack.