Modular Data Center Architecture for Scalable Custom Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heterogeneous data centers face challenges with scalability, customization, and resource-intensive engineering due to one-size-fits-all or custom cooling, power, and IT component configurations, impacting space, capacity, and scalability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing modular data centers with customizable building blocks such as MITC, MECC, and UCC that can be combined to meet specific customer requirements, providing scalable, cost-effective, and flexible solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If commercial one-size-fits-all cooling, power, and IT components are used, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to specific customer requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The data center system is divided into separate, independently configurable modules: IT components (servers, storage), cooling components (CRAC units, CDU), and power components (PDU, UPS). Each module can be selected and configured independently to match specific customer requirements, allowing customization without requiring full custom engineering of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed with standardized interfaces and protocols that allow them to function universally across different configurations. For example, the common bus enables various IT, cooling, and power modules to communicate and work together, providing adaptability while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If full custom solutions are implemented for specific customer demands, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and resource-intensive engineering increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into standardized modules, the patent enables customization through selection and configuration of pre-engineered components rather than designing entire custom systems. This reduces device complexity while maintaining adaptability, as customers can mix and match modules to meet their specific requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows customization through parameter changes within standardized module frameworks. Configuration parameters such as capacity, redundancy levels, and specific component selections can be adjusted to meet customer needs without requiring complete custom design, thereby reducing complexity while preserving adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular components with multiple configuration options are used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Standardized interfaces and protocols enable universal compatibility across different module types and configurations. The common bus and standardized connection methods allow various IT, cooling, and power modules to work together seamlessly, providing adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular architecture enables dynamic configuration where modules can be added, removed, or reconfigured based on changing customer needs. This dynamic adaptability is achieved through standardized interfaces that maintain system coherence regardless of configuration changes, preventing complexity from scaling linearly with adaptability options.
4Ease of operation
If traditional data center configurations are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but scalability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The modular architecture segments the data center into independently scalable units. Each module can be deployed, operated, and maintained independently, enabling gradual scaling while maintaining ease of operation through familiar modular deployment patterns and standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Modules are pre-configured and tested independently before deployment, allowing for preliminary validation of functionality and performance. This preliminary action enables easier operation during scaling, as each module arrives ready-to-deploy with its configuration already validated, reducing operational complexity during expansion.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular data center includes: a modular information technology component (MITC), in which the MITC includes an information handling system (IHS) and a utility control component (UCC), in which the IHS and the UCC are affixed to a bottom side of the MITC; and a front access component and a rear access component, in which the front access component is connected to a front side of the MITC, in which an area of the front access component is equal to an area of the front side of the MITC, in which the rear access component is connected to a rear side of the MITC, and in which an area of the rear access component is equal to an area of the rear side of the MITC.