Modular Data Center Cooling Assembly for Faster Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data center cooling systems require on-site construction, which competes for resources and time with the main data center construction, delaying server installation and operation.
Innovation Solution
A modular cooling system is assembled off-site, comprising modular frame units with integrated cooling and electrical infrastructure, allowing for separate construction and installation, simplifying on-site integration with data center infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cooling systems are constructed on-site, then the cooling infrastructure can be installed in the data center, but it delays server installation and operation due to resource competition and time constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system components are pre-assembled into modular units off-site before installation at the data center. This preliminary assembly allows the cooling infrastructure to be ready for immediate installation, eliminating the need to construct it on-site during the data center build phase and thus resolving the time loss contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is divided into separate modular units that can be manufactured and assembled independently off-site. These segmented modules can then be installed as complete units rather than constructing the entire system on-site, reducing the time and resource competition during data center construction.
2Ease of manufacture
If cooling systems are constructed on-site, then the cooling infrastructure can be installed, but skilled labor resources are competed for with other data center construction activities
Solution Approach 1:
By performing cooling system assembly off-site before installation, the patent eliminates the need for skilled labor to be present at the data center construction site during the build phase. This separates the cooling system manufacturing process from data center construction, allowing skilled labor to be allocated more efficiently to other critical construction activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is segmented into modular units that can be manufactured and assembled in separate facilities using specialized labor, rather than requiring skilled workers to be embedded in the data center construction project. This segmentation allows for dedicated manufacturing resources and reduces overall resource competition.
3Loss of time
If modular frame units are used, then off-site assembly and installation is enabled, but the system complexity increases with multiple components to integrate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cooling system components are merged into integrated modular units that function as complete sub-systems. By combining components before delivery to the data center, the patent reduces the complexity of on-site integration while enabling faster installation, as the modules arrive pre-assembled and ready for connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular frame units are designed with universal interfaces and standardized connection methods that can accommodate various cooling configurations. This universality simplifies the integration process despite the increased number of components, as the same modular units can be arranged to serve different cooling needs without requiring custom integration solutions.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular structure for cooling a set of servers includes a plurality of modular frame assemblies, each frame assembly including a plurality of frames affixed to one another with a plurality of longitudinal struts, assembled off-site from a data center containing the set of servers, wherein each frame assembly is independently affixed to a data center structure proximate the set of servers, and a plurality of modular fluid distribution assemblies, with each respective fluid distribution assembly affixed to a respective one of the frame assemblies, and with adjacent ones of the modular fluid distribution assemblies fluidly coupled to one another, wherein the fluid distribution assemblies are fluidly coupled with a cooling fluid source in the data center.