Modular Data Center Infrastructure for Rapid Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data center deployment methods are time-consuming and costly, requiring extensive on-site construction and installation of electrical, mechanical, and cooling systems, which can take up to two years from start to full operation.
Innovation Solution
The use of pre-fabricated modular data center components, including reconfigurable utility modules that provide electrical power, data connectivity, and cooling media, allowing for rapid assembly and expansion of data centers through modular infrastructure slabs (MIS) that can be factory-built, tested, and shipped for quick deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional on-site construction methods are used for data centers, then complete control over installation quality is maintained, but deployment time extends to two years or more
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-fabricating complete data center modules including electrical systems, mechanical equipment, and cooling infrastructure in controlled factory environments before deployment. These pre-assembled modules are then transported to the site and rapidly installed, reducing on-site construction time from two years to months while maintaining quality through factory-controlled manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data center into modular units with standardized interfaces, allowing independent fabrication, testing, and assembly of discrete modules. Each module contains integrated electrical, mechanical, and cooling systems that can be manufactured separately and then assembled on-site, dramatically reducing deployment time while maintaining system reliability through standardized connection protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all electrical, mechanical and cooling equipment is installed on-site after construction, then site-specific customization is possible, but installation time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal modules designed with standardized interfaces that can accommodate various configurations and requirements. The modular architecture allows the same basic module design to serve multiple purposes through reconfiguration, enabling site-specific customization without requiring custom-built systems for each installation, thereby maintaining high installation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability where modules can be easily assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured to meet different site requirements. The standardized interfaces and modular design enable the system to adapt to various customization needs while maintaining rapid deployment capability, as modules can be dynamically arranged according to specific project requirements without time-consuming custom construction.
3Loss of time
If modular pre-fabricated components are used, then deployment time is reduced to months, but manufacturing and logistics complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by standardizing module designs and interfaces at the factory level where manufacturing precision can be optimized, while allowing for localized adaptations at the installation site. This approach concentrates complexity in controlled manufacturing environments where it can be managed systematically, while simplifying on-site installation through standardized connection protocols and pre-assembled modules.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed include a data center comprising a first reconfigurable utility module comprising interfaces for facilitating electrical power supply, data connectivity, and cooling media supply, and further comprising a plurality of interfaces through which components may be connected to said first reconfigurable utility module. Additionally, a plurality of server modules are connected to the reconfigurable utility module through the interfaces, each of said server modules comprising one or more racks of servers, each of said server modules receiving said power supply, said data connectivity, and said cooling media through an interface through which it is connected to said reconfigurable utility module. Embodiments include one or more second reconfigurable utility modules, each of the one or more second reconfigurable utility modules being connected to the data center by: (a) being attached to one of said server modules; or (b) being attached to another one of the second reconfigurable utility modules; or (c) being attached to said first reconfigurable utility module, a first one of said second reconfigurable modules being extensible to accommodate an additional number of modules, and being reducible to accommodate fewer modules.