Modular Data Center Interfaces for Unified Mechanical, Electrical, Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heterogeneous data center environments face challenges in scalability and resource-intensive engineering due to the need for compatible mechanical, electrical, and airflow connections between various cooling, power, and IT components, which are often available only in one-size-fits-all or custom configurations.
Innovation Solution
A pairing methodology is provided to install compatible mechanical, electrical, and airflow connections between modular data center components, minimizing resource-intensive efforts by using standardized interfaces and modular structures that allow for flexible and efficient assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If commercial one-size-fits-all components are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to heterogeneous data center environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal connection interfaces that can accommodate multiple component types and configurations. The standardized mechanical, electrical, and airflow interfaces are designed to work with diverse cooling, power, and IT components, allowing a single interface design to serve multiple functions and component varieties, thereby achieving both simplicity and adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom solutions are provided for specific customer demands, then adaptability to heterogeneous environments is improved, but device complexity and resource-intensive engineering increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection interface into distinct modular components: mechanical connection elements, electrical connection elements, and airflow connection elements. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed and configured for specific customer needs while maintaining standardized interfaces, reducing overall engineering complexity through modular customization
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom solutions are provided for specific customer demands, then adaptability to heterogeneous environments is improved, but productivity and scalability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary design considerations by pre-configuring standardized connection interfaces that anticipate various customer requirements. The interfaces are designed in advance to support multiple component types and configurations, eliminating the need for custom engineering during deployment and enabling rapid scalability
Data Source
AI summary
A modular data center includes: a modular information technology component (MITC), in which the MITC includes a plurality of information handling systems (IHSs), a utility control component (UCC), and a first connection interface, in which the first connection interface includes a first set of mechanical and electrical connection components (MECCOMs); and a modular environmental control component (MECC), in which the MECC includes a plurality of environmental control components (ECCs) and a second connection interface, in which the second connection interface includes a second set of MECCOMs to be paired with the first set of MECCOMs to generate at least a portion of the modular data center, and in which the first connection interface is connected to the second connection interface, in which an area enclosed by the first connection interface is equal to an area enclosed by the second connection interface.