Modular Data Center Segmentation for Space Adaptability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Many data centers have fixed designs, making it challenging to fit them into existing spaces with varying form factors, and they are not easily reconfigurable without significant redesign.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of scalable data centers composed of modular units, including base and auxiliary modules with common components such as server halls, mechanical yards, and electrical yards, which can be reconfigured and interconnected to adapt to different footprints and sizes, allowing for incremental scaling and retrofitting of existing structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed design is used for data centers, then the design is simple and easy to manufacture, but it is difficult to adapt to existing spaces with varying form factors and cannot be reconfigured
Solution Approach 1:
The data center is divided into modular units that can be independently configured and assembled. Each module contains standardized components that can be arranged in different configurations to adapt to various space requirements while maintaining functional integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The data center design transitions from a fixed static configuration to a dynamic reconfigurable system. Modules can be added, removed, or rearranged to adapt to changing requirements and different spatial constraints without requiring complete redesign
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed design is used for data centers, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but reconfiguration requires significant redesign effort
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into standardized modules with uniform interfaces and connection points. This segmentation allows modules to be manufactured using consistent processes and enables straightforward reconfiguration by simply adding or removing modules without complex redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed with universal interfaces and standardized connection protocols that work across all modules. This universality enables the same manufacturing processes to produce modules that can be flexibly reconfigured for different applications and space requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular data center units are implemented, then adaptability to different footprints and incremental scaling is improved, but inter-program area interface management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Standardized universal interfaces are implemented across all modular units, allowing the same connection protocols and interface standards to be used regardless of the specific module configuration. This reduces interface management complexity despite the increased adaptability to different footprints and scaling requirements
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method of outfitting a data center includes: identifying a footprint space for installing the data center; dividing the footprint space into a plurality of proper subsets; and identifying a set of data center modules for installation in the footprint space. The set of data center modules includes: a base data center module that includes components to establish a fully operational data center, the components including a first set of common components and a second set of unique components that are unique to the base data center module. The set of data center modules includes at least one auxiliary data center module that includes the first set of common components. The method includes installing the base data center module within a first proper subset of the footprint space; and installing an auxiliary data center module in at least one of the remaining proper subsets of the footprint space.