Modular Data Center Unit Lateral Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular data center solutions require shutdown and structural modifications to add new modules, leading to downtime, dust introduction, and inefficient temperature control, making them unsuitable for flexible and scalable data center expansions.
Innovation Solution
A modular unit design allowing lateral coupling of parallelepiped-shaped units with removable walls and opening devices, enabling expansion without shutting down existing equipment, maintaining climatic conditions, and optimizing space usage through adjustable aisles and thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular units are coupled by lateral connection to expand data center, then scalability and flexibility are improved, but structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The data center is divided into standardized modular units that can be independently manufactured and then coupled laterally to expand capacity. Each module contains complete functional elements (server racks, cooling, power), enabling scalable expansion without increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular units are designed with universal interfaces and standardized configurations that allow them to perform multiple functions (housing servers, providing cooling, electrical power distribution) while maintaining consistent structural requirements, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity despite enhanced scalability.
2Ease of operation
If modular units are coupled by lateral connection, then ease of operation and maintenance are improved, but the number of components and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the data center into modular units, maintenance operations can be performed on individual modules without shutting down the entire system. Each module is self-contained with its own cooling and power systems, simplifying maintenance procedures despite having multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
Each modular unit is designed with localized functional systems (dedicated cooling zones, modular power distribution) that can be operated and maintained independently. This local self-sufficiency improves ease of maintenance while the standardized design keeps component complexity manageable.
3Ease of manufacture
If walls are made removable for module assembly, then ease of manufacture and assembly are improved, but structural strength and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The wall system transitions from fixed to dynamic/removable, allowing modules to be assembled and reconfigured easily. The removable walls maintain structural integrity through specialized connection mechanisms that provide reliable sealing and structural support when installed, while enabling easy disassembly for manufacturing and expansion purposes.
4Ease of manufacture
If modular units are designed with standardized dimensions, then ease of manufacture and scalability are improved, but adaptability to specific site requirements may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The data center is segmented into standardized modular units that can be manufactured with consistent dimensions for ease of production. These standardized modules can then be combined in various configurations and arrangements to adapt to different site requirements, maintaining both manufacturing efficiency and site-specific flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 3
AI summary
The unit (1) has lateral openings (ODa, ODb, ODc, OGa, OGb, OGc) and passages (A1a, A1b, A1c) respectively arranged on both sides of the unit. The openings are closed by an opening/closing device (12) for providing human access to the corresponding passages or by a removable blocking device (11) after the unit is coupled with another modular unit. A row of shelves (R11, R12) is arranged for receiving active and passive computing devices, where the shelves are arranged along width of the unit. An independent claim is also included for a method for construction of computer data centers.