Modular Data Center Unit Structures for Rapid Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data center construction methods are costly and time-consuming, especially when expanding, due to the need for on-site assembly of raw materials and labor, and are challenged by weather delays and quality control issues, making it difficult to set up data centers in regions where traditional methods are prohibitively expensive.
Innovation Solution
A modular, pre-fabricated data center structure comprising unit structures with frame, roof, and ceiling panels that form hot and cold aisles for air circulation, allowing for efficient shipping, rapid deployment, and modular expansion by arranging unit structures in parallel to create a scalable data center facility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional stick-building construction methods are used for data centers, then construction flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but construction cost and construction time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The data center structure is divided into modular units that can be pre-fabricated off-site and then assembled on-site. Each module contains complete functional elements (structural frame, HVAC, electrical systems), allowing parallel manufacturing and reducing overall construction time while controlling costs through standardized production
Solution Approach 2:
Complete data center modules are pre-assembled and pre-tested in manufacturing facilities before being transported to the final site. This preliminary construction and testing phase eliminates on-site assembly delays and quality issues, reducing both construction time and costs while improving reliability
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional stick-building construction methods are used for data centers, then design flexibility is maintained, but quality control becomes challenging and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
All quality control inspections, testing, and certifications are completed during off-site module fabrication before the modules leave the manufacturing facility. This preliminary quality assurance eliminates the need for extensive on-site inspections and rework, ensuring consistent quality while reducing time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The modular construction system incorporates built-in quality control mechanisms where each module is self-contained with integrated systems that are tested as complete units. This self-verification approach reduces dependency on external inspection teams and accelerates the quality assurance process
3Ease of manufacture
If data centers are constructed using conventional methods at remote locations, then site-specific customization is possible, but construction cost becomes prohibitively high
Solution Approach 1:
Standardized modular data center units are designed to be universally applicable across different site conditions. The modules can be deployed in various configurations and adapted to different environmental requirements through standardized interfaces, reducing construction costs while maintaining sufficient adaptability for most deployment scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
While maintaining standardized core modules, the system allows for localized customization of specific module features based on site requirements. This selective adaptation approach keeps the majority of construction cost-effective standardized production while accommodating necessary site-specific variations
4Adaptability or versatility
If data centers are expanded using conventional construction methods, then incremental growth is possible, but expansion cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The data center is composed of discrete, interchangeable modular units that can be added incrementally. Each module is a complete functional unit that can be independently manufactured, transported, and assembled, enabling rapid expansion without disrupting existing operations and maintaining consistent cost and time efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The modular architecture provides dynamic scalability where the data center capacity can be easily adjusted by adding or removing complete modules. This dynamic configuration allows the facility to grow or shrink based on demand, accelerating expansion speed while controlling costs through on-demand module deployment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
A modular data center (10) is disclosed. The modular data center may have a plurality of unit structures arranged generally parallel to one another. A plurality of supports (16) may be used for supporting the unit structures elevationally above a floor, and wherein adjacent ones of the unit structures form hot aisles (17) therebetween through which hot air generated from data center components (14) may be channeled. Each unit structure may form an elongated structure having a frame structure (28), a roof panel (42) supported by the frame structure, and a ceiling panel (26). The unit structures may be used to channel cold air to the data center components and hot air from the hot aisles out from the unit structures.