Modular Data Centre Sections with Ceiling-Mounted Service Chassis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data centre construction methods, whether traditional bespoke designs or modular container-based systems, face challenges such as high construction costs, inefficiencies in energy usage, and limitations in scalability and location suitability due to large, unoptimized module sizes and transportation constraints.
Innovation Solution
A data centre design comprising modular sections with service-carrying chassis mounted on ceilings, allowing for efficient assembly and reduced transportation volume, utilizing an above-floor cooling regime and hot aisle/cold aisle configuration, with services like electrical power and data transfer integrated into chassis for streamlined installation and energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If modular data centre sections are designed for easy transport, then transportation volume is reduced, but the space available for IT equipment, cooling systems and human access is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The data centre is divided into modular sections that can be transported separately and assembled on-site. Each module contains specific components (IT equipment, cooling systems, chassis) that are segmented to optimize both transport efficiency and functional space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
Services are transitioned from floor-based installation to ceiling-mounted chassis, utilizing the vertical dimension and overhead space. This frees up floor space for IT equipment and human access while maintaining service delivery, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the design
2Use of energy by stationary object
If traditional bespoke data centre buildings are constructed, then energy efficiency and ergonomic design are improved, but construction cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Modular sections are pre-assembled with ceiling chassis and services configured in advance at a manufacturing facility. This preliminary preparation reduces on-site construction time and costs while maintaining the energy efficiency and ergonomic design considerations of bespoke buildings
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from traditional floor-based service installation to ceiling-mounted chassis, changing the spatial parameter of service delivery. This parameter change enables both cost/time efficiency through modular assembly and maintains energy efficiency through optimized service routing and access
3Productivity
If modular sections are assembled from kits of parts, then assembly efficiency is improved, but the volume of components during transport increases
Solution Approach 1:
Components are nested or compactly arranged within transport containers. The ceiling chassis and services are configured to fit efficiently within module volumes, minimizing empty space and reducing the overall transportation volume while maintaining assembly efficiency
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces construction costs, enhances energy efficiency, and offers greater design flexibility and scalability by minimizing the volume of components during transport while maintaining efficient assembly and operation, addressing the limitations of existing data centre construction methods.
Implementation Method 1
Trunk like services in the first and second sections are supported by the ceiling portions
Implementation Method 2
utilises an above floor cooling regime in which cooling air is provided to the cold aisles and hence to the computer servers via a personnel corridor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
A data centre comprises a plurality of sections (15a-h) assembled together to define a unitary structure (10) such that there exists at least one personnel area that spans at least two sections; wherein the sections comprise a first section with which there is associated a first service-carrying chassis and a second section with which there is associated a second service-carrying chassis (40, 50, 60, 70), each of the first and second service-carrying chassis (40, 50, 60, 70) comprising a frame (41, 51, 61, 71) onto which is mounted components of at least two different services (42-44, 46); the first and second chassis are connected to each other by means of a junction (47) between the first and second chassis; and the first and second sections each include a ceiling (22) and the first service carrying chassis is mounted on the ceiling of the first section and the second service carrying chassis is mounted on the ceiling of the second section.