Modular HPD Data Center Blocks for Direct Cooling and Rapid Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power and cooling architectures in traditional data centers are inadequate for rapid deployment and scalability to high power density (HPD) data centers, lacking flexibility and sustainability.
Innovation Solution
A modular HPD data center block system with symmetrical component configuration, including busbars in hot aisles for power distribution and AHU devices for direct cooling, allowing for flexible cooling solutions and rapid deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional power and cooling architecture is used, then existing infrastructure can be maintained, but the system cannot support high power density data centers with rapid deployment and scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The data center is divided into modular HPD blocks that can be independently deployed and scaled. Each block contains complete power and cooling systems, allowing rapid deployment without requiring gradual migration from traditional architecture. The modular design enables flexible configuration based on specific HPD requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic cooling solutions with adjustable airflow patterns and variable speed fans that can adapt to changing thermal loads. The modular architecture allows dynamic scaling by adding or removing HPD blocks based on deployment needs, providing both rapid deployment capability and future scalability.
2Loss of energy
If modular HPD blocks with direct cooling are implemented, then cooling capacity is optimized and pPUE is lowered, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The HPD blocks merge power distribution and cooling systems into integrated modular units. Each block contains both power infrastructure (busbars, switches) and cooling infrastructure (AHU devices, airflow channels), reducing the need for separate complex systems and simplifying deployment while optimizing energy efficiency through coordinated power-thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The AHU devices serve multiple functions including cooling, heating, and humidity control within the HPD blocks. The modular design allows the same basic block structure to support different cooling technologies (AHU devices or liquid cooling) depending on requirements, providing universal applicability across different deployment scenarios.
3Power
If symmetrical component configuration with busbars in hot aisles is used, then power distribution is optimized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is segmented into modular HPD blocks with standardized busbar configurations. Each block contains self-contained power distribution infrastructure that can be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled into the larger data center. This segmentation reduces the precision requirements for large-scale installation while maintaining optimized power distribution within each modular unit.
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
The system optimizes cooling capacity, lowers mechanical pPUE, simplifies scalability, and enables rapid manufacturing and deployment with optimized cooling efficiency and redundancy.
Implementation Method 1
each AHU device is configured to directly distribute cool air to the plurality of racks
Implementation Method 2
one or more busbars arranged adjacent to the first rack row and the second rack row, the one or more busbars configured to provide power to the plurality of racks
Data Source
AI summary
A High Power Density (HPD) data center block system includes one or more HPD blocks. Each HPD block may include at least two rack rows including a first rack row arranged a select distance from a second rack row to form a hot aisle. Each HPD block may further include at least two air handling unit (AHU) devices. Each AHU device may be configured to directly distribute cool air to a plurality of racks. Each HPD block may further include one or more busbars arranged adjacent to the first rack row and the second rack row. The one or more busbars may be configured to provide power to the plurality of racks of the first rack row and the second rack row.