Modular Integration Cell for Seismic Datacenter Rack Bulk Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional datacenter rack systems are inefficient in terms of space and material usage, and fail to meet dynamic load requirements, especially in seismically active areas, due to their rigid design and labor-intensive installation processes.
Innovation Solution
The integration cell concept allows for pre-installed electronic equipment units to be shipped and easily installed in modular racks, providing a scalable and secure housing solution that can be stacked for higher density and seismic bracing, reducing material usage and installation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional rack systems use rigid steel construction, then structural strength is improved, but weight and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system is divided into separate components: a rigid steel frame structure and removable integration cells. This segmentation allows the frame to provide structural strength while the removable cells reduce overall weight and material usage when not fully populated.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration cells are designed to be removable and replaceable, transforming the rigid conventional rack into a dynamic system where components can be added or removed based on equipment needs, optimizing weight and material usage while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If equipment is installed individually in racks, then installation flexibility is improved, but installation time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electronic equipment units are pre-installed and pre-configured within integration cells before being shipped to the datacenter. This preliminary action allows for bulk installation of pre-configured cells into the rack system, significantly reducing on-site installation time and labor costs while maintaining flexibility through the removable cell design.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard shipping containers are used for rack systems, then shipping simplicity is improved, but space utilization and shipping efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system is segmented into modular integration cells that can be efficiently packed into standard shipping containers. This segmentation optimizes space utilization during shipping while maintaining the simplicity of using standard container dimensions, allowing multiple cells to be stacked and arranged efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration cells are designed with dimensions optimized for vertical stacking in shipping containers, utilizing vertical space more effectively. This dimensional optimization allows better space utilization in the third dimension (height) while maintaining compatibility with standard container widths and lengths.
4Adaptability or versatility
If legacy rack designs are used, then compatibility with existing equipment is improved, but seismic stability and dynamic load capability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the seismic bracing function into distinct components that can be independently configured and installed on the steel frame, allowing the rack to maintain compatibility with standard equipment while adding specialized seismic protection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Seismic bracing mechanisms are introduced as intermediary components between the steel frame and the integration cells, providing earthquake protection while maintaining the standard rack interface for equipment compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is an integration cell that can be pre-installed with plural electronic equipment units at a location remote from a datacenter. One or more pre-installed integration cells can be shipped on a single standard shipping palette to the datacenter location and moved into the datacenter through standard doorways and using standard elevators. Inside the datacenter, the integration cell can be inserted into a seismic electronic equipment storage rack to allow for bulk installation or removal of plural electronic equipment units.