Portable Data Center in Shipping Container with Shock-Absorbing Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data processing centers require substantial time and resources for expansion or relocation due to the need for custom architectural designs, compliance with building codes, and the complexity of integrating computer systems from multiple suppliers, while also needing to protect sensitive equipment from physical damage and environmental factors during movement.
Innovation Solution
A portable data center housed in a standardized shipping container with a shock-absorbing mount, a chilled water cooling system, and a power supply link that includes a dehumidifier, allowing for secure, efficient, and vibration-isolated data processing that can be easily relocated without disrupting operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional building structures are used for data processing centers, then security and environmental control are improved, but portability and relocation speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The data processing center is segmented into a self-contained modular unit housed within a standardized shipping container. This segmentation allows the entire data center infrastructure (computing equipment, cooling system, power distribution, security systems) to be divided into discrete, transportable modules that can be relocated as a complete functional unit, thereby achieving both security/reliability and portability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The shipping container serves multiple functions: it provides structural housing, environmental sealing, security protection, and transport capability. By making the container multi-functional, the design eliminates the need for separate building structures while maintaining all necessary protective and operational functions, thus achieving both reliability and portability.
2Reliability
If custom architectural designs are created for data processing centers, then specific performance requirements are met, but deployment time and resource commitment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized shipping container serves as a universal platform that can accommodate different data processing configurations while maintaining consistent protective and operational functions. This universality allows rapid deployment across different locations without requiring custom architectural designs for each site, thereby reducing deployment time while still meeting specific performance requirements through internal configuration adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The data processing center is pre-configured and tested within the standardized container before deployment. All environmental controls, security systems, and computing infrastructure are installed and verified in advance, allowing the unit to be deployed as a ready-to-operate module, significantly reducing on-site deployment time while ensuring performance requirements are met.
3Adaptability or versatility
If computer systems are installed on site from multiple suppliers, then system customization is improved, but integration complexity and configuration problems increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple computer systems from different suppliers are merged into a single integrated data processing unit within the container. All systems share common infrastructure including power distribution, cooling, networking, and security systems. This merging approach maintains the ability to use customized equipment from multiple vendors while reducing overall integration complexity by providing a unified platform and standardized interfaces.
4Reliability
If data processing centers are housed in fixed buildings, then environmental protection is improved, but relocation flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The data processing center is segmented into a self-contained modular unit within a shipping container, providing all necessary environmental protection functions (sealing, climate control, security) in a compact, relocatable package. This segmentation enables the system to maintain environmental protection while gaining relocation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static building-based infrastructure to a dynamic, relocatable container unit. The container can be moved between locations using standard transport infrastructure (trucks, ships, trains), providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining environmental protection through the container's sealed structure and integrated systems.
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
Enables rapid deployment and expansion of data processing capabilities with reduced resource commitment, protecting equipment from environmental hazards and ensuring continuous operation by providing a controlled environment for computer systems within a portable and secure enclosure.
Implementation Method 1
The rack is secured to the container with a shock absorbing mount
Implementation Method 2
A cooling system includes a heat exchange module that takes heat generated by the computer system from inside the container and transfers the heat outside the container
Implementation Method 3
A portable data center housed in a standardized shipping container with a shock-absorbing mount, a chilled water cooling system
Data Source
AI summary
A movable data center is disclosed that comprises a portable container in which an operable computer system is assembled. A data link, power supply link and cooling system are provided through ports on the exterior of the container. The computer system is assembled to a rack that is secured to the container with a shock absorbing mechanism.