Shipping Container Data Center Thermal Management

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional data center solutions face challenges in power consumption and cooling efficiency due to the integration of cooling, power, and networking infrastructure within shipping containers, leading to increased complexity and reduced space for information handling systems.

Innovation Solution

A system and method where a processing subsystem is housed in one shipping container and an infrastructure subsystem, including air movers and thermal management components, is housed in a separate container, allowing for efficient thermal management and infrastructure resource allocation, thereby increasing computing density and reducing footprint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cooling, power and networking infrastructure are integrated within shipping containers with information handling systems, then a complete mobile data center is formed, but device complexity and space consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobile data center capabilityVSAvoidinfrastructure integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the mobile data center into separate functional modules: information handling systems in one container and infrastructure subsystems (cooling, power, networking) in another container. This segmentation reduces complexity by allowing independent optimization and assembly of each subsystem while maintaining overall functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The infrastructure subsystems are extracted from the information handling system containers and placed in separate dedicated containers. This extraction eliminates the complexity of integrating multiple functions within a single container and allows each subsystem to be designed and maintained independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If cooling, power and networking infrastructure are integrated within shipping containers, then a complete mobile data center is formed, but space for information handling systems is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobile data center capabilityVSAvoidspace for information handling systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the mobile data center into separate containers for information handling systems and infrastructure subsystems, the patent maximizes the usable space within each container. The information handling system container dedicates 100% of its interior space to computing equipment, while the infrastructure container houses all supporting systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Extracting infrastructure subsystems from the information handling system container removes the space-consuming equipment (cooling units, power supplies, networking gear) that would otherwise occupy valuable interior space, thereby increasing the footprint available for information handling systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Temperature

If conventional integrated cooling systems are used, then thermal management is provided, but power consumption and cooling efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal management capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system uses passive cooling methods where cold air from the infrastructure container naturally flows into the information handling system container through designated air intake openings. This self-service approach eliminates the need for active cooling fans or compressors within the information handling system container, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining effective thermal management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces air as an intermediary thermal transfer medium between the infrastructure container and information handling system container. Cool air generated by the infrastructure subsystem serves as a free cooling resource that passively cools the information handling systems, improving cooling efficiency without requiring additional energy input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration enhances computing density by concentrating processing equipment in one container while efficiently managing thermal and power resources, minimizing space usage and operational complexity, and allowing for flexible scaling and customization.

Implementation Method 1

an air mover to move air from the infrastructure subsystem through the processing subsystem

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir movement: Convection

Implementation Method 2

a coil to cool air that the air mover moves through the processing subsystem by receiving chilled water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS9155229B2System and method for passive thermal control of an information handling system enclosure

Publication Date: 2015.10.06 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An information technology enclosure has a processing subsystem and infrastructure subsystem in separate shipping containers that cooperate to process information. The processing subsystem has increased information processing density by concentrating information handling systems in a first processing shipping container that is supported with infrastructure equipment in a second infrastructure shipping container. In one embodiment, the shipping containers are arranged in a stacked configuration so that cooled air and exhausted air are exchanged through aligned vents formed in the ceiling and floor of stacked shipping containers.