Stacked Shipping Container Layout for High-Density IT Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile information technology systems face challenges in achieving high computing density and efficient infrastructure resource allocation, particularly due to the complexity and space constraints associated with integrating cooling and power infrastructure within shipping containers.
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 airflow and thermal management between the two, thereby increasing computing density and optimizing infrastructure usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If information handling systems are concentrated in a single data center room with specialized cooling equipment, then reliable power supply and cooling are provided, but infrastructure costs increase and space utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data center into multiple modular containers, each containing a subset of information handling systems and dedicated cooling equipment. This segmentation allows each module to be independently powered and cooled, reducing the overall infrastructure complexity while maintaining reliable power and cooling supplies through distributed architecture rather than a single centralized system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cooling systems are purchased with excess cooling capacity to accommodate growth, then future expansion is facilitated, but infrastructure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scalability where cooling capacity can be adjusted by adding or removing modular containers based on actual demand. Rather than over-provisioning cooling infrastructure upfront, the system allows flexible expansion by deploying additional containers only when needed, enabling the cooling capacity to dynamically adapt to growth while avoiding unnecessary infrastructure costs.
3Ease of operation
If data center rooms are built with unused space for future systems, then maneuvering room is available for servicing existing systems, but space utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data center into discrete modular containers of standardized sizes. Each container is designed with adequate internal space for servicing and maintenance operations, while the modular nature allows efficient space utilization by filling available areas with containers of appropriate sizes. This eliminates wasted space while maintaining ease of operation within each container.
4Adaptability or versatility
If all data center elements are installed in mobile modules, then flexibility in setting up data center is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases due to variety of components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs modular containers with standardized interfaces, cooling systems, and power infrastructure that can accommodate different types of information handling systems. This universality allows a single container design to serve multiple functions and support various configurations, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining flexibility in data center setup and deployment.
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 enables a high-density information technology enclosure with improved thermal management and resource allocation, reducing the footprint and complexity of data center deployments while maintaining efficient operation of information handling systems.
Implementation Method 1
an air mover operable to move air from the processing subsystem through the coil to the exhaust portion
Implementation Method 2
a coil in communication with the cooling fluid to cool air that is moved through the coil
Implementation Method 3
a cooling fluid that circulates through the coil to absorb heat from air that is moved through the coil
Data Source
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.