Modular Data Center Utility Module Passive Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data center equipment installation processes are inefficient and prone to interruptions, as new IT equipment is exposed to harsh outdoor conditions during staging and installation, potentially damaging the equipment and disrupting ongoing operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of prefabricated infrastructure modules (PIMs) that include utility modules with integrated power, cooling, and security systems, allowing for rapid scaling of data center capacity with minimal disruption to existing systems, and enabling pre-configured IT modules to be connected without skilled labor, using standardized ports and redundant power supplies to ensure continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If new IT equipment is installed in conventional equipment spaces with outdoor staging areas, then equipment can be delivered and installed, but the equipment is exposed to harsh environmental conditions (cold, heat, rain, snow, ice, high humidity) that may damage or shorten its life
Solution Approach 1:
The data center is divided into modular IT modules that can be independently delivered, staged, and installed. Each module is a self-contained unit with standardized interfaces, allowing it to be handled as a single protected unit rather than individual components exposed to the environment during staging and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
A modular utility module serves as an intermediary system that provides protected staging space and installation infrastructure. This utility module includes climate-controlled environments, power distribution, cooling systems, and other support functions that protect new equipment during the transition from outdoor delivery to operational deployment.
2Area of stationary object
If administrators install new IT equipment in shared rack spaces with existing equipment, then space utilization is maximized, but service interruptions occur because administrators must access shared space with existing IT equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The data center infrastructure is segmented into separate utility modules that provide dedicated support functions (power, cooling, security) independent of the IT equipment racks. This separation allows administrators to install new IT modules in shared rack spaces without needing to physically access existing operational equipment, eliminating service interruptions during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
Utility modules are pre-configured with all necessary power connections, cooling systems, and infrastructure components before IT modules are installed. This preliminary setup of support infrastructure allows new IT equipment to be connected without interrupting existing services, as the utility systems are already in place and operational.
3Reliability
If conventional dedicated cooling units are installed for each equipment space, then equipment is protected from temperature extremes, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The utility module provides universal cooling and power distribution that serves multiple IT modules simultaneously. Instead of dedicated cooling units for each equipment space, a single utility module with standardized interfaces provides climate control and electrical power to multiple racks, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining temperature protection.
Solution Approach 2:
Cooling, power distribution, and other utility functions are merged into integrated utility modules that serve multiple IT modules. This consolidation combines what would traditionally be separate dedicated systems into unified infrastructure, reducing the number of individual components and simplifying the overall architecture while maintaining reliable temperature control.
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 solution enhances the reliability and speed of data center expansions by protecting new equipment from environmental damage and minimizing service interruptions, allowing for seamless integration of new modules without affecting existing IT operations, thus improving overall data center efficiency and uptime.
Implementation Method 1
The utility module may include a first opening providing airflow between the utility module and the information technology module; and a second opening providing airflow between the utility module and the information technology module. The first opening and the second opening may be configured to provide passive cooling of the utility module.
Data Source
AI summary
A data center may be organized into modules, wherein the modules are purchased pre-configured to provide certain functionality of an information handling system. The modules may include utility modules, information technology (IT) modules, and air handling unit (AHU) modules. The utility module may provide infrastructure for other modules, such as electrical power service infrastructure. The utility module may be passively cooled through openings to controlled environments in other modules. For example, the utility module may include openings for airflow to and from the warm air aisle and the cool air aisle of an information technology (IT) module that has an attached air handing unit (AHU) module. Space in the utility module may be cooled through airflow to and from the cooled IT module.