Data center modules and method of large-scale deployment

Abstract

A data center module is a data center that can be prefabricated using generally standardized off-the-shelf components, and quickly assembled on a collocation site where a shared central facility is provided. The data center module is typically configured to be deployed with other identical data center modules around the central facility both in side-to-side and/or in back-to-back juxtapositions, typically without the need for interleaving space between adjacent modules in order to maximize real estate use. Each data center module typically comprises harden party walls, several floors for accommodating all the necessary electrical and cooling subsystems and for accommodating all the computing machinery (e.g. servers). Though all the data center modules share similar physical configuration, each data center module can be independently customized and operated to accommodate different needs. Each data center module also incorporates a highly efficient hybrid cooling system that can benefit from both air-side and water-side economizers.

1 ) A deployment method for a data center complex having a plurality of modules operatively connected to a central facility, each module having an air handling unit in fluid communication with the top of at least two upper levels, each level is partitioned into a first and a second area, the first areas of the levels are in fluid communication within the module, the second areas of the levels are in fluid communication within the module, computing machines are located in one first or second area of two upper levels and arranged in at least one row defining two aisles, one cold aisle located on one side the row carrying cooling air toward the computing machines and one hot aisle located on the other side of the row carrying warmed cooling air flowing out of the computing machines, the method comprising the steps of:
 a) constructing the central facility for housing the main power infrastructures shared by the modules;   b) installing medium or high voltage power feeds from a utility company with adequate voltage transformation, switch gears and protection systems in the central facility;   c) building foundations for supporting modules;   d) installing a module on the foundations;   e) operatively connecting the module to the central facility;   f) installing and operatively connecting subsequent modules until the data center complex has the desired capacity.   
     
     
         2 ) A deployment method for a data center complex of  claim 1  wherein the foundation also supports access corridors and passageways. 
     
     
         3 ) A deployment method for a data center complex of  claim 1  wherein the modules are juxtaposed side by side. 
     
     
         4 ) A deployment method for a data center complex of  claim 1  wherein the modules are juxtaposed back to back. 
     
     
         5 ) A deployment method for a data center complex of  claim 1  wherein the modules are juxtaposed side by side and back to back. 
     
     
         6 ) A deployment method for a data center complex of  claim 1  wherein each module have a module specific air side mode of operation and a centralized waterside mode of operation and able to operate in a hybrid mode of operation combining the use of the air side and water side mode or operations. 
     
     
         7 ) A deployment method for a data center complex of  claim 1 , wherein each module has at least four levels, the lower housing power and cooling subsystem components. 
     
     
         8 ) A deployment method for a data center complex of  claim 1 , wherein each module is at least 30 feet wide by  40  feet deep. 
     
     
         9 ) A deployment method for a data center complex of  claim 1 , wherein the hot and cold air flow upwardly in the hot and cold air aisles of the module. 
     
     
         10 ) A deployment method for a data center complex of  claim 1 , wherein the hot and cold aisles are fluidly connected through the computer machine at each of the upper levels. 
     
     
         11 ) A deployment method for a data center complex of  claim 1 , wherein the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) are located in the lowest level of the modules. 
     
     
         12 ) A deployment method for a data center complex of  claim 2 , wherein at least some access corridors and passageways are shared by a plurality of modules. 
     
     
         13 ) A deployment method for a data center complex of  claim 1  wherein air of the air handling unit in the modules flows downwardly from upper to lower levels.