Modular Data Center

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to examples of modular data centers configured to provide cooling to liquid-cooled electronics equipment stored within the modular data centers. In one aspect, a modular data center can be configured to provide cooling without requiring the use of mechanical refrigeration (e.g. vapor-compression or absorption refrigeration), through the use of a dry cooler in combination with an optional evaporative cooler.

1 . An outdoor modular data center comprising:
 a. a plurality of adjacently positioned modules arranged to define an exterior enclosure housing a first interior space and a second interior space, at least some of the modules defining an exterior wall for separating the first and second interior spaces from outdoor conditions, the first interior space housing electronics equipment, the second interior space having an outdoor air inlet for receiving outdoor ambient air and an exhaust air outlet for exhausting air from the second interior space to the outdoor ambient air;   b. a heat exchanger located in the second interior space and between the outdoor air inlet and the exhaust air outlet, the heat exchanger being an air-to-liquid heat exchanger having an air side and a liquid side;   c. a fan located within the second interior space that, when activated, draws outdoor ambient air into the outdoor air inlet, through the air side of the heat exchanger, and out of the exhaust air outlet; and   d. a cooling circuit including a supply line and a return line connecting the liquid side of the first heat exchanger to the electronics equipment, the cooling circuit including a pump that, when activated, circulates a refrigerant between the first heat exchanger liquid side and the electronics equipment via the supply and return lines, wherein during operation of the fan and pump, the refrigerant is cooled during circulation through the heat exchanger and the air is heated when passing through the heat exchanger.   
     
     
         2 . The outdoor modular data center of  claim 1 , wherein the cooling circuit includes one or more control valves in the supply or return line to control refrigerant flow to individual or grouped units of the electronics equipment. 
     
     
         3 . The outdoor modular data center of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a. an electronic control system that controls operation of the fan, the pump, and the one or more control valves.   
     
     
         4 . The outdoor modular data center of  claim 3 , wherein the control system controls the speed of at least one of the fan and pump to maintain a liquid temperature setpoint in the return line of the cooling circuit. 
     
     
         5 . The outdoor modular data center of  claim 3 , wherein the control systems controls the speed of the pump to maintain a pressure setpoint in the supply line of the cooling circuit at a location between the one or more control valves and the pump. 
     
     
         6 . An outdoor modular data center comprising:
 a. a plurality of adjacently positioned modules arranged to define an exterior enclosure housing a first interior space and a second interior space, the modules defining an exterior wall for separating the first and second interior spaces from outdoor conditions, the first interior space housing liquid cooled electronics equipment, the second interior space having an outdoor air inlet for receiving outdoor ambient air and an exhaust air outlet for exhausting air from the second interior space to the outdoor ambient air;   b. a heat exchanger located in the second interior space and between the outdoor air inlet and the exhaust air outlet, the heat exchanger being an air-to-liquid heat exchanger having an air side and a liquid side;   c. an evaporative cooler located between the outdoor air inlet and the first heat exchanger, the evaporative cooler utilizing a water source to cool and humidify air travelling across the evaporative cooler and entering the air side of the heat exchanger;   d. a fan located within the second interior space that, when activated, draws outdoor ambient air into the outdoor air inlet, through the evaporative cooler and the air side of the heat exchanger, and out of the exhaust air outlet; and   e. a cooling circuit including a supply line and a return line connecting the liquid side of the first heat exchanger to the liquid cooled electronics equipment, the cooling circuit including a pump that, when activated, circulates a refrigerant between the first heat exchanger liquid side and the liquid cooled electronics equipment via the supply and return lines, wherein during operation of the fan and pump, the refrigerant is cooled during circulation through the heat exchanger and the air is heated when passing through the heat exchanger.   
     
     
         7 . The outdoor modular data center of  claim 6 , wherein the cooling circuit includes one or more control valves in the supply or return line to control refrigerant flow to individual or grouped units of the liquid cooled electronics equipment. 
     
     
         8 . The outdoor modular data center of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 a. an electronic control system that controls operation of the fan, the pump, and the one or more valves.   
     
     
         9 . The outdoor modular data center of  claim 8 , wherein the control systems controls the speed of at least one of the fan and pump to maintain a liquid temperature setpoint in the return line of the cooling circuit. 
     
     
         10 . The outdoor modular data center of  claim 8 , wherein the control system controls the speed of the pump to maintain a pressure setpoint in the supply line of the cooling circuit at a location between the one or more control valves and the pump. 
     
     
         11 .- 15 . (canceled)