MODULAR DATA CENTERS

Compared to traditional concrete and steel structure data centers, Mobile Data Centers can offer a more cost-effective option and provide businesses with a time advantage because it takes less time to construct and install a traditional Data Center.

Cooling was primarily the biggest data center expense, accounting for 40-80 percent of total operating costs. As the demand for data centers grows the demand for cooling grows also. One of the easiest ways to reduce cooling costs is to increase efficiency or reduce the area that requires cooling. Modular data centers are less expensive to cool because they are both more efficient and more compact.

There are three basic types of modular or portable data centers:

The ISO Container

These are factory-built data centers installed in a standard shipping container. They are generally installed outdoors on a concrete pad or foundation for permanent installation. They come in standard sizes so they have a predictable footprint—either 20 x 8 feet or 40 x 8 feet. They also have a standard height, and the only modifications are typically adding a door opening, installing power supplies and including chillers on the outside.

This type of modular data center usually has a practical limit on capacity of about 200 to 250kW for the IT space and 500kW for power and cooling. Aryo is a manufacturer of Containerized Data Centers so you can modify them to your needs.

Skid-mounted

The term “skid-mounted” refers to mounting hardware and other machinery on platforms that can be moved to new locations as needed. Skid-mounted systems are permanently mounted on a metal platform and can be connected and integrated to all other equipment on that skid, as well as other electrical systems in the organization. These systems are easy to transport and install on-site.

Skid-mounted modules are generally not designed for outdoor use, as components are unprotected from the outdoor elements. Power modules are often in this form factor, as items like switchgear, UPS, transformers, and panelboards don’t have a requirement to be outdoors like many cooling modules do.

As the power requirement increases, the skid-mounted approach becomes more sensible.

Enclosure

Another form factor, in this paper referred to as “enclosure”, is less standard in terms of its dimensions, and therefore does not necessarily meet specific shipping standards like the ISO containers. Enclosures are also commonly referred to as shells, metal houses, and pods.

Enclosures can come in various sizes and are self-contained shell or metal housings. They are delivered as pre-configured pieces that can be combined with additional modules on-site, which saves construction time and testing.

Modular data center enclosures have two basic form factors: the all-in-one data center and an enclosure that separates the IT equipment from power and cooling infrastructure.