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When you hear the term containerized systems, modular data centers are probably the first technology to come to mind. Initially, the primary purpose of this technology was aimed at disaster recovery operations. However, with the increasing challenges of high‐density computing, including cooling, power distribution, and the continual expansion of facilities to meet customer needs, containerized systems and modular infrastructure have emerged as an innovative solution to these problems.

Several vendors offer fully containerized data centers housed in a trailer‐like enclosure, marketed as both a rapid expansion solution, and for some companies, a complete data center architecture. The units are fitted with specially designed racks and chilled water‐cooling units. Electrical power, chilled water, and network connections are all that is required to commission a complete data center. These modules can be connected to a centralized power/cooling plant, or each can be individually equipped with their own dedicated power and cooling systems. This is proving to be a quintessential “plug and play” solution because it allows companies to forecast accurately and efficiently expand their data centers to meet computing needs. Energy efficiency is reported to be higher than traditional data centers; due in part to the compact high‐density design. As a result, companies such as Google and Microsoft are finding this technology to be invaluable.

It is important to note that modular systems can include an array of technologies not solely restricted to a shipping container. It also incorporates modularized infrastructure such as prefabricated UPS rooms, and chiller and generator containers. The benefit of these prefabricated solutions is that the quality of construction of these products is higher and more controlled than on a chaotic construction site, therefore ensuring more reliable equipment. Additional benefits include easy integration to existing sites, reduced costs of construction, and portability, and flexibility of relocation.

The offsite UPS container can be assembled while the data center building enclosure is being built, bringing data center speed to market. The typical container can house both a UPS‐A and UPS‐B system with batteries and associated input and output switchboards. The UPS container can be matched with an equivalent generator “block” and a cooling module “block,” making data center expansions relatively easy. This type of construction is typically called block load design, and blocks can be added as data centers are populated and need more power and cooling for the IT rollouts. The major benefit is that it allows valuable interior areas that would have been needed for the UPS’s and utility power transformers and switchgear to be used as white space for additional IT equipment, while the UPS’s, generators and utility power are outside, adjacent the building. Data center operators have also maximized data center white space by placing containerized pump houses and chillers on the roofs of data centers.

Figure 3.12 Open rear door of containerized Data Center

(Courtesy of Sun Corporation.)