Interpretation of Modular Data Center Design and the Four‑Element Methodology

The article begins by presenting a consulting design institute's modular IDC design (Figure 4) and a U.S. data‑center layout (Figure 5), highlighting the differences between the two modular approaches.

It then examines equipment‑supplier modular solutions, using a modular AC UPS and a 240 V DC power system as examples (Figures 6 and 7), and lists the distinctions according to the four‑element modular methodology.

According to the four‑element methodology, any modular system must include system design, equipment capacity, combination method, and floor layout. The author uses a micro‑module example to demonstrate how these elements interrelate, showing a typical configuration that includes a sealed aisle, column‑head distribution cabinet, inter‑row cooling, AC/DC UPS, batteries, rack, and overhead cabling (Figure 8).

The discussion explores how changes in system design—such as replacing a 240 V DC power source with an AC modular UPS, or swapping water‑cooled inter‑row cooling for air‑cooled or precision cooling—still qualify as micro‑modules because the core four elements remain consistent. Illustrative diagrams (Figures 9, 10, 11) depict these variations.

The author argues that when the floor‑layout element changes, the definition of a micro‑module becomes looser, leading to concepts like indoor micro‑module plus outdoor cooling module. The evolving equations for a micro‑module are presented, progressively adding or separating components such as power modules (UPS + batteries) and cooling modules (precision AC, AHU).

A comprehensive diagram (Figure 12) summarizes the various module combinations—cooling module, IT module, and power module—derived from the four‑element methodology.

Finally, the article reflects on the broader implications: modularity offers similar benefits regardless of specific equipment, and the distinction between micro‑module data centers and traditional data centers lies in the logical flow from business requirements to IT to infrastructure, rather than a top‑down optimization of building, power, and cooling.

(To be continued)