Understanding Modular Data Center Design: Concepts, Drivers, and Micro‑Module Examples

Personal disclaimer: the images are publicly sourced or self‑created, and the discussion reflects the author's professional perspective, focusing on the technical essence of modularity rather than any company's viewpoint.

The article poses four key questions: how to define modularity and assess it, who drives modular data center adoption and how to evaluate advertised benefits, the rise of micro‑modules in the domestic market, and which modular solutions users should consider first.

Interpretation of Modularity

Consulting design institutes present modular data center designs, illustrated by the following diagram:

Another example from a U.S. design shows a different modular approach:

Comparing the two reveals distinct modular strategies while both follow the four‑element methodology.

Equipment suppliers also apply modularity, exemplified by modular AC UPS and 240 V DC power solutions. The UPS layout includes battery cabinets, power module cabinets, and I/O cabinets; the DC system includes AC input, rectifier, and DC output cabinets:

Using the four‑element framework, the differences between these supplier solutions are enumerated (system design, capacity, combination method, floor layout).

Focusing on micro‑modules, the author demonstrates how the four elements combine: a sealed aisle, head‑of‑row power distribution, inter‑row cooling, UPS/DC power, batteries, empty rack, and overhead cabling. A schematic of a micro‑module solution is shown:

The article explores variations such as replacing DC power with AC UPS, swapping water‑cooled inter‑row cooling for air‑cooled units, or using 2N UPS configurations, concluding that these remain micro‑modules because only the equipment changes while the logical structure stays the same.

Further layout changes—substituting inter‑row cooling with precision cooling, then with an AHU—are illustrated, each still qualifying as a micro‑module under the revised equations:

Logical derivations lead to flexible definitions of a micro‑module, showing how power, cooling, and even UPS/battery groups can be treated as separate modules while preserving the core equation.

A comprehensive diagram of the evolving combinations is provided:

Finally, the article argues that market‑promoted benefits of various modular forms are largely generic to any modular approach; the real distinction lies in the four‑element system design and how business‑driven customization differs from infrastructure‑driven standardization, influencing decisions on micro‑module adoption.