A modular data centre is a solution based on a structure with the capacity to transport it anywhere and has all the benefits of a traditional Data Center in terms of power, refrigeration, components or cabling management.
There are two options when we talk about modular Data Centers: firstly, there are structures based on a transport container that are conditioned to host the modules. These can already have their own refrigeration, supply, etc. systems, or incorporate them as we increase the capacity of the equipment inside them. Secondly, we have solutions executed based on prefabricated components; solutions that are constructed to measure and are scalable, if necessary.
Advantages of these kinds of solutions:
- They have quite a lot of flexibility in terms of design, depending on the customer’s needs.
- They are scalable. The project can start with some initial requirements and the client may later need to extend its capacity. These kinds of solutions adapt easily to the extension of equipment.
- They are usually made up of standardised components, so they are usually cheaper and easier to assemble.
- Installation and delivery is quicker compared with a traditional data centre project.
- They are ideal solutions for unstable zones that are risky, earthquake prone, hard to access, etc.
- A modular data centre can join the activity of an already existing data centre or be combined with a new modules system.
- They are usually constructed with more economical manufacturing materials and seek energy efficiency, which can come to reduce power costs by up to 40%.
These are data centre solutions that aim to increase implementation speed and reduce integration problems. At these facilities, the same systems and measures can be implemented as at a normal data centre: environmental and access control, as well as firefighting systems, etc.
With regard to the physical security of all-in-one systems, we can say that it can be customised. It is not the same having our container outside and exposed to the weather or in guarded facilities. The containers usually have a sandwich structure with three steel plates (we can increase their thickness), between which the insulations are installed, and the modules also usually have steel plate coatings. An additional shield can be applied and reinforcements are installed to support the weight of the equipment. Prepared to bear outdoor environmental conditions, they can remain undamaged after a 7-magnitude earthquake.
These kinds of solutions can be assessed and be very suitable for certain environments or projects, since we have seen that their great degree of flexibility and scalability make them very adaptable to a wide range of requirements.