Information has become the currency of the digital age, so gaining a competitive advantage means collecting, leveraging and securing data. This requires having physical infrastructure (e.g., servers, networks, controls). If your company generates and handles large amounts of data or if your products and services rely on fast and secure data access, you need a data centre.
Unfortunately, the traditional, ground-up construction of data centres can become a bottleneck. Not only is it expensive and time-consuming, but it also often leads to delays. That said, you cannot cut corners, or data centre management problems can (and likely will) arise.
Fortunately, there is a system integration solution that will let you sidestep construction hurdles and accelerate your timelines without sacrificing necessary components and systems. Instead of building a data centre from the ground up, you can opt for a modular setup.
What Is a Modular Data Centre?
A data centre holds servers and other IT equipment. A modular data centre is a self-contained data storage and IT facility that is prefabricated and pre-integrated in the factory before transport to its final location.
That said, modular data centres can also refer to data centres built from factory-fabricated data centre components. In this case, the data centre itself is not built and shipped as a self-contained system. Instead, it is an amalgamation of prebuilt modules.
Modular data centres are like prefab homes. The manufacturing and initial testing occur in a controlled factory environment, free from the variables that often plague on-site construction projects like severe weather or labour shortages. Once completed, the data centre (assembled) is transported and integrated into the site, or the individual data centre modules are shipped to their intended destination, assembled and then integrated into their final location.
Types of Modular Data Centres
The in-room modular data centre typically looks similar to a shipping container, which is why modular data centres are often called containerised data centres. It’s made of sandwich panels and equipped with a security door and slider and flap systems for ventilation and pressure release. It is installed or integrated into an empty space or room in a building.
There are also exceptionally portable modular data centres that look more like cabinets or large safes. They are stand-alone data centres, too, but are typically installed inside an occupied or functional office.
Note that stand-alone modular data centre units can vary greatly in size. Manufacturers usually offer them in standard sizes but allow orders in custom dimensions.
Modular Data Centre Core Components
Just like non-modular data centres, modular data centres require cooling, power, ventilation, and structure. Here are the core systems you’ll find in modular data centres:
● Power system: This includes the uninterruptible power supply (UPS), power distribution cabinets (PDC) and power distribution units (PDU). Distribution choices include alternating and direct current (AC and DC). Lighting and surge protection may be available as options, depending on unit type.
● Cooling system: All necessary air conditioning components are included, often utilising in-row cooling units that supply air directly to server racks. This method is highly effective for high-density racks. Your data centre may be configured with a direct expansion or chilled water systems.
● Rack system: The rack is a structure that accommodates all the necessary equipment and provides the physical support that the servers and other equipment require.
● Cabling system: All data and power cables are considered part of the infrastructure. The design facilitates organised laying and management of wires to ensure stability and reparability.
● Intelligent management system: An automated monitoring system supervises and manages all sub-systems, including power equipment, environmental conditions, and security, to ensure reliable operation.
● Airflow management system: To maximise cooling efficiency, these data centres may deploy hot and cold aisle containment. This system can increase the utilisation rate of air conditioning, directly contributing to energy savings.
The Benefits of Modular Data Centres
Prefabricated modular data centres offer a compelling set of benefits:
● Accelerated deployment: The design, building and testing of modules are done offsite, which can significantly reduce the deployment timeline.
● Cost control and efficiency: The modular approach helps control both capital expenditure (CapEx) and operational expenditure (OpEx). A ‘right-sized’ design avoids the unnecessary fixed energy losses that come from oversized facilities. In fact, cooling systems account for 40% of total energy consumption in data centres; downsizing (or, to be more precise, right-sizing) can help mitigate or minimise this cost. Furthermore, the standardisation of parts enables batch production, further lowering cost and improving parts quality.
● Risk mitigation: Fabrication in a factory setting eliminates many risks. It prevents or minimises delays due to inclement weather, supply chain issues, and health and safety hazards. This controlled environment also reduces the potential for human error, which has been identified as the primary cause of 70% of all data centre problems.
● Scalability and flexibility: A key advantage is the ability to scale infrastructure as business needs grow. A company can start with a deployment that meets current IT requirements and easily add modules later.
● Improved Quality and Reliability: The standardised processes and controlled environment of factory production lead to higher-quality components. The modular design also simplifies troubleshooting and repair. For example, a faulty power module can be swapped out quickly, reducing failure repair time.
Modular Data Centres: Is It for You?
Modular data centres can significantly cut construction costs and timelines. It’s for you if you want a speedy yet effective way to protect your data and ensure access whenever it’s needed, with the least possible disturbance to your existing setup.
Get yours from a reputable technology system integrator to ensure they can be fully integrated into your existing space and systems.
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