DCK Guide To Modular Data Centers: Why Modular?

Speed of deployment:  Modular solutions have incredibly quick time frames from order to deployment.  As a standardized solution, modules can be ordered, manufactured, customized and delivered to the data center site in a matter of months (or less). Having a module manufactured also means that the site construction can progress in parallel, instead of a linear, track toward completion.

Scalability:  With a repeatable, standardized design, it is easy to match demand and scale infrastructure quickly.  The only limitations on scale for a modular data center are the supporting infrastructure at the data center site, and the available land. Another characteristic of modular scalability is that modules that can be easily replaced when obsolete or if updated technology is needed.

Efficiency:  Modules are engineered products with tightly-integrated internal subsystems, which results in efficiency gains in power and cooling in the module.  First generation and pure IT modules will most likely not have efficiency gains other than those enjoyed from a similar containment solution inside of a traditional data center. Having a modular power plant in close proximity to the IT it serves will save money in costly distribution gear and power loss. There are opportunities to use energy management platforms within modules as well, with all subsystems being engineered as a whole.

Deferred Capital Cost:  As a large capital expense, building a data center is typically a project that requires substantial money up-front to anticipate forecasted IT needs for the next 10 to 15 years.  Rapidly changing technology in the data center makes it difficult to justify such a large capital expense for a building that must keep pace with technology demands.  Modular solutions can be seen as a way to intelligently apply capital to the data center in line with changing technology and IT requirements. Instead of a $50 million project day one, ten $5 million modules can be built as they are needed.  It enables the ability to incrementally add capacity to the data center.

Commissioning:  As an engineered, standardized solution, the data center module can be commissioned where it is built and require fewer steps once placed at the data center site.

Density and PUE:  Density in a traditional data center is typically 100 watts per square foot.  In a modular solution, the space is used efficiently, and allows precise airflow management that can support densities of 20 kilowatts per cabinet and higher.  The PUE can be determined at commissioning and because the module is pre-engineered and standardized the PUE’s can be as low as 1.1 to 1.4.

DCIM (Data Center Infrastructure Management):  Management of the module and components is where a modular approach can take advantage of the engineering and integration that is built into the product.  Many, if not all of the modular products on the market will have DCIM or management software included that gives the operator visibility into every aspect of the IT equipment, infrastructure, environmental conditions and security of the module.

Rightsizing:  Modular design ultimately enables an optimized delivery approach for matching IT needs.  This ability to right-size infrastructure as IT needs grow enables enterprise alignment with IT and data center strategies. The module or container can also provide capacity when needed quickly for projects or temporary capacity adjustments