What Is a Modular Data Center? Exploring Modular Data Center Design

The term “modular data center” can mean a lot of different things, depending on which vendor you ask. It could mean a data center housed in a standard shipping container or a traditional data center infrastructure constructed from interchangeable parts.

However, the functionality of a modular data center is more important than how it’s constructed. Modularity is more of an approach to data center design than a particular set of products.

What Is a Modular Data Center?

At its most basic, modularity simply involves breaking a large system into component parts. But there are three elements that make a system truly modular. 

• An open architecture that allows for flexible options and accommodates future components.
• Components that fit together well, even if different options are chosen.
• Faster and easier installation and replacement of components compared to non-modular systems.

Modular data centers have these key characteristics:

• They can be installed virtually anywhere and moved as needed.
• They are built with scalability in mind.
• They can be built relatively quickly and cheaply because they’re constructed using standardized components.
• They are designed to use space efficiently and simplify ongoing management.
• They include built-in energy-efficiency features and use precision airflow to support high densities.

When selecting modular data center infrastructure products, a primary consideration is the ease of installation and quality of the components. Many units come prefabricated or require minimal assembly. Integrated cable management, security, and monitoring systems eliminate the need for add-on components. Modular units with built-in containment should accommodate either hot- or cold-aisle configurations and a variety of cooling technologies.

Modular Data Center Design

How you subdivide a data center into component parts depends upon the size of the facility and the number of devices. There are also practical considerations. Individual modules should be small enough to enable maximum flexibility while taking into account the law of diminishing returns. Too many modules can create operational headaches, and some systems are more efficient when deployed on a larger scale. The granularity of the modular data center design is always a tradeoff between flexibility, simplicity, efficiency, and cost.

Depending on growth projections, site constraints, and organizational preferences, there are potentially infinite variations. Generally speaking, data centers with more dynamic growth patterns will benefit from smaller modules than more stable data centers. However, the modular architecture must be able to accommodate the size and shape of the facility, and preferences should be balanced against the benefits of standardization.

Containerized Data Centers

Also known as “data center containers” or “portable modular data centers,” containerized data centers house traditional data center infrastructure within an International Standards Organization (ISO) intermodal shipping container. They are prefabricated by the manufacturer and shipped to the customer with all the infrastructure equipment needed for their application. They offer premium portability, and rapid deployment, among other benefits.

Containerized data centers embody all the tenants of modular data center design. They can be moved and scaled up easily, deployed quickly, are cost-efficient, and commonly very energy-efficient.

Modular Data Centers vs. Traditional

Modular data centers offer a number of benefits over traditional facilities. Because modular components are pre-engineered to work together, design time is reduced. Data center managers can choose the necessary components with less concern about interoperability. Pre-manufactured components can be procured quickly and deployed as needed, reducing the need to pay for and install infrastructure in advance.

Standardized, pre-engineered components improve energy efficiency by rightsizing capacity and employing cooling systems where they’re needed most. Standardization also ensures compliance with energy efficiency, security, and other requirements without the need to evaluate components on a case-by-case basis. Operator training is simplified, and management tools can be used without customization.

Data Center Infrastructure Solutions from Enconnex

Enconnex engineers have extensive real-world experience in the design and architecture of some of the world’s largest data centers. We understand the benefits and tradeoffs of modular design and can apply lessons learned in hyperscale data centers to any size facility. Let us help you select the right data center infrastructure products to make your design a reality. Get in touch today.