Modular data centers are next-generation portable systems built with prefabricated modules that are quick to assemble and deploy. They are specifically designed to cater to modern data storage, computing, and processing requirements that demand mobilization and are susceptible to changing business requirements.

A modular data center is an on-site assembling solution which is either pre-engineered or containerized (ISO or non-ISO) or a combination of both.

As a result, rather than building a facility brick by brick, one can opt for a prefabricated agile data solution, which can minimize building costs and time and respond quickly to market demands.

Types of Prefabricated Data Centers

The prefabricated modular data center's can be distinguished by various factors, each branching into a different conceptual framework.

The above infographic represents how modular data center attributes bifurcate them into different streams, and one of them or a combination of them can result in a prefabricated data center, which is put together in line with the user’s demands.

Who needs Modular Data Centers?

Modular data center solutions are accustomed to fit IT infrastructure needs on the go.

Consequently, It is best suited for : 

• Clients dealing with IoT technology
• Clients demanding reduced building time
• Clients demanding a data center facility within 6-9 months from the signing of the contract 
• Clients demand an agile data management solution that can be ported from one place to another.
  Clients demanding low-budget data facilities

Top Modular Data Center Providers 

There are several top players in the modular data center sector, some of which are listed below : 

There are other players in the industry that are renowned for their innovative, intelligent, prefabricated modular data centers, such as Schneider Electric, Rittal, Johnson Controls, ABB, Delta Electronics, STULZ, and more.

Why Do We Need a Modular Data Center?

With growing requirements, traditional data centers started facing a number of complexities that were challenging to resolve. Besides, there are a number of factors that lead to the evolution of traditional 

Let us now explore them in brief.

Perpetual nature of traditional data centers

The construction of traditional data centers is unpredictable because of the impact of particular uncertainties, such as weather conditions and raw material availability. 

As a result, traditional data centers take a long time to reach the market and fail to cater to the growing market demand of the industry. Since traditional data center construction is very time-consuming, it also lacks the latest technological advancements, which has led to a delayed return on investment (ROI).

Hence, traditional data centers proved less profitable to businesses and were slower to deploy.

The gap between designed and operational PUE

In traditional data center construction plans, each part of the data center was separately built and was aloof of the functioning of other parts of the data center, which made it less adaptable and more prone to failure, resulting in failure of end-to-end performance of the gap between designed PUE and operational PUE became apparent and difficult to ignore

Less skilled O&M of data centers

Modern data center requirements are far from what traditional O&M offers. Today's data center industry demands skilled and high levels of intelligence for power, cooling, servers, and other data center resource operations. Since the workforce is unskilled in traditional data centers, the potential is not fully actualized.

There are many more challenges faced on the ground level that are incomprehensible and often go unnoticed, but their collective impact is detrimental to effective output. 

As a result, a dire need for revamping the traditional data center industry became more prominent.

Key Characteristics of Modular Data Centers 

To get the best output and customer satisfaction, various changes were implemented in the construction of traditional data centers, which led to the emergence of modular data centers.

Integrated construction strategy

The traditional data centers construction, design, and architecture have been simplified and integrated to generate the best output and fast deployment. As a result, modular data centers proved to be more energy-efficient and flexible in nature, making O&M smooth and Hassle-free.

Quick to assemble and deploy

Traditional data centers took years to construct. This lacuna was addressed by modular data centers, which are made from prefabricated modules, making them easy to assemble and deploy as well as portable as a result, data center providers can now provide data management facilities all across the globe in a short period of time

Artificial intelligence equipped

Modular data centers are AI eclipsed, resulting in better optimization and efficient real-time data monitoring. With the help of artificial intelligence, modular data centers were made more feasible and easy to operate.

Less manual

Modular data centers are designed to par with the latest digital and technological advancements, reduce manual labor, and digitize data centers' functioning for effective monitoring and control, which is more resilient to system failures.

Carbon zero

Modular data centers are built with prefabricated modules designed to reduce carbon emissions and other harmful toxicants released in traditional construction activities. The increasing emphasis on carbon neutrality and less pollution generated a need for more sustainable data centers.

Read also: Comprehensive Guide to Infrastructure Data Center

Main Components of a Modular Data Center

MEP module

MEP module or Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing module is the most significant part of the modular data center; it integrates the cooling system, air handling units, and auxiliary low voltage devices such as cameras, T/H  sensors, and fire devices.

It also contains transformers, UPS, and plumbing systems, including drainage, piping, and condensing water pipes.

All of the MEP components are integrated in a prefabricated module.

Power module

Since power is the primary functioning source, greater emphasis is placed on the power module in a modular data center. Prefabricated power modules contain various power-supplying equipment and switches, power distribution units, bus tie cabinets,  input-output cabinets, ELV devices, and battery systems.

Cooling module

A modular data center contains data center cooling solutions such as air handling units, cooling towers, interactive evaporative cooling solutions,  power areas, cooling system sensors and controllers, computer rooms, air-conditioners, and other cooling solutions chosen as required. 

Electrical and lightning infrastructure system

A prefabricated electric and lightning infrastructure module system contains intelligent lightning, a main earthing terminal, and a cabling system.

Security system

Since users store their critical data, it is important to maintain a safe and secure data center system accommodated by smart security systems that are centrally controlled and generate real-time information.

Monitoring system 

There are several modular units in a modular data system, all of which need timely monitoring to ensure smooth and continuous working. A smart artificial intelligence does this, and a machine learning-equipped automated system that tracks the functioning of various parts of a modular data center.

Networking system 

The collection and transmission of data across various racks and units is an essential function for which resilient and powerful networking is required to transmit heavy workloads and traffic with reduced latency and less downtime.

Storage and backup system

The other essential component of a modular data center is the storage and backup system since there can be several uncertainties and natural hazards. It is important to have a smart and effective backup system that regularly synchronizes data with the storage system and creates real-time backups to avoid any data losses.

Conclusion

Due to shifting data operations and management needs, modular data centers have emerged as a backbone of the data industry, opening a way for ready-to-install data center modules that are available and portable anywhere and anytime globally. Such a flexible data center model is a boon for the data center industry.

Although modular data centers have to face their own challenges, despite difficulties, the ideas and concepts behind them present themselves as a gateway to future opportunities and growth.

Also Read: All You Need to Know About Data Center Levels | Understanding Data Center Tiers 

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