At the heart of technological advancement lies the data centres that power the world. While traditional data centre models are foundational, they often fall short of today’s rapid digital demand and energy-efficiency requirements.
Modular data centres provide an innovative solution, making it easier for companies to connect to their network providers. Yet, as businesses and technology change, company leaders may wonder if modular data centres are the cornerstone of future data management and processing.
What Are Modular Data Centres?
Modular data centres are highly sophisticated, scalable solutions that meet the growing data processing and storage demand. They utilise prefabricated modules that allow for easy transportation and installation. The innovative design contrasts with traditional data centres, which are custom-built, permanent facilities. Modular data centres leverage pre-engineered modules, providing an immediate solution to several issues with conventional data centres.
Data centres often require extensive planning, long construction times and significant capital investment. Each of these can be a barrier to meeting the immediate demands of the data-driven world. Additionally, they require rigid infrastructure, making it challenging to adapt to technological evolution.
Data centres also consume large amounts of power. Their servers generate tons of heat and need cooling systems to prevent overheating. Modular data centres overcome these limitations, creating a more adaptable approach to data centre design. As such, they make a popular choice for keeping pace with current demands. In fact, experts predict the market for modular data centres will grow from $25.8 billion in 2023 to $81.2 billion by 2030.
Scalability and Flexibility
Since technology continuously grows, the ability to adapt quickly is crucial. Modular data centres achieve this through their scalability. You can add and remove pieces as needed, allowing them to expand as more space or power is required.
These spaces are adaptable because of how you construct them. You can reconfigure them to meet fluctuating demands, even in the interior design. The equipment these facilities hold needs custom cabinetry to store critical components.
One part the custom cabinetry can include is under-mount drawer slides, which make equipment maintenance easier and access more efficient. Since the slides hide underneath the drawers, they maximise the available storage space. These data centres remain organised and efficient, even as they grow.
Deployment Speed
Modular data centres offer the advantage with their pre-engineered and manufactured modules. Since they design and construct each piece beforehand, you can easily assemble them on-site. This streamlined process greatly speeds up the setup, making it possible to operationalise these data centres in a fraction of the time it takes to build traditional ones.
One of the biggest hurdles with building typical data centres is the long wait for construction materials. According to one survey, 71 people have cited that the wait times for the materials stretch more than 12 weeks. Delays in getting materials set back construction times, keeping a company from handling data needs. Modular data centres avoid facing the same delays, making setups faster and more predictable.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
One of the most compelling attributes of modular data centres is their need for less energy. Data centre operators engineer them from the ground up to optimise power usage. This energy efficiency can be beneficial in the long run because the cost of operating a typical data centre is rising.
In fact, the average monthly asking rate for operational space capable of supporting a 250-200 kW load has increased by 14.5% year-over-year. On average, the costs have reached $137.90 per kW per month, making the need for energy-efficient solutions more pressing than ever.
However, modular data centres use energy wisely and excel in energy efficiency. These facilities integrate the latest cooling technologies and energy management systems to meet operational needs. This prevents energy waste, providing a more sustainable solution.
Yet, sustainability goes beyond energy consumption. These units utilise processes that generate less waste and require fewer resources than conventional construction methods. Moreover, the scalable nature of modular designs allows for expansion in a resource-conscious manner, further diminishing the environmental footprint.
The Challenges of Modular Data Centre Design
While modular data centres are growing in popularity, there are a couple of considerations to remember.
Site Selection and Preparation
Selecting and preparing the right site is foundational for successfully deploying a modular data centre. The location matters because you want to decrease the risk of exposure to natural disasters. Its proximity to essential utilities and infrastructure also influences operational efficiency and setup costs. For instance, a site in a mild climate can reduce the necessity for extensive cooling systems, whereas areas prone to natural disasters may necessitate protective measures.
Furthermore, the accessibility of the site is paramount. The chosen location must be readily accessible for the delivery and installation of modular units and for maintenance or expansion efforts. More importantly, you must have the utility power for a stable operation. A site must either have these utilities readily accessible or be capable of accommodation. This way, it has the power to keep operations running smoothly.
Integration With Existing Infrastructure
Integrating modular data centres with existing infrastructure can pose another challenge. However, it is critical to address this to ensure seamless operation and maximised efficiency. The process can be complex due to the technical compatibility of systems and planning to align the new modular components with the current structure.
Another hurdle is the physical integration of the modular units. This can include logistical considerations such as space planning, power connection and cooling system integration. In some cases, existing facilities may need modifications to accommodate new modules. Therefore, integrating modular data centres requires a strategic initiative and a clear vision for the future of the organisation’s data centre capabilities.
Are Modular Data Centres the Future?
Modular data centres have unparalleled adaptability, reduced deployment times and operational efficiency. They overcome traditional challenges with innovative design and technology, setting the stage for the next wave of digital infrastructure. As businesses and technology grow, modular data centres offer a sustainable, cost-effective path forward, making them the future of data management and processing.
