Due to the growth of large scale data handling, there is a huge demand for data center construction. How to achieve a  fast deployed and high-efficiency data center? The answer is Prefabricated Data Center Solutions. By integrating data center infrastructure such as power, cooling, firefighting, cabling and management systems into prefabricated modules, it can achieve rapid installation and flexible expansion.

For the past few years, you might hear these terms such as integrated data center, container data center or modular data center. They are all prefabricated data centers while having some differences. Containerized data centers  (portable modular data centers) and modular data centers are the two main modes of data center infrastructure construction these years.

Definition of containerized data center

Containerized data center, as the name suggested, is fabricated in a manufacturing facility and shipped to the end-user in the container. The spectrum ranges from simple IT containers to complete all-in-one systems incorporating the entire physical IT infrastructure, from the rack to temperature control, a power supply with a powerful UPS system, through to complete monitoring and fire fighting system.

Pros and cons of containerized data center

Using a containerized data center can save your valuable square feet. Because the containers are dustproof, waterproof, and shock-resistant, they are suitable for harsh environments such as outdoors or underused spaces such as parking garages. Besides, they are small in size and can be moved from one place to another.

North America has the largest share in the global containerized data center market. However, as more and more consumers are demanding higher flexibility and increased customization, they are turning to the modular data center solution. Containerized data center is losing the market share for its limited space for expansion and limited computational efficiency.

Definition of modular data center

Modular data center solutions are installed on the floor like traditional data center but it saves lots of space because of its all-in-one design. Each component of the data center is an independent enclosed space, which contains air-conditioning, PDU equipment and fire-fighting equipment. The vendor will design and manufacture the components as per the client’s preapproval in their factory. Modular data centers(MDC) may be based on components of modular blocks, pre-assembled and factory tested and provide a scalable solution and a delivery time that is shorter than in traditional brick and mortar construction.

For small modular data center（the cabinet is within 10 and total load is less than 40kVA）, a closed isolation scheme of the cold and hot aisle is adopted for the series with excellent compatibility, the high utilization rate of cooling capacity, and energy-saving. For medium data center closed cold aisle or hot aisle or closed cold and hot aisle is optional. It is recommended to adopt a variable frequency energy-saving in row air conditioner to eliminate local hot spots, enhance the bearing load capacity of the single IT cabinet, isolate cold and hot air and decrease energy consumption. These excellent cooling designs make the modular data center more energy efficient.

Difference between containerize data center & modular data center

Compared with the containerize data center there is not a limited capacity for the number of racks or the total power for the IT load. Not to mention that the spacious space is more convenient for engineers to do maintenance work than narrow containers. Besides, it is safer.

Because of its flexibility, convenience, and easy expansion characteristics, Modular data centers are widely used in dot-com companies. In particular, many dot-com companies directly rent some cabinets in the operator's data center computer room to develop their own business.

Individual data centers are also rapidly adopted among enterprises to enhance operational efficiency In 2019, individual facilities accounted for over 70% share in the China modular data center market and is expected to witness 17% growth through 2026.(source: Modular Data Center Market Size & Share - Global Report 2026)

Product recommend:

Kstar micro modular data center IDU is a new generation of alternative solution to small IT room, with complete integration of fire，dynamic environment monitoring system, power supply, distribution systems, battery，cooling system，cabinets and containment and the hot aisles and cold aisles are isolated to lower PUE to 1.3.

It is launched to meet the IT room infrastructure optimization needs and mainly used in small- and medium-sized enterprises, microenterprises, large enterprises, governments and other branches in finance, education and energy industries. The forward-looking enterprises have realized that the intelligent single-Cabinet IT room with high reliability and availability is the future trend from the perspectives of both current short-term investment and future long-term operating costs.

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For Kstar containerized data cetner solution brochure：sales@kstar.com