Modular Data Centers
Modular data centers use prefabricated, factory-built units for IT, power, and cooling that can be rapidly deployed and scaled. Instead of constructing an entire facility from the ground up, modular designs allow operators to add capacity in blocks — ranging from containerized pods to full prefabricated halls. This approach improves time-to-market, standardization, and cost efficiency across hyperscale, enterprise, edge, and HPC deployments.
Overview
- Purpose: Provide scalable, rapid-deployment data center capacity using prefabricated modules.
- Scale: Ranges from single-container 100 kW units to 5–20 MW prefabricated data halls.
- Key Features: Factory assembly, standardized designs, reduced construction time, flexible scaling.
- Comparison: Unlike traditional builds, modular DCs emphasize speed, repeatability, and portability.
Architecture & Design Patterns
- IT Modules: Pre-fitted racks, cabling, and power/cooling for compute.
- Power Modules: Containerized UPS, switchgear, batteries, and gensets.
- Cooling Modules: Prefabricated chiller plants, CRAH/CRAC units, liquid-cooling manifolds.
- Deployment Models: Skid-mounted, containerized, or full prefabricated buildings.
- Integration: Combined into larger campuses, or deployed as standalone field units.
Bill of Materials (BOM)
| Domain | Examples | Role |
|---|---|---|
| IT Modules | HPE Performance Modular Racks, Dell Prefab IT Pods | Preconfigured compute capacity |
| Power Modules | Eaton, Schneider, Huawei containerized UPS/genset units | Prefabricated power delivery systems |
| Cooling Modules | Vertiv Power & Cooling Skids, Johnson Controls prefab chillers | Plug-and-play cooling blocks |
| Containerized DCs | HPE POD, Huawei FusionDC, IBM Portable Modular DC | Mobile, container-based deployments |
| Prefabricated Buildings | Keppel, Compass, Flexenclosure | Factory-built data halls shipped onsite |
| Integration Platforms | DCIM/EMS tie-ins, prefab BMS kits | Enable modular control and orchestration |
Container Data Centers
Containerized data centers are a subset of modular DCs built into standard ISO shipping containers. They can be deployed outdoors, transported via truck, ship, or rail, and provide portable compute and storage capacity.
- Scale: 100–500 kW per container, usually single-row racks with integrated cooling.
- Use Cases: Military/field operations, disaster recovery, mining/energy sites, temporary compute expansions.
- Vendors: HPE POD, Huawei FusionDC, IBM PMDC, Schneider EcoStruxure CUBEs.
- Limitations: High density in small form factor makes cooling challenging; best for tactical rather than hyperscale use.
Key Challenges
- Cooling Density: Managing 20–40 kW per rack inside compact enclosures.
- Integration: Tying modules into larger campus energy, cooling, and network systems.
- Durability: Containerized DCs must withstand harsh outdoor environments.
- Customization vs Standardization: Balancing fast prefab deployment with customer-specific requirements.
- Perception: Some enterprises view modular/container DCs as “temporary,” limiting adoption for long-term workloads.
Vendors & Operators
| Vendor | Solution | Domain | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPE | POD (Performance Optimized Data Center) | Containerized IT | 20- or 40-ft ISO containers with integrated cooling |
| Huawei | FusionDC, IDS1000A | Modular/Container | Rapid-deployment prefabs, strong in Asia-Pacific |
| Vertiv | SmartMod, Power & Cooling Skids | Prefabricated Modules | Factory-built IT/power blocks |
| Schneider Electric | EcoStruxure Modular, CUBEs | Prefabricated DCs | End-to-end prefab power + IT + cooling |
| Keppel / Flexenclosure | Prefabricated Halls | Campus-Scale Modules | Multi-MW prefab data halls shipped onsite |
| Compass Datacenters | Prefabricated Campuses | Hyperscale/Wholesale | Standardized campus blocks, rapid regional builds |
Future Outlook
- Mainstream Adoption: Modular approaches becoming standard for hyperscale and enterprise expansions.
- AI-Optimized Modules: Prefabricated liquid-cooled GPU halls with 80–100 kW racks.
- Military & Edge: Container DCs remain vital for defense, disaster relief, and ruggedized edge workloads.
- Sustainability: Standardized modules integrate with microgrids, DER, and waste heat reuse.
- Global Expansion: Prefab accelerates data center buildouts in emerging markets (Africa, LatAm, Middle East).
FAQ
- Are modular data centers temporary? Not necessarily — prefab halls can serve as permanent facilities; containers are often tactical or temporary.
- Who uses modular designs? Hyperscalers, colocation providers, enterprises, government, and military.
- How fast can they be deployed? Container DCs: weeks; prefab halls: 6–12 months (vs 18–24 for traditional builds).
- Do modular DCs support AI? Yes — emerging modules are liquid-cooled and AI-ready.
- What’s the main benefit? Speed of deployment, standardization, and reduced capex risk.