Inflatable data center

A data center can include an inflatable enclosure in which rack computer systems can be installed and can provide computing capacity. The inflatable enclosure includes an inflatable structure which is at least partially inflated based on cooling air discharged into the inflatable enclosure by one or more cooling modules. A cooling module can include a cooling system and a cooling air vent, where the cooling system adjustably induces a stream of cooling air and the cooling air vent adjustably directs the cooling air stream into a particular space enclosed by an inflatable structure. The inflatable enclosure can be established by separate modules positioned on opposite sides of a space and an inflatable structure which extends across the space between the modules. The inflatable structure can be extended over additional spaces to expand the inflatable enclosure, thereby providing additional space to install rack computer systems.

BACKGROUND

Organizations such as on-line retailers, Internet service providers, search providers, financial institutions, universities, and other computing-intensive organizations often conduct computer operations from large scale computing facilities. Such computing facilities house and accommodate a large amount of server, network, and computer equipment to process, store, and exchange data as needed to carry out an organization's operations. Typically, a computer room of a computing facility includes many server racks. Each server rack, in turn, includes many servers and associated computer equipment.

Because a computing facility may contain a large number of servers, a large amount of electrical power may be required to operate the facility. In addition, the electrical power is distributed to a large number of locations spread throughout the computer room (e.g., many racks spaced from one another, and many servers in each rack). Usually, a facility receives a power feed at a relatively high voltage. This power feed is stepped down to a lower voltage (e.g., 110V). A network of cabling, bus bars, power connectors, and power distribution units, is used to deliver the power at the lower voltage to numerous specific components in the facility.

Computer systems typically include a number of components that generate waste heat. Such components include printed circuit boards, mass storage devices, power supplies, and processors. For example, some computers with multiple processors may generate 250 watts of waste heat. Some known computer systems include a plurality of such larger, multiple-processor computers that are configured into rack-mounted components, and then are subsequently positioned within a racking system. Some known racking systems include 40 such rack-mounted components and such racking systems will therefore generate as much as 10 kilowatts of waste heat. Moreover, some known data centers include a plurality of such racking systems. Some known data centers include methods and apparatus that facilitate waste heat removal from a plurality of racking systems, typically by circulating air through one or more of the rack systems.

The amount of computing capacity needed for any given data center may change rapidly as business needs dictate. Most often, there is a need for increased computing capacity at a location. Initially providing computing capacity in a data center, or expanding the existing capacity of a data center (in the form of additional servers, for example), is resource-intensive and may take many months to effect. Substantial time and resources are typically required to design and build a data center (or expansion thereof), lay cables, install racks and cooling systems. Additional time and resources are typically needed to conduct inspections and obtain certifications and approvals, such as for electrical and HVAC systems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments of an inflatable data center are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method for deployment of a data center includes positioning a pre-fabricated electrical module at a particular data center site, positioning a pre-fabricated cooling module at the particular data center site, inflating an inflatable structure at the data center site such that the inflated structure establishes an inflatable enclosure of the particular data center site, based on operating the cooling module such that the inflatable enclosure structure is at least partially inflated by the cooling module, installing a rack computer system within the inflatable enclosure, and operating at least one of the rack computer systems in the inflatable enclosure to provide computing capacity. The electrical module provides one or more of electrical power support and network communication support to the rack computer system. The cooling module provides cooling support to the rack computer system via a stream of cooling air directed out of at least one cooling air vent of the cooling module. Installing the rack computer system within the inflatable enclosure includes electrically coupling the rack computer systems to the at least one electrical module.

According to one embodiment, a method includes operating a cooling module, so that the cooling module discharges a stream of cooling air into a particular space, and inflating an inflatable structure, such that the inflated inflatable structure at least partially establishes an enclosure of the particular space, based at least in part upon the stream of cooling air discharged into the particular space by the at least one cooling module. The cooling module provides cooling support to a rack computer system based at least in part upon the discharged stream of cooling air.

According to one embodiment, a system includes a rack computer system, a cooling module, and an inflatable structure. The rack computer system is installed in a particular space and provides computing capacity. The cooling module includes a cooling air vent and provides cooling support to the rack computer system via a stream of cooling air discharged via the cooling air vent into the particular space. The inflatable structure at least partially establishes an inflatable enclosure of the particular space based at least in part upon the stream of cooling air discharged by the cooling air vent of the cooling module into the particular space.

As used herein, “computing” includes any operations that can be performed by a computer, such as computation, data storage, data retrieval, or communications.

As used herein, “data center” includes any facility or portion of a facility in which computer operations are carried out. A data center may include servers dedicated to specific functions or serving multiple functions. Examples of computer operations include information processing, communications, simulations, and operational control.

As used herein, “computer room” means a room of a building in which computer systems, such as rack-mounted servers, are operated.

As used herein, “computer system” includes any of various computer systems or components thereof. One example of a computer system is a rack-mounted server. As used herein, the term computer is not limited to just those integrated circuits referred to in the art as a computer, but broadly refers to a processor, a server, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits, and these terms are used interchangeably herein. In the various embodiments, memory may include, but is not limited to, a computer-readable medium, such as a random access memory (RAM). Alternatively, a compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MOD), and/or a digital versatile disc (DVD) may also be used. Also, additional input channels may include computer peripherals associated with an operator interface such as a mouse and a keyboard. Alternatively, other computer peripherals may also be used that may include, for example, a scanner. Furthermore, in the some embodiments, additional output channels may include an operator interface monitor and/or a printer.

As used herein, “data center module” means a module that includes, or is suitable for housing and/or physically supporting, one or more computer systems that can provide computing resources for a data center.

As used herein, “electrical module” means a module that distributes electrical power to systems or components external to the electrical module.

As used herein, “network communication module” means a module which communicatively couples one or more systems or components external to the network communication module with one or more communication networks.

As used herein, “external cooling system” means a cooling system external to a modular computing system. For example, an external cooling system may be a chilled water system that is coupled to a modular computing system. An external cooling system may be located inside a facility or outdoors.

As used herein, a “free cooling” includes operation in which an air handling system pulls air at least partially from an external source (such as air outside a facility) and/or a return from a computer room, and forces the air to electronic equipment without active chilling in the air-handling sub-system.

As used herein, “active cooling”, “active chilling”, etc. refers to cooling of air by a process which involves transferring heat from the air to one or more other fluids which are separate from the air. Such other fluids can include water, various coolants, refrigerants, some combination thereof, etc. Active cooling systems can include heat exchangers which remove heat from the one or more other fluids. An example of an active cooling system can include a cooling system which includes circulating air through a data center module to remove heat from heat producing components therein, and circulating a separate fluid through one or more pathways in the data center module, including pipes, coils, heat exchangers, etc. to cool the circulating air before the air removes heat from such components, after the air removes heat from such components, concurrently with the air removing heat from such components, some combination thereof, etc. Another example of an active cooling system includes chilled water cooling systems. An example of active cooling includes cooling air by a process which includes mechanical cooling. An example of active cooling includes cooling air by a process which includes evaporative cooling.

As used herein, “mechanical cooling” means cooling of air by a process that involves doing mechanical work on at least one other fluid, such as occurs in vapor-compression refrigeration systems, etc.

As used herein, “evaporative cooling” means cooling of air by evaporation of liquid.

As used herein, a “module” is a component or a combination of components physically coupled to one another. A module may include functional elements and systems, such as computer systems, racks, blowers, ducts, power distribution units, fire suppression systems, and control systems, as well as structural elements, such a frame, housing, or container. In some embodiments, a module is pre-fabricated at a location off-site from a data center.

As used herein, “movable” means a component or combination or components having a container, housing, frame or other structure that allows the module to be moved as a unit from one location to another. For example, a movable module may be moved as a unit on a flatbed trailer. In some cases, a movable module may be attached to a portion of a floor, building, or permanent structure when deployed. For example, a movable module may be bolted to the floor of a data center facility.

As used herein, a “rack” means rack, container, frame, or other element or combination of elements that can contain or physically support one or more computer systems.

As used herein, a “space” means a space, area or volume.

FIG. 1illustrates a perspective view of a data center which includes a cooling module and an inflatable structure, in which rack computer systems are installed, inflated by cooling air discharged from the cooling module, according to some embodiments.

Data center100includes a data center site110which comprises a prepared surface upon which the various components of the data center are located. The data center100includes an inflated inflatable structure120which encloses a particular space140in the data center site110, thereby establishing an enclosure145of space140. The particular space140enclosed by the inflated inflatable structure120can be a limited portion of the prepared surface of the data center site110. The enclosure145of the particular space140by the inflated structure120can be referred to herein interchangeably as an “inflatable enclosure”145of the space140. As referred to herein, an “inflatable structure” refers to a structure which is configured to be structurally supported by air, in an inflated state which establishes an inflatable enclosure, such that the inflatable enclosure established by the inflated inflatable structure at least partially derives its structural integrity from the air within the inflatable enclosure.

Data center100includes a set of rack computer systems150installed in the particular space140. The rack computer systems150can include one or more data center modules which include one or more structural housings which include one or more sets of rack computer systems. Such structural housings can conform to one or more standardized form factors, including one or more shipping container form factors.

Data center100includes a cooling module130which provides cooling support to the rack computer systems150installed in the particular space140enclosed by the inflated structure120. The cooling module130includes one or more cooling systems which provide cooling air190into the space140, where the cooling air190removes heat from one or more of the rack computer systems150, thereby providing cooling support to the one or more rack computer systems150. As shown, cooling module130includes a set of air inlets182which can receive intake air180from an ambient environment195external to the inflatable enclosure145of the particular space140and can provide cooling air190, from one or more cooling air vents (not shown inFIG. 1) of the cooling module130into the particular space140.

In some embodiments, the inflatable structure120is directly coupled to a particular side of the cooling module130which includes the cooling air vents, such that the inflatable structure120forms a partition between the particular space140and the ambient environment, such that cooling air190discharged by the cooling module130is precluded from passing directly to the ambient environment. In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the cooling module130is coupled to the inflatable structure120via one or more vestibule structures160which establish one or more sealed air pathways from the one or more cooling air vents of the cooling module130into the particular space140.

The one or more cooling systems included in the cooling module130can include one or more various cooling systems which induce one or more streams of cooling air190. For example, the cooling module130can include an active chilling system, which can include one or more coolant circulation systems, chilled water systems, mechanical cooling systems, direct evaporation systems, some combination thereof, etc. which actively chill intake air180entering the cooling module180into cooling air190. In some embodiments, the cooling module includes a free-cooling system. A cooling systems included in the cooling module can include one or more sets of air moving devices which are configured to induce at least one stream of cooling air190.

Inflatable structure120includes a set of exhaust vents170which direct exhaust air192out of the particular space140and into the ambient environment195. In some embodiments, cooling air190directed into the particular space140passes through one or more rack computer systems150and removes heat from one or more heat-generating components included in the one or more rack computer systems150, thereby becoming exhaust air192. The exhaust air, having removed heat from one or more rack computer systems150, can have an elevated temperature relative to cooling air190and can be pushed upwards in space140by the denser, lower temperature cooling air190. As a result, the exhaust air192“rises” to the top of the inflatable enclosure145of space140and can pass out of the inflatable enclosure145via one or more exhaust vents170which are coupled to a portion of the inflated structure120which is located at the top of the inflatable enclosure of space140, as shown inFIG. 1.

In some embodiments, the data center100includes one or more additional modules which provide one or more additional instances of infrastructure support. For example, data center100can include a network communication module which includes one or more instances of network communication infrastructure, including network communication pathways, network switching devices, etc., and can provide network communication support to rack computer systems coupled to the network communication module. In another example, data center100can include an electrical module which includes one or more instances of power distribution infrastructure which can provide electrical power support to the one or more rack computer systems in the data center. In some embodiments, the electrical module provides electrical power support and network communication support to at least some of the rack computer systems installed in the data center. Modules which provide one or more instances of infrastructure support can be referred to herein as “infrastructure modules”, and an infrastructure module can include one or more of a cooling module, electrical module, network communication module, etc.

As referred to herein, a rack computer system which is “installed” in a data center is mounted at a location which structurally supports the rack computer system and is further coupled to one or more instances of infrastructure support, such that the rack computer system can perform computing operations and provide computing capacity. For example, an installed rack computer system150in data center150is mounted on the portion of the prepared surface of the site110and is coupled to both electrical power support infrastructure and network communication support infrastructure.

FIG. 2A-Billustrate an orthogonal view of a data center which includes a cooling module, electrical module, and an inflatable enclosure, in which rack computer systems are installed, inflated by cooling air discharged from the cooling module, according to some embodiments.

Data center200includes a cooling module220, electrical module230, and an inflatable structure240which establishes an inflatable enclosure247of a space245and in which rack computer systems250and one or more instances of infrastructure232,233are installed.

In some embodiments, a data center includes modular instances of support infrastructure, also referred to herein as infrastructure modules, which are located externally to an inflatable enclosure in which one or more rack computer systems are installed, where the infrastructure modules each provide one or more types of infrastructure support to the rack computer systems via one or more vestibules which provide an airtight seal between the infrastructure modules and the inflatable enclosure. In some embodiments, an infrastructure module can include one or more cooling modules which are configured to provide cooling support to one or more rack computer systems, one or more electrical modules which are configured to provide one or more of electrical power support to one or more rack computer systems, network communication support to one or more rack computer systems, some combination thereof, etc.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the data center200includes a cooling module220, an electrical module230, and an inflatable structure240, where the cooling module and electrical module are each positioned on the surface210at locations which are adjacent to opposite ends of space245. The inflatable structure240is positioned such that the structure240extends across the space245and is separately coupled to the separate modules220,230via separate vestibules246. The vestibules246are coupled to the separate modules220,230via airtight connections, such that air within the inflated enclosure247is restricted from passing to the ambient environment295via the connections between the inflatable structure240and the modules220,230.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the inflatable structure240, when inflated, encloses the particular space245, such that the inflated structure240at least partially establishes an inflatable enclosure247of space245. Rack computer systems250can be installed in the enclosure247, so that the rack computer systems250can perform computing operations and the inflatable structure240can partition the enclosure247from the ambient environment295, thereby protecting the rack computer systems250from environmental elements.

The electrical module230can include one or more power distribution components, including one or more uninterruptible power supplies, transfer switches, power distribution units, generators, etc. and can be coupled to instances of support infrastructure232. In some embodiments, the electrical module230includes one or more instances of network communication infrastructure components, including one or more network switches, etc. such that the electrical module230can provide electrical power support and network communication power support to one or more rack computer systems to which the electrical module230is coupled via one or more instances of support infrastructure232.

As shown, the electrical module230is coupled to the rack computer systems250via one or more instances232of support infrastructure which extend through the vestibule246which couples the inflatable structure240with the electrical module230. The one or more instances232can include one or more power transmission lines which electrically couple the module230to the rack computer systems250, such that the module230can provide electrical power support to the rack computer system250via the power transmission lines. The one or more instances232can include one or more network communication conduits including one or more of network communication cabling, bus trunks, some combination thereof, or the like which communicatively couple the module230to the rack computer systems250, such that the module230can provide network communication support to the rack computer system250via the network communication conduits. In some embodiments, the electrical module230is a pre-fabricated module and includes components housed within a housing which conforms to one or more standardized shipping container form factors.

As shown, the cooling module220includes an air intake vent222which can direct intake air260from the ambient environment295into the module220. The module220further includes one or more cooling systems223which can at least partially condition the intake air into cooling air270, which can be discharged, via a cooling air vent224, into the inflatable enclosure247via the vestibule246which couples the module220to structure240. The cooling air270can remove heat from one or more heat generating components of the rack computer systems250.

In some embodiments, a cooling module includes intake vents and cooling air vents on various different ends of the cooling module. For example, a cooling module can include intake air vents on a top end of the cooling module. In another example, a cooling module can include intake air vents on multiple ends of the module, including both a top end and a side end. The cooling module220shown inFIG. 2A-Bincludes an intake vent222on one side end of the module220and a cooling air vent224on an opposite side end of the module220. In some embodiments, intake air vent222can be located on a top end of the module220as vent226.

In some embodiments, a cooling module includes multiple cooling air vents on multiple different sides of the cooling module, where the cooling module can be coupled to multiple different inflatable structures on the multiple different ends and can inflate the multiple different inflatable structures, to establish multiple different inflatable enclosures coupled to multiple different ends of the cooling modules. For example, module220can include the cooling air vent224as shown inFIG. 2A-B, with element222being another cooling air vent on an opposite side end of the module220with an intake air vent226on a top end of the module220, so that intake air260can be drawn downwards into module220via vent226and can be discharged, as cooling air260, out of cooling air vents222,224located on different side ends of the module220. Separate inflatable structures240can be coupled to the different side ends of the module220on which the different cooling air vents222,224are located, so that the different inflatable structures coupled to the different side ends of the module220can be inflated, thereby forming different inflatable enclosures in different spaces next to the different side ends of the module220, based on the separate streams of cooling air discharged from the different vents222,224located on the different ends of the module220into the different spaces.

In some embodiments, the cooling system223includes one or more cooling systems which can at least partially condition intake air260. For example, the cooling system223can include an active cooling system, which can include a mechanical cooling system. In another example, the cooling system223can include a direct evaporation cooling system. In another example, the cooling system223includes a free-cooling system which passes intake air into the enclosure245as cooling air270. In some embodiments, cooling system223includes one or more air moving devices which induce a flow of ambient air into the module220as intake air260and can further induce a flow of one or more streams of cooling air270into the enclosure245. In some embodiments, the cooling module220is pre-fabricated module and includes components housed within a housing which conforms to one or more standardized shipping container form factors.

The inflatable structure240can include one or more exhaust air vents248which discharge exhaust air280, which has removed heat from one or more heat generating components in the rack computer systems250installed in the inflatable enclosure247, into the ambient environment295.

In some embodiments, the inflatable structure240is at least partially inflated, such that the inflated inflatable structure240at least partially encloses the space245and establishes the inflatable enclosure247of space245. Where the inflatable structure240is coupled to at least one particular side of the cooling module220on which one or more cooling air vents224are located, the cooling air270discharged by one or more cooling air vents224can at least partially inflate the structure240, such that the inflatable enclosure245is at least partially established. In some embodiments, one or more of the cooling air vents224, exhaust vents248, etc. are independently controllable to maintain an overpressure of the inflatable enclosure247, relative to the ambient environment, within a particular range of pressure.

In some embodiments, inflating the inflatable structure240, so that the inflated inflatable structure at least partially encloses a particular space245and thereby establishes an inflatable enclosure247, enables rapid deployment of an enclosure247in which rack computer systems250can be installed and provide computing capacity. The cooling module220can provide both the structural support for the inflatable enclosure247, via the cooling air270discharged into the enclosure247which inflates the inflatable structure240, and cooling support to the rack computer systems250installed in the enclosure247. In addition, electrical modules230can be coupled to the structure240and provide both at least some infrastructure support to the rack computer systems250and at least some anchoring of the inflatable structure240, such that the inflatable structure240is secured over the particular space245which is enclosed by the inflatable structure240. In some embodiments, both the cooling module220and the electrical module230are coupled to the inflatable structure240, such that the modules collectively anchor the inflatable structure240over the particular space245.

In some embodiments, the inflatable structure240can be coupled to the cooling modules230and can be stored, in a compact, deflated state, as part of the cooling module220, so that the inflatable structure240can be transported with the cooling module220and delivered to a data center site210with the cooling module220. Deployment of the inflatable structure240can include positioning the cooling module220at a site210and activating at least a portion of the cooling systems223included in the module220, so that the cooling module220provides cooling air270via one or more cooling air vents224and at least partially inflates the inflatable structure240which is coupled to the cooling module220. In some embodiments, the inflatable structure240is coupled to a particular side of the cooling module220which includes one or more of the cooling air vents224, so that inducing a stream of cooling air270via one or more cooling air vents224on the particular side at least partially inflates the inflatable structure240.

In some embodiments, a data center includes one or more instances of structural support infrastructure installed in the inflatable enclosure. The instances of structural support infrastructure can be installed in the inflatable enclosure subsequent to at least partially inflating the inflatable structure. In some embodiments, installed instances of structural support infrastructure can provide at least some structural support of the inflated inflatable structure in an inflated configuration. For example, as shown inFIG. 2A, support structure233can provide at least partial structural support of the inflatable structure240in the inflated state, thereby providing at least partial structural support of the inflatable enclosure247, such that the inflatable structure240is precluded from collapsing entirely on the installed rack computer systems250if the cooling module220at least partially ceases providing cooling air270into the space245. In some embodiments, installed instances of structural support infrastructure can provide at least some structural support of one or more instances of support infrastructure installed in the enclosure. For example, as shown inFIG. 2A, support structure233can structurally support one or more instances232of infrastructure support, including electrical power transmission lines, network communication conduits, lighting fixtures, etc. in the enclosure247.

In some embodiments, a data center includes an inflatable structure240which includes one or more additional vestibules which are coupled to a portal structure which includes one or more doorways through which an operator can pass through in order to enter or exit the enclosure247from an external environment, which can include the ambient environment295. In some embodiments, various components can be moved into the inflatable enclosure247, following inflation of structure240, via a doorway included in the portal structure, including at least some of one or more of rack computer systems250, infrastructure232,233, some combination thereof, etc.

In some embodiments, a data center includes a cover structure, installed over the inflatable enclosure, which diverts environmental elements in the ambient environment, including precipitation, particulate matter, etc., from entering the inflatable enclosure through one or more exhaust vents in the inflatable structure. As shown inFIG. 2B, data center200can include a cover structure290, which is structurally supported by one or more sets of posts292over the inflated structure240and prevents environmental elements from entering the enclosure247from environment295via vent248. For example, vent248can include one or more gaps in the structure240through which air can pass, and cover290can shield the vent248from environmental elements. As shown, exhaust air280exiting the enclosure248via the vent248can exit into the environment295via passing between the cover290and the structure240into the environment295. The cover290, in some embodiments, is at least partially structurally supported by the inflatable structure240, and thus can be at least partially structurally supported by air within the enclosure247which is at least partially structurally supporting the inflated structure240.

FIG. 3illustrates a perspective view of a cooling module which includes multiple independently controllable air moving devices and cooling air vents, according to some embodiments. The cooling module shown inFIG. 3can be included in any of the embodiments of data centers included in any of the embodiments herein.

In some embodiments, a cooling module which can be included in an inflatable data center, and which can provide cooling air which at least partially inflates an inflatable structure to establish an inflatable enclosure in which rack computer systems can be installed, includes a set of independently controllable cooling air vents which each can direct separate streams of cooling air along separate flow pathways. The separate flow pathways can be parallel, as the separate cooling air vents can be located on a common side of the cooling module. Each cooling air vent can include a separate set of louvers and one or more actuator mechanisms which can be independently controlled, via one or more communicatively coupled computer systems, to adjust the position of the louvers which can, as a result, adjust the flow of cooling air through the respective cooling air vent. In some embodiments, a cooling module can be positioned adjacent to a set of particular spaces, such that separate flow pathways along which separate streams of cooling air are directed from separate cooling air vents are at least partially aligned with separate particular spaces.

In some embodiments, a cooling module which can be included in an inflatable data center, and which can provide cooling air which at least partially inflates an inflatable structure to establish an inflatable enclosure in which rack computer systems can be installed, includes a set of independently controllable cooling systems which each can induce separate streams of cooling air. The separate cooling air streams can be directed out of separate cooling air vents, such that the separate cooling systems can be independently controlled to independently adjust the flow of cooling air provided into separate cooling air pathways. The separate cooling systems can include separate sets of air moving devices which can be independently controlled, via one or more drive motors, etc. to adjust the flow rate of cooling air discharged via one or more cooling air vents into one or more flow pathways.

Cooling module300includes a particular side302on which separate cooling air vents350A-D are located and multiple separate portions320A-D which include a separate cooling air vent350and a separate cooling system330. Each cooling module portion320A-D includes a separate cooling system330A-D which can adjustably induce a separate cooling air stream and a separate cooling air vent350A-D which can adjustably discharge the separate cooling air streams into separate cooling air flow pathways310A-D. Because the cooling systems and cooling air vents in the separate cooling module portions can be independently controlled, the discharge of cooling air streams into each of the separate flow pathways310A-D can be independently controlled based at least in part upon independently controlling one or more of the cooling systems and cooling air vents. In some embodiments, the cooling air vents350and cooling systems330in separate cooling module portions320can be separately and independently controlled via one or more computer systems380which are communicatively coupled to the module300via one or more instances of communication pathways382.

Each cooling air flow pathway can be based upon the position and orientation of the separate cooling air vents350. As shown, the cooling air vents350A-D are each located on a common particular side302of the cooling air module and are each facing, in parallel, in a common direction. As a result, the corresponding flow pathways310A-D are parallel in orientation.

A cooling system330in a cooling module portion320can include a set of air moving devices340which can collectively induce a flow of air through the respective module portion320. The cooling system330can include one or more active cooling systems, free-cooling systems, some combination thereof, etc. which at least partially condition air flowing through the cooling system330.

In some embodiments, air flow induced by the air moving devices340included in a given cooling system330in a given cooling module portion320can be directed into a flow pathway310which corresponds to a separate module portion320, via a cooling air vent of the separate module portion320. As a result, air moving devices340in multiple separate cooling module portions320can induce airflow which is discharged via a common cooling air vent in a particular cooling module portion. In some embodiments, the separate module portions320are partitioned from each other, such that cooling air flow streams induced by cooling systems330in separate portions320are discharged from the module300separately into separate flow pathways310A-D.

In some embodiments, a cooling module300includes, in one or more of the cooling module portions320A-D, one or more attachment components360A-D, also referred to herein as connectors, which can couple with one or more inflatable structures, such that the one or more inflatable structures are coupled to a particular side302of the cooling module300on which one or more cooling air vents350A-D are located. Separate inflatable structures can be coupled to separate attachment components360A-D on separate cooling module portions320A-D, so that a given individual inflatable structure coupled to a given cooling module portion320A-D can be inflated by cooling air discharged into a separate corresponding flow pathway310A-D by a separate corresponding cooling air vent350A-D of the given cooling module portion320A-D. In some embodiments, an individual inflatable structure can be coupled to attachment components360A-D of multiple separate cooling module portions320A-D, so that the inflatable structure can be at least partially inflated by cooling air streams discharged from separate cooling air vents350A-D of separate cooling module portions320A-D.

FIG. 4A-Dillustrate orthogonal views of a data center which includes an inflatable enclosure which is inflated by cooling air discharged from a cooling module and in which rack computer systems and infrastructure are installed, according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, a data center is rapidly deployed at a data center site via inflation of at least one inflatable structure over a particular space at the site, thereby establishing an inflatable enclosure of the site in which rack computer systems can be installed. The inflatable enclosure can be established more quickly than a fixed enclosure structure can be constructed, thereby enabling rapid deployment of computing capacity at the site.

FIG. 4Aillustrates a cooling module420being positioned at a particular location411at a data center site410, where the particular location411is adjacent to a particular end418of a particular space412in which computing capacity is to be deployed, via installation of rack computer systems in the space412. As shown, the cooling module420includes a cooling air vent421, which is located on a particular side422of the module420. The cooling module420is positioned at the site410, in the location411, in a particular orientation such that the particular side422, along with the vents421included thereon, is adjacent to an end418of the particular space412.

In some embodiments, the cooling module420includes a compacted inflatable structure430which is coupled to at least the particular side422of the module420. Positioning the module420in location411at an orientation which positions side422adjacent to an end418of the particular space412positions the compacted inflatable structure430adjacent to the same end418of the same particular space412.

In some embodiments, based on positioning the module420in the location411, the inflatable structure430can be extended, in a deflated state across at least a portion of the particular space412at the site410.FIG. 4Billustrates the deflated inflatable structure430being extended, from the module420positioned at location411, across the space412. The inflatable structure430remains coupled to the particular side422of the cooling module420, so that the inflatable structure430can be at least partially inflated by cooling air discharged by the one or more cooling air vents421located on the particular side422of the cooling module adjacent to the end418of the particular space412.

In some embodiments, the inflatable structure430can be extended across the particular space412and anchored, at an end417which is opposite from the end418of the space412which is adjacent to the module420, so that the inflatable structure430is secured over space412. The inflatable structure430can be anchored, at end417, such that an airtight seal is established between structure430and the surface of site410.

FIG. 4Cillustrates the inflatable structure430being inflated over space412, such that the inflatable structure430establishes an inflatable enclosure440of space412, based on cooling air464discharged by the cooling vent421of the cooling module420into the enclosure440. The cooling module420can include one or more components, including one or more air moving devices, cooling systems, etc. which induce a stream of intake air462to flow into the module420and can be discharged, as cooling air464, into the enclosure of space412via vents421. Because the inflatable structure430can be coupled to the particular side422of the module420on which the vents421are located, discharging the stream of cooling air464out of the vents421inflates the structure430and establishes the inflatable enclosure440.

In some embodiments, the inflatable structure430includes one or more air vents450which discharge at least some air in the enclosure440into the ambient environment external to the enclosure440. The vents450can establish a dynamic pressure equilibrium between the inflatable enclosure and the ambient environment such that, for a given flow rate of cooling air into the enclosed space, the exhaust vents450discharge a similar flow rate of air into the ambient environment when the internal pressure of the enclosure440reaches a particular threshold, such that the enclosed volume of the enclosure440remains static.

In some embodiments, the air466discharged into the ambient environment by the vents450includes exhaust air which comprises cooling air which has removed heat from one or more heat generating components located in the inflatable enclosure440. As shown inFIG. 4C, the vents450can be located at a position on the inflatable structure which positions the vents450at an upper position of the enclosure440when structure430is inflated, such that the warmest air in the enclosure440moves to the vent450and is discharged into the ambient environment via the vent450, thereby preventing heat buildup in the enclosure440.

FIG. 4Dillustrates installation of rack computer systems470and instances of support infrastructure482,484in the inflatable enclosure440, where the rack computer systems and support infrastructure provide computing capacity. The support infrastructure includes one or more instances of structural support infrastructure482which can include one or more structural members which provide structural support to one or more of the inflatable structure430, one or more instances of support infrastructure etc. For example, as shown, structural infrastructure482provides structural support to instances of infrastructure484which comprise electrical power infrastructure which provides electric al power support to the rack computer systems470. Cooling air464discharged into enclosure440by the cooling module420, which also maintains the inflation of the structure430which establishes the enclosure440, further removes heat from one or more heat generating components of one or more rack computer systems470in the enclosure440, thereby generating exhaust air466which is directed to the upper portion of the enclosure440where the exhaust air can be discharged into the ambient environment via one or more vents450.

FIG. 5illustrates a perspective view of a data center which includes an inflatable structure spanning an inflatable enclosure between a cooling module located at one end of the inflatable enclosure and an electrical module located at an opposite end of the inflatable enclosure, according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, an inflatable enclosure of a space, in which one or more rack computer systems can be installed, is at least partially established by an inflatable structure which is extended between at least two separate infrastructure modules positioned adjacent to opposite ends of the space, such that the inflatable enclosure is bounded on an upper side by the inflated inflatable structure and bounded on at least two sides by the separate infrastructure modules between which the inflatable structure extends. The inflatable enclosure can be exposed, at one or more sides, to the ambient environment. Such an inflatable enclosure can be rapidly established and expanded, thereby providing rapid deployment of an enclosure in which rack computer systems can be installed.

Data center500includes a data center site501at which a cooling module510and an electrical module520are positioned adjacent to opposite ends511,512of a particular space550, and an inflatable structure530, which includes exhaust air vents535, is coupled to connectors521,522extending along separate sides of the modules510,520which are adjacent to the space550, such that the inflatable structure530extends over space550between the separate modules510,520.

Inflatable structure530is inflated, such that the structure530at least partially establishes an inflatable enclosure of space550. Structure530is at least partially inflated based on cooling air discharged into space550by cooling module510. As shown, the inflated structure530at least partially establishes an upper boundary of the inflatable enclosure of space550, and modules510,520establish at least two side boundaries of the enclosure. As shown, at least one side boundary of the inflatable enclosure, where the boundary extends along a boundary of space550which extends orthogonally to the ends511,512, is unenclosed by the modules510,520and structure530. The unenclosed boundary can be enclosed by one or more sidewall structures560which can be installed at the site801.

Separate rows540of rack computer systems are installed in the inflatable enclosure of space550. Each row540is coupled to electrical module520via one or more instances of infrastructure support524, which can include one or more electrical power transmission lines, one or more network communication conduits, some combination thereof, etc., such that the respective row of rack computer systems540receives electrical power and network communication support via electrical module520. In addition, each row540of rack computer systems receives cooling support from at least a portion of the cooling module510via the cooling air discharged by the module510into the space550, where the cooling air discharged into space550at least partially inflates structure530, thereby at least partially establishing the inflatable enclosure of space550in which the rows540of rack computer systems are installed.

In some embodiments, the data center includes one or more additional sidewall structures which enclose side boundaries of the space550which are unenclosed by the infrastructure modules510,520and the inflated inflatable structure530. As shown inFIG. 5, a sidewall structure560can extend along an end of space550which is unenclosed by modules510,520and structure530. The sidewall structure can provide security protection to the rack computer systems included in one or more of the rows540in space550, based at least in part upon obstructing exterior access to space550.

In some embodiments, additional infrastructure modules and inflatable structure can be installed in a data center to progressively expand the infrastructure support capacity of the data center, the enclosed space of the data center, and the computing capacity of the data center. Such expansion can include positioning one or more additional infrastructure modules at the data center site at a position which is adjacent to an additional particular space, where the additional particular space is adjacent to an inflatable enclosure, and establishing an inflatable enclosure of the additional particular space.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 5, additional infrastructure modules590can be positioned at locations adjacent to additional space570, where additional space570is adjacent to an end of space550which is unenclosed by modules510,520, and structure530, so that an inflatable structure can be extended over, and inflated over, space570to establish an inflatable enclosure of space570, thereby resulting in data center500including two adjacent inflatable enclosures of spaces550,570. As further shown, additional module590can be adjacent to both space570and installed infrastructure module520. Module590can be a common infrastructure as the adjacent infrastructure module, such that infrastructure support provided by the additional module590can be provided to one or more rack computer systems via the previously-installed infrastructure module. For example, where module520is an electrical module, additional module590can be an electrical module which is electrically coupled to electrical module520, so that module590can provide one or more of electrical power support and network communication support to the rack computer systems540installed in space550via module520and instances of infrastructure524. As a result, in some embodiments, where additional infrastructure support is needed to support rack computer systems installed in a given space enclosed by an inflatable enclosure, and an additional enclosed space is not required, an additional infrastructure module590can be positioned at site501and coupled to a previously-installed infrastructure module510,520which is configured to provide a common type of infrastructure support, such that the additional infrastructure module590can provide infrastructure support to the rack computer systems in the enclosed space via one or more previously-installed infrastructure modules510,520.

In some embodiments, a data center includes one or more portal modules, also referred to as security modules, which include one or more doors through which an operator can pass to enter or exit the inflatable enclosure from an external environment. As shown inFIG. 5, a security module526which includes an extension of connector522is coupled to the electrical module520, so that connector522is formed from a coupling of respective connectors of modules520,526. The inflatable structure530is extended along the connector522, so that one end of the structure530is coupled to both modules520,526. As shown, module526includes a doorway527through which an operator can pass to enter or exit the enclosure of space550.

In some embodiments, various components can be moved into or out of the inflatable enclosure of space550, following inflation of structure530, via the doorway527of module526, including at least some of one or more of rack computer systems included in rows540, infrastructure524, some combination thereof, etc.

In some embodiments, multiple separate inflatable structures are extended over separate particular spaces at the data center site, so that each separate inflatable structure encloses at least a separate upper boundary of a separate particular space and the multiple inflatable structure collectively enclose the upper boundary of the contiguous particular spaces. The separate inflatable structures can be coupled together to establish a single collective inflatable structure.

FIG. 6A-Dillustrate a data center which includes an inflatable enclosure which is progressively expanded, according to some embodiments. The data center shown inFIG. 6A-Dcan include any of the embodiments of inflatable structures, infrastructure modules, etc. included herein.

In some embodiments, an inflatable enclosure of a data center can be progressively expanded, over time, to progressively enclose additional space in which rack computer systems can be installed. As a result, the size of the inflatable enclosure can be tailored to correspond to the quantity of rack computer systems installed in the data center, and the enclosure can be rapidly expanded to enclose additional space as additional space is needed in which to install additional rack computer systems, instances of support infrastructure, etc.

Because the amount of cooling air required to maintain inflation of the inflatable enclosure can be associated with the volume of the inflatable enclosure, an inflatable enclosure which encloses a minimally-sufficient amount of space which is minimally sufficient to accommodate the rack computer systems installed in the data center can result in a more efficient use of cooling infrastructure resources than inflating an inflatable enclosure which is of sufficient size to accommodate the maximum quantity of rack computer systems which can be installed in the data center but results in excess, unused space when the number of rack computer systems installed in the data center is progressively expanded based on computing requirements at the data center.

Because the enclosure is inflatable, expansion of the inflatable enclosure can be more rapid than expansion of an enclosure established by a fixed structure, as the expansion can include extending an inflatable structure across the additional space through which the inflatable enclosure is to be expanded and inflating the inflatable structure in the additional space.

FIG. 6A-Dillustrates establishing an inflatable enclosure over a particular space at data center site and installing at least one rack computer system in the particular space, and progressively expanding the inflatable enclosure over additional spaces at the data center site, where additional rack computer systems are installed in the additional spaces. Rack computer systems are installed a particular space as the inflatable enclosure expands such that the inflatable enclosure at least partially encloses the particular space.

FIG. 6Ashows a top-down view of a data center site600which includes a set of spaces630A-D. A cooling module610is positioned at a location at site600which positions the module610adjacent to a particular end617A of the spaces630A-D. Cooling module610includes multiple cooling module portions612A-D which correspond to the separate spaces630A-D. Each separate module portion612A-D includes a separate cooling system614, which can include a separate set of air moving devices. Each separate module portion612A-D includes a separate cooling air vent616which discharges a separate cooling air stream induced by the respective cooling system614of the respective portion612A-D. As shown, each separate cooling air vent616can discharge a separate cooling air stream, induced by a separate cooling system, into a separate space630. In particular, each separate cooling air vent616can discharge separate cooling air streams, in parallel, into four separate spaces630A-D.

As shown, cooling module610is positioned at a particular location and orientation at site600which results in the particular side of module610on which the vents616are located being adjacent to a particular end617A of each of the particular spaces630A-D of the site600, where the module610is positioned so that each separate cooling air vent616of the separate portions612A-D can discharge a separate stream of cooling air into a separate space630A-D.

As shown, an electrical module620is positioned at a particular orientation at site600which results in a side of the electrical module620which is configured to couple with one or more instances624of instructor support being adjacent to a particular end617B of each of the particular spaces630A-D of the site600. As shown, the electrical module620is positioned at a location which is adjacent to an end617B of the spaces630A-D which is opposite from the end617A of the spaces630A-D to which the cooling module610is adjacently positioned. As shown, the particular end617A of the spaces630A-D to which the cooling module610is adjacent is an opposite end of the spaces630A-D, relative to the particular end617B of the spaces630A-D to which the electrical module620is adjacently positioned, such that opposite ends617A-B of each particular space630A-D are adjacent to a separate one of the cooling module610and the electrical module620.

In some embodiments, an inflatable structure can be extended, over a particular space at a data center site, between separate infrastructure modules coupled to opposite ends of the particular space, such that the inflatable structure encloses at least an upper end of the particular space of the data center site. Cooling air can be discharged into the at least partially enclosed space, from at least one cooling air vent of at least one cooling module, so that the cooling air inflates the inflatable structure and the inflated structure establishes an inflatable enclosure of the particular space.

Extending an inflatable structure over a particular space between separate infrastructure modules coupled to opposite ends of the particular space can include coupling the inflatable structure to each of the separate infrastructure modules. As shown atFIG. 6A, cooling module610includes a connector618which extends along the particular side of the module610on which the cooling air vents616are located and which is located adjacent to a particular end617A of each of the particular spaces630A-D. In addition, electrical module620includes a connector622which extends along the particular side of the module620which is located adjacent to another particular end617B of each of the particular spaces630A-D.

As shown inFIG. 6A, an inflatable structure635is coupled to the portion of the connector618which is included in module portion612A and is extended over the particular space630A adjacent to portion612A of module610. Inflatable structure635is further coupled, at an opposite end relative to the end coupled to connector618, to a portion of the connector622of the electrical module620which is adjacent to the end of space630A which is adjacent to module620. As a result, inflatable structure635extends over space630A between modules610,620, such that the inflatable structure635A establishes an upper boundary of an enclosure of space630A.

The cooling system614included in module portion612A can induce a stream of cooling air, which can be discharged by cooling air vent616of portion612A into space630A enclosed, at least on an upper boundary of an enclosure of space630A, by inflatable structure635. The discharged cooling air in space630A can inflate the structure635, thereby establishing an inflatable enclosure of space630A. As further shown inFIG. 6A, a row of rack computer systems640A is installed in the inflatable enclosure of space630A, and an instance of infrastructure support624is installed in space630A to couple the row of rack computer systems640A to electrical module620, such that the installed row of rack computer systems640A receive cooling support via the cooling module portion610and electrical and network communication support via the electrical module620.

As shown inFIG. 6A, inflatable structure635extends to a boundary636A between spaces630A and630B. In some embodiments, inflatable structure635includes a horizontally-oriented portion which extends over space630A, and establishes an upper boundary of an inflatable enclosure of space630A and a vertically-oriented portion which extends along the boundary636A and at least partially establishes a side boundary of the inflatable enclosure of space630A.

In some embodiments, an inflatable enclosure is progressively expanded from the initially enclosed space630A to enclose additional spaces630B-D. Each progressive expansion can be associated with a determination that additional computing capacity is needed at site600, such that an additional row of rack computer systems640is required to be installed at the site600and an additional space630is required to be enclosed to support the additionally-installed rack computer systems.

FIG. 6B-Dillustrate progressively expanding the inflatable enclosure to enclose spaces630A-D. Each expansion can include extending at least one inflatable structure635over the additional spaces630at the site, inflating the at least one inflatable structure635over the additional spaces630, and installing one or more rows of rack computer systems640A-D in the enclosed additional spaces, where the installing includes installing separate instances of infrastructure support624A-D coupling the rows640A-D to the electrical module620.

As shown atFIG. 6B, the inflatable structure635is extended from enclosing space630A to boundary636B so that the structure635additionally encloses space630B, so that structure635encloses at least the upper boundary of spaces630A-B. Cooling air streams can be discharged into spaces630A-B, via separate cooling air vents616of separate cooling module portions612A-B, such that the inflatable enclosure is expanded to comprise a contiguous inflatable enclosure of spaces630A-B. As further shown inFIG. 6B, an additional row of rack computer systems640B is installed in the enclosed space630B and coupled to electrical module620via instances624A-B.FIGS. 6C and 6Dfurther illustrate progressively extending the inflatable structure over space630C, to boundary636C, and space630D, to boundary636D, so that, atFIG. 6D, the inflatable structure635encloses an upper boundary of spaces630A-D, the structure635is inflated by cooling air discharged from cooling air vents616of cooling module610, and a row of rack computer systems640is installed in each space630enclosed by the inflatable enclosure.

In some embodiments, extending the inflatable structure635over additional spaces630A-D of the site600includes extending opposite ends of the structure635along connectors618,622of infrastructure modules610,620positioned adjacent to opposite ends of the spaces630A-D. In some embodiments, connectors618,622each comprise a separate rail structure along which a separate end of the inflatable structure635can be extended.

FIG. 7illustrates a perspective view of inflatable structures which enclose multiple, separate adjacent inflatable enclosures, according to some embodiments. The inflatable structures can be included in any of the embodiments of inflatable structures included herein.

A collective inflatable enclosure700which collectively encloses multiple adjacent inflatable enclosures of multiple adjacent spaces710A-D includes multiple separate inflatable structures720A-D, where each separate inflatable structure720establishes an inflatable enclosure of a separate space710, and the separate inflatable structures720A-D are coupled together to establish the collective inflatable enclosure700.

A separate row of rack computer systems730A-D is installed in each separate space710A-D. In addition, each separate inflatable structure720A-D includes a horizontally-oriented portions722A-D and a vertically-oriented portion724A-D. The horizontally-oriented portion722of a given inflatable structure can enclose an upper boundary of a given space710, and the vertically-oriented portion724of the given inflatable structure can enclose at least one side boundary of the given space. In some embodiments, each inflatable structure720includes a vertically-oriented portion724which extends along a boundary between separate spaces730.

In some embodiments, each separate inflatable structure720A-D includes a set of connectors726which couple one or more portions of the given inflatable structure to one or more portions of another inflatable structure, such that the coupled inflatable structures collectively establish an inflatable enclosure of multiple adjacent spaces. As shown, the inflatable structures720A-D are each coupled together, at adjacent connectors726, such that the coupled structures720A-D collectively establish an inflatable enclosure700. In some embodiments, the connectors726are included in the horizontally-oriented portion722A-D of the respective structures720A-D. For example, coupling inflatable structure720A to inflatable structure720B via connectors726included in the portions722A-B of the respective structures720A-B results in coupling the portions722A-B of the respective structures. A connector726can include one or more various types of connectors, including a set of Velcro connectors on separate structures720which can couple together to couple the structures720, a set of hook and loop connectors, a set of zipper connectors, hanger links, etc.

In some embodiments, a vertically-oriented portion724of an inflatable structure720is removably coupled to the horizontally-oriented portion722of the structure720, such that the portion724can be decoupled from portion722of a structure720when the given structure is coupled to another inflatable structure, such that the coupled inflatable structures720collectively enclose a continuous combination of adjacent spaces without an internal partition between the adjacent spaces. For example, where inflatable structure720B is coupled to structure720A, via coupling connectors726of horizontally-oriented portions722A-B together, the vertically-oriented portion724A of structure720A can be decoupled from portion722A, such that the horizontally-oriented portions722A-B of structures720A-B at least partially establish an inflatable enclosure of spaces710A-B which does not include an interior partition between the spaces710A-B.

FIG. 8illustrates a data center which includes multiple modules which bound an interior space which is at least partially enclosed by an inflatable structure, according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, a data center includes a set of rigid modules which are arranged in a configuration which surrounds a particular space and an inflatable structure which encloses an upper portion of the space. The rigid modules can include various quantities of modules, so that an arrangement of rigid modules which surrounds a particular space can have one or more various shapes. For example, the data center800shown inFIG. 8includes a set of six rigid modules810A-F which are arranged to surround a particular space820, so that the particular space820is hexagonal in shape.

In some embodiments, a data center includes an inflatable structure which is coupled to at least some of the rigid modules arranged to surround the particular space, so that the inflatable structure, when inflated by cooling air discharged by one or more cooling modules included in the rigid modules, establishes an inflatable enclosure of the particular space. The inflatable structure can be coupled to each of the rigid modules, such that the inflatable structure is anchored on every side of the particular space. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the data center800includes an inflatable structure830which includes separate sets of connectors840on separate edges, where each separate set of connectors840can be coupled to a separate module of the rigid modules810A-F, so that the inflatable structure830is secured to each of the rigid modules810.

In some embodiments, each set of connectors840on the separate edges of the inflatable structure830is configured to establish an airtight seal between the respective inflatable structure edge and the corresponding rigid module to which the connectors are coupled. As a result, coupling each set of connectors on the separate edges of the inflatable structure830to the separate rigid modules can establish an airtight seal between the inflatable structure830and the rigid modules810.

The arrangement of rigid modules can include multiple separate housings which include different sets of components which provide different types of infrastructure support. For example, rigid modules810A,810C, and810E can each include a separate cooling system and each discharge a separate cooling air stream into space820via separate, independently controllable sets of cooling air vents. In another example, rigid modules810B and810D can each include separate power distribution components and network communication components and each provide electrical power support and network communication support to at least some of a set of rack computer systems installed in space820. In another example, rigid module810F can include an office space which includes computer systems which can provide operators with information, via one or more display interfaces, regarding one or more of cooling support, electrical power support, network communication support of one or more rack computer systems installed in the space820. It will be understood that other arrangements of cooling systems, power distribution components, network communication components, and office spaces within the various rigid modules surrounding the enclosed space are encompassed herein.

FIG. 9illustrates deploying a data center, according to some embodiments. The deploying can be implemented with regard to any of the data centers included in any of the embodiments included herein.

At902, a particular space is established at a particular site. The site can include a prepared surface, including a concrete surface, which is configured to structurally support one or more of rack computer systems, power distribution components, network communication components, etc. In some embodiments, the particular site is a site at which a data center is to be deployed; such a site can be referred to as a data center site.

In some embodiments, establishing a particular space includes establishing a set of particular spaces at the site, such that at least a portion of the particular site is partitioned into multiple separate particular spaces. The multiple spaces can be contiguous, such that at least some of the spaces are adjacent to each other. Each separate space can have a size and shape which is configured to accommodate a separate set of one or more rows of rack computer systems and associated instances of support infrastructure, including power transmission lines, network communication conduits, support structures, lighting, etc.

At904, one or more infrastructure modules are positioned, at the particular site, adjacent to at least one end of the particular space. Infrastructure modules can each include a module which includes components configured to provide at least one instance of infrastructure support performance of computing operations by one or more rack computer systems.

For example, an infrastructure module can include a cooling module which is configured to provide cooling support to one or more rack computer systems, where the cooling module includes one or more intake air vents which is configured to receive ambient air into the module, one or more cooling systems which is configured to condition the received intake air to generate cooling air, and one or more cooling air vents which is configured to discharge cooling air from the module.

In another example, an infrastructure module can include an electrical module which is configured to provide one or more of electrical power support, network communication support, etc. to rack computer systems. To be configured to provide electrical power support, the electrical module can include one or more of an electrical power feed connector which can couple with an electrical power feed, one or more power distribution components, an electrical distribution feed connector which can couple with one or more rack computer systems via one or more instances of power transmission line infrastructure, etc. To be configured to provide network communication support, the electrical module can include one or more of a network switching device, network communication interface, etc.

In some embodiments, positioning one or more infrastructure modules includes positioning one or more infrastructure modules at respective locations adjacent to one or more ends of the particular space. For example, a cooling module can be positioned at a location which is adjacent to one end of the particular space, and in an orientation such that one or more cooling air vents of the cooling module face towards the particular space. As a result, the cooling module can be positioned to configure the cooling module to discharge cooling air into the particular space. In another example, a cooling module and electrical module are positioned at locations adjacent to opposite ends of the particular space.

At906, an inflatable structure is deployed over the particular space. Deploying the inflatable structure can include extending an initially compacted inflatable structure across the surface area of the portion of the particular site which establishes a lower surface of the particular space.

In some embodiments, the inflatable structure comprises at least one flexible sheet structure which can be coupled to at least one infrastructure module and extended from the infrastructure module across the particular space and coupled to an anchoring structure on an opposite side of the particular space. The anchoring structure can include another separate infrastructure module, a stand-alone structure, an anchoring device which is secured on a surface, etc. In some embodiments, the inflatable structure is a balloon-type structure which includes material which encloses an interior, where gases can be introduced into the interior to inflate the structure.

In some embodiments, deploying the inflatable structure can include coupling one or more connectors of the inflatable structure to one or more sides of an infrastructure module. The inflatable structure can be coupled to a particular side of a cooling module which includes one or more cooling air vents, so that cooling air discharged by the one or more cooling air vents can at least partially inflate the inflatable structure.

At908, the inflatable structure is inflated, so that the inflated inflatable structure at least partially encloses the particular space and establishes an inflatable enclosure bounded by at least the inflatable structure. Inflation of the inflatable structure can include operating one or more cooling systems, air moving devices, cooling air vents, etc. in a cooling module positioned adjacent to the particular space at904, such that cooling air is discharged by one or more cooling air vents of the cooling module into the particular space and at least partially inflates the inflation structure.

At910, one or more rack computer systems are installed in the inflatable enclosure, such that the rack computer systems can perform computing operations. Installation of a rack computer system in the inflatable enclosure includes positioning one or more rack computer systems on the particular space which is enclosed in the inflatable enclosure and coupling the rack computer systems to one or more instances of power support infrastructure and network communication infrastructure, such that the rack computer systems are configured to receive electrical power and are configured to communicate with one or more communication networks. Installed rack computer systems can receive cooling support via the cooling air discharged by a cooling module into the inflatable enclosure where, in addition to at least partially inflating the inflatable structure, the cooling air removes heat from one or more heat generating components included in the one or more rack computer systems.

At912and914, if additional space is needed to install one or more additional rack computer systems, an additional particular space at the site is selected, and an inflatable structure is deployed over the additional space. The inflatable structure deployed over the additional space can include the same inflatable structure deployed over the particular space, where the inflatable structure is extended over the additional space so that the inflatable structure extends over both the particular space and the additional space. In some embodiments, an additional inflatable structure is deployed over the additional space, such that the initial inflatable structure establishes the inflatable enclosure of the particular space and the additional inflatable structure, when inflated, establishes an inflatable enclosure over the additional space.

In some embodiments, an inflatable structure includes a horizontally-oriented portion which is configured to enclose an upper portion of the inflatable enclosure and a vertically-oriented portion which is configured to enclose a side portion of the inflatable enclosure. The vertically-oriented portion can be reversibly detachable from the horizontally-oriented portion, and the horizontally-oriented portion can include one or more connectors which can be coupled with one or more horizontally-oriented portions of one or more other inflatable structures, such that extending the inflatable enclosure can include coupling a horizontally-oriented portion of an additional inflatable structure to a horizontally-oriented portion of a deployed and inflated inflatable structure, and further decoupling the vertically-oriented portion of the deployed and inflated inflatable structure from the upper portion of the deployed inflatable structure, such that the horizontally-oriented portions of the deployed inflatable structure and the additional inflatable structure collectively establish a contiguous inflatable enclosure of both the particular space and the additional space.

In some embodiments, inflating an inflatable structure over an additional space at908includes independently controlling one or more cooling systems, cooling vents, etc. included in one or more cooling modules so that an independent stream of cooling air is discharged, separately from the cooling air stream discharged into the particular space, into the additional space so that the inflatable structure extended over the additional space is at least partially inflated by a cooling air stream discharged into the additional space. In some embodiments, one or more cooling systems are independently controlled to adjust the total flow of cooling air into the particular space and additional space, based at least in part upon extension of the inflatable enclosure to enclose the additional space.

If in some embodiments, there is not enough infrastructure support, provided by at least one instance of infrastructure, one or more additional infrastructure modules are positioned at the data center site such that sufficient infrastructure support to support the one or more additional rack computer systems is available at the data center site. Infrastructure modules configured to provide a common type of infrastructure support can be positioned adjacent to each other. For example, where a first cooling module is positioned adjacent to a first end of the particular space, a second cooling module can be positioned adjacent to the first cooling module and to the first end of the particular space, such that at least one particular side of each cooling module, which includes at least one cooling air vent, faces towards the particular space.

FIG. 10is a block diagram illustrating an example computer system that may be used in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, a system that implements a portion or all of one or more of the technologies, including but not limited to a portion or all of providing independent control of separate cooling systems, air moving devices, cooling air vents of one or more cooling modules, independent control of one or more exhaust vents included in one or more inflatable structures, and various methods, systems, components, devices, and apparatuses as described herein, may include a general-purpose computer system that includes or is configured to access one or more computer-accessible media, such as computer system1000illustrated inFIG. 10. In the illustrated embodiment, computer system1000includes one or more processors1010coupled to a system memory1020via an input/output (I/O) interface1030. Computer system1000further includes a network interface1040coupled to I/O interface1030.

System memory1020may be configured to store instructions and data accessible by processor(s)1010. In various embodiments, system memory1020may be implemented using any suitable memory technology, such as static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), nonvolatile/Flash-type memory, or any other type of memory. In the illustrated embodiment, program instructions and data implementing one or more desired functions, such as a portion or all of providing independent control of separate cooling systems, air moving devices, cooling air vents of one or more cooling modules, independent control of one or more exhaust vents included in one or more inflatable structures, and various methods, systems, components, devices, and apparatuses as described herein, are shown stored within system memory1020as code1025and data1026.

Network interface1040may be configured to allow data to be exchanged between computer system1000and other devices1060attached to a network or networks1050, such as other computer systems or devices as illustrated inFIGS. 1 through 9, for example. In various embodiments, network interface1040may support communication via any suitable wired or wireless general data networks, such as types of Ethernet network, for example. Additionally, network interface1040may support communication via telecommunications/telephony networks such as analog voice networks or digital fiber communications networks, via storage area networks such as Fibre Channel SANs, or via any other suitable type of network and/or protocol.