Abstract:
A mobile data center unit has a mobile weatherized enclosure; a plurality of rack sets within the enclosure, with each rack set being comprised of one or more racks holding rack-mounted data processing equipment. A plurality of guides guide the motion of the rack sets between at least: a first position, that provides access by a person to the front and/or back of the racks in a rack set, and the equipment mounted in the racks; and a second position that does not provide such access. Each rack set is mounted to move as a unit along one or more of the guides. Mobile data center units can have a plurality of cooling or power units and control circuitry for sensing how much cooling or power the mobile data center unit need and selecting how many cooling or power units should be turned on as a result.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation of PCT application number PCT/AU2007/000053 filed on Jan. 15, 2007, having the title “Data Processing Apparatus” having DataTainer PTY LTD as its applications, and having the above named inventions as its inventors. This PCT application claims priority from Australian Patent Application Numbered 2006900335 filed on Jan. 23, 2006, having the same title and inventors, and from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Numbered 60/762,260, filed on Jan. 25, 2006, also having the same title and inventors 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to apparatus for providing data processing capabilities, and in particular to transportable apparatus for providing portable or fixed data processing capabilities. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. 
         [0004]    In a number of situations it is necessary to provide data processing capabilities in environments where service infrastructure, space or deployment-time is limited or otherwise compromised. This can occur, for example, in emergency relief situations where it is necessary to provide a data processing capabilities to coordinate rescue or aid teams, as well as to identify and process individuals affected by the emergency, such as refugees, disaster victims or the like. Other situational examples include rapid-deployment, for reasons of business or military logistics. Non-situational examples include regions which are chronically underdeveloped or have development compromised by long-term environmental changes or conflict. 
         [0005]    In such situations there is often no, or only limited, power available and it is therefore typical to use a low power battery operated device such as a laptop, PDA, or the like. However, this suffers from a number of disadvantages. For example, power sources are still required in order to recharge the batteries, and the data processing capabilities of such portable devices are typically limited thereby restricting the amount of processing that can be performed. 
         [0006]    Consequently, in many cases it is necessary to arrange for data to be transferred to another location to allow suitable processing. However, this may require complex communications technology, such as a satellite link, which can inturn require significant power. Additionally, this suffers from time lag caused in transferring data for processing. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, there is a need to provide a system that can be used for implementing data processing capabilities in remote or otherwise restricted environments. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention relates to a mobile data center unit. 
         [0009]    According to one embodiment of the invention the mobile data center unit comprises: a mobile weatherized enclosure; a plurality of rack sets mounted within the enclosure, with each rack set being comprised of one or more data processing equipment racks holding rack-mounted data processing equipment. A plurality of guides are provided for guiding the motion of the rack sets between at least: a first position, that provides access to the front and/or back of the racks in a rack set, and the equipment mounted in the racks, by a person; and a second position that does not provide such access. Each rack set is mounted to move as a unit along one or more of the guides. 
         [0010]    In such an embodiment a given rack set is mounted on rolling surfaces that reduce the force necessary to move it between the first and second positions. The motion of each rack set can be constrained by at least two vertically spaced guides, including one nearer the bottom, and one nearer the top, of each rack set. The guides can comprise linear motion bearings. One or more of the guides that guide the motion of a given rack set can include stops positioned to limit the range of motion of the given rack set. Flexible cables can be connected to each rack set, which have sufficient slack so as to stay connected to each rack set as the rack set is moved within its range of motion. A plurality of the cables can be bundled together to form flexible umbilicals to provided power and/or data to the rack sets, with at least one such umbilical connected to each rack set. A fluid channel for supplying a flow of cooling fluid, which can be air, to an associated rack set can be provided having a movable connection that can move with its associated rack set as the rack set is moved within its range of motion, so as to supply cooling fluid to the rack set at different positions within its range of motion. A lock can be provided for selectively fixing the position of a rack set relative to the limited range of motion. 
         [0011]    In some such embodiments the rack sets can be mounted so an individual rack set can be moved along one or more of the guides between the first and second positions so that in one of the first and second positions the rack sets sides is against an interior wall of the enclosure. 
         [0012]    Two of the racks sets can be moved along the guides to (a) positions where they are too close together for a person to stand between them; and (b) positions that do allow a person to stand between them to access equipment in one or more of the two rack sets. 
         [0013]    In some such embodiments the weatherized enclosure includes an expandable portion that enables the volume of the data center unit to be expanded. For example, the expandable portion can include tenting made of a combination of flexible and rigid materials, which expands the volume of the enclosure to create an air lock that protect air in the enclosure from airborne contaminants as people enter and/or exit the enclosure 
         [0014]    In some such embodiments the weatherized enclosure is a shipping container; and the shipping container includes: a 1 st  portion in which the rack sets are mounted; at least one 2 nd  portion containing equipment for providing power and/or cooling to the mobile data center unit; and a fireproof wall between the 1 st  portion and at least one 2 nd  portion. 
         [0015]    According to another aspect of the invention the mobile data center unit comprises: a mobile weatherized enclosure; a plurality of rack sets, each comprised of one or more data processing equipment racks holding rack-mounted data processing equipment, mounted within the enclosure; a plurality of cooling units for removing thermal energy from the data center unit; and control circuitry for sensing how much thermal energy needs to be removed from the mobile data center unit and selecting how many of the cooling units should be turned on as a function of the thermal energy removal needs. 
         [0016]    In some such embodiments the data center unit can include an electric generator which generates waste heat; the cooling units can include at least one absorption chiller, that can use the waste heat to power its cooling; and the control system can takes into account whether the generator is operating when selecting if the absorption chiller should be turned on. 
         [0017]    In some such embodiments the weatherized enclosure has an inner and outer wall and thermal insulation between them. 
         [0018]    According to another aspect of the invention the mobile data center unit comprises: a mobile weatherized enclosure; a plurality of rack sets, each comprised of one or more data processing equipment racks holding rack-mounted data processing equipment, mounted within the enclosure; a plurality of devices for generating electric power; and control circuitry for sensing how much power is being demanded by equipment in the mobile data center unit and selecting how many of the devices for generating electric power should be turned on as a function of the demand. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:— 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of an example of data processing apparatus; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of an example of a processing system for use in the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a flow chart of an example of the control process performed by the processing system of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4A  is a schematic plan view of a second example of a data processing apparatus; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4B  is a schematic cross sectional view of the data processing apparatus of  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5A  is a schematic plan view of a first example of a rack arrangement; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5B  is a schematic plan view of a second example of a rack arrangement; 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of an absorption chiller; and, 
           [0028]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are schematic diagrams of an example of a tent arrangement. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0029]    An example of apparatus for providing data processing capabilities will now be described with reference to  FIG. 1 . 
         [0030]    In this example the apparatus is formed from a container  100 , such as a shipping container or the like, having an outer wall  101  and a dividing wall  102 , which operates to define a plant compartment  103  and a data processing compartment  104 . Access to each of the plant compartment  103  and the data processing compartment  104  can be provided via respective doors  105 ,  106 . 
         [0031]    The plant compartment  103  typically includes a control system  110 , a power management system  120  and a climate control system  130 . The data processing compartment  104  includes data processing units shown generally at  140 , as well as an access space  141  to allow physical access to the data processing units. 
         [0032]    The data processing units  140  may be formed from a combination of one or more data processing devices, but typically include a number of servers or other processing systems, configured to provide required data processing capabilities. 
         [0033]    In use, the power is supplied to the processing units  140  using the power management system  120 . The power management system  120  may utilise one or more of a number of different power supply mechanisms depending on the circumstances in which the system is to be used, and the resources available. Thus, for example, power can be obtained via an external power supply, such as mains electricity, if this is available. Additionally, or alternatively, the power management system  120  can utilise a generator, batteries, solar panels, or the like, to provide electricity when external supplies are unavailable, or provide insufficient power. This allows the data processing systems to be used in a variety of remote environments. 
         [0034]    Typically the processing units  140  will generate a significantly amount of heat and it is therefore important to ensure the data compartment  104  is adequately cooled. Similarly, in some environments, humidity and airborne contaminants, such as dust, can represent a major problem. Accordingly the climate control system  130  is adapted to maintain the data compartment  104  within a predetermined climate range. 
         [0035]    To achieve this, the climate control system  130  typically includes air conditioning equipment of one form or another, as well as air filtration and/or air scrubbing systems, to ensure the air is not overly contaminated with dust or the like. In general, the climate control system  130  operates to monitor the climate within the data compartment  104  and supply appropriately conditioned air via a suitable ducting system. This control can be a simple thermostatic control system, or may utilise more complex control mechanisms depending on the implementation. 
         [0036]    It will be appreciated that the configuration of the power management and climate control systems  120 ,  130  can be customised depending on the circumstances in which the apparatus is to be used. This can be achieved for example by providing specific component configurations based on the intended use, and/or by providing appropriate control of the power management and climate control systems  120 ,  130 , using the control system  110 . 
         [0037]    The control system  110  is also typically capable of monitoring operation of the apparatus and controlling the operation of the power management and climate control systems  120 ,  130 , as well as the processing units  140 , as required. This can be performed by any suitable form of control system, but is typically achieved using one or more processing systems implementing appropriate control algorithms. 
         [0038]    An example processing system is shown in  FIG. 2 . In this example the processing system  200  is formed from a processor  210 , a memory  211 , an input/output I/O device  212  such as a keyboard, mouse, display or the like, and an external interface  213 , interconnected via a bus  214 . 
         [0039]    In this example, the control system  110  is coupled to the power management system  120  and the climate control system  130 , as well as any additional sensors  215 , via the external interface  213 . The sensors  215  may include a range of different types of sensors, to allow the control system to monitor various operating parameters, such as the current processing unit utilisation, available power supplies, and the like. 
         [0040]    This allows the processing system  200  to receive data regarding the current operation of the power management and climate control systems  120 ,  130 , and provide any appropriate control signals required. This may be achieved using suitable control algorithms stored in the memory  211 . 
         [0041]    From this, it would be appreciated that the processing system  200  may be any suitable form of control system such as a computer system, laptop, desktop, standard rack-mountable server or data/voice/video communications equipment, custom hardware, PLC (programmable logic controller), or the like. 
         [0042]    An example control process implemented by the control system  110  will now be described with reference to  FIG. 3 . For the purpose of this example, the climate control system  130  operates based on a simple thermostatic control system, using a primary phase change cooling system and a back-up secondary system in case additional cooling is required. 
         [0043]    In this example, at step  300  the control system  110  determines data processing power requirements, which will depend, for example, on the number of processing units  140  that are required to operate. In one example, this can be controlled using server virtualization techniques, as will be described in more detail below. 
         [0044]    Simultaneously, at step  310 , the control system  110  monitors the climate control system to determine its current power usage requirements, based on the current load on the climate system, allowing total power management requirements to be calculated. 
         [0045]    At step  330 , the control system  110  determines power supply availability from the power management system  120 , and uses this information to determine if sufficient power can be provided to satisfy total power requirements at step  340 . If so the process can proceed to step  350 , to control the power management system  120  if required, for example, by selectively activating/deactivating one or more additional power supplies, such as back-up supplies, if required. 
         [0046]    If sufficient power cannot be provided, the control system  110  proceeds to step  360  to allow rescheduling of the data processing. Alternatively, or additionally, the control system  110  can operate to adjust the operation of the climate control system  130 , for example, to reduce the power supply requirements by altering the climate control mechanism used. 
         [0047]    It will be appreciated that the control system  110  can therefore control the various systems to balance the power supply requirements of both the climate control system  130  and the data processing units  140 . This allows the control system  110  to maximise the ability of the system to provide required data processing capabilities, whilst maintaining the required climate in the data compartment  104 , and using the available power supplies. 
         [0048]    It will be appreciated that operation of the climate control system  130  and the data processing units  140  will be interdependent. For example, if there is an increase in data processing requirements, this typically leads to an increase in the power required by the processing units  140 , as well as a consequent increase in temperature in the data compartment  104 . In turn, this increases cooling requirements, which can further increase power supply requirements. 
         [0049]    Additionally, the cooling mechanisms available may be dependent on the current power supply used. For example, if cooling is to be provided by way of an absorption chiller, as will be described in more detail below, this may require that the generator is operational or that a supplemental boiler is utilised. 
         [0050]    To take these issues into account, the control system  110  may include information, algorithms or other functions defining different operating scenarios. This information can specify for certain operating parameters, the cooling mechanism and power supply mechanisms that should be used. This information can be stored, for example, as a look-up table (LUT) in the memory  211 , so that the control system  110  can access the LUT and allow appropriate control to be provided, or as a traditional control system, a fuzzy logic control system, or a neural network control system. 
         [0051]    The use of controlling mechanisms described above can be implemented using similar arrangements to the “enterprise systems management platforms” such as the IBM Tivoli Framework, albeit extended to allow control of computing resources, power consumption, cooling and the like. 
         [0052]    A second specific example of a portable data processing apparatus will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 4A and 4B . In this example, similar reference numerals are used to denote similar features to the earlier examples. 
         [0053]    The container  400  includes an outer wall  401  and an inner wall  402 , having insulation  403  provided therebetween. This operates to insulate the internal environment, to thereby reduce the climate control requirements. The doors  105 ,  106  may also be provided in tents  405 ,  406  as shown. The tents act as airlocks, thereby helping to provide an additional level of environmental insulation. 
         [0054]    The control system  110  is formed from a master controller (MC)  410  and a container management system (CMS)  411 . In general each of the MC  410  and the CMS  411 , may be implemented by a respective processing system  200 , although other suitable control hardware may be used. 
         [0055]    The power management system  120  includes a generator  420 , a set of batteries  421  and optionally a roof mounted solar panels shown generally at  422 . The power management system is connected to the processing units via appropriate cables  423 ,  424  as will be described in more detail below. Connection (not shown) to an external power supply may also be provided. 
         [0056]    The climate control system  130  includes an evaporator  430 , an air filter system  431 , an absorber  432  and a compressor  433 . In use, the evaporator and the absorber  430 ,  432  can be used as an absorption chiller, whilst the compressor  433  can provide phase change air conditioning, and air filtering, as will be described in more detail below. 
         [0057]    Ducting  434 , having movable outlet vents  435 , is provided to allow conditioned air to be supplied from the climate control system  130 . Any number of ducts and vents can be provided and adjusted for various rack placement schemes such as hot/cold isles, and three vents  435  are shown for the purpose of example only. Similarly, whilst the duct  434  shown in  FIG. 4B  is coupled to the air filtration system  431  this is for the purpose of clarity only and the ducting  434  may be coupled to any one or more of the climate control system components as required. 
         [0058]    The data compartment  104  includes a ceiling framework apparatus  408  for supporting the cabling  423  and the ducting  434 . Racks  440 , having shelves  443 , are provided for housing the processing units  140 . The racks are movably mounted on floor mounted between rack tracks  441 , and corresponding ceiling mounted rack guides  442 , thereby allowing the racks  440  to be moved as shown by rack in dotted lines. This allows access to be provided to the processing units  140 , whilst maximising the volume of plant compartment that can be used for containing processing units  140 . 
         [0059]    In use, power is provided to the processing units  140  via the cabling  423 ,  424 , which in this example is shown coupled to the generator  420  for the purpose of clarity only. As shown in this example the cable  424  forms a flexible umbilical cable bundle that is capable of ensuring coupling between the power management system  120  and the racks  440  even when the racks are moved as shown by dotted lines. 
         [0060]    Each of the above described components and a specific example of their interoperation will now be described in more detail. 
       Container  400   
       [0061]    The container  400  can have exterior physical properties (i.e. dimensions, corner fittings, structural integrity, etc.) that are fully compliant with ISO specifications for 20′, 30′ and 40′ shipping containers. This allows for easy transport of the container  400  using existing transportation systems, thereby allowing the system to be readily shipped to remote areas as required. 
         [0062]    Thus, for example, when used in an emergency relief situation, the container  400  can be shipped together with other emergency supplies, allowing it to be provided onsite for controlling emergency supply distribution. 
         [0063]    Whereas a typical ISO shipping container is constructed with corrugated single sheet steel and unsealed doors, in one example, the container  400  is constructed with exterior structural material, such as steel or aluminium, to form the outer wall  401 . The inner wall  402  is used to retain the insulation  403  in place, and can therefore be formed from a lining or the like, or can alternatively also be formed from structural material, such as steel, although in general, the inner wall is not required to provide structural strength. It will be appreciated that this arrangement is particularly suited for extreme environments, such as high or low temperature environments. 
         [0064]    Further insulation can be provided using sealed doors  105 ,  106 , and external airlock tents  405 ,  406 . This arrangement also the benefit that access to the plant compartment  103  will not greatly affect the temperature in the data compartment  104 , and vice versa, thereby minimising internal environmental fluctuations. 
         [0065]    The exterior wall  401  may also be treated for protection against the elements before a final finish is applied. This can include, for example, the use of camouflage paint or armour, in the event that the system is used in a military context. 
         [0066]    The dividing wall  102  is typically formed from a fire-rated wall, to thereby separate the data compartment  104  and plant compartment  103 . This ensures that should a fire occur in the plant compartment  103 , this will not effect data or equipment housed in the data compartment  104 . 
         [0067]    While remaining in compliance with ISO specifications for external features (i.e. dimensions, corner fittings, structural integrity, etc.), multiple vents, access doors, panels and ports can be provided, including, but not limited to:
       plant and data compartment service doors;   plant compartment exhaust and air intake vents;   an external MC access panel;   an external mains power connection port (for example, with internally housed receptacles, eg. 3-phase 440V 30A receptacles, 10 ct); and,   a data connection port (for example, with internal jacks, eg. RJ45 for copper Cat-5e or Cat6, SC connectors for multi-mode fibre, etc.).       
 
         [0073]    A number of additional optional features may also be implemented depending on the intended use of the system, such as:
       external airlock tent;   side-telescoping or fold-out service corridor/annex tent for data compartment access;   water proofing (extra seals, etc.) to a particular height, for operation in standing water (from flooding, for example);   field-installable snorkels over vents and access panels for further water proofing;   external security monitoring systems (eg. sensors, cameras, etc.);   field-deployable satellite, microwave or other wireless communication system;   exterior final treatment with specialised solar-reflective coating;   exterior final treatment with camouflage paint or netting; and,   exterior amour.       
 
         [0083]    The tent arrangement can also be extended to provide additional space, for example, to allow users work space, or the like. An example tent arrangement is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . In this example, the tent  706  extends along the length of the data compartment  104 , as shown, to thereby provide the additional working space. 
         [0084]    As shown in  FIG. 6B , the tent is formed from a fold-out roof section  701 , and a fold-out floor section  702 , having feet  703 . During transport the fold-out roof and floor sections  701 ,  702  can be folded against the side of the container  400 , being folded out, as shown in dotted lines at  704 ,  705 , when the system is being used. In this instance, the roof will typically clip into place using an appropriate locking mechanism (not shown), to retain the roof in place, whilst the feet  703  extend downwards as shown in  FIG. 7A  to support the floor  702 . Suitable material  707  can then be attached to the floor and roof as required to form the tent  706 , as shown. 
       Data Compartment  104   
       [0085]    The data compartment  104  can be sealed to allow it to be pressurised with a positive air pressure to help reduce environmental contamination, for example, from dust and the like. Additionally, air quality can be further maintained by having the air cooled and filtered by the climate control system  130 . 
         [0086]    The container walls  401 ,  402 , provide acoustic and thermal insulation, whilst an internal static electricity control system can be provided through the use of anti-static floor tiles. 
         [0087]    One or more additional optional features may be implemented, such as:
       static electricity discharge stations with tethers at each service door;   data compartment personnel and/or storage space (may reduce rack space; eg. work bench, desk, storage cabinet, etc.); and,   internal security monitoring systems (eg. sensors, cameras, etc.).       
 
         [0091]    It will be appreciated that the processing units  140  may provide any form of data processing capabilities, depending on the desired use. Example configurations include:
       mid density (standard): balanced storage, CPU and network throughput;   low density: reduced power use or increased service space (eg. to allow inclusion of a workbench or desk);   high density: CPU optimised; and,   high density: storage optimised.       
 
       Racks  440   
       [0096]    In one example, the racks are in the form of standard width “19-inch” racks for rack-mountable equipment, in vertical increments of standard rack units (RU), with approximately 40 RU spaces per rack. Individual rows of racks may vary in depth (eg. 600 mm, 700 mm, etc.), to be specified at build-time. All racks can include an integrated cable management system. 
         [0097]    The rack configuration is typically designed to maximise the use of space with complimentary ceiling-hanging flexible power and data cabling umbilicals and ventilation ducts and vents with adjustable placement to maximise cooling efficacy and efficiency. 
         [0098]    The use of a rack based compression system can provide multiple configurations for three modes of operation:
       normal position (periodically spaced rack rows) for most efficient cooling;   service positions (at least one for each rack row) for rack front and back access; and,   transportation positions with lock-down and space for re-packaged equipment or supplemental cargo.       
 
         [0102]    A number of different rack configurations may be used, as will now be described with respect to  FIGS. 5A and 5B . 
         [0103]    The example of  FIG. 5A  includes five rows of three racks  440  each. The rack rows are placed adjacent to the wall opposite the door  106  and move in the direction of the arrows  500 , along the length of the data compartment  104 , using rack-mounted steel roller bearings, or the like, running over the floor tracks  441  and the guide rails  442 . 
         [0104]    Racks rows are positioned with pins and secured with bolts, both running through the roller bearing rail and into the steel track secured on the floor. 
         [0105]    However, alternative configurations can be used, such as row configurations with, for example, two long rows running along the length of the data compartment, with the racks moveable in the direction of the arrows  501 , as shown in  FIG. 5B . 
         [0106]    It will be appreciated that the number of rows may be varied depending on the size of the container  400  and the data compartment  104 , or by altering the depth of the racks in each row (eg. six rows and a mixed configuration may be achieved with four 400 mm depth racks and two 600 mm depth racks). Similarly alternative compression system mechanisms, or no compression mechanism with racks fixed in place, can be used, and the rack depth may be adjustable by use of a telescoping system. Furthermore, whilst the above description focuses on the use of standard size racks, any suitable rack configuration can be used. 
       Cabling 
       [0107]    In one example, cabling management is used to provide specified power and data cabling to each rack through per-rack flexible umbilical cable bundles, and per-rack cable management. The cabling will typically be adapted to provide, for each rack unit  444 :
       a single 120/240V 250W/500W (mean/peak) power lead with standard 3-prong plug; and,   two Cat5e data leads with RJ45 connectors terminating (also with RJ45 connectors) at a top 4RU space designed for a network switching and/or routing equipment.
 
Typically, this will include, for each rack  440 :
   single flexible power bundle containing cabling for 4-6 single phase 120/240V circuits; and,   single flexible data bundle containing four multi-mode fibre leads terminated with connectors at the top 4RU network space.       
 
         [0112]    However, any suitable connections and cabling may be used. 
       Plant Compartment  103   
       [0113]    Typically equipment housed in the plant compartment  103  is placed to maximise the use of space and allow for adequate serviceability. The plant compartment is also typically acoustically baffled and actively fan-ventilated with outdoor air. 
       Power Management System  120   
       [0114]    The integrated power management system is designed with several operating and backup modes, facility for multiple input power sources, facility for several power storage systems, and provides conditioned power with maximum efficiency during normal operation. 
         [0115]    Power sources can include but are not limited to an external mains supply, solar panels  422  and the generator  420 , while temporary backup can be provided by batteries  421  or by batteries distributed throughout racks  440 . Power is typically conditioned to ensure proper operation of data compartment equipment; with operation being coordinated and monitored with the MC  410 . 
         [0116]    A number of alternative configurations can be used however, depending on the intended utilisation of the system, including for example:
       an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system;   a configuration without UPS or battery backup;   a configuration without local power generation;   ultra low power (solar power, for extreme remote or economy operation);   a diesel generator for backup or main operation;   a gas turbine power generator with mains natural gas, CNG, LPG or Hydrogen gas;   fuel cell power generator with natural gas, Hydrogen gas, ethanol, methanol, CNG, LPG or other hydrogen or hydrocarbon source;   local hydrogen or hydrocarbon fuel generation (electrical or heat catalytic) and storage for use with fuel cell system (including rainwater collection and storage system); and,   solar supplemental power generation to augment other power supplies;       
 
         [0126]    The system may also implement a power-up sequence to meet total power use specifications which is to be implemented by an appropriate network management system, the MC, or UPS control system, as required. This may be provided together with a per-rack power distribution controller for sequenced power-up and individual remote RU power up or down. 
         [0127]    Climate Control System  130   
         [0128]    The integrated cooling system can include a range of cooling mechanisms, including passive solar, ventilation, air-to-air heat exchange, absorption cooling, and traditional phase change cooling. 
         [0129]    Typically the system uses a primary and back-up system using redundant independent thermostatic control with the primary system typically set to a range of 20-21° C. and the backup system set to a range of 22-23° C. Return air ducting is strategically placed on the ceiling to provide optimal air flow and cooling. A HEPA air filtration system is integrated into the ducting system. A bypass for outdoor air is used to create a small positive pressure. 
         [0130]    The primary cooling system of data compartment is a phase change cooling system, backup for which is provided by an absorption cooling system. An example of an absorption cooling system will now be described with reference to  FIG. 6 . 
         [0131]    In particular, the system uses the evaporator  430 , which has an inlet  632  and an outlet  633 . The evaporator  430  is coupled to the absorber  432 , via a pipe  635 , which is in turn connected to a heating system  636  via pipes  637 A,  637 B as shown. A pipe  641 , having an inlet  642 , and an outlet  643  receives heat in the form of waste gases from the generator  420 , as shown at  640 , and transfers this to a heat exchanger  636 . The heat exchanger  636  is connected to a condenser  638  via a pipe  639 . The condenser  638  typically generates waste heat as shown at  644  and is also coupled to the evaporator  430  via a pipe  645 . 
         [0132]    The system utilises a solution formed form a combination of a refrigerant and an absorber in order to provide heat transfer mechanisms, as will now be described. Typically the solution is either a water/lithium bromide or an ammonia/water combination as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. 
         [0133]    In use, the evaporator  430  operates to receive liquid refrigerant from the condenser  638 , via the pipe  645 . The refrigerant is provided into a low-pressure environment within the evaporator  430 , and evaporates, thereby extracting heat from air supplied to the inlet  632 , via an appropriate heat exchanger. The chilled air is then output via the outlet  633 , to the duct  434 , whilst the evaporated refrigerant is transferred via the pipe  635  to the absorber  432 , where it is absorbed by a refrigerant-depleted solution. 
         [0134]    The solution is transferred via the pipe  637 A to the heat exchanger  636 , which operates to heat the solution using fluid in the pipe  641 , thereby causing the refrigerant to be evaporated. The remaining refrigerant-depleted solution returns to the absorber  432  via the pipe  637 B, whilst the vaporised refrigerant is transferred via the pipe  639  to the condenser  638 . The vaporised refrigerant is allowed to condense with waste heat being output at  644  before being transferred via the pipe  645  to the evaporator  430 , thereby allowing the cycle to be repeated. 
         [0135]    In addition to the features outlined above, a number of additional optional climate control features can be implemented, such as:
       an air-to-air heat exchanger;   roof-mounted fold-out side shade flaps;   natural or artificial shade barriers (trees, screens, etc.);   active supplemental solar cooling; and,   supplemental purpose-use boiler for absorption cooling only.       
 
         [0141]    Additionally, in-floor ducting and vents can be provided together with a shutter system to restrict airflow to special narrow vents for temporary operation in service configuration. 
         [0142]    In this example, the racks can be designed to enhance airflow from underneath each rack to the front and back of each rack. The absorption cooling component can also be adapted to provide 100% primary or backup to electrically powered phase change cooling in the data compartment. 
       Plant Compartment Cooling 
       [0143]    The plant compartment  103  is designed to be cooled with outdoor air ventilation when the generator is not in use and with absorption cooling when the generator is in use or if the compartment overheats. 
         [0144]    The energy required for basic absorption cooling is provided by surplus heat from the generator and is used to cool the generator, plus provide supplemental cooling to the data compartment, thereby reducing power requirements of the data compartment cooling system. 
       Container Management System  411   
       [0145]    In the above-described example, the CMS  411  can be used to monitor key plant components and vital statistics, and report faults via a customer-provided gateway such as IMPI, SNMP, or simpler SMTP. In one example, the CMS includes a Linux-based controller which interfaces via serial or Ethernet connections to management/monitor modules on individual components such as the generator, AC systems, etc. An external data port can be provided adjacent to the CMS  411  for allowing external connectivity. 
         [0146]    However, any suitable arrangement may be used, including, for example, system integration with existing network management systems. 
         [0147]    In one example, the container  400  can include independent fire suppression systems for the plant compartment and the data compartment, such as gas based suppression systems. Such systems would typically be controlled by the CMS  411 . The CMS  411  can also monitor and schedule servicing and maintenance for all included equipment and other moving parts. 
         [0148]    Power management and service schedule management of the processing units  140  can be enhanced through the use of server virtualization technologies traditionally used primarily for server consolidation (eg. virtual machines, hypervisors, clustering systems, message passing systems, etc.). 
         [0149]    In one example, the use of virtualization to manage power includes switching off processing units during periods of underutilisation. This is possible because virtualization allows the “processing unit” which is visible to applications and users to be a collection of individual units from a pool, where units can enter or leave the active pool without applications or users taking notice. 
         [0150]    An example of the use of virtualization to manage service schedule management includes remote recovery from component failures and replacement of failed parts deferred to regularly scheduled times by removing affected units from the active pool. Service and maintenance schedules for, including service for unscheduled failures, may be also be synchronised with plant compartment service schedules. 
       Shipping and Deployment 
       [0151]    In one example, the container is shipped independently of the processing units  140 , with the deployment and final systems integration for non-hardened customer-provided equipment occurring on site. During this process, the tents  405 ,  406  can be used to provide an airlock between the container  400  and the delivery container/trailer, to help provide protection from the elements, including dust, rain and heat. 
         [0152]    However, alternatively, hardened equipment may be installed in the container  400  prior to shipping. 
         [0153]    Interior space permitting, field-installable external apparatus (such as optional solar array or wireless communications equipment) may be stowed internally for shipping. 
         [0154]    It will be appreciated that wheels, axles, lights and other fixtures may be permanently attached to the apparatus in consideration of continued transportability and/or local government classifications, requirements and regulations. 
       Use 
       [0155]    Accordingly, the above described system provides a configurable and self-contained “data processing system” packaged in a purpose-built container for field deployment which can be ISO standard size (1 Oft, 20 ft, 30 ft or 40 ft), pallet size, or any other suitable size. 
         [0156]    The container design and integrated systems management provides high reliability with a long service life, maximised power efficiency, and field serviceability balanced with optimised component density. The container is designed to allow for rapid-deploy (and rapid-redeploy) permanent or semi-permanent installations (fixed, for example via bolts through corner castings or guy wires), while remaining cost-competitive with fixed data centre infrastructure and operations. 
         [0157]    The system can be used in applications spanning multiple industries, including any corporation, organisation, project, government body or defence with data processing, media, or communications needs. This provides an ideal solution for capacity planning (eg. carpark overflow of fixed data centres, data warehousing, etc.), continuity planning (eg. backup &amp; disaster recovery), remote deployment (eg. branch offices, conventions and special events, etc.), military field deployment, and emergency deployment. However, it will be appreciated that the system can be used in any circumstances in which there is a need for data processing capabilities. 
         [0158]    Accordingly, the above described apparatus can provide an integrated self-contained transportable and modular (dual-mode, temporary or fixed) data processing centre that is capable of providing many or all of the features normally provided by a full-scale data centre, whilst maximising the use of energy and space. 
         [0159]    Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope that the invention broadly appearing before described.