Container Data Center — Prefabricated IT Capacity in a Container

A container data center is a data hall built inside an ISO container or a similar steel module. It includes racks, cooling, power distribution, UPS, fire suppression and monitoring. The module is factory-built, tested and shipped as a unit.

It is used for rapid deployment, temporary capacity, remote sites, military and disaster recovery. The ISO footprint simplifies transport by truck or ship and reduces on-site construction.

A 20 ft container typically holds 5 to 10 racks; a 40 ft container holds 10 to 20 racks. Racks are usually 600 mm or 800 mm wide and 1,200 mm deep, with a 1,200 mm aisle. The container includes a service aisle, a cooling area and a power room.

Confirm the internal dimensions, the door opening and the transport route. A 40 ft container needs a clear route, a crane or a heavy forklift, and a foundation designed for the weight.

A container module typically includes an integrated UPS, switchgear, busway and row or perimeter cooling. A 40 ft module can support 200 kW to 500 kW of IT load, depending on the cooling and power configuration.

Containment and a sealed envelope allow a higher supply temperature and a PUE of about 1.2 to 1.5. Free cooling is possible in suitable climates. For critical sites, use N+1 or 2N power and cooling.

Typical lead time is 8 to 16 weeks after drawing approval, depending on the module and the power/cooling configuration. Site work includes the foundation, module placement, power and network connection, cooling commissioning and integrated testing.