WO2024110762A1

WO2024110762A1 - Improvements in and relating to data centre construction

Info

Publication number: WO2024110762A1
Application number: PCT/GB2023/053066
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aaron FAVILL; Ashley RICHARDS
Original assignee: Pripco Ltd
Current assignee: Pripco Ltd
Priority date: 2022-11-25
Filing date: 2023-11-24
Publication date: 2024-05-30
Anticipated expiration: 2025-05-25
Also published as: GB2625510B; GB202217690D0; GB2625510A

Abstract

A chassis system (101) for a data centre building, a bracket (111) for fastening chassis units (103) together, a chassis unit (103) comprising such brackets (111), and a method of constructing a data centre building is disclosed. The chassis system (101) may comprise a plurality of chassis units (103) fastened together using brackets (111). The brackets (111) may depend from the chassis units (103), and as well as fastening chassis units (103) together may also be configured is configured to support (1) drop members (113) for suspending data centre components from the ceiling structure, and/or (2) a beam (220) of a slot-channel frame system.

Description

Improvements in and relating to data centre construction

Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns equipment for, and a method of constructing, a data centre. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns components for data centre buildings, for example provided in sectional form.

Background of the Invention

A data centre is understood to be a large group of networked computer servers, typically provided in a dedicated space within a building. For example, a modern data centre may include high density, high capacity IT systems in a specialist, dedicated space having a carefully controlled environment. A state of the art data centre may include multiple data halls each containing hundreds or even thousands of computer servers, typically contained in racks arranged in rows. In general, each server is provided with electrical power and a network connection. During operation, components of servers typically generate heat, which should be dissipated to avoid overheating and damage to equipment. Organisations, and also individuals, treat data centres as mission-critical facilities, meaning that even short periods of downtime due to equipment malfunction is not tolerated. With the increase in demand for 'cloud' computing services, there is a need not only for additional data centre facilities, but also higher capacity facilities. Alongside increases in computing power of individual servers, the number of servers in each rack, and the number of racks in each data hall increases with each new generation of data centres.

Data centres are sophisticated installations usually requiring high levels of accuracy in construction. Such requirements can make deployment of new facilities costly and time consuming. Traditionally, data centre facilities have been built using conventional construction methods, where a bespoke building shell is constructed first, and then fitted out with the necessary services and equipment on-site. In some instances, sophisticated 'volumetric' modular systems have been developed where modules of a data centre are factory-finished off-site, then transported to site where all that is required is to connect modules together. An example of such a system is described in W02010139921 (Bripco BVBA). W02010139921 also describes an especially energy efficient data centre layout, in which the data centre is subdivided into segregated hot and cold zones, including alternating hot and cold aisles separated by rows of server cabinets. Each cold aisle is supplied with cooling air from a cold air corridor, that also functions as a personnel access corridor, that leads from an air handling unit. Another type of data centre is disclosed in W02013021182 (Bripco BVBA). A construction method is disclosed comprising the steps of: providing at least one ceiling portion, providing a plurality of supporting members, mounting services on the at least one ceiling portion, arranging the at least one ceiling portion and the plurality of supporting members into a first volume, transporting the ceiling portion and supporting members so arranged, and assembling the ceiling portion and supporting members to form a section of a data centre, the section so formed having a second volume. A further type of system is the 'plug and play' kit of parts disclosed in WO2017129448 (Bripco BVBA). WO2017129448 discloses a kit of parts that can be used to rapidly and efficiently convert an existing building into a data centre, by componentising the parts needed to equip a data hall.

Various measures have been used to compare and contrast modern data centres, including the number of servers, building area, and power consumption. According to Data Centre Magazine, a hyperscale data centre should exceed 5,000 servers and 10,000 square feet, and the three largest data centre facilities in the world have total areas exceeding 7 million square feet. Hyperscale data centres often include multiple data halls, each being a single continuous space for accommodating servers. An individual data hall may include IT servers having a total power consumption of 3 MW or more. Racks, or cabinets, housing servers are typically arranged in rows separated by personnel aisles. In order to make efficient use of space, racks have become larger, and aisles longer. As data halls increase in size and density of IT equipment, different options are explored to provide low resistance airflow in hot and cold regions of the data centre.

A challenge in delivering such large installations quickly and efficiently is how to further reduce time taken to complete on-site commissioning. Even where major components of a structure are manufactured off-site and factory finished, there remains the step of assembling the components on site. Furthermore, it is often the case that racks of IT equipment are installed after the building structure is assembled, and building operators wish to have some flexibility to add, adjust and relocate services after assembly. One way to provide that flexibility is to equip ceilings in the data centre building with a primary support framing system, such as a slot channel system (e.g. 'unistrut') from which a variety of components can be suspended. In conventional building construction, the installation of primary supports can be very time-consuming.

There remains a need for new designs of components for the cost-effective, rapid and high precision construction of a high efficiency modern data centre. The present invention seeks to mitigate various problems of the prior art. Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved components for a data centre installation, and method of construction.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides, according to a first aspect, a chassis system for forming a section of a data centre building, such as a chassis system according to the claims. Preferably, the chassis system comprises a plurality of chassis units secured together to form a ceiling structure supported above a floor. Optionally, each chassis unit has an underside facing the floor, a length, and first and second opposed side edges parallel to the length. Preferably, at least one side edge of each chassis unit abuts a side edge of a neighbouring chassis unit at a side join. Optionally, multiple brackets depend from the underside of each chassis unit, the brackets optionally being brackets having a C-shaped channel in cross-section (e.g. C- brackets), for example being made up of spaced apart top and bottom portions joined together by a middle portion. It will be understood that a C-shaped channel forms the outline similar to that of the letter C when viewed in cross-section. Preferably the top portion of each bracket is fixed to the underside of the chassis unit. Optionally, the multiple brackets comprise a plurality of pairs of brackets. Optionally, each pair of brackets comprises a first bracket located at the first side edge of the chassis unit and a second bracket located at the second side edge of the chassis unit, the first and second brackets being positioned at an equal distance along the length of the chassis unit and with the channel of the first bracket facing the channel of the second bracket. It will be appreciated that when a chassis unit is viewed in cross-section, such an arrangement of brackets with C-shaped channels would have a first bracket on the left side with a channel in the shape of a letter C, and a second bracket on the right side with a channel in the shape of a reversed letter C. Optionally, each pair of brackets is positioned to align with a corresponding pair of brackets on said neighbouring chassis unit. Preferably, the middle portions of aligned adjacent brackets on neighbouring chassis units abut each other and are fastened together thereby securing the neighbouring chassis units together. Optionally, each pair of brackets is configured to support drop members for suspending data centre components from the ceiling structure, optionally wherein the bottom portions of the brackets are sized and configured for attachment of the drop members. Additionally or alternatively, each pair of brackets is configured to support a beam of a slot-channel frame system, optionally wherein the channel of the first bracket is sized and configured to receive a first end of said beam, and the channel of the second bracket is configured to receive an opposed second end of said beam. It will be appreciated that a bracket is sized and configured to receive an end of a beam when, for example, the top and bottom portions are spaced apart by a distance equal to or larger than the cross-sectional height of the end of the beam. For example, the bracket is sized and configured to receive an end of a 12 Gauge Standard back-to-back strut, also known as a back-to-back Deep Slotted Channel.

Such a beam has a width of about 41 mm and a height of about 83 mm. For example, the bracket may be sized and configured to receive a portion of said beam when the channel has a height of at least about 9 cm, such as at least about 11 cm (e.g. about 9 cm to about 18 cm, such as about 11 cm to about 15 cm), and optionally when the channel has a depth of at least about 4 cm, such as at least about 5 cm (e.g. about 4 cm to about 9 cm, such as about 5 cm to about 7 cm). Optionally, the bracket consists of the top, middle and bottom portions. Slot-channel frame systems are widely used in modern building to provide fixing points for numerous relatively lightweight components, such as ceiling tiles, lighting systems, ventilation systems and cable trays. An example of a suitable slot-channel system is the Unistrut® system. It has been found that the chassis system of the first aspect of the invention allows for an especially effective and efficient construction, commissioning and maintenance of a data centre. In particular, it has been found that a system comprising multi-purpose brackets that secure neighbouring chassis units together when brackets are fastened together, while also providing support for drop members and/or beams of slot-channel frame systems. That dual function provides significant savings both on materials and in installation time (since one bracket that need be fitted only once is fulfilling multiple roles). It has also been found that such a system allows the structure of a data centre building to be built up from a plurality of components that can be factory finished prior to arrival on site. Centralised factory manufacture provides a controlled environment and access to an experienced and highly skilled workforce, as well as allowing components to be constructed and tested while other works (such as ground preparation) take place on site.

Optionally, the brackets of each chassis unit collectively have a load capacity of at least 2.5 kN/m², for example at least 3 kN/m². It will be appreciated that the individual load capacity of a bracket can be varied depending on the number of brackets provided per square meter, and that brackets have a 'collective' load capacity when the plurality of brackets on a chassis unit work together to provide such a capacity.

Optionally, the data centre building is a multi-level data centre building comprising a plurality of data levels, each data level accommodating at least twenty rack storage areas positioned on a floor, each rack storage area being arranged to accommodate a row of at least ten server racks, the rack storage areas separating alternating hot aisles and cold aisles. Each data level comprises said ceiling structure formed from a plurality of chassis units. The plurality of data levels includes a first data level, and a second data level positioned above the first data level. Optionally, the ceiling structure of the first data level forms the floor of the second data level. It has been found that such a data centre building structure is especially effective and allows for particularly efficient manufacture and construction. In particular, forming the ceiling structure from chassis units allows the structure to be built up from a plurality of components that can be factory finished prior to arrival on site. It will be understood that a rack storage area is a space sized and configured to accommodate the row of server racks, for example a row of at least 20 server racks. Optionally, the server racks that may be accommodated are 42U or larger server racks, meaning racking capable of holding 42 or more servers. In an air-cooled data centre, IT equipment (which becomes hot during use) is cooled by contact with cooling air. Such cooling air may be supplied by one or more air handling units. As used herein: a 'cold aisle' of an operational data centre is a space adjacent a row of racks (for example between opposed rows of racks) from which rack-mounted IT equipment is able to draw cooling air; a 'hot aisle’ is a space adjacent a row of racks (for example between opposed rows of racks) into which rack-mounted IT equipment is able to expel warm air. Typically, operational efficiency is improved by segregating hot aisles and cold aisles, thereby avoiding cooling air in a cold aisle mixing with warm air from a hot aisle before being used to cool IT equipment. It will be appreciated that the ceiling structure is a structural component of the building, for example being a loadbearing structure of the building. Load-bearing chassis units are also disclosed in W02013021182 (Bripco BVBA), the contents of which are incorporated by reference. Specifically, that document discloses chassis units that form the structure of a building and carry various data centre services. Optionally, said plurality of data levels comprises a third data level positioned above the second data level.

Optionally, the ceiling structure of the second data level forms the floor of the third data level. It will be appreciated that there may be further data levels, such as a fourth, fifth, sixth etc. data level, with corresponding arrangements of the ceiling structure.

Optionally, each chassis unit is supported above the floor by a plurality of support posts. It will be understood that each support post may be formed form a single piece of material, such as a metal (e.g. steel) beam, or multiple pieces secured together (such as multiple metal, e.g. steel, beams welded, bolted or otherwise fastened together). Optionally, each support post supports a portion of at least one chassis unit of the ceiling structure of a first data level and a portion of at least one chassis unit of the ceiling structure of a second data level. For example, each support post may supports a portion of two or more chassis units of the ceiling structure of a first data level and two or more chassis units of the ceiling structure of a second data level. Optionally, each chassis unit of the ceiling structure of a first data level is supported by four or more support posts that also support a chassis unit of the ceiling structure of a second data level. It will be understood that each support post may support at least a portion of two or more, such as four, chassis units of each ceiling structure, for example wherein the support post is positioned at the intersecting corners of at least two, e.g. four, chassis units. Optionally, when the data centre building comprises more than two data levels, the support posts each support at least a portion of at least one chassis unit of the ceiling structure of each data level. For example, the support posts may extend through two or more, such as all, data levels. Optionally, the chassis units are bolted or otherwise fastened to the support posts, optionally via one or more brackets. For example, the side and/or end beams of the chassis units are secured to the support posts. It will be appreciated that when brackets are used, such brackets may for example be bolted to the chassis and the post, or welded to one of the chassis or the post and bolted to the other (preferably welded to the post and bolted to the chassis, such as to a beam of the chassis).

Optionally, each pair of brackets is so configured to support said drop members and said beam either simultaneously or separately, e.g. simultaneously. It will be understood that such brackets are sized and configured so that each bracket can be used to support a drop member and/or a portion of a beam depending on the needs of the user. It has been found that brackets that are so configured with dual function provide an especially convenient and efficient attachment system. For example, it may be that one design of bracket can be installed throughout the chassis system, thus allowing choice over where to locate drop members and/or beams.

Optionally, each bracket has a middle portion comprising a through-hole for accommodating a bolt. Preferably, aligned adjacent brackets are fastened together by a bolt extending through the through-holes and held in place by one or more nuts. It has been found that such bolt fixings can be used to conveniently pull adjacent chassis units tightly together. Such bolting together of neighbouring chassis units allow units to provide a ceiling structure that behaves as a continuous block, thereby providing an effective fire barrier and/or air barrier while also acting as a rigid, high-strength block. For example, when the side beams are I-beams, bolting together the brackets may pull the bottom flange of adjacent side beams together, closing and sealing the join between adjacent beams. As well as providing a robust air-seal and fire barrier, such a configuration may allow the beams to present a flat soffit giving a high quality finish to the building. Optionally the bottom portion of each bracket comprises a through-hole for attachment to one of said drop members and/or one end of the beam of the slot-channel frame system. It has been found that such a through-hole can provide an especially convenient fixing point.

Optionally, each chassis unit comprises side beams extending along the side edges, for example wherein a top portion of each bracket is fixed to one of said side beams. Optionally said top portion is welded to one of said side beams. A welded connection may provide an especially resilient join. It has been found that side beams can help strengthen and stiffen chassis units along joins. Optionally, the side beams are load-bearing structural beams that provide the main structural support for the chassis unit along its length. Optionally, the side beams are fabricated from metal, such as steel. For example, the beams are rolled steel joists. Optionally, the side beams are I-beams, for example having an I-shape in cross-section (that-is, the shape as the capital letter i). Such beams are also known as universal beams, and/or 'H' beams. For example, each beam may comprise a top flange spaced apart from a bottom flange, and a middle flange (also referred to as a web) joining the top flange to the bottom flange. Preferably each flange is planar, the top and bottom flanges are parallel and the middle flange is perpendicular. Optionally, each chassis unit has end beams extending along the ends of the chassis unit. For example, each chassis unit may have a 'ring beam' structure, where beams extending along the sides and ends are joined together to form an outer framework. Optionally, each chassis unit has a planar shape, for example taking the form of a continuous solid panel. Optionally, each chassis unit comprises a plurality of cross-beams extending between opposed sides or ends (preferably sides), for example to support a covering that extends across the space between the side and/or end beams. It may be that such a ring beam structure provides a particularly rigid and strong construction.

Optionally, each chassis unit is arranged end to end with an adjacent chassis unit. In such an arrangement, it may be that chassis units are arranged in complementary pairs. Optionally, such end to end arranged chassis units are spaced apart, for example having an insert bridging the gap between their ends. Optionally, the facing ends of such end to end arranged chassis units abut and are secured to a plurality of support posts (such as two support posts), for example so that said support posts support said ends of the chassis units. Optionally, such end to end adjacent chassis units are secured to and positioned on opposite sides of at least one, preferably two or more, support posts. For example, said support posts are sandwiched between the facing ends of the chassis units.

Optionally, each chassis unit has a width of from about 2.5m to about 3.5m, such as about 2.5m to about 3m. It may be that such a width allows for particularly convenient transport. Optionally, each chassis unit has a width equal to or less than the maximum permitted width for conventional road transport (e.g. in the UK, Europe, the US, Canada or Australia), for example without requiring special measures for 'oversize' loads. In the UK in 2022, a width of up to 2.9m is permitted for normal loads. Optionally, all chassis units have an equal width. It may be that such an arrangement allows for particularly efficient manufacture and building layout flexibility. Optionally, chassis units have a length of from about 8m to about 20m, for example from about 10m to about 16m.

Optionally, the data centre building comprises a plurality of racks of IT equipment accommodated in rack storage areas. Preferably, each rack holds at least 20, such as at least 30, items of rack-mountable IT equipment. Optionally, the racks together with air entrainment panels segregate hot and cold aisles. Optionally, the data centre building is a hyperscale data centre building, for example accommodating at least 5,000 servers (rack-mountable items of IT equipment), and/or having an IT floor-space of at least 10,000 square feet. It will be understood that IT floor-space is the sum total of space occupied by rack storage areas, cold aisles and hot aisles, in the data centre building. Optionally, when the data centre is a multi-level data centre, each data level comprises at least 15 rack storage areas each able to accommodate at least 20 racks, for example wherein each data level is configured to accommodate at least 300 racks, for example 300 racks capable of housing at least 40 severs. In such an arrangement, each data level is optionally capable of accommodating at least 12,000 servers. Optionally, each data level has a single IT area comprising rack storage areas, cold aisles and hot aisles. It will be appreciated that each data level may for example accommodate two or more separate IT areas. Optionally, each IT area is configured to accommodate at least 12,000 servers. Optionally, each IT area occupies a floor space of at least 1,000 square metres. Optionally, the plurality of chassis units comprise multiple IT area chassis units, for example forming a ceiling structure above an IT area.

Optionally, the data centre building comprises a plurality of air handling units for providing cooling air to cold aisles. Optionally, the air handling units are direct air handling units. It will be understood that a direct air handling unit provides cooling air that comprises or consists of a portion of ambient air from outside the data centre building, optionally where said ambient air is treated to adjust its temperature and/or humidity. Direct air handling units, and suitable control methodologies are disclosed in WO2011/148175A1 (Bripco BVBA), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the air handling units are indirect air handling units. Suitable indirect air handling units are disclosed in WO2016/207323A1 (Bripco BVBA), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. It will be understood that an indirect air handling unit provides air that consists substantially of (for example consists entirely of) air from inside the data centre building, optionally having been treated to adjust its temperature and/or humidity. Optionally, an indirect air handling unit comprises a heat exchanger for transferring heat from air inside the building to air from outside the building, for example wherein internal air travels through the air handling unit along an internal airflow path segregated from an external airflow path along which air from outside the building travels. Preferably, the air handling units comprise adiabatic cooling units, and optionally are free from mechanical cooling units (such as direct expansion cooling units). It will be understood that a direct expansion mechanical cooling unit provides cooling by contacting air with coils containing a refrigerant that had been compressed then allowed to expand. Optionally, the plurality of chassis units comprises a plurality of air handler chassis units, each air handler chassis unit being arranged above a space accommodating one or more air handlers. It will be appreciated that the data centre building may optionally comprise additional data levels with corresponding arrangements of air handler chassis units.

Optionally, the data centre (and/or each data level of a multi-level data centre) comprises a cold air supply corridor having a length extending perpendicular to and being in fluid communication with cold aisles. Preferably, the cold aisles are arranged to receive from the cold air supply corridor cooling air supplied to the cold air supply corridor by a plurality of air handling units. A suitable cold corridor arrangement is described in W02010139921 (Bripco BVBA), the contents of which are incorporated by reference. Specifically, that document describes a data centre layout which utilises personnel space for transport of large volumes of cooling air at low velocity, improving operating efficiency and making better use of space. Preferably, the air supply corridor is a personnel corridor, for example having a height of at least 2m and a width of at least 1.5m. Optionally, the air handling units are positioned alongside and distributed along the length of the cold air supply corridor. Optionally, during operation of the data centre, cooling air from the air handing units enters the corridor through openings in the side of the corridor along its length. Optionally, the cold air supply corridor spans the widths of a plurality of chassis units (e.g. IT area chassis units). It will be appreciated that in such an arrangement, at least a portion of the cold corridor may for example occupy a space within an area bounded by said IT area chassis units. Optionally, the cold air supply corridor also spans the widths of a plurality of air handler chassis units. It will be appreciated that in such an arrangement, at least a portion of the cold corridor may for example occupy a space within an area bounded by said air handler chassis units. Optionally, the cold corridor spans the ends of a plurality of IT area chassis units and air handler chassis units. It will be appreciated that in such an arrangement, at least a portion of the cold corridor may, for example, occupy a space within an area bounded by IT area chassis units and air handler chassis units. For example, it may be that end to end joins between adjacent IT area chassis units and air handler chassis units run in a line along the length of the cold corridor in the middle third, for example on the centre line, of the width of the cold corridor. Optionally, the data centre building comprises a plurality of ancillary service spaces. Optionally the plurality of chassis units of the ceiling structure comprises a plurality of ancillary chassis units, each ancillary chassis unit positioned over at least a portion of an ancillary space. Examples of such ancillary service spaces include offices, maintenance rooms, control rooms, emergency power system rooms and staff facilities. It will be appreciated that the data centre building may optionally comprise additional data levels with corresponding arrangements of ancillary chassis units. Optionally, the data centre building comprises an uppermost data level, the ceiling structure of the uppermost data level forming at least a portion of a roof of the data centre building. Additionally or alternatively, the data centre building comprises a lowermost data level, the floor of the lowermost data level being the ground floor of the data centre building.

Optionally, the chassis system comprises a plurality of pairs of drop members for suspending data centre components from the ceiling structure. Preferably, each pair of drop members is supported by a corresponding pair of brackets. Optionally the drop members are in the form of drop rods. Additionally or alternatively, the drop members have adjustable lengths. Optionally, each drop member comprises a threaded rod portion at a first, upper end. Preferably, the threaded rod portion is received in a through-hole in the bottom portion of a bracket and held in place by a nut. It has been found that drop members provide a particularly useful support system for data centre components. It may be that such a threaded rod portion allows for the join of a drop member to be securely fastened and adjusted. Optionally, each drop member comprises a threaded rod portion at a second, lower end, for example wherein said threaded rod portion is receivable in a corresponding opening or through-hole in a portion of a data centre component allowing said component to be secured to the drop member. Optionally, the chassis system comprises a plurality of data centre service cassettes, each service cassette comprising a framework supporting data centre service components. Preferably, each service cassette is supported by one or more drop members. Optionally, the service cassettes comprise hot aisle service cassettes. Optionally, each hot aisle service cassette comprises aisle air entrainment panels configured to cooperate with racks of IT equipment to define and segregate hot and cold aisles in the data centre building. Additionally or alternatively, each hot aisle service cassette comprises ceiling air entrainment panels configured to segregate cold aisles from a hot air plenum disposed between the ceiling air entrainment panels and chassis units, said hot air plenum being in fluid communication with one or more hot aisles in the data centre building. Optionally, the service cassettes comprise distribution cassettes. Optionally, each distribution cassette is configured for connection to one or more hot aisle service cassettes in order to distribute data centre services to the hot aisle service cassettes. Optionally, hot aisle service cassettes are located above hot aisles, and/or distribution cassettes are located above cold air supply corridors. Optionally, the service cassettes comprise bus bar arrays, for example in the form of a frame supporting one or more bus bars. Optionally, bus bar arrays are located in a cold corridor. Service cassette systems are also disclosed in WO2017129448 (Bripco BVBA), the contents of which are incorporated by reference. Specifically, that document discloses cassettes suspendable from a building structure and equipped with air entrainment panels and data centre services. Preferably, each hot aisle service cassette comprises components of a plurality of data centre services, such as at least three services. For example, components may include a conduit for fire suppressant fluid, one or more cable trays for carrying network cables and/or electrical power cables, electrical power components (such as cabling and/or a busbar), networking cabling, lighting equipment and/or sensor equipment (such as motion, temperature and/or humidity sensor equipment). Optionally, each hot aisle service cassette comprises aisle air entrainment panels configured to cooperate with racks of IT equipment to segregate hot and cold aisles. Optionally, each hot aisle service cassette comprises ceiling air entrainment panels configured to segregate cold aisles from a hot air plenum disposed between the ceiling air entrainment panels and said cold aisle chassis unit, said hot air plenum being in fluid communication with one or more hot aisles adjacent said cold aisle. For example, the data centre may comprise a hot air plenum for receiving hot air from hot aisles and transporting hot air to air handling units and/or exhaust vents (e.g. on the exterior of the building). Optionally, said hot air plenum is positioned above the cold aisles, for example being segregated from said cold aisles by ceiling air entrainment panels.

Optionally, the chassis system comprises a plurality of beams of a slot-channel frame system. Preferably, each beam is fastened to a pair of brackets, for example wherein each beam comprises a first a first end projecting into the channel of one bracket of the pair of brackets and an opposed second end projecting into the channel of the other bracket. It will be appreciated that in such an arrangement the ends of the beam may be described as being received by the channels of the bracket. Optionally, the first end of each beam is secured to the bottom portion said one bracket, for example by a first bolt passing through a through-hole in said bottom portion, optionally wherein the first bolt is held in place by a first nut, and the second end of each beam is secured to the bottom portion of said other bracket, for example by a second bolt passing through a through-hole in said bottom portion, the second bolt optionally being held in place by a second nut.

Optionally, all pairs of brackets are substantially identical. It will be understood that pairs of brackets are substantially identical when the brackets of the pairs have the same shapes and substantially the same dimensions. Dimensions may be substantially the same when the differ by less than 5%, for example less than 1%. Dimensions include length, width, height and thickness. Optionally, the first and second brackets of each pair of brackets are mirror reflections of each other. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second brackets of each pair are substantially identical to each other. It will be understood that brackets are substantially identical when they have the same shapes and substantially the same dimensions.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a multi-purpose bracket for securing together chassis units of a ceiling structure of a data centre and supporting data centre components suspended from the ceiling structure. Optionally, the bracket is according to the claims. Optionally, the bracket is a C- bracket having a C-shaped channel in cross-section, and optionally comprises spaced apart top and bottom portions joined together by a middle portion. Optionally, the bracket is configured to support a drop member for suspending data centre components from said ceiling structure. Preferably, the bottom portion of the bracket is sized and configured for attachment of the drop member. Additionally or alternatively, the bracket is configured to support a portion of a beam of a slotchannel frame system. Preferably, the channel is sized and configured to receive a first end of said beam. Optionally, the bracket is so configured to support said drop member and portion of said beam either simultaneously or separately. Optionally, the bracket has a middle portion comprising at least one through-hole, preferably two through-holes, for accommodating a bolt for bolting neighbouring chassis units together. Optionally, the bottom portion comprises a through-hole for attachment to said drop members and/or the first end of the beam of the slot-channel frame system. Optionally, the top and/or bottom portions are planar portions. Preferably the planar top portion is arranged parallel to the planar bottom portion. Optionally the middle portion is a planar portion, for example wherein the planar middle portion being perpendicular to the planar top and bottom portions. Optionally, the bracket is formed from metal, such as steel. Optionally the bracket has a material thickness of 3 mm to 10 mm, such as 5 mm to 7 mm. Optionally, the bracket has a height of from 10 cm to 20 cm, such as 12 cm to 16 cm. It will be appreciated that the top and bottom portions may for example be spaced apart by a distance equal to the height of the bracket minus twice the thickness. The spacing of the top and bottom portions defines the height of the C-shaped channel. Optionally, the bracket has a length of from 8 cm to 25 cm, such as 10 cm to 20 cm. Optionally, the bracket has a width of from 5 cm to 10 cm, such as from 6 cm to 8 cm. It will be appreciated that the depth of the C-channel may for example be equal to the width of the bracket minus the thickness. It will be appreciated that the bracket of the second aspect of the invention may incorporate any feature of the bracket described in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a use of a multipurpose bracket according to the second aspect of the invention to fasten together chassis units of a ceiling structure of a data centre. Preferably, the bracket is further used to support a drop member for suspending data centre components from said ceiling structure. Additionally or alternatively, the bracket is optionally used to support a portion of a beam of a slot-channel frame system. Optionally, the bracket is used to support said drop member and portion of said beam simultaneously. Optionally, the bracket is used to fasten together chassis units of a chassis system according to the first aspect of the invention. Additionally or alternatively, the bracket is used to fasten together chassis units of the fourth aspect of the invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a chassis unit for forming a section of a ceiling structure of a data centre building. Preferably, the chassis unit is according to the claims. Optionally, the chassis unit has an underside, a length, and first and second opposed side edges parallel to the length. Optionally, the chassis unit comprises multiple brackets for securing the chassis unit to a neighbouring chassis unit, each bracket depending from the underside. Optionally, the multiple brackets comprise a plurality of pairs of brackets. Optionally, each bracket is a C-bracket having a C-shaped channel in cross-section, and is optionally made up of spaced apart top and bottom portions joined together by a middle portion. Preferably, the top portion of each bracket is fixed to the underside of the chassis unit. Optionally, each pair of brackets comprises a first bracket located at the first side edge of the chassis unit and a second bracket located at the second side edge. Preferably, the first and second brackets are positioned at an equal distance along the length of the chassis unit, optionally with the channel of the first bracket facing the channel of the second bracket. Optionally, each bracket is configured to support a drop member for suspending data centre components from the ceiling structure. Preferably, the bottom portions of the brackets are sized and configured for attachment of the drop members. Additionally or alternatively, each brackets is configured to support a portion of a beam of a slot-channel frame system, wherein the channel of the bracket is sized and configured to receive an end of said beam. Optionally, each pair of brackets is configured to together support such a beam, for example wherein the channel of the first bracket is configured to receive a first end of the beam and the channel of the second bracket is configured to receive an opposed second end of the beam. Optionally, the chassis unit is a chassis unit of the chassis system of the first aspect of the invention. Additionally or alternatively, each bracket is a bracket according to the second aspect of the invention. It will be appreciated that the chassis unit of the fourth aspect of the invention may incorporate any feature described in relation to the chassis system of the first aspect of the invention, and/or the bracket of the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided method of constructing a ceiling structure of a data centre building, for example according to the claims. Preferably, the method comprises supporting a plurality of chassis units of a chassis unit system on a plurality of supports above a floor. Optionally, each chassis unit has an underside facing the floor, a length, and first and second opposed side edges parallel to the length. Preferably at least one side edge of each chassis unit abuts a side edge of a neighbouring chassis unit at a side join. Optionally, multiple brackets depend from the underside of each chassis unit. Optionally, the multiple brackets comprise a plurality of pairs of brackets. Preferably, the brackets each form a C-shaped channel in cross-section, for example being made up of spaced apart top and bottom portions joined together by a middle portion. Preferably, the top portion of each bracket is fixed to the underside of the chassis unit. Optionally, each pair of brackets comprises a first bracket located at the first side edge of the chassis unit and a second bracket located at the second side edge of the chassis unit. Preferably, the first and second brackets are positioned at an equal distance along the length of the chassis unit, optionally with the channel of the first bracket facing the channel of the second bracket. Preferably, each pair of brackets is positioned to align with a corresponding pair of brackets on said neighbouring chassis unit. Optionally, the middle portions of aligned adjacent brackets on neighbouring chassis units abut each other. Optionally, each brackets is configured to support a drop member for suspending data centre components from the ceiling structure. Preferably, the bottom portions of the brackets are sized and configured for attachment of the drop members. Additionally or alternatively, each brackets is optionally configured to support a portion of a beam of a slot-channel frame system. Optionally, each pair of brackets is configured to together support such a beam, for example wherein the channel of the first bracket is configured to receive a first end of the beam and the channel of the second bracket is configured to receive an opposed second end of the beam. Optionally, the method further comprises fastening the abutting middle portions of aligned adjacent brackets together thereby securing the chassis units together, optionally wherein said middle portions are bolted together. Optionally, the method comprises fastening a plurality of said drop members to the bottom portions of a plurality of pairs of brackets, and optionally suspending one or more data centre components from the drop members.

Optionally, the method comprises fastening beams of a slot channel frame system to a plurality of pairs of brackets. For example, a first end of each beam is received by one bracket of each pair, and a second opposed end of each beam is received by the other bracket.

Optionally, the method comprises assembling a chassis system according to the first aspect of the invention. Additionally or alternatively, the method comprises fastening chassis units together with brackets according to the second aspect of the invention. Additionally or alternatively, the method comprises using a bracket according to the third aspect of the invention. Additionally or alternatively, the method comprises fastening together chassis units according to the fourth aspect of the invention. It will be appreciated that the method may incorporate any feature described in relation to the preceding aspects of the invention, and vice versa.

It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention. For example, the method of the invention may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the apparatus of the invention and vice versa.

Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which:

Figure 1 shows a cut-away side view of a chassis system according to a first aspect of the invention;

Figure 2 shows an enlarged portion of the drawing of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a further enlarged portion of the drawing of Figure 1

Figure 4a shows an end cross-sectional view of a chassis unit of a chassis system according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 4b shows an enlarged portion of the drawing of Figure 4a;

Figure 5a shows an end cross-sectional view of a chassis unit of a chassis system according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 5b shows an enlarged portion of the drawing of Figure 5a;

Figure 6a shows an end cross-sectional view of a chassis unit of a chassis system according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 6b shows an enlarged portion of the drawing of Figure 6a;

Figures 7a and 7b show examples of slot channel beams suitable for use with the chassis system of an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a join between adjacent chassis units of the chassis system of an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of another join between adjacent chassis units of the chassis system of an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 10 shows an end cross-sectional view of a portion of chassis system according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention; Figure 11 shows a simplified top perspective view of a portion of the brackets attached to a chassis unit of Figure 10;

Figures 12 and 13 show enlarged views of joins between brackets of Figure 11; Figure 14 shows a top perspective view of a multi-purpose bracket according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention;

Figure 15 illustrates a method according to an embodiment of the fifth aspect of the invention.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows a cut-away side view of a chassis system 101 according to an embodiment of the invention, forming a section of a data centre 102. In the figure, four chassis units 103a-d are shown, with chassis units 103a and 103b forming the ceiling and chassis units 103c and 103d forming the floor of an intermediate level of the data centre 102. Levels above and below the illustrated intermediate level are omitted for clarity. Chassis units 103a and 103b are arranged end to end. The chassis units 103a-d are fastened at each corner to a support post, with one set of six support posts supporting the four chassis units 103a-d (only three support posts 104a-c are shown in Figure 1). In Figure 1, a row of IT racks 105 is shown supported on the floor formed by chassis units 103c and 103d, and a corresponding row of service cassettes 106 is shown suspended from the ceiling formed by chassis units 103a and 103b above the IT racks 105. The service cassettes 106 are shown comprising air entrainment panels 107, electrical cable trays 108 and network cable trays 109 above the IT racks 105. Further air entrainment panels 110 are suspended from the chassis units 103a and 103b forming the ceiling.

Brackets 111 (which are C-brackets each having a C-shaped channel) depend from chassis units 103a and 103b. The brackets 111 are arranged along the sides of the chassis units 103a, 103b, so that the brackets 111 align back-to-back with corresponding brackets on adjacent chassis units (not shown in Figure 1). The brackets 111 are arranged in pairs, with each bracket 111 shown in Figure 1 facing a corresponding bracket (not shown in Figure 1) on the opposite side of the chassis unit 103a, 103b. Drop-rods 112 fastened to brackets 111 support the service cassettes 106. Further drop-rods 113 secured to beams (not shown in Figure 1) fastened to brackets 111 support the air entrainment panels 110. When the data centre is operational, cooling air is supplied by air handler units (not shown in Figure 1) into cold the corridor 180. The cold corridor 180 runs perpendicular to cold aisles, receiving cooling air from the multiple air handlers on each data level and transporting said cooling air to the multiple cold aisles. From the cold aisles, cooling air passes into server racks 105, thereby cooling the servers and becoming warm air and exiting into the hot aisles. Warm air passes upwards from the hot aisles to overhead warm air return plenum 190, and then into a warm air return space adjacent the air handler units. From that space, warm air may be ejected from the building through warm air exhaust vents and/or passed into a mixing chamber upstream of the air handler unit for mixing with ambient air from outside the building (not shown in Figure 1). Ambient air enters the mixing chambers through air intake vents (not shown in Figure 1). Also shown in Figure 1 is ancillary space 195, which may be used for equipment storage/maintenance for example.

Figure 2 shows an enlarged portion of the drawing of Figure 1, with parts annotated by the same referenced numerals as used in Figure 1. Figure 3 shows a further enlarged portion of the drawing of Figure 1, with parts annotated by the same referenced numerals as used in Figure 1.

Figure 4a shows an end cross-sectional view of a chassis unit 201 of a chassis system according to the first aspect of the invention, cut across the width of the chassis unit 201. Figure 4b shows an enlarged portion of the drawing of Figure 4a. The chassis unit 201 is made up of a pair of T beams 202, 203 that extend on each side along the length of the chassis unit, each T beam having top 202a, 203a and bottom flanges 202b, 203b, and a web 202c, 203c extending from the top flange 202a, 203a to the bottom flange 202b, 203b. The T beams 202, 203 are joined together by cross-beams (not shown in Figure 4a or 4b) supporting an upper layer 204 forming the top of the chassis unit 201 and a lower layer 205 forming the bottom of the chassis unit. Figure 4a shows one pair of brackets 210, 211, with one bracket 210 secured to and depending from the T beam 202 on one side, and the other bracket 211 secured to and depending from the T beam 203 on the other side of the chassis unit 201. As shown in Figure 4b, the brackets 210, 211 are each C- brackets comprising spaced apart top and bottom portions 210a, 210b, 211a, 211b joined together by a middle portion 210c, 211c. In Figures 4a and 4b, the bottom portion 210b, 211b of each pair of brackets support a beam 220 of a slot channel system. The first end 221 of the beam 220 is received by the C-shaped channel of the one bracket 210, and secured to the bottom portion 210b by bolt assembly 210d. The second end 222 of the beam 220 is received by the C-shaped channel of the other bracket 211, and secured to the bottom portion 211b by bolt assembly 211d. For the sake of clarity, only the top, middle and bottom portions 210a, 210c, 210b of bracket 210, and the bolt assembly 210d, are labelled in the Figures.

Figures 7a and 7b show examples of suitable slot channel beams. More particularly, Figure 7a shows top perspective and cross-sectional views of a halfslotted beam, and Figure 7b shows top perspective and cross-sectional views of a back-to-back half-slotted beam. The back-to-back half-slotted beam of Figure 7b is a 12-Gauge Beam having a width of 41 mm, a height of 83 mm and a material thickness of 2.6 mm. As will be known to the person skilled in the art, a variety of fixings are available for securing loads to such slot channel systems, allowing fixtures and fittings such as components of lighting systems and cable trays to be suspended from such beams.

Figure 5a shows an end cross-sectional view of a chassis unit 301 of a chassis system according to the first aspect of the invention, cut across the width of the chassis unit 301. Figure 5b shows an enlarged portion of the drawing of Figure 5a. The chassis unit 301 is substantially the same as the chassis unit 201 of Figure 4a, being made up of a pair of 'I' beams 302, 303 each having top 302a, 302b and bottom flanges 303a, 303b, and a web 302c, 303c. The 'I' beams 302, 303 support upper and lower layers 304, 305. As in Figure 4a, Figure 5a shows one pair of C-brackets 310, 311 secured to and depending from the 'I' beams 302, 303, the brackets 310, 311 each comprising top, bottom and middle portions 310a, 310b, 310c, 311a, 311b, 311c. In Figure 5a, the bottom portion of each pair of brackets supports a drop member 330, 331 (see also Figure 5b). The drop members 330, 331 are in the form of drop rods, each having threaded bar sections at their upper 330a, 331a and lower 330b, 331b ends. The upper ends 330a, 331a of the drop members 330, 331 each pass through a through-hole 310e, 311e in the brackets 310, 311, and are held in place by retaining nuts 330c, 331c. Retaining nuts 330d, 331d are also provided on the lower ends 330b, 331b of the drop members 330, 331 to facilitate attachment to data centre components. For the sake of clarity, only the top, middle and bottom portions 311a, 311c, 311b of bracket 311, and the retaining nuts 331c, are labelled in the Figures.

Figure 6a shows an end cross-sectional view of a chassis unit 401 of a chassis system according to the first aspect of the invention, cut across the width of the chassis unit 401. Figure 6b shows an enlarged portion of the drawing of Figure 6a. The chassis unit 401 is substantially the same as the chassis units 201, 301 of Figures 4a and 5a, except that the C-brackets each support both a beam of a slot channel system and a drop member. Components that are the same as those shown in Figures 4a, 4b, 5a and 5b are given the same reference numerals, except that the first digit is replaced by a '4' (in place of a '2' or a '3'). In the chassis unit 401 of Figures 6a and 6b, the beam 420 of the slot channel system is secured to the bottom portions 410b, 411b of the brackets 410, 410 by the retaining nuts 430c, 431c of the drop members 430, 431. For the sake of clarity, only the top, middle and bottom portions 411a, 411c, 411b of bracket 411, and the retaining nuts 431c, are labelled in the Figures.

It will be appreciated that the chassis 2001, 3001, 4001 of Figures 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, while described as chassis units of chassis systems according to the first aspect of the invention, may also be understood as chassis units according to the fourth aspect of the invention.

Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a join between adjacent chassis units 501, 601, secured together by bolting together back-to-back C-shaped brackets 511, 610. Components that are the same as those shown in Figures 4a, 4b, 5a and 5b are given the same reference numerals, except that the first digit is replaced by a '5' or a '6' (in place of a '2' or a '3'). As shown in Figure 8, bracket 511 attached to chassis unit 501 supports an end of a beam 520 of a slot channel system, while bracket 610 of the adjacent chassis unit 601 supports drop member 630. Also shown in Figure 8 is a drop rod 521 depending from and secured to the beam 520. Through holes in the middle portions 511c, 610c of brackets 511, 610 accommodate a bolt assembly 5601, which bolt assembly 5601 fastens the brackets 511, 610 together in a back-to-back arrangement. As shown in Figure 8, the bolted together brackets 511, 610 hold the chassis units 501, 601 together, holding the 'I' beams tightly together. It will be appreciated that each chassis unit 501, 601 includes multiple pairs of brackets along its length, providing multiple bolted joins holding the chassis units 501, 601 together.

Figure 9 shows another cross-sectional view of a join between adjacent chassis units 701, 801. The arrangement in Figure 9 is similar to that in Figure 8, and components that are the same as those shown in Figure 8 are given the same reference numerals, except that the first digit is replaced by a '7' or an '8' (in place of a '5' or a '6'). C-shaped brackets 711, 810 are fastened together back-to-back by bolt assembly 7801. As shown in Figure 9, bracket 810 supports both drop member 830 and also beam 820 of a slot channel system, the beam 820 being secured to the bottom portion 810b of bracket 810 by the retaining nut 830c of drop member 830. Also shown in Figure 9 are components secured to the lower ends of drop rod 721 and drop member 830. Drop rod 721 has an upper end 721a secured to the beam 720, and a lower end 721b to which an air entrainment panel 740 is attached. Drop rod 721 also includes adjuster 721c for adjusting the length of the drop rod 721, allowing the vertical position of the air entrainment panel 740 to be varied relative to the chassis unit 701. Drop member 830 is secured at an upper end 830a to bracket 810, and a data centre service cassette 850 is fastened to a lower end 830b, the service cassette 850 being held in place by a retaining nut 830c.

Figure 10 shows an end cross-sectional view of a portion of chassis system 1001 according to an embodiment of the invention, forming a section of a data centre 1002. In the figure, ten chassis units 1003a-j are shown, with chassis units 1003a-e forming the ceiling and chassis units 1003f-j forming the floor of an intermediate level of the data centre 1002. Levels above and below the illustrated intermediate level are omitted for clarity. Chassis units 1003a-j are arranged side by side. The chassis units 1003a-j are fastened together by bolts that secure C-shaped brackets 1004 arranged on adjacent chassis units back to back. The arrangement of brackets 1004, bolt assemblies between brackets, beams 1005 of a slot channel system and drop members 1006 is the same as illustrated in Figure 8. Data centre service cassettes 1050 are suspended from brackets 1004 by drop members 1006, the service cassettes 1050 supporting fire suppression equipment 1051, air entrainment panels 1052 dividing hot aisles 1070 from cold aisles 1080, electrical cable trays 1053, and network cable trays 1054. Further air entrainment panels 1040 are suspended from the beams 1005 by drop rods 1041. As shown in Figure 10, chassis units 1003b, 1003d having brackets 1004 supporting service cassettes 1050 are positioned above the hot aisles 1070, while chassis units 1003a, 1003c, 1003e having brackets 1004 supporting the further air entrainment panels 1040 are positioned above the cold aisles 1080. The hot aisles 1070 and cold aisles 1080 are shown in an alternating arrangement. Note that Figure 10 shows only a portion of cold aisles 1080 and the associated chassis system components. Note also that the cassettes 1050 are made up of an open framework extending down from their associated chassis units 1003 and across the width of the hot aisles 1080. The air entrainment panels 1052 are mounted on the framework of the cassettes 1050, and extend along the lengths of the rows of server racks 1060 along each aisle, spanning and closing the gap between the tops of the racks 1060 and the warm air return plenum 1090. The hot aisles 1070 are in fluid communication with the overhead warm air return plenum 1090 along their length. The plenum 1090 also extends above the cold aisles 1080. Together, the hot aisles 1070 and the warm air return plenum 1090 for a hot zone, which is separated from the cold zone (comprising the cold aisles 1080 and cold corridor, not shown in Figure 10) by the air entrainment panels 1040, 1052.

Figure 11 shows a simplified top perspective view of a portion of the brackets 1004 attached to chassis unit 1003c in Figure 10. The portion of brackets 1004 are shown in the positions they occupy on the underside of the chassis unit 1003c (not shown in Figure 11). As shown in Figure 11, the beams 1005 of the slot channel system are received by each pair 1004c-l, 1004c-2 of C-shaped brackets 1004. Also shown in Figure 11 are the corresponding brackets 1004b-2, 1004d-l on adjacent chassis units 1003b, 1003d (not shown in Figure 11), the brackets 1004b-2, 1004d-l on the adjacent chassis units 1003b, 1003d being arranged back-to-back with the brackets 1004c-l, 1004c-2 on chassis unit 1003c. For the sake of clarity, bolts securing the back-to-back brackets together are omitted. Air entrainment panels 1040 are suspended from the beams 1005 by drop rods 1041.

Figure 12 shows an enlarged view of a join between adjacent brackets of Figure 11, in which C-shaped bracket 1004c-l of chassis unit 1003c is arranged back- to-back with bracket 1004b-2 of chassis unit 1003b, the brackets 1004b-2, 1004c-l being secured together by bolt assemblies 1080a, 1080b (only bolt assembly 1080a is visible in Figure 12). Also shown in Figure 12 is an end of beam 1005 received by bracket 1004c- 1, the top of drop rod 1041 depending from the beam 1005, and the top of drop member 1006 depending from bracket 1004b-2.

Figure 13 shows an enlarged view of another join between adjacent brackets of Figure 11, in which bracket 1004c-2 of chassis unit 1003c is arranged back-to-back with C-shaped bracket 1004d-l of chassis unit 1003d, the brackets 1004c-2, 1004d-l being secured together by bolt assemblies 1080a, 1080b. Also shown in Figure 13 is an end of beam 1005 received by bracket 1004c-2, the top of drop rod 1041 depending from the beam 1005, and the top of drop member 1006 depending from bracket 1004d-l.

Figure 14 shows a top perspective view of a multi-purpose bracket 1101 according to an embodiment of the invention. The bracket 1101 is suitable for securing together chassis units of a ceiling structure of a data centre and supporting data centre components suspended from the ceiling structure. The bracket 1101 forms a C-shaped channel 1102 in cross-section, and comprises spaced apart top 1103 and bottom 1104 portions joined together by a middle portion 1105. The bracket 1101 is configured to support a drop member for suspending data centre components from said ceiling structure. The bracket comprises a through-hole 1106 in the bottom portion 1104 for receiving an end of such a drop member. The channel 1102 is sized and configured to receive a first end of a beam of a slot-channel frame system. The middle portion 1105 comprises through holes 1107a, 1107b for receiving bolts used to fasten adjacent brackets together back-to-back. The bracket 1101 has a height (y) of about 13 cm, a length (z) of about 15 cm, a width (x) of about 7 cm, and a thickness (t) of about 5.5 mm. it will be appreciated that the bracket 1101 may be used in any of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1-13.

Figure 15 illustrates steps of a method according to an embodiment of the invention, the method being for constructing a ceiling structure of a data centre building. In step X01, a plurality of chassis units of a chassis unit system are supported on a plurality of supports above a floor. A plurality of pairs of brackets depend from the underside of each chassis unit. Each pair of brackets comprises a first bracket located at the first side edge of the chassis unit and a second bracket located at the second side edge of the chassis unit, with brackets on neighbouring chassis units abutting each other back-to back. Each pair of brackets is configured to support (1) drop members for suspending data centre components from the ceiling structure, wherein the bottom portions of the brackets are sized and configured for attachment of the drop members; and/or (2) a beam of a slot-channel frame system. In step X02, the method comprises fastening the abutting aligned adjacent brackets together thereby securing the chassis units together, wherein said brackets are bolted together. In step X03, a plurality of drop members are fastened to bottom portions of a plurality of pairs of brackets. In step X04, beams of a slot channel frame system are fastened to a plurality of pairs of brackets, wherein a first end of each beam is received by one bracket of each pair, and a second opposed end of each beam is received by the other bracket. In step X05, data centre components are fastened to the drop members, and drop rods are fastened to the beams. In step X06, further data centre components are fastened to the drop rods. It will be appreciated that performing the method of the fifth aspect of the invention according to the embodiment of Figure 15 may also thus provide a use according to the third aspect of the invention.

Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

Claims

1. A chassis system for forming a section of a data centre building, the chassis system comprising a plurality of chassis units secured together to form a ceiling structure supported above a floor, each chassis unit having an underside facing the floor, a length, and first and second opposed side edges parallel to the length, wherein at least one side edge of each chassis unit abuts a side edge of a neighbouring chassis unit at a side join; wherein multiple brackets depend from the underside of each chassis unit, the brackets each having a channel and being fixed to the underside of the chassis unit, wherein a first plurality of said brackets are positioned along the first side edge of each chassis unit, and a second plurality of said brackets are positioned along the second side edge of each chassis unit; wherein brackets on neighbouring chassis units abut each other and are fastened together thereby securing the neighbouring chassis units together; and wherein each bracket is configured to support:

(1) a drop member for suspending one or more data centre components from the ceiling structure, wherein said bracket is sized and configured for attachment of the drop member; and/or

(2) a portion of a beam of a slot-channel frame system, wherein the channel of said bracket is sized and configured to receive a portion of said beam.

2. A chassis system according to claim 1, wherein the brackets are each C-brackets, wherein the channel is C-shaped in cross-section, and wherein the brackets are arranged to that the C-shaped channels of the brackets on the first side edge of the chassis unit face the C-shaped channels of the brackets on the second side edge of the chassis unit. A chassis system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the brackets are each made up of spaced apart top and bottom portions joined together by a middle portion, wherein the top portion of each bracket is fixed to the underside of the chassis unit, and wherein the middle portions of said aligned adjacent brackets on neighbouring chassis units abut each other; wherein: the middle portion of each bracket comprises a through-hole for accommodating a bolt, wherein the aligned adjacent brackets are fastened together by a bolt extending through the through-holes and held in place by one or more nuts; and the bottom portion of each bracket comprises a through-hole for attachment to one of said drop members and/or one end of the beam of the slot-channel frame system. The chassis system of any preceding claim, wherein the multiple brackets on each chassis unit comprise multiple pairs of brackets, wherein each pair of brackets comprises a first bracket located at the first side edge of the chassis unit and a second bracket located at the second side edge of the chassis unit, the first and second brackets being positioned at an equal distance along the length of the chassis unit and with the channel of the first bracket facing the channel of the second bracket, and wherein each pair of brackets is positioned to align with a corresponding pair of brackets on said neighbouring chassis unit, and wherein each pair of brackets is configured to support:

(1) drop members for suspending data centre components from the ceiling structure; and/or

(2) a beam of a slot-channel frame system, wherein the channel of the first bracket is sized and configured to receive a first end of said beam, and the channel of the second bracket is configured to receive an opposed second end of said beam. A chassis system according to any preceding claim, wherein each chassis unit comprises side beams extending along the side edges, wherein each bracket is fixed to one of said side beams, optionally wherein each bracket is welded to one of said side beams. A chassis system according to any preceding claim, wherein the brackets on each side of each chassis unit are distributed at centre-to-centre intervals x along the length of the chassis unit, wherein x is from about 0.3 m to about 1.2 m, for example from about 0.4 m to about 0.8 m. A chassis system according to any preceding claim, the system comprising a plurality of drop members for suspending data centre components from the ceiling structure, each drop member being supported by a corresponding bracket, optionally wherein each drop member comprises a threaded rod portion at a first, upper end, wherein the threaded rod portion is received in a through-hole in the bracket and held in place by a nut. A chassis system according to claim 7, wherein the chassis system comprises a plurality of data centre service cassettes, each service cassette comprising a framework supporting: components of a plurality of data centre services, aisle air entrainment panels configured to cooperate with racks of IT equipment to define and segregate hot and cold aisles in the data centre building wherein each service cassette is supported by one or more drop members. A chassis system according to any preceding claim comprising a plurality of beams of a slot-channel frame system, each beam being fastened to a pair of brackets, wherein each beam comprises a first a first end projecting into the channel of one bracket of the pair of brackets and an opposed second end projecting into the channel of the other bracket, optionally wherein the first end of each beam is secured to said one bracket by a first bolt passing through a through-hole in said bracket, the first bolt being held in place by a first nut, and wherein the second end of each beam is secured to said other bracket by a second bolt passing through a through-hole in said other bracket, the second bold being held in place by a second nut. A chassis system according to claim 8, wherein the chassis system comprises a plurality of ceiling air entrainment panels configured to segregate cold aisles from a hot air plenum disposed between the ceiling air entrainment panels and chassis units, said hot air plenum being in fluid communication with one or more hot aisles in the data centre building, wherein the plurality of air entrainment panels are suspended above the floor by a plurality of drop rods fastened to the beams of the slot-channel frame system. A multi-purpose bracket for securing together chassis units of a ceiling structure of a data centre and supporting data centre components suspended from the ceiling structure, wherein the bracket comprises a channel, and wherein the bracket is configured to support:

(1) a drop member for suspending data centre components from said ceiling structure, wherein the bracket is sized and configured for attachment of the drop member; and/or

(2) a portion of a beam of a slot-channel frame system, wherein the channel is sized and configured to receive a portion of said beam. A multi-purpose bracket according to claim 11, wherein the bracket is a C-bracket having a C-shaped channel in cross-section. A multi-purpose bracket according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the bracket comprises spaced apart top and bottom portions, and a middle portion extending from the top portion to the bottom portion, and wherein the middle portion of the bracket comprises a through-hole for accommodating a bolt for bolting neighbouring chassis units together, and wherein the bottom portion comprises a through-hole for attachment to said drop members and/or the first end of the beam of the slot-channel frame system. A multi-purpose bracket according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the bracket has: a height of from 10 cm to 20 cm, such as 12 cm to 16 cm; a length of from 8 cm to 25 cm, such as 10 cm to 20 cm; and a width of from 5 cm to 10 cm, such as from 6 cm to 8 cm. Use of a multi-purpose bracket according to any one of claims 11 to 14 to fasten together chassis units of a ceiling structure of a data centre and to support:

(1) a drop member for suspending data centre components from said ceiling structure; and/or

(2) a portion of a beam of a slot-channel frame system. Use according to claim 15, further comprising using the bracket to support said drop member and portion of said beam simultaneously. A chassis unit for forming a section of a ceiling structure of a data centre building, the chassis unit having an underside, a length, and first and second opposed side edges parallel to the length; wherein multiple brackets for securing the chassis unit to a neighbouring chassis unit are fixed to the underside of the chassis unit, each bracket having a channel, and wherein a first plurality of said brackets are positioned along the first side edge of the chassis unit, and a second plurality of said brackets are positioned along the second side edge of the chassis unit; and wherein each bracket is configured to support:

(1) a drop member for suspending data centre components from the ceiling structure, wherein said bracket is sized and configured for attachment of the drop member; and/or

(2) a portion of a beam of a slot-channel frame system, wherein the channel of the bracket is sized and configured to receive a portion of said beam. A chassis unit according to claim 17, wherein the bracket is a C-bracket, wherein the channel is C-shaped in cross-section, and wherein the channels of the brackets on the first side edge of each chassis face the channels of the brackets on the second side edge of each chassis unit. A chassis unit according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein each bracket is made up of spaced apart top and bottom portions joined together by a middle portion, wherein the top portion of each bracket is fixed to the underside of the chassis unit; wherein: the middle portion of each bracket comprises a through-hole for accommodating a bolt for fastening said bracket to a corresponding bracket on a neighbouring chassis unit thereby securing the chassis unit to said neighbouring chassis unit; and the bottom portion of each bracket comprises a through-hole for attachment to said drop member and/or portion of said beam of the slotchannel frame system. A chassis unit according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the multiple brackets comprise multiple pairs of brackets, wherein each pair of brackets comprises a first bracket located at the first side edge of the chassis unit and a second bracket located at the second side edge, the first and second brackets being positioned at an equal distance along the length of the chassis unit and with the channel of the first bracket facing the channel of the second bracket; and wherein each pair of brackets is configured to support: (1) drop members for suspending data centre components from the ceiling structure; and/or

(2) a beam of a slot-channel frame system, wherein the channel of the first bracket is sized and configured to receive a first end of said beam, and the channel of the second bracket is configured to receive an opposed second end of said beam. A chassis unit according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the chassis unit is a chassis unit of the chassis system of any one of claims 1 to 10. A method of constructing a ceiling structure of a data centre building, the method comprising supporting a plurality of chassis units of a chassis system on a plurality of supports above a floor, each chassis unit having an underside facing the floor, a length, and first and second opposed side edges parallel to the length, wherein at least one side edge of each chassis unit abuts a side edge of a neighbouring chassis unit at a side join; wherein multiple -brackets depend from the underside of each chassis unit, the brackets each having a channel and being fixed to the underside of the chassis unit, wherein a first plurality of said brackets is positioned along the first side edge of each chassis unit, and a second plurality of said brackets is positioned along the second side edge of each chassis unit; and wherein each bracket is configured to support:

(1) a drop member for suspending data centre components from the ceiling structure, wherein the bracket is sized and configured for attachment of the drop member; and/or

(2) a portion of a beam of a slot-channel frame system, wherein the channel of said bracket is sized and configured to receive a portion of said beam; wherein the method comprises: aligning the chassis units so that brackets on neighbouring chassis units abut each other; and. fastening the abutting aligned brackets together thereby securing the chassis units together, optionally wherein the brackets are bolted together.

23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the chassis system is a chassis system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and/or wherein the chassis units are according to any one of claims 17 to 21.

24. A method according to claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the method comprises fastening a plurality of said drop members to at least a portion of the brackets, and optionally suspending one or more data centre components from the drop members.

25. A method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the multiple brackets of each chassis unit comprises a plurality of pairs of brackets, wherein each pair of brackets comprises a first bracket located at the first side edge of the chassis unit and a second bracket located at the second side edge of the chassis unit, the first and second brackets being positioned at an equal distance along the length of the chassis unit and with the channel of the first bracket facing the channel of the second bracket; wherein the method comprises: aligning the chassis units so that each pair of brackets aligns with a corresponding pair of brackets on said neighbouring chassis unit; and fastening beams of a slot channel frame system to a plurality of the pairs of brackets, wherein a first end of each beam is received by one bracket of each pair, and a second opposed end of each beam is received by the other bracket.