EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION SYSTEMS FOR PORTABLE MODULAR

ENCLOSED ENVIRONMENTS

Background of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to systems for use in the installation of equipment into portable modular enclosed environments. Such systems may be particularly suitable, for example, for use in the installation of data processing equipment into a shipping container or the like to provide a portable modular data centre.

Description of the Prior Art

[0002] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[0003] Portable modular enclosed environments are being deployed in increasing numbers for various purposes, particularly where it is undesirable to construct permanent facilities.

[0004] In general, portable modular enclosed environments include a conveniently transportable and sealable enclosure (such as a shipping container), and a means of supplying services to allow normal functioning of equipment and/or personnel located within the enclosure. Services may include environmental control (such as air conditioning), electricity, data communications, for example. Shipping containers are particularly suitable for use as the enclosure due to their standardised dimensions and transportability.

[0005] Systems for providing environmental control and supplying other services are typically integrated with the enclosure to form a relatively self-sufficient and portable assembly. It is this self sufficiency and portability which often make portable modular enclosed environments an attractive option compared to permanent facilities. [0006] Portable modular enclosed environments are useful for enabling modern, sophisticated capabilities to be provided in remote areas and/or harsh environments. Mining and military operations in particular are often located in such environments, and pre-existing infrastructure is usually lacking and therefore must be established as required. Portable modular enclosed environments allow infrastructure to be efficiently constructed at a convenient location, then transported and deployed to a remote area of operation to provide the required capabilities. Often the capabilities are only required in a particular location for a finite period of time, and portable modular enclosed environments allow redeployment of capabilities as demands shift.

[0007] In addition to being relatively self sufficient and portable, portable modular enclosed environments are relatively flexible in terms of spatial arrangement and functionality. A plurality of individual enclosure assemblies can be integrated into a larger complex. Also, the configuration of individual assemblies can be altered to change their functionalities. For example, in one configuration, systems for providing environmental control and supplying services may be totally or substantially contained within a single enclosure. In other scenarios, it may be more efficient to provide the required systems externally from the enclosure in a centralised manner, to efficiently provide environmental control and supply services to multiple enclosures in a complex.

[0008] One type of portable modular enclosed environment that is of growing importance is the modular data centre, in which data processing equipment is provided within the enclosure (often a shipping container) and served by ancillary equipment and services that allows satisfactory operation of the data centre equipment.

[0009] In the case of modular data centres, the data centre equipment is physically protected from the external environment by the enclosure, and the temperature and humidity of the internal environment is controlled to allow normal functioning of the data centre equipment. The data centre equipment also receives power, data communications and other services.

[0010] Irrespective of their final function, portable modular enclosed environments are assemblies of components. To reduce costs and shorten production time, there is a need to assemble portable modular enclosed environments quickly and efficiently. [0011] Furthermore, it is usually ^' desirable to fill the enclosure with as much equipment as is practicable, in order to minimize physical footprints and maximize cost-effectiveness. This can impose difficulties in the assembly process, since the assembly must allow equipment to be efficiently installed in a cramped environment, but with sufficient capability to withstand the rigors of transportation. Inefficient assembly can incur higher costs and/or lengthier assembly time.

[0012] It is also reasonable to expect that a portable modular enclosed environment may be reconfigured at various points in its lifetime, in which case equipment will need to be removed, installed, secured or changed in spatial configuration as quickly and efficiently as possible. Inefficient reconfiguration processes can incur higher costs and/or downtime.

[0013] In view of the above, there is also a need to incorporate design features in portable modular enclosed environments such that equipment can be installed, removed, secured or reconfigured as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Summary of the Present Invention

[0014] In a first broad form the present invention seeks to provide a system for use in the installation of equipment into a portable modular enclosure, the system including:

a) one or more elongate channel members, each channel member being attached to an internal surface of the enclosure, wherein the channel members allow equipment to be supported inside the enclosure by connecting the equipment to at least one of the channel members;

b) a plurality of panels for lining at least part of the internal surface of the enclosure, so that the one or more channel members are at least partially embedded within one or more panels.

[0015] Typically the one or more channel members are substantially flush with the panels.

[0016] Typically each channel member includes:

a) a base for allowing the attachment of the channel member to a respective internal surface; and, b) a pair of spaced, opposed flanges extending away from the base by an extension length, the _. flanges defining a channel, and wherein a thickness of the panels is substantially equal to the extension length.

[0017] Typically each flange includes an inwardly folded terminal lip for retaining an article inserted into the channel, the terminal lip being recessed within the channel defined by the flanges.

[0018] Typically the channel members extend longitudinally along the enclosure.

[0019] Typically the system includes a plurality of channel members attached to respective internal surfaces of the enclosure.

[0020] Typically the system includes a pair of parallel, spaced apart channel members attached to a common internal surface.

[0021] Typically the system includes the pair of channel members attached to each of a ceiling and two side walls of the enclosure.

[0022] Typically the system further includes a support bracket for connecting the equipment to at least one channel member.

[0023] Typically the support bracket includes at least one channel attachment point for attaching to a respective channel member, and at least one equipment attachment point for attaching to the equipment.

[0024] Typically the support bracket includes a plurality of attachment points for attaching the support bracket to a plurality of different channel members.

[0025] Typically the support bracket is attached to at least one channel member using an attachment member and a fastener.

[0026] Typically the system further includes a server support frame for supporting at least one server rack for allowing server equipment to be installed in the enclosure. [0027] Typically the server support frame is connected to channel members attached to an internal surface of a ceiling of the enclosure.

[0028] Typically the server support frame is suspended from the channel members by rods connected to the channel members.

[0029] Typically the server support frame includes:

a) a deck for allowing at least one server rack to be supported by the server support frame; and,

b) support extensions extending outwardly from the deck, the support extensions being connected to channel members attached to an internal surface of a side wall of the enclosure.

[0030] Typically at least one of the panels has an edge abutting an adjacent channel member.

[0031] Typically the edge of the at least one of the panels is attached to the adjacent channel member.

[0032] In a second broad form the present invention seeks to provide a system for use in the installation of equipment into a portable modular enclosure, the system including an interface module for positioning inside an end of the enclosure, the interface module including:

a) support members for supporting the interface module inside the enclosure; and, b) an interface wall connected to the support members, the interface wall being for partitioning an internal volume of the enclosure into a primary volume for the installation of the equipment and a secondary volume for the connection of services for servicing the equipment, wherein the interface wall includes at least one aperture for allowing the services to be supplied into the primary volume via the at least one aperture.

[0033] Typically the services include at least one of:

a) electrical power;

b) data communications; and,

c) air conditioning. [0034] Typically the interface module includes at least one connector for allowing the connection of services.

[0035] Typically the interface module includes at least one mount for allowing at least one service component to be mounted on the interface module.

[0036] Typically the at least one service component includes at least one of:

a) air conditioning components;

b) electrical power components;

c) data communications components; and,

d) control components for use in controlling the services.

[0037] Typically the interface module is configured to allow the service components to be mounted on the interface module when the interface module is not positioned inside an end of the enclosure, to thereby allow the interface module and the mounted service components to be positioned inside the end of the enclosure as a single assembly.

[0038] Typically the interface module includes transportation aids to allow the interface module to be positioned inside the end of the enclosure.

[0039] Typically the transportation aids include at least one of:

a) forklift guides; and,

b) lifting lugs.

[0040] Typically the support members include attachment points for allowing the interface module to be attached to the enclosure.

[0041] Typically the interface module includes seals for substantially sealing between the interface module and internal surfaces of the enclosure such that only the apertures in the interface wall allow communication between the primary volume and the secondary volume.

[0042] Typically the at least one aperture in the interface wall includes airflow apertures for allowing air within the primary volume of the enclosure to be circulated through a heat exchanger connected in the secondary volume of the enclosure. [0043] Typically the airflow apertures are provided in pairs such that a pair of airflow apertures is offset laterally to thereby promote air circulation within the primary volume that has a lateral flow direction component.

[0044] Typically the at least one aperture in the interface wall includes cable apertures for allowing cabling to be provided between services connected in the secondary volume of the enclosure and the primary volume of the enclosure.

[0045] Typically the system further includes one or more face plates for covering any apertures that are not in use for allowing services to be provided into the primary volume.

[0046] Typically the interface module is configured to allow doors at the end of the enclosure to be closed to thereby enclose the secondary volume.

[0047] Typically the support members are in the form of four side wall portions extending from each side of the interface wall into the second volume, such that the interface wall and four side wall portions define an open box structure.

[0048] Typically at least one of the side wall portions includes door supports to allow at least one door to be connected to the side wall portions such that the at least one door can be closed to thereby enclose the secondary volume.

[0049] Typically the enclosure includes an air vent to allow air communication between the second volume and the environment outside of the enclosure when the secondary volume is enclosed by doors at the end of the enclosure.

[0050] In a third broad form the present invention seeks to provide a system for use in the installation of equipment into a portable modular enclosure, the system including:

a) an interface module for positioning inside an end of the enclosure, the interface module including:

i) support members for supporting the interface module inside the enclosure; and, ii) an interface wall connected to the support members, the interface wall being for partitioning an internal volume of the enclosure into a primary volume for the installation of the equipment and a secondary volume for the connection of services for servicing the equipment, wherein the interface wall includes at least one aperture for allowing the services to be supplied into the primary volume via the at least one aperture;

b) one or more elongate channel members, each channel member being attached to an internal surface of the enclosure, wherein the channel members allow equipment to be supported inside the enclosure by connecting the equipment to at least one of the channel members; and,

c) a plurality of panels for lining at least part of the internal surface of the enclosure, so that the one or more channel members are at least partially embedded within one or more panels.

[0051] Typically the interface module allows the supply of electrical power services, data communications services, and air conditioning services to equipment installed inside the primary volume of the enclosure, the equipment being supported by the channel members.

[0052] Typically the channel members and panels extend longitudinally along the length of the enclosure and the support members are connected to channel members to thereby support the interface module.

[0053] Typically the channel members and panels extend longitudinally throughout the primary volume of the enclosure and terminate at the interface wall.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0054] Examples of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -

[0055] Figure 1A is a schematic perspective view of an example of a portable modular enclosure configured to facilitate the installation of equipment therewithin;

[0056] Figure I B is a schematic front detail view of a channel member and adjacent panels of Figure 1A, at detail B indicated in Figure 1A;

[0057] Figure IC is a schematic front view of the channel member and adjacent panels of Figure IB, wherein a first example of a support bracket is connected to the channel member; [0058J Figure ID is a schematic front view of the channel member and adjacent panels of Figure IB, wherein a threaded rod is connected to the channel member;

[0059] Figure 1 E is a schematic front view of the channel member and adjacent panels of Figure IB, wherein a second example of a support bracket is connected to the channel member;

[0060] Figure 2A is a schematic isometric view of a first example configuration of channel members and panels for use in a portable modular enclosure;

[0061] Figure 2B is a schematic top view of the example configuration of channel members and panels of Figure 2 A;

[0062] Figure 2C is a schematic side view of the example configuration of channel members and panels of Figure 2A;

[0063] Figure 2D is a schematic front view of the example configuration of channel members and panels of Figure 2A;

[0064] Figure 2E is a schematic isometric view of a second example configuration of channel members and panels for use in a portable modular enclosure;

[0065] Figure 2F is a schematic front view of an example of a side channel member and adjacent panels of Figure 2E;

[0066] Figure 2G is a schematic front view of an example of a lower corner channel member and an adjacent panel of Figure 2E;

[0067] Figure 2H is a schematic front view of an example of an outer ceiling channel member and adjacent panels of Figure 2E;

[0068] Figure 3A is an isometric view of a second example of a portable modular enclosure configured to facilitate the installation of equipment therewithin, wherein panels, outer walls of the enclosure, and selected channel members are hidden for clarity; [0069] Figure 3B is an isometric view of the portable modular enclosure of Figure 3A, wherein server racks are installed in the enclosure;

[0070] Figure 4A is an isometric view of a first example of a server support frame;

[0071] Figure 4B is a top view of the server support frame of Figure 4A;

[0072] Figure 4C is a side view of the server support frame of Figure 4B;

[0073] Figure 4D is an isometric view of a second example of a server support frame;

[0074] Figure 4E is an isometric view of an example of a vertical support of the server support frame of Figure 4D;

[0075] Figure 5 is an internal side view of a side wall of a third example of a portable modular enclosure, wherein examples of support members for supporting fire safety equipment are connected to channel members;

[0076] Figure 6A is a schematic perspective view of a first example of an interface module;

[0077] Figure 6B is a schematic perspective view of the interface module of Figure 6A, wherein services are connected to the interface module;

[0078] Figure 6C is a schematic perspective view of the interface module of Figure 6A positioned inside an end of a portable modular enclosure;

[0079] Figure 6D is a cross section view of the interface module and portable modular enclosure of Figure 6C, looking down at plane D indicated in Figure 6C;

[0080] Figure 7A is an isometric view of a second example of an interface module;

[0081] Figure 7B is a top view of the interface module of Figure 7A;

[0082] Figure 7C is a front view of the interface module of Figure 7 A;

[0083] Figure 7D is a side view of the interface module of Figure 7A; [0084] Figure 7E is a side detail view of the interface module of Figure 7A, at detail E indicated in Figure 7D;

[0085] Figure 7F is an isometric view of a third example of an interface module;

[0086] Figure 7G is an isometric view of a box frame of the interface module of Figure 7F;

[0087] Figure 7H is an isometric view of rear panels of the interface module of Figure 7F;

[0088] Figure 8A is an isometric view of the portable modular enclosure of Figure 3A, wherein the interface module of Figure 7A is positioned inside an end of the portable modular enclosure and services components are connected to the interface module;

[0089] Figure 8B is an exploded isometric view of the portable modular enclosure, interface module and services components of Figure 8A;

[0090] Figure 9A is a schematic top view of a first example of an equipment installation inside a portable modular enclosure;

[0091] Figure 9B is a schematic top view of a second example of an equipment installation inside a portable modular enclosure;

[0092] Figure 9C is a schematic top view of a third example of an equipment installation inside a portable modular enclosure;

[0093] Figure 10A is a external front end view of an example of a portable modular data centre provided inside a shipping container;

[0094] Figure 10B is a external side view of the portable modular data centre of Figure 10A;

[0095] Figure IOC is an internal view of the portable modular data centre of Figure 10A;

[0096] Figure 10D is an internal view of the portable modular data centre of Figure 10A, showing a left hand side corridor;

[0097] Figure 10E is an internal view of the portable modular data centre of Figure 10A, showing server racks connected to a server support frame; [0098] Figure 10.F is an internal view of the portable modular data centre of Figure 10A, showing upper details of the server support frame;

[0099] Figure 10G is an external rear end view of the portable modular data centre of Figure 10A, showing a third example of an interface module positioned inside the end of the shipping container;

[0100] Figure 10FI is an external rear end view of the interface module of Figure 10G, showing services connected to the interface module; and,

[0101] Figure 101 is an external rear end view of the interface module of Figure 10G, showing details of the connections of services.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0102] An example of a system for use in the installation of equipment into portable modular enclosed environment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0103] Figure 1A shows a portable modular enclosed environment 100 provided in a portable modular enclosure 1 10 which has been configured to facilitate the installation of equipment inside the enclosure 1 10.

[0104] The enclosure 1 10 is generally of a box'like construction including side walls 1 11, 1 12, a ceiling 113, a floor 1 14, and will typically include front end doors 1 15, 1 16 and/or rear end doors 1 17, 118 for allowing opening and closing of ends of the enclosure 1 10. Suitable enclosures 1 10 include standard shipping containers and other easily transportable rigid containers.

[0105] The installation of equipment into the enclosure 1 10 is facilitated by fitting the enclosure 110 with a mounting system including one or more elongate channel members 120 each attached to an internal surface of the enclosure 1 10 and a plurality of panels 130 for lining at least part of the internal surface of the enclosure 1 10, so that the one or more channel members 120 are at least partially embedded within one or more panels. [0106] The channel members 120 allow equipment to be supported inside the enclosure 1 10 by connecting the equipment to at least one of the channel members 120. Figure 1 A shows an example installation of equipment 140, in which the equipment 140 is connected to channel members 120 attached to the internal surface of the left side wall 1 1 1.

[0107] It will be appreciated that the use of channel members 120 provides flexible equipment installation options, since equipment can be supported by the channel members 120 at any convenient position along the length of a channel member 120. A set of appropriately positioned channel members 120 arranged throughout the enclosure 1 10 allows equipment to be installed and reconfigured easily without requiring further modifications to the structure of the enclosure 110.

[0108] In this example, the channel members 120 extend longitudinally along internal surfaces of the enclosure 1 10. This can allow equipment 140 to be conveniently positioned (and repositioned as required) in any location along the length of the enclosure 1 10. In preferred embodiments, the system includes a plurality of channel members 120 attached to respective internal surfaces of the enclosure 1 10.

[0109] In this example, pairs of parallel spaced apart channel members 120 are attached to a common internal surface. In particular, the pairs of channel members 120 are provided on internal surfaces of the side walls 1 1 1 , 1 12 and ceiling 1 14. A paired arrangement of channel members 120 allows equipment 140 to be connected to each of the pair of channel members 120 to thereby be more rigidly supported from the respective internal surface. Other example arrangements of channel members 120 and means for connecting equipment thereto will be explained in further detail, in due course.

[0110] The panels 130 into which the channel members 120 are embedded can vary greatly according to need, but in general the material used to form the panels 130 will preferably be an insulating material. This can to aid in the thermal control within the enclosure 1 10, which may be particularly desirable in the event the enclosure 1 10 is used to house temperature- sensitive equipment, as may be the case for a portable modular date centre. It may also be desirable to provide panels 130 with fire retardant qualities. Although not strictly necessary, the channel members 120 will usually be bounded 130 by the panels lining the internal surfaces of the enclosure.

[0111] The panels 130 may include a layer of insulation material of the type typically used as a core material in sandwich panels for refrigerated trucks and containers, such as STYROFOAM insulation material. An outer protective layer may also be applied to the insulation material. The protective layer may be in the form of a sheet of metal material such as COLOURBOND pre-painted steel or the like. Alternatively, the protective layer may be in the form of fibre-reinforced plastic, or any other suitable material. In some examples the panels 130 may only have the protective layer applied to an inside surface that will be exposed to the internal volume of the enclosure 1 10.

[0112] The channel members 120 can be of any form which allows equipment to be connected and supported. Suitable channel members 120 include UNISTRUT and EZYSTRUT strut channel products, and other similar products which are readily available. Typically, these products are fastened directly onto a surface, such that the strut channel protrudes from the surface. Protruding strut channels can be problematic as these may impact personnel moving in the vicinity or may result in loose clothing being snagged, for example.

[0113] However, in the present system, the channel members 120 are at least partially embedded within panels 130 on a common internal surface, such that the channel members 120 do not significantly protrude into the volume within the enclosure 1 10. Accordingly, the channel members 120 and panels 130 are used to provide a less intrusive mounting system which maximises valuable internal space within the enclosure 1 10. By at least partially embedding the channel members 120 within the panels 130, this can also allow personnel to move within the often cramped confines of the enclosure 1 10 (particularly after equipment has been installed), with a reduced likelihood of impacting or becoming snagged on elements of the mounting system.

[0114] The panels 130 not only allow the channel members 120 to be embedded, but also serve the purpose of lining internal surfaces of the enclosure 1 10, and may desirably provide a flat finish to the internal surfaces of the portable modular enclosed environment 100, which may otherwise include corrugations (as in the case of standard shipping containers) or other features depending on the construction of the enclosure 110. As mentioned, the panels 130 can also be formed from insulating materials so as to also improve the thermal characteristics of the portable modular enclosed environment 100.

[0115] In preferred embodiments, the channel members 120 are substantially flush with the panels 130. The term "flush" should be understood to mean that channel members 120 do not substantially protrude beyond the innermost surface of the panels 130. In the example shown in Figure 1 A, the channel members 120 protrude from the internal surfaces of the enclosure 1 10 by a distance that is equal to the thickness of the panels 130. However, this does not necessarily mean that the channel members 120 and the panels 130 must have the same depth dimension, since there are numerous ways of embedding the channel members 120 into the panels 130 to provide a flush finish.

[0116] Flush mounted channel members 120 are unobtrusive and allow bulky and expensive equipment to be more easily moved within the portable enclosed environment. Once in place, the equipment can be supported in place by connecting it to one or more channel members 120. Also, once any bulky equipment has been installed into the enclosure 1 10, the mounting system also allows auxiliary equipment to also be installed quickly and easily while allowing substantial flexibility in terms of the spatial arrangement of the equipment.

[0117] This flexibility is of importance because, although many conventional portable modular enclosed environments are configured as portable modular data centres, they may be used for a range of purposes, with the internal volume being occupied by different combinations or spatial arrangements of equipment. Conventional portable modular data centres are often customised for customers, requiring different equipment configurations. Furthermore, equipment requirements may change (for example, data processing hardware may need to be upgraded) such that equipment components and their spatial configurations may need to be changed substantially. The above discussed mounting system allows these changes to be made more easily than in conventional portable modular enclosed environments, where equipment is typically fastened directly to surfaces of the enclosure 1 10. [0118] By fitting a mounting system into the enclosure 110, a manufacturer of a portable modular enclosed environment 100 need only provide one, or a small number, of channel member 120 and panel 130 configurations which can be used for almost any conceivable equipment configuration. This can therefore simplify the manufacture of portable modular enclosed environments 100.

[0119] Figure IB shows an example of a channel member 120 mounted between two adjacent panels 130 such that the channel member 120 is flush with the panels 130.

[0120] In this example, the panels 130 on either side of the channel member 120 each have an edge abutting the channel member 120. Panels spanning between two channel members 120 will typically have two edges abutting respective channel members 120. The panels may be attached to the internal surface 1 17 of the enclosure 1 10. Additionally or alternatively, the edges of panels 130 which abut an adjacent channel member 120 may be attached to the adjacent channel member 120.

[0121] In this example, each channel member 120 includes a base 122 for allowing the attachment of the channel member 120 to a respective internal surface 1 17 of the enclosure 1 10, where the internal surface 1 17 in this case belongs to the side wall 1 1 1. The channel member 120 may be attached to the internal surface 1 17 using fasteners, adhesive, clip-fit, interference fit, brackets, or any other suitable attachment method.

[0122] A pair of spaced, opposed flanges 123, 124 extends away from the base 122 to define a channel 121. Channel members 120 of this type will typically have a generally C-shape. In this example, the flanges 123, 124 extend away from the base 122 by an extension length that is substantially equal to a thickness of the panels 130. This results in the flush relationship between the flanges 123, 124 of the channel member 120 and the adjacent panels 130.

[0123] The channel 121 is typically configured to receive inserted articles which are used for connecting equipment 140 installed in the enclosure 110. As can be seen in Figure IB, in this example, each flange 123, 124 includes an inwardly folded terminal lip 125, 126 for retaining an article inserted into the channel 121. In particular, the terminal lips 125, 126 are each recessed within the channel 121 defined by the flanges 123, 124. [0124] The inward folding of the terminal lips 125, 126 also means that a folded portion of the flanges 123, 124 protrude outermost, which will help to reduce the likelihood of personnel being cut by sharp edges of the terminal lips 125, 126 whilst moving through the enclosure 110, even if the channels 120 are not completely recessed in the panels 130.

[0125] Furthermore, this configuration of the terminal lips 125, 126 results in a narrowed opening of the channel 121, such that an appropriately sized article can be inserted into the channel 121 yet configured so that the terminal lips 125, 126 prevent the article from exiting the channel 121 in use. This can allow numerous options for connecting equipment 140 to the channel members 120.

[0126] Examples of possible connections to the channel members 120 will now be described with reference to Figures 1C to I E.

[0127] Figure 1C shows an example in which a support bracket 151 is provided for connecting equipment 140 to a channel member 120.

[0128] Although equipment 140 may be directly connected to the channel members 120, it can be convenient to connect equipment 140 using one or more support brackets 151, which provide an interface between the channel members 120 and the equipment 140 to be supported. Support brackets 151 may be provided in any configuratidn suitable to support the particular equipment 140 to be installed in the enclosure 110.

[0129] A support bracket 151 may include at least one channel attachment point, such as a hole, slot or fitting or some sort, for attaching to a respective channel member 120, and at least one equipment attachment point for attaching to the equipment 140. Although simple support brackets 151 may only have one channel attachment point, many useful types of support brackets 151 may include a plurality of attachment points for attaching the support bracket 151 to a single channel member 120 at multiple positions, or to a plurality of different channel members, to thereby allow a more rigid connection and improved distribution of the loads for supporting attached equipment 140.

[0130] In the example of Figure 1C, the support bracket 151 is connected to the channel member 120 using a bolt 152 and a nut 154. In particular, the nut 154 is inserted into the channel 121 and retained by the inwardly folded terminal lips 125, 126. In preferred embodiments, the nut 154 is configured so that the flanges 123, 124 prevent the nut 154 from turning when it is retained inside the channel 121. Numerous suitable nut configurations may be used, including standard nuts and purpose-built nuts for use in strut channel systems. Spring loaded nuts may be particularly suitable for use with the channel members 120.

[0131] In any event, the support bracket 151 is connected by passing the bolt 152 through a suitable hole or slot in the support bracket 151 and causing the threaded portion 153 of the bolt 152 to threadingly engage with the nut 154, until the support bracket 151 is fastened to the channel member 120.

[0132] A similar approach may also be used to connect an end of a threaded rod 155 to a channel member 120, as shown in Figure ID. In this example, a support bracket 151 or any other structure for supporting equipment 140 may be connected at the other end of the threaded rod 155 (or a plurality of threaded rods 155). The threaded rod 155 is fastened to the channel member 120 by threadingly engaging with nut 154, and a threaded retainer 156 may further be tightened against the protruding ends of the flanges 123, 124 to secure the connection.

[0133] Figure I E shows a further option for allowing equipment 140 to be supported from channel members 120. In this case, equipment 140 can be connected to a hanging support bracket 157, which in turn is connected to the channel member 120 using a channel engaging portion 158. In particular, the channel engaging portion 158 is configured to be inserted into the channel 121 between the inwardly folded terminal lips 125, 126 in one orientation, and then reoriented into a hanging position in which the surfaces of the channel engaging portion 158 engage with surfaces of the channel member 120 to thereby support the hanging support bracket 157 and any attached equipment.

[0134] Skilled persons will appreciate that the above examples of connection techniques are not exhaustive, and any known methods for connecting components to strut channels and the like may be used.

[0135] An example of a preferred configuration of channel members 120 and panels 130 within an enclosure is shown in Figures 2A to 2D. The structure of the enclosure 1 10 has been hidden for clarity but the relationship between the structure and the channel members 120 and panels 130 should be readily apparent.

[0136] In this example, each of the opposing side walls 111, 1 12 of the enclosure 110 are fitted with a pair of longitudinally extending channel members 120, namely a lower side channel member 221, 222, and an upper side channel member 223, 224. Lower side panel 231, 233 extend between the lower side channel members 221, 222 and the floor 1 14 on either side of the enclosure 1 10, mid side panels 233, 234 extends between the lower side channel member 221, 222 and the upper side channel member 223, 224 on each side, and upper side panels 235, 236 extends upwardly from the upper side channel members 223, 224 to the ceiling 1 13.

[0137] Channel members 120 on the side walls 1 1 1 , 112 allow equipment 140 to be directly supported in positions alongside the side walls 1 11, 1 12. Furthermore, by providing channel members 120 on opposing side walls 11 1, 112 this allows equipment 140 to also be installed in central positions between the side walls 1 1 1, 1 12, by having the equipment 140 supported from channel members 120 on each of the opposing side walls 1 11, 112. This may be achieved by providing a support structure spanning between the opposing channel members 120, such that the equipment 140 can be attached to the support structure.

[0138] It will be appreciated that the ability to install equipment 140 in central positions within the enclosure 1 10 can be beneficial for numerous reasons. For instance, ventilation of centrally positioned equipment 140 may be improved as one side of the equipment 140 does not need to be blocked by a side wall 11 1, 1 12, and thus air is allowed to better flow around the equipment 140. Access to equipment 140 will also be enhanced by central positioning. Furthermore, equipment 140 installed away from side walls 1 11, 112 of the enclosure 110 help to improve damage resistance during transport of a portable modular enclosed environment assembly. For example, if a side wall 1 1 1, 1 12 is impacted or punctured during transport and other handling of the enclosure 1 10, centrally positioned equipment 140 will be separated from the side walls 1 11 , 1112 and less likely to be damaged by the impact/puncture. [0139] The internal surface of the ceiling 1 13 is fitted with four longitudinally extending channel members 120. In this case, left and right outer ceiling channel members 225, 226 extend substantially along upper side corners of the enclosure, alongside the upper side panels 235, 236. A pair of spaced apart inner ceiling channel members 227, 228 is positioned in a generally symmetrical arrangement along the middle portion of the ceiling 1 13. Respective left and right outer ceiling panels 237, 238 are provided between the outer channel ceiling members 225, 226 and the respective nearby inner ceiling channel members 227, 228, whilst a central inner ceiling panel 239 extends between the pair of inner ceiling channel members 227, 228.

[0140] The panels 130 substantially line the side walls 1 1 1 , 112 and ceiling 1 13 of the enclosure. As for the floor 1 14, this may be lined with a hard wearing flooring material which may be different to the panels 130 (which are typically formed from materials selected for their insulative properties and are not necessarily suitable for load bearing applications as may be the case for flooring). Nevertheless, in alternative embodiments, panels 130 may also line the floor 1 14. Furthermore, channel members 120 may also be provided embedded into panels 130 lining the floor.

[0141] In this case, door panels 217, 218 are also provided for lining the internal surfaces of the doors 115, 1 16 of the enclosure. This can help to ensure that the doors 1 15, 1 16 are also lined and have similar insulation properties as the other portions of the enclosure 1 10. Channel members 120 are not attached to the doors 115, 1 16 in this example, but such an arrangement may be used to allow further auxiliary equipment to be connected to the doors 115, 1 16, if required.

[0142] In any event, it will be appreciated that the above discussed arrangement of channel members 120 allows equipment 140 to be supported in many different positions within the enclosure 140.

[0143] An alternative example arrangement of channel members 120 and panels 130 is shown in Figure 2E. In this example, side channel members 221 , 222, 223, 224, side panels 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, ceiling panel members 225, 226, 227, 228 and ceiling panels 237, 238, 238 are provided in a similar layout as per the example of Figure 2A. However, additional lower corner channel members 229 are provided along lower edges of the lower side panels 231, 232. Accordingly this example has three channel members 120 arranged op each side wall 1 1 1 , 1 12, providing further flexibility in how equipment 140 can be supported.

[0144] Furthermore, this example includes longitudinal straps 201 , 202, 203 which are mounted outside the channel members 120 and used to facilitate the attachment of channel members 120 to adjacent panels 130. The straps 201, 202, 203 may be suitably formed from strips of metal such as steel. Figures 2F to 2G provide further detailed examples of the straps 201, 202, 203 in use in particular configurations of channel members 120 and panels 130.

[0145] Figure 2F illustrates a case where a channel member 120 is positioned between two adjacent panels 130. The strap 201 is mounted outside the lower side channel member 221 and is fastened to adjacent side panels 231, 233 using suitable fasteners 204.

[0146] Figure 2G shows the lower corner channel member 229, which is adjacent to the lower side panel 231 , and in this case the strap 202 is mounted outside the lower corner channel member 229 and is fastened to the lower side panel 231 using fastener 204.

[0147] Figure 2H illustrates the strap 203 mounted outside the outer ceiling channel member 237. The strap 203 is fastened to the outer ceiling panel 237 using fastener 204. In this case, an additional panel section 205 is provided between the upper side panel 235 and the outer ceiling channel member 237. The panel section 205 may be formed differently from the other panels 130. For example, the panel strip 205 may have a hollow construction to allow cables or the like to be routed therethrough. A panel spacer 206 is also provided in the example of Figure 2H. The panel spacer 206 may be provided with a thickness selected to accommodate manufacturing variations in the enclosure 1 10, and in some cases the panel spacer 206 may have a tapering thickness.

[0148] An example of an enclosure 110 fitted with charmer members 120 as shown in Figures 2A to 2D is shown in Figure 3A. The side walls 111, 112, ceiling 113, doors 115, 1 16, and panels 130 are hidden for clarity. In this example, flooring 314 is installed on the internal surface of the floor 114, and a floor channel member 239 is additionally embedded in the flooring 314, running longitudinally along the length of the enclosure 1 10, offset laterally from a centreline of the enclosure 1 10. [0149J In this case, the enclosure 1 10 is a standard shipping container, and details of the end frames 315, 316, corner fittings 317, floor beams 318 and ceiling beams 319 can also be seen in Figure 3 A. The channel members 120 may be fixed to these structural elements of the shipping container providing the enclosure 1 10.

[0150] An example installation of equipment 140 into the enclosure 1 10 shown in Figure 3A is shown in Figure 3B. In this example, the equipment 140 includes a plurality of server racks 341 into which data processing equipment and the like can be installed to allow the enclosure 1 10 to function as a portable modular data centre. ¹

[0151] In conventional portable modular data centres, server racks are usually manoeuvred into position assisted by rollers located on the bottom of the server racks, or some combination of rollers and rails. In the event the data centre is assembled on site, the server racks may simply rest on the floor and not be fixed to the enclosure. Otherwise, the server racks may be secured in position via dedicated attachments to the structure of the enclosure. Although this can secure the server racks sufficiently to allow the data centre to be transported with data processing equipment pre-installed, this will usually come at the expense of the ability to easily reconfigure the equipment at a later date.

[0152] In this example, however, the channel members 120 allow the flexible installation of equipment, whilst providing adequate support for transport of the portable modular enclosed environment with the equipment 140 installed. To easily facilitate the installation of the server racks 341 , a server support frame 460 is additionally provided for supporting server racks 341 from above. The server racks 341 are attached underneath the server support frame 460, and the server support frame 460 is suitably configured to provide sufficient support to the server racks 341 to substantially prevent movement and damage during transport of the enclosure 110.

[0153] This represents an example of a support structure for allowing central positioned of equipment, as discussed above. The central positioning of the server racks 341 as shown in Figure 3B results in spaces between the server racks 141 and the side walls 1 1 1 , 1 12, which serve as corridors on either side of the server racks 141. These corridors allow improved access to the server racks 141 from either-side, and further allow improved ventilation of data processing equipment which may be installed within the server racks 141.

[0154] As can be seen in Figure 3B, the server racks are also connected to the floor channel member 329 via floor support fittings 351, which can be attached to using a bolt and nut arrangement as shown in Figure 2C, for example. The server racks 341 may include rollers and thus may be rolled into place initially, then fixed in position using the floor support fittings 3 1. By adding additional lower securing point, this configuration is more robust than securing the server racks 341 using overhead points alone. Nevertheless, the server racks 341 may still be conveniently repositioned.

[0155] In this example, the server support frame 460 is connected to channel members 120 attached to the ceiling 1 13 of the enclosure 1 10. This may be achieved by suspending the support frame 460 from the inner ceiling channel members 227, 228 by rods 155 connected thereto. The server support frame 460 may additionally be connected to channel members 120 attached to the side walls 1 11, 1 12 of the enclosure 1 10, such as the upper side channel members 223, 224 to thereby provide improved lateral support to the server racks 341.

[0156] Further details of an example of a support frame 460 will now be described with reference to Figures 4 A to 4C.

[0157] The server support frame 460 includes a deck 461 , which provides a primary structure for allowing the server racks 341 to be attached and thus supported. The deck 461 may be suspended from the channel members 120 attached to the ceiling 1 13, using threaded rods 155 connected to the channel members 120 using nuts 154 and threaded retainers 156. In this example, the threaded rods 155 are positioned at corners of the deck 461 and also provided at spaced positions along edges 463, 464 of the deck 461.

[0158] The attachment of server racks 461 and other equipment 140 beneath the deck 461 may be performed using equipment support fittings 467 which may also be provided at spaced positions along edges 463, 464 of the deck 461.

[0159] The server support frame 460 may further include support extensions 462 extending outwardly from the deck 461. These support extensions 462 may be connected to channel members 120 attached to a side wall 111, 112 of the enclosure 110, using channel attachment brackets 466 fitted to extremities of the support extensions 462. In this example, the support extensions 462 are connected to the deck 461 using gussets 465 which help to improve the rigidity and supporting capacity of the connections.

[0160] Along with providing support to server racks 341 and other similarly sized equipment, the server support frame 460 may provide other functionalities. For example, the deck 461 and support extensions 462 may also be used as a cable rack to allow neat routing of cables to the server racks 341 and to auxiliary equipment which may be supported from channel members 120 on the side walls 111, 1 12, near the support extensions 462.

[0161] It will be appreciated that different server support frame 460 configurations may be provided, and the particular configuration may depend, for example, on the requirements for equipment installation into a particular enclosure 110. To illustrate potential variations, an alternative example of a suitable server support frame 470 is shown in Figure 4D.

[0162] In this example, the server support frame 470 is conveniently formed using lengths of channel members 120 similar to those provided for supporting equipment from the side walls 1 1 1 , 1 12 and ceiling 1 13 of the enclosure 110. It will be appreciated that this can allow equipment 140 to be supported from the server support frame 470 using the same types of fittings that may be used to support equipment 140 from any other channel members 120.

[0163] The server support frame 470 includes a deck frame 471 having a similar overall geometry as per the deck 461 of the previous example. However, in this case the deck frame 471 is formed from longitudinal members 473 and lateral members 474 in an open frame construction which allows cables to be passed through the deck 471 to equipment 140 supported below.

[0164] In this case, support extensions 472 are provided in the form of shorter lengths of channel members 120, which are attached to the longitudinal members 473 and other channel members 120 provided in the side walls 111, 1 12 of the enclosure 1 10 using suitable attachment fittings 475. Vertical supports 476 are provided in a similar fashion, in which lengths of channel members 120 are attached to the lateral members 474 and channel members 120 provided in the ceiling 1 13 of the enclosure 1 10 using attachment fittings 475. Figure 4E shows further details of an example configuration of a vertical support 476.

[0165] It will be. appreciated that the example server support frame 470 can be readily manufactured using similar components as provided to allow equipment to be supported from the side walls 1 1 1 , 1 12 and ceiling 1 13 within the enclosure 1 10. Thus this can reduce the material and labour costs for manufacture and allow common fastening and mounting systems to be used throughout the enclosure 1 10.

[0166] Whilst the above examples show portable modular data centre configurations, it should be appreciated that the channel members 120 and panels 130 are not necessarily installed in such a way that would only be suitable for use in supporting data processing equipment in server racks 341. Rather, a range of different equipment configurations can be installed using the same arrangement of channel members 120 and panels 130. Other support frames, similar to the server support frame, may be provided to allow the installation of other types of equipment.

[0167] This arrangement is in contrast to conventional equipment support arrangements for portable modular enclosed environments, as these have typically focussed on dedicated solutions for supporting the particular equipment directly from the enclosure structure (usually server racks and associated data processing equipment for portable modular data centres). Although providing a bespoke mounting solution into an enclosure 1 10 may be suitable in some circumstances, this will not be appropriate where customised equipment configurations will be used or where equipment configurations are expected to change significantly over time.

[0168] Figure 5 shows examples of support brackets 151 for use in supporting equipment from channel members 120 on the side walls 1 1 1 , 1 12. In this case, the support brackets 151 are configured to support fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and fire panels. However, it will be appreciated that similar support brackets 151 may be provided to support any type of equipment.

[0169] In this example, a large support plate 571 is connected to the downwards facing outer ceiling channel member 225 and the upper side channel member 223. The large support plate 571 has a support clip 572 for supporting a cylindrical piece of equipment, such as a fire extinguisher (not shown). A small support plate 573, also having a support clip 572, is positioned beneath the large support plate 571 , and is connected to the lower side channel member 221 . A lower corner channel 529 is also provides at the bottom corner of the side wall 1 1 1 , and a further small support plate 573 is fitted thereto.

[0170] A collection of other support members 574, 575, 576 are also provided, in this case configured to support a fire panel (not shown). Long support members 574, 575 span between the upper and lower side channel members 221, 223, whilst short support members are only connected to the upper side channel member 223. Each of the support members 574, 575, 576 includes mounting holes 577 to facilitate mounting of the fire panel or any other equipment to be supported. In the case of the central support member 575, a mounting pad 578 is provided with a pattern of mounting holes 577 to facilitate placement of small equipment, such as a switch panel or the like.

[0171] Although of less monetary and volumetric consequence, the mounting of auxiliary equipment such as fire safety equipment, lights and power points are nevertheless important in terms of ergonomics in an enclosure 1 10 where space is often at a premium. Auxiliary equipment and fixtures can be quickly fitted using the channel members 120 after bulky equipment such as server racks 341 and the like have been moved into position and secured.

[0172] It will be appreciated that numerous configurations of support brackets 151 and other support structures such as the server support frame 460 described above can be used as interfaces between the channel members 120 and equipment 140. This allows quick and easy installation, removal and repositioning of equipment 140 within the enclosure 1 10.

[0173] A portable modular enclosed environment will usually also require numerous services to be supplied to equipment 140 installed in the enclosure 1 10 in order to deliver the required functionalities. Accordingly, providing a mounting system for supporting equipment 140 only facilitates the mechanical installation of equipment, and further systems will typically be required to supply required services such as electricity, data communications, air conditioning, and the like. Whilst these services can be provided into the enclosure 1 10 in an ad-hoc manner, the services requirements for complex equipment, such as data processing equipment in a portable modular data centre, can become quite onerous if a systematic approach is not taken when connecting and supplying services.

[0174] Accordingly, a system for use in the installation of equipment into a portable modular enclosure may include an interface module for providing an interface between services and equipment installed within the enclosure.

[0175] An example of an interface module 600 and its use in facilitating the installation of equipment in the enclosure 1 10 will now be described with reference to Figures 6A to 6D.

[0176] The interface module 600 is configured to be positioned inside an end of the enclosure 1 10 as shown in Figure 6C. The interface module 600 includes support members 61 1, 612, 613, 614 for supporting the interface module inside the enclosure 1 10, and an interface wall 620 connected to the support members.

[0177] As shown in Figure 6D, which shows a section view through Plane D of Figure 6C, the interface wall 620 is for partitioning an internal volume of the enclosure 110 into a primary volume 601 for the installation of the equipment 140 and a secondary volume 602 for the connection of services for servicing the equipment 140. The interface wall 620 includes at least one aperture 631, 632 for allowing the services to be supplied into the primary volume 601 via the at least one aperture 631 , 632.

[0178] The interface module 600 thus serves as an interface between equipment 140 installed inside the primary volume 601 , and services connected in the secondary volume, such that assembly, replacement and reconfiguration of the installed equipment can be carried out more quickly, easily and safely than in conventional portable modular enclosed environments where services are connected in an ad-hoc manner.

[0179] The interface module 600 will also typically provide a rigid structure to which service components may be attached to form an assembly. The service components and the interface module 600 may thus be positioned inside the enclosure 1 10 together as a single assembly. This allows the portable modular enclosed environment to be assembled and modified more quickly and easily, reducing costs and assembly time or down time. [0180] Consider, for example, the case where the portable modular enclosed environment 100 serves as a portable modular data centre, where data processing equipment is installed within a shipping container. Typically, the portable modular data centre will require air conditioning components, such as heat exchanger units, to control the environment within the container. The data processing equipment within the enclosure may use substantial amounts of power. This can also generate substantial amounts of heat and thus necessitate the use of heat exchangers or other thermal control equipment to remove this heat and keep the data processing equipment at an optimum operating temperature.

[0181] Conventional portable modular data centres have focussed on providing desirable air conditioning capabilities, but this has generally resulted in the use of complicated solutions which are purpose built for particular equipment installations. In many cases this results in numerous heat exchanger units, air conditioning compressors, fans and the like being installed throughout the enclosure, and often also positioned outside of the enclosure to reduce the impact on the internal volume of the enclosure. On the other hand, the use of an interface module 600 may allow standardised heat exchanger configurations to be used within a defined secondary volume 602, in order to reduce the impact into the primary volume 601, and can further allow scaling of the number of heat exchangers depending on demand, without requiring additional structural modifications to the enclosure 1 10.

[0182] Heat exchanger components will typically be governed by control systems for regulating the temperature inside the primary volume 601. For example, if it is desired to maintain a given temperature within the primary volume 601, then temperature sensors (such as thermocouples or the like) can transmit information to a control component that can compare the measured temperature with the desired temperature (i.e. set point) and then control the heat exchanger output accordingly to achieve the desired temperature result. However, the heat exchanger components themselves will generally be limited in terms of a maximum heat exchange capacity. When the heat duty inside the primary volume 601 exceeds this capacity, the heat exchanger components themselves must be altered to increase the heat exchange capacity.

[0183] This may occur during an upgrade, for example, which might be reasonably expected to occur several times over the lifetime of the portable modular data centre. A power distribution system and a data distribution system will usually also be required, and service components related to these systems can also be provided as within the interface module 600. Of course, changes may also be expected for these systems during upgrade events. Service components might also need to be removed or replaced in the event of failure.

[0184] In these events, it is desirable to remove or reconfigure existing service components, or replace them, as quickly and easily as possible. The ability to quickly and easily change heat exchanger components and other system components reduces the time and cost of upgrade and maintenance processes.

[0185] Because of their high heat duties, the heat exchangers of portable modular data centres tend to be bulky and heavy. This poses a number of problems during assembly. If the heat exchangers are installed relatively early in the assembly of a portable modular enclosed environment, their physical presence can hinder the installation of other equipment, increasing assembly time and/or difficulty. On the other hand, if they are installed relatively late in the process, the potential for damage to expensive components during the installation process increases.

[0186] By using an interface module 600, however, the service components and the interface module 600 can be assembled separately from the rest of the portable modular enclosed environment, such that installation of the other equipment is not hindered. Then when it is desired to complete the manufacturing process, the connection of services components into the enclosure 110 is relatively quick and easy, by simply fitting the interface module 600 into which the service components have been pre-installed.

[0187] The interface module 600 is typically constructed from metal or other suitable materials of sufficient strength such that relatively heavy components, such as heat exchangers, can be connected without risk of structural failure, or undesired behaviour such as excessive flexing or bowing, cracking or the like.

[0188] In the present example, the interface module 600 is positioned inside the rear end of the enclosure 1 10, with the interface wall 620 forming an effective rear wall of the primary volume 601 it defines. [0189] The interface wall 620 may be provided with wall panels for lining the effective rear wall. Preferably these wall panels will have similar qualities as the panels 130 which are used in conjunction with the channel members 120 in the mounting system discussed above. Accordingly, the wall panels will typically be selected to have desirable insulation and fire retardant properties.

[0190] The use of an insulating wall panel will be particularly useful where air conditioning components such as heat exchangers are connected to the interface wall 620, as these types of components may operate at high temperatures and it is desirable to ensure that the high operating temperatures of components in the second volume 601 do not have an adverse impact on temperatures within the primary volume 601.

[0191] A fire retardant wall panel can also help to prevent fire from spreading into the primary volume 601 in the event of a fire starting in services equipment connected in the secondary volume 602.

[0192] The primary volume 601 is otherwise bounded by the side walls 1 11, 1 12, ceiling 113, floor 1 14 and front doors 115, 116 to provide the enclosed environment for the installation of equipment 140 therewithin.

[0193] In the example of Figure 6D, the apertures 631 allow communication between the secondary volume 602 and the primary volume 601 as indicated by arrows 603. In this case, the apertures 631 allow air conditioning services to be provided through the apertures 631. This may be provided from an external air conditioning unit, but more preferably will be provided by installing air conditioning components, such as heat exchangers 641 , into the secondary volume 602, by mounting the heat exchangers 641 to the interface module 600, as shown in Figure 6B and in dashed outline in Figure 6D.

[0194] Accordingly, where heat exchangers 641 are connected to the interface module 600, the apertures 631 in the interface wall 620 will usually include airflow apertures for allowing air within the primary volume 601 of the enclosure to be circulated through the heat exchanger 641 connected in the secondary volume 602 of the enclosure 1 10. [0195] As discussed above, the services may also include electrical power and data communications services. These services are often connected from external sources using cables, and thus it is generally preferable for at least one aperture 632 in the interface wall 600 to be a cable aperture, for allowing cabling to be provided between services connected in the secondary volume 602 of the enclosure and the primary volume 601 of the enclosure 10.

[0196] In preferred embodiments, the interface module 620 will also include at least one connector for allowing the connection of the services. Figure 6B shows electrical services connected to the interface module 600 using cables 650, which will typically be enable by providing connectors for the cable apertures 632.

[0197] The interface module 600 may also include at least one mount 660 for allowing at least one service component to be mounted on the interface module 600. Service components - may include air conditioning or heat exchanger components, electrical power components, data communications components, and control components for use in controlling the services. The example connection of services in Figure 6B also includes heat exchangers 640 mounted on mounts 660, in order to supply air conditioning services via the airflow apertures 631.

[0198] Mounting systems including channel members 120 and panels 130 as described above can be used to support the installed equipment 140 in the primary volume 601.

[0199] In one example, the channel members 120 and panels 130 may extend throughout the entire length of the enclosure 1 10. In such a case, the interface module 600 may be configured to fit inside of the channel members 120 and the panels 130. Furthermore, the support members 61 1 , 612, 613, 614 may be configured to connect to channel members 120.

[0200] In one embodiment, the support members 611, 612, 613, 614 may simply take the form of mounting fittings which allow the interface wall 610 to be connected to the channel members. In other forms, the support members 611, 612, 613, 614 may be in the form of brackets or extended side wall portions of the interface module 600, which include attachment points for allowing the interface module 600 to be attached to channel members 120. [0201] In another example, however, the channel members 120 and panels 130 may be provided only in the primary volume 601. In this case, the channel members 120 and panels 130 may only extend along part of the length of the enclosure 110, and may, for example, terminate at the interface wall 610. Accordingly, in such circumstances the interface module 600 may be configured to fit directly inside the main structure of the enclosure 1 10. The support members 61 1 , 612, 613, 614 may thus include other means for allowing the interface module 600 to be attached to the structure of the enclosure 1 10. In one embodiment, the support members 61 1, 612, 613, 614 are adapted to be directly fastened to the end frame and/or walls, ceiling and floor of the enclosure 1 10, and in other embodiments the support members 61 1, 612, 613, 614 may include brackets or fittings for enabling attachment to the enclosure 1 10.

[0202J It should also be appreciated that the interface module 600 can also be used in enclosures 1 10 which are not fitted with a mounting system using channel members 120.

[0203] A further example of an interface module 700 will now be described with reference to Figures 7A to 7E, and an example installation of that interface module 700 inside a shipping container (similar to that already shown in Figure 3A), is shown in Figures 8A and 8B. As can be seen, the interface module 700 has an overall construction similar to that discussed above, but further includes a number of other optional design features.

[0204] In this example, the support members are in the form of four side wall portions 71 1 , 712, 713, 714 extending from each side of the interface wall 720 and forming side boundaries of the second volume 602, such that the interface wall 720 and four side wall portions 71 1 , 712, 713, 714 define an open box structure .

[0205] Although the interface module 700 can be simply positioned inside an end of the container 110, particularly where the interface module is installed on-site, it may be desirable to more rigidly secure the interface module 700 to the enclosure 1 10. Accordingly, the four side wall portions 71 1 , 712, 713, 714 may include attachment points for allowing the interface module 700 to be attached to the enclosure 1 10. In this case, the attachment points are provided as door slot connectors 715 which interface with corresponding door slots in the end frame 315 of a shipping container, as shown in Figure 8A. These door slot connectors 715 may also optionally provide mounting points for a rear end cover or rear doors 1 17, 1 18, such that the secondary volume 602 can still be closed despite the door slots in the enclosure structure being used for attachment of the interface module 700.

[0206] In one example, a rear end cover or rear doors 1 17, 1 18 may be provided using a mesh material which permits the entry of air into the secondary volume 602 from the environment outside of the enclosure 1 10. This allows fresh air to be supplied to connected heat exchangers 840 or the like. The mesh material may be selected to substantially filter the air to prevent substantial quantities of dust from entering the secondary volume 602.

[0207] The interface module 700 may also include seals 780 for substantially sealing between the interface module 700 and internal surfaces of the enclosure 110. The seals 780 may help to ensure that only the apertures 731 in the interface wall 720 allow communication between the primary volume 601 and the secondary volume 602. In this case the seals are provided about the circumference of the side wall portions 71 1 , 712, 713, 714, in order to form a seal around the end of the enclosure 1 10 when the interface module 700 is fitted.

[0208] The structure of the interface module 700 may further include transportation aids to allow the interface module 700 to be moved into position inside the end of the enclosure 1 10. In this case, the transportation aids are in the form of forklift guides 716, although other transportation aids, such as lifting lugs or the like, may be used. These transportation aids also enable easier installation of the interface module 700 into the enclosure 1 10 when services components such as heat exchangers are mounted to the interface module 700.

[0209] The above discussed additional features further distinguish the present invention over conventional portable modular enclosed environment manufacturing processes, where services components are installed into the enclosure separately and would not normally be expected to include transportation aids, attachment points or sealing contact surfaces. This may increase the time, cost and risk associated with installing these components in conventional portable modular enclosed environments.

[0210] In this example, three sets of vertical mounts 761 and horizontal mounts 762 are provided for allowing heat exchangers 840 to be mounted on the interface module 700, as shown in Figures 8 A and 8B. A detailed arrangement of one of the sets of mounts 761, 762 is shown in Figure 7E which corresponds to Detail E of Figure 7D.

[0211] In this example, the interface module 700 is configured to allow at least some service components to be mounted on the interface module 700 when it is not positioned inside the end of the enclosure 1 10. This allows the interface module 700 and the mounted service components to be positioned inside the end of the enclosure 1 10 as a single assembly, as discussed above.

[0212] As best seen in Figure 7C, the interface wall 720 is formed from three wall panels, the outer ones of which include folded flanges 721 which protrude into the primary volume 601 as shown in Figures 7B and 7E. These flanges may provide additional stiffness to the interface wall 720, and may further be used for providing mounting points for interior panels, switchboards, or other equipment.

[0213] In this example, the airflow apertures 731 formed in the interface wall 620 are of a rectangular shape, and are provided in three laterally offset pairs, as best seen in Figure 7C. When airflow apertures 731 are provided in pairs with a lateral offset as shown, this can allow a heat exchanger 840 to be used which has an air inlet on one side and a air outlet on the other side, so ^' that air is circulated through the heat exchanger 840 via the pair of airflow apertures 731.

[0214] The lateral offset of the airflow apertures 731 promotes air circulation within the primary volume 601 that has a lateral flow direction component. In other words, a lateral cross flow will usually be established in the primary voluri e 601, which may allow good air flow over centrally positioned server racks as per Figure 3B.

[0215] A further example of an interface module 701 is shown in Figure 7F. In this case, the interface module 701 is constructed as an assembly of a box frame 710, as depicted in further detail in Figure 7G, separate sheets forming the side wall portions 711, 712, 713, 714 and an assembly of rear panels 721 , 722, 723 forming the interface wall 720, as depicted in further detail in Figure 7H. [0216] As seen in Figure 7G, the box frame 710 is constructed from elongate frame members 717 which provide a rigid supporting structure for the interface module 701. The frame members 717 may be provided as lengths of standard rectangular hollow sections (RHS) formed from steel or other suitable materials. As depicted in Figure 7F, the side wall portions 71 1 , 712, 713, 714 can be provided by fastening sheets to the frame members 717. The sheets may be formed from sheet metal, insulated panels, or the like, outside the box frame 710. In this example, vertical mounts 761 and horizontal mounts 762 are attached to respective vertical and horizontal frame members 717 provided for supporting the side walls 71 1, 712.

[0217] As per the previous example, forklift guides 716 may be provided, and in this case these are attached to the frame members 717 providing an upper portion of the box frame 710. Enclosure attachment brackets 718 are provided for allowing the box frame 710 to be attached to the enclosure 1 10 in use.

[0218] As shown in Figure 7H, the interface wall 720 in this example is provided as an assembly of four rear panels 721, 722, 723 which are attached to frame members 717 along a rear portion of the box frame 710. Outside rear panels 721, 722 include airflow apertures 731 similar to those provided in the previous example. A middle rear panel 723 provided between the outside rear panels 721 , 722 defines the remainder of the interface wall 720, and includes a cable aperture 732. As can be seen in Figures 7F and 7G, cable guides 719 may also be attached to the box frame 710 structure, to allow convenient routing of cables between installed service components and the cable aperture 732.

[0219] The construction technique illustrated in Figures 7F to 7H has been found to allow the interface module 701 to be manufactured more quickly and cost effectively compared to the previous example interface module 700, with comparable strength and stiffness. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that suitable interface modules may be constructed using a range of different techniques and the aforementioned examples are not intended to be limiting.

[0220] Turning to Figures 8A and 8B, which show an example installation of the interface module 700 in the end of a shipping container, it can be seen that the interface module 700 fits inside the shipping container end frame 715 with relatively close engagement. The door slot connectors 715 engage with door slots in the end frame 715 to better secure the interface module 700. The seals 780 extend around the perimeter of the perimeter of the four side wall portions 71 1 , 712, 713, 714 serving as the support members of the interface module 700, and act to prevent the ingress of contaminants into the primary volume 601 on the other side of the interface module 700.

[0221) Three heat exchangers 840 are mounted on the interface module 700, along with a first services box 871 , and a second services box 872. In this example, the first services box 871 includes an electrical services panel (i.e. a switchboard) behind a pair of cabinet doors, whilst the second services box 872 includes data services panels. Additional cable apertures 732 can be seen in the interface wall 720 for allowing the two services boxes 871 , 872 to have cabling interfaces through the interface wall 720 into the primary volume 601.

[0222] It should be noted that the interface module 700 does not need to be fitted with components corresponding to every aperture 731 , 732. For instance, although three heat exchangers 840 are installed in Figures 8A and 8B, in some cases only one or two heat exchangers 840 might suffice (i.e. if thermal regulation requirements are not high). Accordingly, in some circumstances, pairs of airflow apertures 731 may remain unused. In order to prevent unused apertures 731 , 732 from becoming pathways for contaminants to enter the primary volume 601 , face plates may be used for covering any apertures 731 , 732 that are not in use for allowing services to be provided into the primary volume 601.

[0223] As can be seen in Figure 8A, the installed heat exchangers 840 and services boxes 871 , 872 are all positioned inside the interface module 700 without protruding beyond the end of the enclosure 1 19. This is due to the interface module 700 being configured to have a size that will allow doors 818, 819 (not shown) at the end of the enclosure 1 10 to be closed to thereby enclose the secondary volume 602.

[0224] By configuring the interface module 700 so that the enclosure 1 10 can be closed even when service components are connected, this helps to prevent protrusions outside of the enclosure 1 10. In contrast, many conventional portable modular data centres have protruding air conditioning equipment and the like, such as air compressors fitted to external surfaces of the enclosure. Such protrusions can generally be avoided when using the interface module 700. This provides significant benefits to the transportability of portable modular enclosed environments fitted with an interface module 700, as the positioning of services components entirely inside the enclosure 1 10 reduces the likelihood of damage of services components during transport, and also reduces the exposure of those components to the environment outside the enclosure 1 10 after deployment. The services components may also be protected from tampering if the end of the enclosure 1 10 having the interface module 700 fitted is closed securely.

[0225] As mentioned previously, portable modular enclosed environments may be provided which include a mounting system using channel members 120 as discussed above in combination with an interface module 600. Three examples of such arrangements will now be discussed with reference to Figures 9 A.

[0226] Each of Figures 9A to 9C shows an enclosure 110, such as a shipping container, into which an interface module 600 has been positioned in one end to define the primary volume 601 for the installation of equipment 140 and the secondary volume 602 for the connection of services, as discussed above. A set of doors 1 15, 1 16 are fitted at the opposite end of the enclosure 1 10 from the interface module 600, to allow the primary volume 601 to be closed.

[0227] In Figure 9A, a row of seven server racks 941 are installed inside the primary volume 601 using a server support frame 460 as described above with reference to Figures 4 A to 4C. The server support frame 460 is suspended from channel members 120 attached to the ceiling and further supported laterally from channel members 120 attached to the side walls, via a support extension 461 The row of server racks 941 extends longitudinally, generally along the centreline of the enclosure 110, to thereby define access corridors on either side of the server racks 941.

[0228[ Similar arrangements are shown in Figures 9B and 9C, but with variations on the overall layout.

[0229] In the case of Figure 9B, internal doors 915, 916 are provided inside the primary volume 601 to further define a further entry volume 905 between the end doors 1 15, 1 16 and the internal doors 915, 916. The entry volume 905 can be used for purposes other than the storage of server racks 941 and other equipment. For instance, it may be used as an entry "clean room" or "air lock" which can help to prevent the entry of dust into the primary volume 601 during personnel movements.

[0230] In this example, further equipment 944 such as an additional server rack, or a table or storage unit, may be installed in the entry volume 905. The entry volume 905 may thus also serve to provide office space or to house control workstations for the server equipment provided in the primary volume 601.

[0231] The server support rack 460 in Figure 9B is shortened to accommodate fewer server racks. In this case, the server support rack 460 does not include support extensions 461 , as the server support rack 460 may be connected to the interface wall 620 and an internal wall portion 91 1 between the internal doors 915, 916, which may provide adequate lateral support to the server racks 961.

[0232] Figure 9C shows an example of relatively small portable modular data centre into which only two server racks 941 have been installed using a short server support rack 460. Such an arrangement may be all that is necessary when only limited data processing capabilities are required. The server support rack 460 is laterally supported from side wall mounted channel members 120 using two support extensions 462 in this case.

[0233] In each of the examples depicted in Figures 9A to 9C, fire safety equipment is installed on channel members 120 attached to a side wall in one of the access corridors. Specifically, the fire safety equipment includes a fire panel 942 and a fire extinguisher 943. The fire safety equipment may be connected using support members as discussed above with reference to Figure 5.

[0234] In each of Figures 9A to 9C, airflow paths for cold air 903 and hot air 904 have been indicated. The interface module 600 includes pair of airflow apertures 631, which allow circulation of air through heat exchangers 641 mounted to the interface module 600, as shown in Figure 6B, for example. The cold air 903 is supplied into the primary volume 601 from the heat exchangers 641 via one of the airflow apertures 631 in each pair, and hot air 904 is drawn from the primary volume 601 into the heat exchangers 641 via another one of the airflow apertures 631 in each pair. [0235] This generates an air circulation current within the primary volume 601 which promotes cross flow of air through the row of server racks 941, to thereby allow effective cooling of the installed equipment. The number of heat exchangers 641 can be varied depending on capacity. For instance, three heat exchangers 641 may be used to cool the seven server racks 941 in Figure 9A, two heat exchangers 641 may be used to cool the four server racks 941 in Figure 9B, whilst only one heat exchanger 641 may provide sufficient cooling for the two server racks 941 in Figure 9C.

[0236] An example of a portable modular data centre provided within a shipping container 1010 will now be described with reference to Figures I OA to 10K, in order to illustrate practical implementations of the above discussed features.

[0237] Figure 10A shows server racks .1041 installed inside the shipping container 1010, where these are supported by a server support frame 1060 which is connected to channel members 1020. The panels 1030 line the internal surfaces and the channel members 1020 are installed flush with the panels 1030.

[0238] With regard to Figures 10A and 10B, it can be seen that doors 1015, 1016 are respectively connected to side walls 1011, 1012. Door panels 1017, 1018 are provided inside the doors 1015, 1016 to provide an insulated closure of the volume inside the shipping container 1010. Further details of the door panels 1017, 1018, such as handles and window cut-outs, can be seen in Figure IOC.

[0239] Figure IOC further shows the central positioning of the server racks 1041 , which results in corridors extending along the length of the shipping container 1010 on either side of the server racks 1041. Auxiliary equipment including switches 1042, 1044 and lights 1043 are connected to upper side channel members 1020.

[0240] Figure 10D shows the left hand side corridor, revealing the attachment fittings 1051 used for connecting lower portions of the server racks 1041 to the floor 1014, and equipment support fittings 1067 used for connecting upper portions of the server racks 1041 to the server support frame 1060. Further details of the equipment support fittings 1067 and their attachment to an edge member 1064 of the server support rack 1060 can be seen in Figure 10E. [0241] Turning back to Figure 10D, it can be seen that multiple panels 1030 are used to span the region between the upper and lower side channel members 1020, with each panel 1030 being fastened to the internal surface of the side wall 1011.

[0242] The lights 1043 are mounted on support mounts 1053, which are each supported from the channel member 1020 using retaining portions similar to those described above, with reference to Figure IE.

[0243] The support extensions 1062 for providing lateral support to the server support frame 1060 are connected to the upper side channel member 1020, and may further function as cable trays for allowing power cables and the like to be neatly routed to auxiliary equipment.

[0244] An internal rear wall, provided by an interface wall 1071 of an interface module 1070, is also lined with a lining material similar to the panels 1030. As discussed above, an insulative wall panel lining the interface wall 1071 can be used to better isolate the primary volume 601 from heat generated in the secondary volume 602. It is also desirable to use fire retardant materials to form the wall panel to help to prevent the spread of any fires originating from services components in the interface module 1070 to the installed equipment within the primary volume 601.

[0245] Apertures 1031 , 1032 are provided in the interface wall 1071 and in this case are covered with mesh filters for helping to prevent the ingress of contaminants such as dust from heat exchangers 1081 (as seen in Figure 10H) for cooling the primary volume within the portable modular data centre via the apertures 1031, 1032.

[0246] Figure 10F shows further details of the routing of the cabling 1045 along the deck 1061. The support extensions 1062 are mounted from the edge member 1064 of the deck 1061, using a gusset bracket 1065. In this case, the server support frame 1060 includes an intermediate framework 1068 positioned above the deck 1061. The intermediate framework 1068 is suspended from ceiling channel members 1020 using threaded rods 1055 which are attached to the channel members 1020 using nuts (not shown) and threaded retainers 1056. The deck 1061 is then suspended from the intermediate framework 1068, using additional threaded rods 1055 attached to channel members 1020 attached to an upper side of the deck 1061. [0247] The interface module 1070 can be seen in Figure 10G. In this case, two heat exchangers 1081 are mounted in vertical orientations, with the respective air inlet and outlet of each heat exchanger 1081 being in register with the airflow apertures 1031, 1032 seen in Figure 10D.

[0248] The interface module 1070 includes a connector panel 1072 for allowing services to be connected. Figure 10H shows cables 1083 connected to the connector panel 1072 using connectors 1082, and further details. of the connections can be seen in Figure 101. The cables may be supported from a vertical cable rack 1073 fitted below the connector panel 1072.

[0249] Side wall portions of the interface module 1070 include door slot connectors 1075 which align with and engage slots in upright members of the end frame of the shipping container. The door slots are normally used to support end doors (not shown) of the enclosure shipping container. However, the door slot connectors 1075 may provide further positions for end doors to be fitted, for enclosing the secondary volume 602 defined within the interface module 1070. Fork lift guides 1076 are also provided on upper walls of the interface module 1070.

[0250] In this example, the side walls 1011, 1012 of the shipping container 1010 include respective air vents 1015 to allow air communication between the second volume 602 and the environment outside of the shipping container 1010, particularly when the secondary volume 602 is enclosed by doors at the end of the of the shipping container 1010. Interface module air vents 1076 are provided to register with the shipping container air vents 1015.

[0251] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0252] 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.