Method for backflow prevention in an airflow plenum of a modular data center

A modular data center (MDC) comprising:

• a volumetric container comprising an enclosure having first and second exterior walls at a forward and an aft end, connected by lateral exterior walls;
• at least one heat generating information technology (IT) component positioned longitudinally within the container and between a cold aisle and a hot aisle running longitudinally along respective left and right interior sides of the volumetric container;
• and
• an air handling system comprising:
• two or more air handling units (AHUs) each having a return air inlet and a supply air outlet;
• a supply air plenum that is fluid communication with the supply air outlets of the two or more AHUs and that directs cooling air flow from the supply air outlets to a supply air opening positioned adjacent to the cold aisle of the MDC;
• an air turning vane attached to a first lateral side of a selected supply air outlet;
• and
• two or more backflow prevention mechanisms, each positioned respectively at each supply air outlet of the two or more AHUs, each backflow prevention mechanism moveable into an open position to allow cooling air flow out of the supply air outlet of a corresponding AHU and a closed position in response to deactivation of an air mover of the corresponding AHU.

A method for installing an air handling system of a mobile modular data center (MDC) having information technology (IT) components placed between a cold aisle and a hot aisle extending longitudinally within the MDC, the method comprising:

• positioning a supply air plenum along an exterior wall of a volumetric container of the MDC with a supply air opening of the supply air plenum positioned adjacent to the cold aisle of the MDC;
• positioning two or more air handling units (AHUs) adjacent to the supply air plenum and the exterior wall of the volumetric container of the MDC, the two or more AHUs each having a return air inlet and a supply air outlet;
• coupling the supply air outlets of the two or more AHUs for fluid communication with the supply air plenum to direct supply air from the supply air outlets of the two or more AHUs to the supply air opening of the supply air plenum;
• attaching an air turning vane to the first lateral side of a selected supply air outlet, the air turning vane comprising a stationary barrier that curves toward the second lateral side;
• and
• attaching a backflow prevention mechanism to each supply air outlet of the two or more AHUs, each backflow prevention mechanism moveable into an open position to allow cooling air flow out of the supply air outlet of a corresponding AHU and a closed position in response to deactivation of an air mover of the corresponding AHU.