II.6 Structure / Mechanical

One data center function is as a fortress. Wikipedia presents a useful summary of the evolution of structural fortifications  ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortification ).

The goals of super scalability and redundancy can be applied to the physical structure as well networking and software infrastructure.

History proves that building structures in circular forms of only a few meters in radius maximizes stability, durability and provides best heat/cold characteristics of any shape.  Circular forms have the least amount of wall area per floor space, resulting in less build resource requirements and less heat loss/gain surfaces.

The Kagome lattice ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kagome_lattice ) appears to provide the perfect balance of redundancy in fortification, networking, power and climate control while minimizing paths of inputs and outputs. Images of current variations on this pattern are in http://lotusgreendatacenters.com/forge/files/.

The structure consists primarily of 6 circular structures, each a data center en:parapet. In the image below, the parapets are represented by small circles  in a hexagonal pattern.  The flower-like pattern represents a raised soil "island". The central circle may be used for a separate power generating facility or control area, depending on location specific requirements.  The outer leaf-like star formations may represent cooling ponds or wells, soil embankment or hedge thicket etc. depending on location specific risks and resources also.

Wikipedia has a useful summary on Star Forts ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_fort ), which resemble a single unit of a complete Lotus Green Data Center: 

Threats to structures:

• direct attack / Wikipedia provides a historical summary of siege tactics and trends http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege
• weather (water/humidity/wind/lightning/ice/flood) / environment
• earthquate / environment
• fire / environment
• industrial accident / environment
• vibration / environment
  
• "impossible" accidents / physical (potential, kinetic)  energy in/around  facility 
• "impossible" accidents / chemical potential in/around facility
• "impossible" accidents / electrical