Modular utilities unit structure
A structure for modular utilities units includes a skeletal frame forming multiple bays, each configured for receiving a respective utilities unit. A placement subassembly is mounted on the frame and includes a utilities unit connector configured for connecting to a respective utilities unit and a lifting device configured for attachment to the connector and raising and lowering a respective utilities unit. The utilities units can provide power, telecommunications, water, data processing and other utility functions. A logistics system includes vehicles for conveying the utilities units to and from the structure. The logistics system interfaces with ground, marine and air transportation resources.
1. A structure for modular utilities units, which comprises:
a frame including columns, beams extending between the columns, opposite sides, opposite ends and a frame top;
multiple bays formed in the frame, each said bay being open at a respective frame end opening or side opening or both;
a utilities unit placement subassembly mounted on said frame and configured for inserting utilities units into and retracting utilities units from said bays through the frame end openings and side openings, said placement subassembly including:
1) a rotating crane mounted on top of said structure, said rotating crane including a base rotatable on a vertical axis and a boom extending horizontally from said base, said rotating crane including a cable connected to said boom and mounting a hook connected to said cable and configured for engaging a respective utilities unit, said rotating crane configured for raising and lowering said respective utilities unit along a respective frame end and extending said respective utilities unit lengthwise into and out of a respective bay end opening;
2) a gantry crane mounted on top of and adjacent to a side of said structure, said gantry crane including a pair of cable hoists mounted in spaced relation on top of the structure and configured for raising and lowering said respective utilities unit; and
3) a pair of arms configured for extending laterally from a side of said structure and retracting into the side of said structure, said arms configured for supporting said respective utilities unit, placing said respective utilities unit laterally in a bay in a storage position and extending said respective utilities unit laterally from the bay to a raise-lower position alongside the structure.
2. The structure according to claim 1 wherein a respective utilities unit includes an electrical power source.
3. The structure according to claim 1 wherein said respective utilities unit includes telecommunications components.
4. The structure according to claim 1 wherein said respective utilities unit includes a water source.
5. The structure according to claim 1 wherein said respective utilities unit includes a computer configured for data processing and a data connection configured for transferring data to and from said computer.
6. The structure according to claim 1 wherein said structure includes a core adjacent to said bays and including support equipment chosen from the list comprising: power, telecommunications, water, data storage and fuel cells.
7. The structure according to claim 6 wherein said core includes vertical circulation within said structure and comprising stairs or an elevator.