Could Data Centers Heat our Homes and Offices ?
Data centers use a lot of energy to power servers and in doing so generate a lot of heat. Additional energy is then needed to keep the servers and other equipment from overheating (air conditioning or chiller systems). Could the heat from servers be repurposed instead of cooled ?
According to a research paper (link below) “ … “data furnaces” could offer a lower carbon footprint … [in] home offices or office buildings. … servers could … become a primary heating system for these buildings …”
There are obstacle to overcome but in theory it seems to make sense.
What do you think ? Will there ever be a server farm in your apartment building / complex or office tower?
>>> To read the Microsoft research paper LINK
>>> Fujitsu is using a similar concept for heat reuse – using it to drive data center cooling systems LINK
Via: ZDNet LINK
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Category: Microsoft