Submerged Data Centre

Engineers from Microsoft have tested a prototype of a self–contained data centre that can operate hundreds of feet below the surface of the ocean. If the prototype materialises, it would solve the technology industry’s most expensive problems, one of which includes using air conditioning to keep servers cool.

Today, the data centres are at the core of everything–from video streaming to email, social networking, browsing, etc. These data centres are powered by thousands of computer servers that generate tremendous heat. The servers crash whenever there is excess heat. Experts believe that placing the data centres under cold ocean water may fix the problem of heating. Moreover, it would also address the growing energy demands of the computing world. In this regard, Microsoft is considering pairing the system either with a turbine or a tidal energy to generate electricity.

The endeavour code named Project Natick might see strands of giant steel tubes linked by fibre optic cables either on the seafloor or suspended containers beneath the surface to capture the ocean current with turbines that generate electricity.