Microsoft sinks to new depths with underwater data centre experiment

The Register ^ | Feb 1, 2016 | Simon Sharwood

[dayglored]

[dayglored]

Data below sea level ... PING!

You can find all the Windows Ping list threads with FR search: just search on keyword "windowspinglist".

[Yo-Yo]

You would think that immersion into a climate and salinity controlled water tank on land would be easier, cheaper, and more robust than sending a data center to the bottom of the ocean.

[Lazamataz]

It’s also a lot more resistant to sabatoge by people who like privacy.

[rbg81]

A data center underwater? Better hope to G-d it doesn’t leak. Plus...you will have the Greenies complaining about how adding the excess heat to the ocean damages the marine environment.

[Mechanicos]

Or easier since its more accessible to underwater methods....

[Lazamataz]

Point.

(tips hat)

[rbg81]

If you could turn the excess heat back into energy, that would be a good thing.

[camle]

global warming anyone?

besides that, what could possibly go wrong?

[nomad]

Would such a pod be EMP resistant? How shielding is salt water to EMP? I mean it does carry current and would surround the vessel like a Faraday Cage.

[redfreedom]

It sounds like a reasonable effort when the cooling effect of the ocean will save energy. Where I lost interest was their expecting to power it with wave energy. If they have a backup, wave energy would be OK. If they don’t, it’s foolish.

Also, having something a mile offshore connected by cable makes it susceptible to sabotage for sure. Fill a drum full of explosives with a time delay and sink it.

[usurper]

Would such a pod be EMP resistant? How shielding is salt water to EMP?

Since its plugged in I don't think it would make much difference.

[reed13k]

I know from a radiation perspective water is a good shield - especially with the amounts referred to.

I would assume that the polarization of H2O atoms, it’s direct contact with ground, and the vast volume that it would allow for a very effective EMP resistance as well. Though I’m unaware of any testing on same.

[Mariner]

"would allow for a very effective EMP resistance as well"

The EMP will enter via the power cables.

[dayglored]

> If you could turn the excess heat back into energy, that would be a good thing.

Well, strictly speaking, heat -is- energy. I assume you mean "electricity", in which case a Peltier device might do it since the ocean is cool compared to the generated heat.

But I suspect it's not economically advantageous. Big Peltier devices can get quite costly.

[AFreeBird]

I thought warming the oceans was bad.

[i_robot73]

Torpedo? WHAT torpedo?

*Boom*

Oh, you meant depth charge (powered by Google). /s

[nomad]

Then use surge protectors on the umbilical.

[nomad]

Some type of surge protectors?

[reed13k]

good point - forgot about connections