Installation
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The system itself consists of three different structures:
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The data centre
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The subsea tank
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The base of the structure
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The design specifications for the tank depend on the following:
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Size and mass of the data centre
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Complexity of cooling system
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The design specifications for the foundation of the tank depend on the following:
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Weight of the tank
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Connection interface with the tank
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Gradient of the seabed
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Soil type
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Example of a subsea mud mat foundation
Image Credit: Pipex.com
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Once the completed structures have been constructed and delivered to quayside, the full system is ready to be installed. Appropriate vessel is required to complete the installation.
Vessels are available on a day rate hire basis. Choice of vessel dependent on specifications of data tank.
The process for the installation can be laid out as:
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Delivery of all structures and equipment to quayside
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Mobilisation of operation – lifting structure onto vessel
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Transit to location and mooring at desired position
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Deployment of structure
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Return to quayside
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Demobilisation of operation
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For the case study, an ideal vessel choice is the Green Marine GM700 Gantry Barge. A heavy lit barge able to tow the tank out to location with crane capacity of 700 tonnes.
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Green Marine GM700 Gantry Barge
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After successful installation the system needs to be connected to shore for data transmission and powering if the grid is required. Cable laying vessel is required to lay the cables from the system to the shore.
Ideal vessel choice for this is Seaway Aimerycable laying vessel. This is vessel is capable of installing, repair and maintaining subsea cables.
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Seaway Aimery​
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Environmental Impact
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There is an obvious significant environmental impact associated with this project. Prior to the deployment of any technologies, a full impact assessment must be carried out to determine the magnitude of the effects and the mitigation measures to be taken in advance.
Impacts will need to be considered for this project
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Natural Environmental Factors
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Human Environmental Factors
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Natural Factors Effects
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Tank eat exchange with sea water
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Tank base on seabed habitats – conservation areas
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Anti-fouling coating on tank
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Impact of turbine on marine life
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Human Environment Effects
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Marine Traffic
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Fishing Area
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As stated earlier, the growth in data centre energy requirements is to reach over a factor of 10x the current UK electricity energy demand. The major environmental opportunity presented by this project is the chance to greatly reduce energy demand for the data centres, by using sea water to help cool them.
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