Self-floating seabed data center design and control system

Abstract

The application discloses a self-floating seabed data center design and control system, which comprises a concrete platform fixed to the seabed, a self-floating cabin body capable of containing data center equipment and a maintenance ship mechanical arm device for surface operation and maintenance, the concrete platform provides a docking and energy supply base; the self-floating cabin body adjusts the buoyancy through the drainage / injection of the internal drainage cabin, realizes autonomous floating and sinking, and is detachably docked with the platform; the maintenance ship mechanical arm device is used for grabbing, hoisting and laying the self-floating cabin body on the water surface, when maintenance is needed, the cabin body is autonomously floated to the water surface, is quickly recovered to the deck of the maintenance ship by the mechanical arm body for maintenance, and then is assisted to sink and be re-docked with the concrete platform, the application solves the problems of the traditional fixed seabed data center, such as difficult deployment and recovery, high operation and maintenance cost, and realizes convenient, efficient and movable underwater data center deployment and operation and maintenance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine engineering and underwater data center technology, and more specifically, to a design and control system for a self-floating seabed data center. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the digital economy, data centers, as computing infrastructure, are facing increasingly prominent issues related to energy consumption, heat dissipation, and land costs. Submarine data centers, utilizing seawater for natural cooling, have become an emerging research and application area due to their high energy efficiency and savings in land resources. Currently, most mainstream submarine data center technologies adopt a fixed deployment scheme. This scheme typically involves permanently fixing a pressure-resistant, sealed hull containing servers, storage, and cooling systems to the seabed using anchoring, pile foundations, or gravity bases. Power supply and data transmission rely on pre-laid submarine cables and fiber optic cables connecting to shore-based facilities. However, this fixed deployment scheme has several significant drawbacks that limit its feasibility for large-scale promotion and long-term operation and maintenance: Deployment and recovery costs are high, and flexibility is poor: initial installation requires large engineering vessels for complex underwater operations, and equipment upgrades, expansions, or end-of-life recovery also require expensive salvage projects, resulting in high total lifecycle costs. The system cannot be quickly deployed or migrated according to business needs and is difficult to adapt to temporary, scalable computing tasks.

[0003] Operation and maintenance are extremely difficult: When hardware equipment such as servers inside the cabin malfunctions or requires regular maintenance, it is necessary to dispatch professional divers or use remotely operated vehicles for underwater operations. Such operations have high technical barriers, are greatly affected by sea conditions, have short operational windows, and pose safety risks, resulting in slow operation and maintenance response, long cycles, and extremely high costs, which seriously affect the availability and reliability of the data center.

[0004] The system exhibits passive environmental adaptability and limited performance: Fixed data cabins cannot be moved, and their cooling efficiency depends entirely on the local seawater temperature at the deployment site. It cannot actively avoid areas where cooling performance deteriorates due to seasonal changes, ocean current variations, or sediment accumulation, nor can it optimize operating depth and location for better energy efficiency. The system's performance is significantly constrained by the natural environment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a design and control system for a self-floating subsea data center to solve the aforementioned problems in the prior art.

[0006] The application is as follows: This invention provides a design and control system for a self-floating subsea data center, comprising: A concrete platform 1 fixedly installed on the seabed; The self-floating hull 2 ​​is used to house data center equipment. It can rise and sink by adjusting its own buoyancy and can be detachably guided and docked to the concrete platform 1. The maintenance vessel's robotic arm device 3 is used to assist in positioning, grabbing, hoisting, and deploying the self-floating hull 2 ​​at sea.

[0007] Furthermore, the concrete platform 1 includes a concrete platform base 11, which is provided with a docking groove, a guide rail, and a power and data interface to provide fixation, power supply, and communication support for the self-floating hull 2.

[0008] Furthermore, a first dry docking interface unit 12 is provided at the corner of the concrete platform base 11 for rigid connection and sealed docking with the self-floating hull 2.

[0009] Furthermore, the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the concrete platform base 11 matches the cross-sectional area of ​​the self-floating hull 2.

[0010] Furthermore, the self-floating hull 2 ​​includes: The outer compartment is equipped with a drainage tank 21, which can adjust the buoyancy of the self-floating hull 2 ​​by controlling drainage or water injection; The interior cabin, designated as computer cabin 22, is used to house data center equipment and is equipped with a seawater cooling system above it. The second dry docking interface unit 23 is located at the bottom of the self-floating hull 2 ​​and is used to couple and lock with the first dry docking interface unit 12 on the concrete platform 1.

[0011] Furthermore, the self-floating hull 2 ​​is provided with an openable hatch on its side, which allows operators to enter the computer compartment 22 for maintenance.

[0012] Furthermore, the maintenance vessel robotic arm device 3 includes: The lifting device 32 is installed on the hull 33 of the maintenance vessel; The main body 31 of the robotic arm is connected to the front end of the lifting device 32 and is used to grab and stabilize the self-floating cabin 2.

[0013] Furthermore, the main body 31 of the robotic arm is equipped with an electromagnetic locking mechanism and an automatic alignment visual guidance system. The electromagnetic locking mechanism is used to lock and fix the grasped self-floating cabin 2, and the automatic alignment visual guidance system is used to identify and correct the position and attitude of the self-floating cabin 2.

[0014] Furthermore, the system achieves closed-loop operation through the following steps: S1. Subsea deployment phase: The self-floating hull 2 ​​sinks, and the second dry docking interface unit 23 at its bottom physically contacts and locks with the first dry docking interface unit 12 on the concrete platform 1 to achieve a sealed connection and electrical conduction. S2. Fault Ascent Phase: In response to equipment failure or maintenance signals, the drainage tank 21 of the self-floating hull 2 ​​empties the seawater, causing the hull to float to the surface. S3. Surface maintenance stage: The mechanical arm device 3 of the maintenance vessel identifies and grabs the self-floating hull 2 ​​on the water surface and lifts it onto the hull 33 of the maintenance vessel for maintenance. S4. Redeployment phase: After maintenance is completed, the maintenance vessel's robotic arm device 3 assists the self-floating hull 2 ​​in sinking, so that it re-connects with and locks to the concrete platform 1.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the embodiments of the present invention achieve the following beneficial effects: Maintenance costs are significantly reduced, and maintenance efficiency is greatly improved: Through the collaborative design of the self-floating hull and the robotic arm of the maintenance vessel, the reliance on large, complex underwater equipment and divers is completely eliminated. When maintenance or upgrades are needed, the self-floating hull can autonomously rise to the surface, where the robotic arm can quickly grab and transfer it to the deck. This allows for convenient, safe, and efficient manual maintenance under normal pressure, greatly shortening the maintenance cycle and reducing the economic costs and technical risks of maintenance.

[0016] Flexible and rapid deployment and recovery, enhanced adaptability throughout the entire lifecycle: The system's modularity and self-floating characteristics allow the self-floating hull to be quickly deployed and recovered from ordinary work vessels, much like a buoy. This not only simplifies the initial installation process but also makes it suitable for scenarios such as temporary computing power expansion and short-term scientific research projects. When equipment is decommissioned or technology is iterated, low-cost and complete system recovery can be achieved, improving resource utilization efficiency and the overall flexibility of the project.

[0017] The operating position can be actively adjusted, demonstrating outstanding environmental adaptability and energy efficiency optimization capabilities: Utilizing the controllable drainage or injection function of the drainage tank, the self-floating hull can actively adjust its underwater depth within a certain range, and even migrate between different preset platforms. This allows the system to proactively avoid unfavorable sea conditions and select waters with lower temperatures or more stable currents for operation, thereby optimizing natural cooling efficiency and improving the stability and reliability of server operation. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a side view of the self-floating hull and concrete platform provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of the self-floating hull and concrete platform provided in the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 3This is a side view of the maintenance vessel robotic arm device salvaging a floating hull, provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments given herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0020] It should be noted that many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may have other embodiments, and therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0021] See attached document Figure 1-3 As shown in the figure, this embodiment provides a design and control system for a self-floating subsea data center. The system mainly consists of three parts: A concrete platform 1 fixedly installed on the seabed; The self-floating hull 2 ​​is used to house data center equipment. It can rise and sink by adjusting its own buoyancy and can be detachably guided and docked to the concrete platform 1. The maintenance vessel's robotic arm device 3 is used to assist in positioning, grabbing, hoisting, and deploying the self-floating hull 2 ​​at sea.

[0022] The concrete platform 1 serves as the underwater fixed foundation of the system, including: The concrete platform base 11 is a rectangular three-dimensional structure with a horizontal cross-sectional area matching that of the self-floating hull 2, ensuring stable docking. The concrete platform base 11 rests stably on the seabed under its own weight, requiring no additional anchoring or piling. The top surface of the concrete platform base 11 is equipped with docking grooves and guide rails for precise guidance during the descent of the self-floating hull 2. Simultaneously, the top surface also features power and data interfaces to provide the necessary electrical power and data communication links for the docked self-floating hull 2.

[0023] First dry docking interface unit 12: One first dry docking interface unit 12 is embedded at each of the four corners of the concrete platform base 11. This unit is used for rigid connection and sealing docking with the bottom of the self-floating hull 2, and includes a locking mechanism and a sealing surface. This interface unit mainly realizes the functions of mechanical connection and sealing.

[0024] The self-floating hull 2 ​​adopts a modular self-floating design, including: The cabin adopts a double-layer design, with the outer layer being a pressure-resistant and sealed structure, and the inner layer being the equipment installation space.

[0025] The drainage tank 21 is located within the outer structure. Controllable drainage / injection operations adjust the water volume within the tank, thereby altering the overall buoyancy of the self-floating hull 2 ​​and enabling autonomous buoyancy and submersion. Drainage and injection can be achieved using conventional underwater fluid control devices such as pumps and valves.

[0026] The computer bay 22, located within the inner structure, houses server units, storage devices, and other data center equipment, forming the core computer bay. A seawater cooling system is installed above the computer bay 22, utilizing external seawater circulation to dissipate heat from the equipment inside. An openable door is located on the side of the bay, facilitating access for maintenance personnel to inspect or replace equipment.

[0027] The second dry docking interface unit 23 is located at the bottom of the self-floating hull 2, corresponding one-to-one with the first dry docking interface unit 12 on the concrete platform 1. It contains a locking receiving mechanism and a sealing surface that complement the first interface unit, used to form a reliable mechanical connection and seal during docking.

[0028] The robotic arm device 3 of the maintenance vessel is deployed on the hull 33 of the maintenance vessel and is used to perform recovery, maintenance and redeployment operations after the self-floating hull 2 ​​floats to the sea surface.

[0029] The lifting device 32 serves as the base and main load-bearing structure of the robotic arm device 3 on the maintenance vessel. The lifting device 32 is directly fixedly installed on the deck or side of the hull 33 of the maintenance vessel. This device provides the main lifting power and a large operating range adjustment capability.

[0030] The main body 31 of the robotic arm is connected to the front end of the lifting device 32. It is a multi-degree-of-freedom hydraulic robotic arm, and its base is hinged or fixed to the front end structure of the lifting device 32. The main body 31 of the robotic arm itself has multiple joints, which can flexibly adjust the end position and attitude based on its base position.

[0031] In actual operation, the lifting device 32 is responsible for large-scale movement and main lifting. For example, through its own slewing, luffing, or hoisting mechanisms, it moves the robotic arm body 31 connected to its front end to a general position near the target (self-floating hull 2). The robotic arm body 31 is then responsible for precision operation, using its multi-degree-of-freedom flexibility to adjust the gripper at its end, precisely aligning it with the lifting points or gripping parts on the self-floating hull 2 ​​to complete the gripping action. After gripping, the lifting device 32 provides the main lifting force to lift the hull off the water surface, while the robotic arm body 31 can actively adjust or passively adapt during the lifting process to stabilize the hull's attitude.

[0032] The robotic arm is equipped with an electromagnetic locking mechanism and an automatic alignment visual guidance system. The electromagnetic locking mechanism is integrated into the gripping mechanism and can be energized and locked after gripping, providing additional connection security. The automatic alignment visual guidance system includes sensors such as cameras installed at appropriate locations on the robotic arm or hull, used to identify the position and orientation of the self-floating hull 2 ​​on the sea surface and guide the entire device (the lifting device 32 and the main robotic arm 31 working together) to perform precise alignment and gripping.

[0033] When maintenance is required, the self-floating hull 2 ​​is raised to the sea surface. After the maintenance vessel arrives, operators control the robotic arm 3. First, the lifting device 32 swings the main body 31 of the robotic arm to the working position, then the vision system guides the end effector of the robotic arm to precisely grasp the hull. After grasping and locking, the lifting device 32 performs the main lifting action, hoisting the self-floating hull 2 ​​onto the deck of the maintenance vessel's hull 33 for maintenance. Deployment follows the reverse process.

[0034] The typical workflow of the system is as follows: S1. Seabed Fixing Phase: First, the concrete platform 1 is pre-deployed at the predetermined seabed location. Then, the self-floating hull 2, loaded with equipment, is transported to the sea surface above this location. Water is injected into the drainage tank 21 to submerge it, allowing it to descend along the guide rails on the concrete platform base 11 until the second dry docking interface unit 23 at its bottom contacts and locks with the first dry docking interface unit 12 on the platform, simultaneously connecting to the power and data interface. The data center begins operation underwater.

[0035] S2. Fault Ascent Phase: When the in-cabin sensors detect a fault or the scheduled maintenance cycle is reached, the control system is activated. Drainage tank 21 begins to drain water (e.g., using a high-pressure air pump to remove seawater), increasing the buoyancy of the hull. After being released from the platform, it autonomously ascends to the sea surface. During ascent or after reaching the sea surface, positioning beacons, such as radio or optical signals, can be activated for the maintenance vessel's positioning.

[0036] S3. Surface Maintenance Phase: The maintenance vessel arrives at the sea area where the hull is located. The maintenance vessel's robotic arm 3 identifies the hull through a vision system. The main body of the robotic arm 31, with the assistance of the lifting device 32, grasps the hull and hoists it onto the deck. Staff open the side hatch and perform maintenance or replacement on the equipment inside the computer compartment 22 under normal pressure.

[0037] S4. Redeployment Phase: After maintenance, close the hatch. Use the lifting device 32 and the robotic arm body 31 to lower the hull back into the sea. Control the filling of the drainage tank 21 with water to begin its descent, while the robotic arm provides auxiliary guidance. During the descent, align the hull with the platform via guide rails, ultimately re-connecting and locking the second dry docking interface unit 23 with the first dry docking interface unit 12. Restore power and data connections, and after a system self-check, resume normal operation.

[0038] Numerous specific details are set forth in the specification provided herein. However, it will be understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this specification.

[0039] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not others, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention and form different embodiments. Any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Claims

1. A design and control system for a self-floating submersible data center, characterized in that, include: A concrete platform 1 fixedly installed on the seabed; The self-floating hull 2 ​​is used to house data center equipment. It can rise and sink by adjusting its own buoyancy and can be detachably guided and docked to the concrete platform 1. The maintenance vessel's robotic arm device 3 is used to assist in positioning, grabbing, hoisting, and deploying the self-floating hull 2 ​​at sea.

2. The design and control system for a self-floating submersible data center according to claim 1, characterized in that, The concrete platform 1 includes a concrete platform base 11, which is provided with a docking groove, a guide rail, and a power and data interface to provide fixation, power supply, and communication support for the self-floating hull 2.

3. The design and control system for a self-floating submersible data center according to claim 2, characterized in that, The concrete platform base 11 is provided with a first dry docking interface unit 12 at its corner, which is used to achieve rigid connection and sealed docking with the self-floating hull 2.

4. The design and control system for a self-floating submersible data center according to claim 3, characterized in that, The horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the concrete platform base 11 matches the cross-sectional area of ​​the self-floating hull 2.

5. The design and control system for a self-floating submersible data center according to claim 1, characterized in that, The self-floating hull 2 ​​includes: The outer compartment is equipped with a drainage tank 21, which can adjust the buoyancy of the self-floating hull 2 ​​by controlling drainage or water injection; The interior cabin, designated as computer cabin 22, is used to house data center equipment and is equipped with a seawater cooling system above it. The second dry docking interface unit 23 is located at the bottom of the self-floating hull 2 ​​and is used to couple and lock with the first dry docking interface unit 12 on the concrete platform 1.

6. The design and control system for a self-floating submersible data center according to claim 5, characterized in that, The self-floating hull 2 ​​is provided with an openable hatch on its side, which allows operators to enter the computer compartment 22 for maintenance.

7. The design and control system for a self-floating subsea data center according to claim 1, characterized in that, The maintenance vessel robotic arm device 3 includes: The lifting device 32 is installed on the hull 33 of the maintenance vessel; The main body 31 of the robotic arm is connected to the front end of the lifting device 32 and is used to grab and stabilize the self-floating cabin 2.

8. The design and control system for a self-floating submersible data center according to claim 7, characterized in that, The main body 31 of the robotic arm is equipped with an electromagnetic locking mechanism and an automatic alignment visual guidance system. The electromagnetic locking mechanism is used to lock and fix the grasped self-floating cabin 2, and the automatic alignment visual guidance system is used to identify and correct the position and attitude of the self-floating cabin 2.

9. The design and control system for a self-floating submersible data center according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The system achieves closed-loop operation through the following steps: S1. Subsea deployment phase: The self-floating hull 2 ​​sinks, and the second dry docking interface unit 23 at its bottom physically contacts and locks with the first dry docking interface unit 12 on the concrete platform 1 to achieve a sealed connection and electrical conduction. S2. Fault Ascent Phase: In response to equipment failure or maintenance signals, the drainage tank 21 of the self-floating hull 2 ​​empties the seawater, causing the hull to float to the surface. S3. Surface maintenance stage: The mechanical arm device 3 of the maintenance vessel identifies and grabs the self-floating hull 2 ​​on the water surface and lifts it onto the hull 33 of the maintenance vessel for maintenance. S4. Redeployment phase: After maintenance is completed, the maintenance vessel's robotic arm device 3 assists the self-floating hull 2 ​​in sinking, so that it re-connects with and locks to the concrete platform 1.

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