Systems, methods, and apparatus for placing data centers in a subsea environment

Abstract

A subaquatic data center module is described herein comprising, a metal enclosure, wherein the metal enclosure is configured to receive dielectric fluid and contain the dielectric fluid in the subaquatic environment, a pressure compensator, wherein the pressure compensator comprises a piston and a spring, wherein the spring biases the piston towards a hydraulic pathway in fluid communication within an interior of the metal enclosure, wherein the biasing increases pressure within the metal enclosure, the metal enclosure configured to house a plurality of processors, wherein the plurality of processors are communicatively coupled to a power sources and data pathways, wherein the communicative couplings comprises at least one of power cabling and communications cabling, wherein the communicative couplings include hardware blocks, the hardware blocks configured to prevent dielectric fluids from entering the at least one of power and communications cabling at one or more points of serial and terminal connection.

Description

[0001] SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS FOR PLACING DATA CENTERS IN A

[0002] SUBSEA ENVIRONMENT

[0003] RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0004] This application claims the benefit of United States Application No. 63 / 546,616, filed October 31, 2023, United States Application No. 63 / 546,647 filed October 31, 2023, and United States Application No. 63 / 618,824, filed January 8, 2024.

[0005] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0006] Embodiments are described herein relating to technology for cooling data centers.

[0007] INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0008] Each patent, patent application, and / or publication mentioned in this specification is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to the same extent as if each individual patent, patent application, and / or publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0009] BACKGROUND

[0010] As the demand for data centers to process more data increases every year, so too does the need for computing power. This demand for increased computing power is driving higher-power density data racks and more efficient data centers.

[0011] The industry expects data center electricity usage to increase. While there may be a desire for large scale data centers to use less power, power consumption by data center equipment continues to increase. These data centers are constantly expected to balance the performance that the public demands while minimizing power consumption.

[0012] High-performance computing and gaming requiring detailed graphics, 3-D modeling, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things are placing greater demands for production on servers than ever before. Power consumption continues to rise, as does heat generated from server racks. The higher temperatures that typically occur due to higher power levels can directly affect the longevity of components in the data rack. Sensitive components tend to fail faster or systems may shut down if the thermal design is not optimized. Conventional cooling techniques for cooling servers growing bigger and hotter include raised floor systems with perforated tiles. Cold air is forced up in front of the servers from below, and hot air is pushed to the top where it is sucked into the system to be re-cooled and returned to under the floor to continue the cycle. Over time, this becomes less efficient as rack space increases and servers grew denser. There is a need to accommodate cooling methods that effectively scale to accommodate increased power consumption and resulting heat generation.

[0013] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0014] Figure 1 shows a data center submersed in a subsea environment, under an embodiment. Figure 2 shows a data center submersed in a subsea environment, under an embodiment. Figure 3 shows a side view of a data center, under an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 shows a data center submersed in a subsea environment and communicatively and electrically coupled to respective data and power sources, under an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 shows a data center submersed in a subsea environment and communicatively and electrically coupled to respective data and power sources, under an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 shows a side view of a compensator, under an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a compensator, under an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of compensator without a housing, under an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 9A shows a full compensator, under an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 9B shows an empty compensator, under an embodiment.

[0022] Figures 10A and 10B show a “strain relief’ component, cable and cable connector, under an embodiment.

[0023] Figures 11A-11H shows a capillary block component, under an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 11I-11M shows the solid conductive piece with o-ring for insertion into block component, under an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a module with data racks removed from pod interior, under an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 13 shows a front view of a pod, under an embodiment. Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a pod with data racks removed from pod interior, under an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 15 shows a top view of a pod with data racks removed from pod interior, under an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 16 shows a perspective view of a pod, under an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 17 shows a top view of a pod, under an embodiment. The figure provides length and width dimensions in millimeters.

[0030] Figure 18 shows a perspective view of a pod, under an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 19 shows a perspective view of a pod under transport, under an embodiment.

[0032] Figures 20 and 21 show operation of a pump suctioning water out of an anchor body, under an embodiment.

[0033] Figures 22-26 show the modular data center unit being positioned onto the anchoring guideposts.

[0034] Figure 27 show a perspective view of an anchoring system showing open ports of the anchors, under an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 28 shows a coupling of an anchor to a data center frame, under an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 29 shows an anchoring system used to anchor a turbine, under an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 30 shows a pump component within a data center, under an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 31 shows a pump component within a data center, under an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 32 shows a pump component within a data center, under an embodiment.

[0040] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] A CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is the primary component of a computer that executes instructions and performs calculations. It interprets and carries out instructions from the computer's memory, performs basic arithmetic and logical operations, and manages the flow of data within the computer system. Essentially, the CPU serves as the brain of the computer, handling all the essential computational tasks.

[0042] CPU development, scale, and capacity are influenced by various factors, including transistor density, power consumption, architectural design, manufacturing technology, and computational efficiency. However, a severely limiting factor restricting their development, optimal perforce and longevity is heat dissipation and temperature management. Computing requirements are becoming more and more demanding and so the capacity of a CPU chip is becoming more and more important.

[0043] Very notable is the fact that CPU chips do not perform any physical work. Therefore, all energy supplied to the chip for its data processing capabilities must be removed efficiently to avoid the chip from essentially self destructing / burning up. Many chip designers and manufacturers have programs for allowing cooling fluid to be pumped through the center of the CPU chip, as well as letting fluid submerge the chip for more efficient cooling. A Subsea Cloud (SSC) data center solution uses immersion cooling technology and adds on the concept of free and passive cooling to reduce energy need and reduce emissions. Where a traditional immersion cooling data processing center uses external power to pump the cooling fluid around, as well as to cool the cooling fluid, SSC does not; we put the whole data center into cold (sea) water.

[0044] SSC’s Underwater Pressure Compensated Modules (referred to herein as modules, pods, or data centers) are engineered and manufactured as single hulled metal enclosures that contain data center servers in environmentally friendly dielectric fluid. The inside of module is pressure compensated using a system as further described below.

[0045] Electrical power is supplied to the modules to operate the data center servers. The power can be derived from several different sources (shoreside electrical grid, thermal energy, wind, tides, solar, or any, and all combinations). Fiber optic cables connect the servers in the module(s) to other modules and to onshore station terminals for further onshore distribution.

[0046] The benefits for placing modules underwater are enhanced physical security, significant electrical energy consumption savings compared to land based data centers (no server cooling costs), and the ability to place in site locations closer to terrestrial population centers, and / or existing subsea infrastructures to enhance provided services. Benefits include the fact that modules may be buried / partially buried in the seabed / lakebed / riverbed in shallow, medium, deep, or very deep water environments (up to, but not limited to 12,000 feet deep) enabling the highest module content security possible.

[0047] But in a subsea environment, the immersed data centers are subject to increasing pressure at increasing depths. Dive down into the ocean even a few meters, though, and a noticeable change occurs. One can feel the increase of pressure in the eardrums. This is due to an increase in hydrostatic pressure, the force per unit area exerted by a liquid on an object. The deeper one progresses under the sea, the greater the pressure of the water pushing down on the subject. For every 10 meters of descent, the pressure increases by one atmosphere (Ibar).

[0048] There are two ways to incur the pressure of water: make the walls of the structure thick or compensate from the inside. SSC compensates from the inside. The pressure inside the structure can withstand the pressure externally due to the enclosed fluid filling the unit, which is a viscous, dielectric fluid.

[0049] When the servers are “working”, heat is produced. The molecules of the oil essentially get excited which causes some separation. Heating a substance causes molecules to speed up and spread slightly further apart, occupying a larger volume that results in a decrease in density. The less dense heated liquid rises. A natural turbulent flow is created due to more fluid rising within the pod. A heat exchange takes place through the walls of the pod at that point. The cooled liquid then shrinks again and is pulled back to the bottom of the pod. Cooling a substance causes molecules to slow down and get slightly closer together, occupying a smaller volume that results in an increase in density. The cooled higher density liquid then falls. The falling liquid then naturally circulates back to heat emitting parts where it is heated up again. And that continues. These are the dual features of using this viscous fluid: heat reduction via convection and pressure compensation.

[0050] Figure 1 shows a subsea environment 100. A data center 102 is submersed under water surface 106 and is placed on ocean floor 104. (Under alternative embodiments, pods may be submerged in other bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, ponds, etc.) The data center comprises server racks 108 for housing computing resources within the pod. The data center is filled with dielectric viscous fluid 110 such that no air resides within the container. A pressure compensator 120 is attached to the pod and is further described below. The pod may be placed at depth up to and exceeding 12,000 feet. Figure 2 shows a data center 102 similarly submersed in a subsea environment. Under this embodiment, the data center is buried underneath the floor of the seabed. Note that alternative embodiments may partially or completely bury the pod within the seabed. Under an embodiment, the data center is anchored to the subsea floor using an anchoring system as further described below.

[0051] Figure 3 shows a closer view of a pod’s structure. The pod 302 comprises a single hulled 330 container. Server racks 308 are located within container, which is entirely filled with dielectric fluid 310. Figure 3 demonstrates operation of the fluid in transferring dissipated heat through the pod’s hull and into the surrounding sea water 340. Figure 3 shows a closer view of pressure compensator 320. The compensator features a spring 322 which biases a piston 324 towards a hydraulic pathway 326 which provides fluid communication between compensator and pod interior. The spring and piston thereby increase pressure within the pod as described in detail below.

[0052] Figure 4 shows a subsea environment 400. Data centers 402, 404, 406 are submersed under water surface 408 and are placed on ocean floor 410. The pods 402, 404, 406 rest on the seabed, are partially buried under the seabed, and / or are completely buried beneath the seabed. Under an embodiment, the data center is anchored to the subsea floor using an anchoring system as further described below. The pods are electrically 450 and communicatively 452 coupled through pathways. The pathways 450, 452 are also coupled to power 470 and data 480 sources on shore. Figure 5 shows data centers 402, 404, 406 are similarly submersed in a subsea environment. The electrical pathway may connect or couple with windmill 470 power source but may connect or couple to other alternative energy sources such as offshore wind 474, tidal generators 476, and solar power banks 472. Figure 5 also shows that electrical and communication pathways extend to city 490.

[0053] SSC uses pressure compensators to negate the effects of pressure differential at depth. The compensation maintains a constant slightly-higher-fluid pressure within the system, regardless of depth.

[0054] Figure 6 shows a side view of a pressure compensator, under an embodiment. The compensator comprises a cylindrical structure featuring an outer aluminum housing 610. The compensator comprises a piston 622 which divides two ends of the housing’s inner space. A first side (water side) 618 is exposed to the ambient pressure and a second side (fluid side) 620 is in fluid communication with the pod’s interior through a fluid output which is itself connected or coupled to pod through a steel armored rubber hydraulic hose.

[0055] Two O-rings 624 encircle the piston and provide a hermetic seal between water 618 and fluid 620 sides while allowing lateral movement of the piston within the housing. A spring 608 biases the piston in a direction of the fluid side. In the absence of the spring, the piston is laterally displaced according to opposing pressures within and without the pod. Therefore, the pressure inside the pod housing is equal to the pressure outside at any depth. The pressure stays equal until the spring is added. The spring provides additional force against the piston, resulting in the pressure inside the housing being slightly higher than ambient. This simple feature ensures that in the event of a leak, fluid will flow out of the housing, instead of seawater flowing into it. For this reason, the compensator contains one or more gallons of fluid, which is used to back-fill the housing in the event of a small leak or contraction. This type of compensation allows us to submerge in the mesopelagic zone, or middle open ocean (650- 3,300 feet deep); the bathypelagic zone, or lower open ocean (3,300-13,000 feet deep). The compensator will also absorb any change in fluid volume caused by delta temperature.

[0056] As seen in Figure 6, the compensation may also be equipped with a safety (pressure relief) valve 604 for protection against internal pressure peaks, the pressure relief valve is made from stainless-steel, has a thread size of l / 8in and is set by spring load to release at an inside pressure of 5PSI. Under an embodiment, a valve may comprise a Circle Seal Controls 500 Series - D559T1-1M-5.

[0057] The safety valve can be connected to a fluid discharge collector. This collector avoids emissions to the environment by directing the overflow through a rubber hose of l / 2in into an empty balloon-shaped reservoir. The balloon is elastic and at depth it will be compressed with a force equal to environment. The balloon will fill up and expand when fluid from the relief valve enters it. The collector is placed inside a small stainless-steel cage and has an internal volume of one gallon. The stainless-steel cage may be attached to an exterior of the compensator, under an embodiment.

[0058] A proximal end of spring 608 is attached to base 628 which provides a stop for the spring while allowing fluid communication between the subsea environment and the water side interior of the compensator. A linear bearing 612 is located opposite base 628. The linear bearing simply serves to fix sensor shaft 614 in place while allowing lateral movement along sensor shaft.

[0059] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a compensator, under an embodiment.

[0060] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a compensator without the housing, under an embodiment.

[0061] Figure 9A shows a full compensator, i.e. a compensator with a substantial amount of fluid entering compensator from pod interior, under an embodiment.

[0062] Figure 9B shows an empty compensator, under an embodiment. Figure 9B shows a state in which fluid within the compensator has been evacuated to pod interior. The compensator features a “strain relief’ component for protecting the underwater connector or penetrator as shown in Figures 10A and 10B. A strain relief is a bow shaped aluminum device anchored with four stainless steel screws. It presses on the connector tail to stabilize its position; its purpose is to reduce vibration and unintended disconnection of the control cable.

[0063] The precise level measurement provides accurate fluid level readings. This measurement is interfaced with a control system and Human Machine Interface HMI. The built-in control system monitors fluid level vs fluid temperature and quickly notify if there is a discrepancy that only can be caused by leakage of fluids vs change in temperature. Fluid measurement is conducted with a Delta pressure sensor in combination with a linear stroke sensor and a temperature sensor. The Delta pressure sensor is reading the forces of the compensator spring that will naturally be stronger and create a higher delta pressure inside the pod when its compressed. Higher delta pressure inside the pod simply means that pressure within the container is greater than ambient pressure. At the same time it will create a lower spring pressure relative to how little the spring is compressed at an empty level. It’s combined with a linear stroke sensor that is measuring the absolute position of the compensator piston plate and therefore the position of the spring. These two data points, together with the temperature of the fluid, create an accurate reading of the compensator’s level and the health of the pod’s structure.

[0064] Note that the linear stroke sensor referenced in the paragraph above operates together with the sensor shaft mentioned above and featured in Figures 6 and 7 (614).

[0065] Under an embodiment, one would expect lower pressure, lower value from linear sensor in low temperatures - but a lower pressure, lower value from linear sensor at raising temperature indicate a leakage.

[0066] Under an embodiment, a delta pressure sensor comprises - “Aero GP50 8300”, a linear sensor comprises - “GHSH9-100A-02-20S”, and a temperature sensor comprises - “RTD1-S15- 150-H”.

[0067] Under an embodiment, the pod is fdled with dielectric fluid. Fluid is less corrosive than oxygen and there is no dust or debris to interact or impact the IT equipment. There's also a lack of human interaction and significant efficiency increases due to the functionality of the surrounding fluid - it allows the servers to function more efficiently for longer. The liquid defends against vibrations and hot spots. Fluid immersion cooling technology of data centers extends the prospects for improved reliability in operations because it minimizes common operational issues and root causes of failure like reduction in solder joint failures, lower operating temperatures for board and components, no oxidation / corrosion of electrical contacts, no moving parts like fans within the device enclosure, no exposure to electrostatic discharge, no sensitivity to ambient particulate, humidity, or temperature conditions.

[0068] The process is that of convection (internally). All the heat emitting components are cooled by the fluid surrounding them. The circulation of the fluid is driven by natural convection. The molecules essentially get excited and that causes some separation. The heated fluid floats to the top of the tank because it has a higher volume than colder fluid. The fluid then flows, due to more fluid rising within the pod (creating a natural turbulent flow), where it is cooled by the surrounding seawater through the walls of the pod (which act as a heat transfer plate). The cooled liquid then shrinks again and is pulled back to the bottom of the tank by gravity (because of the density), ft then naturally circulates back to heat emitting parts where it is heated up again.

[0069] The fluid provides excellent thermal stability. The convection heat transfer coefficient is dependent on the fluid type, flow properties and temperature properties. (The convective heat transfer coefficient is the rate of heat transfer between a solid surface and a fluid per unit surface area per unit temperature difference). The surrounding water is an ample choice for liquid cooling due to its high heat capacity and thermal conductivity. The metal housing is also a strong choice for the heat transfer for the fluid path. The data center creates the same natural vertical internal circulation that the ocean naturally creates between its cold deep layers and its slightly more comfortable surface layer. Even the hottest surface waters will create a liquid delta of 40°Celsius between 37°Celsius water body and an 80°Celsius CPU.

[0070] Under an embodiment, a pod includes a hardware component or block that solves what is known as “capillary action” - the ability of a liquid to flow vertically and horizontally along narrow spaces, even in opposition to external forces like gravity. This phenomenon is often cited as a drag on immersion cooling’s progress and widespread adoption because cables are an excellent medium for capillary action to occur, as they have many small spaces in which the coolant can travel.

[0071] Figures 11A-11H shows schematics of a hardware (capillary) block component, under an embodiment. The hardware component or block comprises a first 1102 threaded hole at a first end 1 120 and a second 1104 threaded hole at a second end 1 122. The threaded holes are configured for receiving power and communications cabling. An example is provided with respect to power cabling but the same process applies for communications pathways. At a first end 1120, a cabling gland squeezes around a first power cable and secures the cable to threaded hole 1102. At a second end 1122, a cabling gland squeezes around a second power cable and secures the cable to threaded hole 1104.

[0072] One or more solid conductor pieces or components provide connectivity between power cables at the first and second end of the hardware block. Figures 11I-11M show schematics of a conductor component 1130, under an embodiment. An O-ring 1132 encircles the conductor component. Figures 11I-11M show that the conductor features a through hole 1134 for use in securing the conductor component within the hardware block as further described below. The conductor component is copper or aluminum for power feed cables and glass or epoxy material for communication transmissions.

[0073] The hardware block provides receiving holes (Figure HE, 1106, 1108) for use in filling the block with dielectric fluid. Once fluid is introduced into the block, the holes may be sealed under an embodiment.

[0074] One or more conductors are placed in line with the power cable conductor elements. Figures 11I-11M show placement of three conductor components 1130 with through holes 1134 oriented in the direction of the first end. The through holes receive securing pins for securing the conductors within the block. (Under an alternative embodiment, a locking spring may be used). A pressure plate is secured to the top of the hardware block. At this point, the solid conductor pieces are sealed off with an o-ring and held in place with a pressure plate and pins that create necessary pressure on the o-ring to avoid space for fluid to pass by. This mechanism prevents the fluid from coming into contact with the cable.

[0075] With respect to Figures 11A-11M, dimensions are in millimeters.

[0076] A heat transfer plate in immersion cooling plays a crucial role in the cooling process by facilitating the transfer of heat from electronic components to the cooling medium. Immersion cooling is a technique used to cool electronics by submerging them in a non-conductive fluid. The heat transfer plate, also known as a cold plate or cooling plate, comprises the housing walls of the pod itself. Generally, the primary purpose of a heat transfer plate is to provide a large surface area for efficient heat transfer only. Seen this way, our immersion plates, of which there are six, can quickly absorb and distribute heat, as well as housing the servers.

[0077] When the electronic components generate heat, the heat transfer plate absorbs the thermal energy via the contact with the fluid inside. The plate then conducts the heat away from the components and spreads it evenly across its surface. This allows for effective heat dissipation.

[0078] In traditional immersion cooling, once the heat is transferred to the plate, it can be further dissipated through various cooling mechanisms. Typically, immersion cooling systems employ methods like liquid circulation, heat exchangers, or fans to remove the heat from the heat transfer plate and dissipate it into the surrounding environment or a separate cooling system. An embodiment described herein uses surrounding seawater, which doesn’t raise its own temperature as it helps dissipate the heat because of its own high specific heat, i.e. the heat required to raise the temperature of the unit mass of a given substance by a given amount (usually one degree). This means the cooling is “free” and “passive”. There is no power usage for cooling.

[0079] Placing and Retrieving Modules

[0080] Under an embodiment, a method for placing and retrieving modules is described below. Activities for first time installation of a unit:

[0081] 1. Permits and right of way agreements

[0082] 2. Survey location and cable paths

[0083] 3. Soil sample of anchoring points

[0084] 4. Choose anchor technology.

[0085] 5. Manufacture of anchor solution

[0086] 6. Purchase cable

[0087] 7. Shipping and logistics

[0088] 8. Source vessel and subsea assets for installation

[0089] 9. Mobilize vessel, crew and equipment for installation

[0090] 10. Sail to field

[0091] 11. Position and sea trails

[0092] 12. Lower anchor to seabed

[0093] 13. Level off and secure anchor to seabed

[0094] 14. Attach guidewires between vessel and anchor 15. Lower pod to anchor

[0095] 16. Secure

[0096] 17. Connect

[0097] 18. Startup test and top up compensator

[0098] 19. Survey location, recover tool and go to next location Overview of Activities for replacement of POD:

[0099] 1. Receive information

[0100] 2. Sail to location

[0101] 3. Locate

[0102] 4. Disconnect and recover pod(s)

[0103] 5. Drain

[0104] 6. Swap pod out completely OR perform all necessary fixes

[0105] 7. Re-network

[0106] 8. Lower to seabed

[0107] 9. Secure

[0108] 10. Reconnect

[0109] 11. Start up test and top up compensator.

[0110] 12. Survey location, recover tool and return to stby.

[0111] Description of the testing environment and test results

[0112] Subsea Cloud undertook in-house performance & integrity testing of their first-generation subsea data center solution. Throughout the testing phase, we were able to determine the efficacy of the solution’s design and engineering, as well overall reliability.

[0113] The purpose of Subsea Cloud’s performance and integrity testing was to validate the benefits of the solution by increasing confidence that the equipment and system will reliably function per the intended use and may be safely installed and operated. It assessed the associated risks, designated the inspection and maintenance intervals and repair expectations, and decreased the potential for failures / lost time.

[0114] Test outlined as follows:

[0115] High pressure test of SSC deep water data center module

[0116] • Objective: Verify integrity of SSC deep water data center compensation system and harvest critical performance data from server during the process. • Location: SSC facility Houston, TX

[0117] • Environment: Onshore in warehouse

[0118] • Date of testing: January 10th 2022 - January 23rd 2022

[0119] • Temperature conditions during test:

[0120] • Tools: High pressure simulator tank with maximum rating of 300bar

[0121] • Water: Fresh water Sensors / Components in test tank:

[0122] • 5Mb deep sea IP camera

[0123] • Deepsea LED light

[0124] • Pressure sensor type Stellar Tech GT1600-20000G-302

[0125] • Topside monitoring equipment

[0126] • PLC: Pl-550

[0127] • EA9-12CL control monitor

[0128] • Blue Iris 5 monitor software

[0129] • Server monitoring

[0130] • CPUIC hardware monitoring

[0131] • Remote Desktop for CPU load variations

[0132] • Test procedure brief

[0133] The pod was fluid filled and the server, switches and PSU were placed in scaled-down unit. The compensator was connected to create tolerance for the deep sea water pressure. The unit was sealed with a glass covering and o-ring seal.

[0134] The pod was placed inside the in-house produced 300Bar high pressure test tank. High speed communication for the server and switch was passed through the lid of test tank via a high pressure ethernet bulkhead connector, connected to the SSC LAN network and VPN gateway for monitoring. An air operated pump was used to fill up the test tank with water, and further increase the pressure up to the thresholds specified for the test. When the test pressure was reached, the shutoff valve for the test tank was closed to avoid high pressure water escaping from the tank.

[0135] This setup allowed us to simulate the exact environment the servers will experience in the actual environment we simulated: subsea between 10 - 9000ft. At sea level, the air that surrounds us presses down on our bodies at 1 .Obar. One does not feel it because the fluids in your body are pushing outward with the same force. Dive down into the ocean even a few meters, though, and a noticeable change occurs. You can feel an increase of pressure on your eardrums. This is due to an increase in hydrostatic pressure, the force per unit area exerted by a liquid on an object. The deeper you go under the sea, the greater the pressure of the water pushing down on you. For every 10 meter you go down, the pressure increases by one atmosphere. (Ibar)

[0136] During the test, the following depths were reached.

[0137] 1 - Threshold pressure 1 : 108bar / 1080meter / 3453ft

[0138] 2 - Threshold pressure 2: 212bar / 2120meter / 6955ft

[0139] 3 - Peak pressure: 289bar / 2890meter / 9481ft

[0140] To maintain SSC’s strict safety policy, the pressure of 289bar was kept on for a period of 3 hours. The 3 hour duration of the peak test was sufficient for us, as any component not able to maintain its integrity at these depths would instantly fail. The peak pressure was applied on first day. This choice was made because the typical depths we will see as we deploy will seldom be in this range. Therefore, pressure of 212 bar was maintained for a total of 122hours and the rest of the test time was completed at 108bar. The test was monitored and the server was loaded and used during the test period. The CPU temperature was stable between 29degC and 38degC. Water and fluid temperature was stable at the outside temperature.

[0141] Water volume is 102 liter

[0142] Comp fluid volume is 3.2 liter

[0143] Sensors monitored in CPU

[0144] During the test, the server vas monitored by use of the CPUIC software, the server was used and online during the full extent of the test.

[0145] Server data:

[0146] • Processor: Intel Atom X5-Z8350

[0147] • GPU: HD Graphics 400

[0148] • Memory: DDR3 4GB

[0149] • Storage: eMMC 64GB

[0150] • Interface: RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Port

[0151] • Power: DC 12V This test was completed over a period of 13 days.

[0152] One or more metrics improved under testing conditions. As just one example, CPU temperature VS load improved when submerged in liquid vs air. Overall processing speed improved due to enabled over clocking potential.

[0153] The following dielectric fluids may be used in a test chamber and / or data module.

[0154] — 3M Novec Engineered Fluids (e.g., Novec 7100, 7200): These are synthetic fluorinated fluids designed for single-phase (as well as two-phase immersion cooling).

[0155] —Shell Diala Series (e.g., Shell Diala S2 ZX-A): This mineral oil-based fluid offers excellent dielectric properties and oxidation stability, making it suitable for transformer and immersion cooling applications.

[0156] —Midel 7131 and Midel 7133: Midel fluids are synthetic ester-based and suitable for immersion cooling, offering excellent biodegradability, high fire safety, and good dielectric properties.

[0157] —ElectroCool EC100: This fluid is designed specifically for immersion cooling in data centers. It is biodegradable, non-toxic, and has a high dielectric strength, which makes it suitable for data center and HPC applications. EC 100 also provides good thermal conductivity and a low viscosity profile.

[0158] —Fluorinert FC Series (e.g., Fluorinert FC-3283): With its high dielectric strength and chemical stability, the FC series fluids are highly resistant to breakdown under heat and electrical stress.

[0159] — Echoshield ISO 32 fluid.

[0160] — Q8 Hunt HV 32.

[0161] —Shell Neptune AW 32.

[0162] — ECOSYNT HEPR 46. ECOSYNT HEPR hydraulic oils are based on biodegradable base oils and fulfil the biodegradability according to OECD 301 B.

[0163] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a module with data racks removed from pod interior, under an embodiment.

[0164] Figure 13 shows a front view of a pod, under an embodiment.

[0165] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a pod with data racks removed from pod interior, under an embodiment. Figure 15 shows a top view of a pod with data racks removed from pod interior, under an embodiment.

[0166] Figure 16 shows a perspective view of a pod, under an embodiment.

[0167] Figure 17 shows a top view of a pod, under an embodiment. The figure provides length and width dimensions in millimeters.

[0168] Figure 18 shows a perspective view of a pod, under an embodiment.

[0169] Figure 19 shows a perspective view of a pod under transport, under an embodiment.

[0170] Practically every Information Technology (IT) organization and the clients they serve have radically different requirements that control their data center designs and needs and, indeed, some organizations have drastically different needs internally. The following are some items that effect data center design and requirements:

[0171] • Rack space: some organizations need 1 U server racks for some hardware, but next-gen high-density server space for other hardware. Needs may also change overtime.

[0172] • Power: power requirements may differ across the severs in use as well as their function (storage / processing, etc.).

[0173] • Differing workloads require compute clusters built using varying server types (in terms of ability). The data centers supporting demanding tasks need to be able to handle a uniformly dense server configuration. These servers support a workload that demands extreme power and cooling while active jobs are running and reduced demands when no job is active.

[0174] • Some organizations have relatively stable server configurations, but workloads that result in cooling requirements that vary depending on the development cycles rolling (software dev / dev ops).

[0175] • Some organizations need to have redundancy due to policy whilst others employ redundancy simply to configure and reconfigure systems to test scenarios and reproduce environments.

[0176] In many of these cases, the data centers responsible for these organizations servers could be anywhere and accessed remotely. A constant across all data centers is the underlying infrastructure including power, cooling, and connectivity. A modular approach accommodates varying circumstances. Choosing a modular design means the creation of energy-efficient building blocks that can be duplicated easily worldwide. A pod usually accommodates 16 racks with no need for common hot or cold aisles. Because of their subsea environment, they benefit from free, passive cooling. The molecules of the liquid used creates a flow that disperses the heat via the surrounding seawater. “Subsea” is below the surface of water - shallow and deep. Data centers can be built at any size, with more flexibility that on land. This allows all companies to benefit from the modular, agile design.

[0177] A modular approach is in line with the client requirements and changes as a client’s requirements change, too. The standard infrastructure is sized so that it can accommodate rapid change, growth and increases in server and storage densities. Modular design facilitates rapid adaption to increasing server densities and changing business needs without significant up-front costs.

[0178] Power and cooling requirements not only vary across space, but time, too. Having the capacity to match temporal requirements increases efficiency:

[0179] Cyclical Workloads: Many workloads vary by time of day, time of the quarter and time of the year. Some workloads operate on “project time.” Some peak before lunch, decline during lunch and decrease thereafter, slowly falling throughout the afternoon (speaking in terms of a single tenant). The design implemented by use of subsea + modular means the data center dynamically adjusts its own cooling system as workloads change and is more efficient than any other method. It removes heat from the device and the “hall” in the same process.

[0180] Rate of Change: Some data centers evolve quickly, replacing their equipment with the latest innovations at a rapid rate. Part of the data center effort involves a server-replacement program that allows an increased density and a reduction in real-estate holdings at the same time. Because of the volume of refresh within some organizations, the new high-density data center pods would not have a significant rate of change for longer periods of time (e.g., 22 months). However, in some organizations, this is not the case; some industries require large compute farms to be kept up to date and new racks rotated in on an often quarterly basis. When this is the case, the pods no longer in use will be repurposed for another org., or kept and used by the same org., for different purposes whilst new racks are deployed. Convection cooling is the mechanism where heat is transferred from the hot device by the flow of the fluid surrounding the object. The fluid can be air. However, due to the greater heat carrying capacities of liquid, an engineered fluid is used internally within the modular pods.

[0181] By using liquid cooling, there is a higher heat transfer capacity per unit mass in addition to a higher delta temperature between the stable cold-water temperature of the ocean and the high temperature of processors and components of the server hardware. The engineered fluid used provides excellent thermal stability. Convection heat transfer coefficient is dependent on the fluid type, flow properties, and temperature properties. The surrounding water is an ample choice for liquid cooling due to its high heat capacity and thermal conductivity. The metal housing is also a strong choice for the heat transfer for the fluid path.

[0182] The data center creates the same natural vertical internal circulation that the ocean naturally creates between the cold deep layers and the slightly more comfortable surface layer. Even the hottest surface waters will still create a liquid delta of 43°Celsius between 37°Celsius water body and an 80°Celsius CPU.

[0183] The crucial point in using a natural cold source is the efficiency of the heat exchange. Subsea Cloud’s data centers benefit from passive, free cooling. Due to the design, the sea water, without any need for electrically driven cooling, cools the servers and disperses the heat produced. During the cooling process the heat causes an expansion of the fluid and a reduction in its density. The difference in density causes the fluid to flow and as this happens, the hotter, expanded, and less dense fluid carries with it some thermal energy. This results in the energy transfer from the hot object into the surrounding air or liquid.

[0184] The effectiveness of the cooling depends on factors such as:

[0185] • Temperature difference between the surrounding and the hot object

[0186] • Viscosity of the fluid (air or liquid)

[0187] • Rate of the fluid’s thermal expansion

[0188] • Shape, size and surface texture of the object

[0189] • Ability of the fluid to move in response to the density difference

[0190] One of the challenges we’ve encountered in our design and its environment is the degree to which access requirements are important. Some data centers and their tenants can operate lights out, allowing them to be located virtually anywhere. Others require far more frequent access. For this spectrum, we have the following range of solutions: - Remote: These users can access and control their equipment from a domestic or international location depending on performance requirements and data laws. The housed equipment does not require users and owners to have hands-on interaction outside of maintenance.

[0191] - Localized Remote: These users need to control access for their equipment from within the same country, city or state. They don’t need frequent access or interaction outside of maintenance, but more than the above remote users.

[0192] - Proximate: For users that need frequent hands-on interaction, for example hardware bring- up, equipment fault insertion (where back up / redundant servers cannot be employed) and reconfiguration, the closest port to them or to us (if we are the maintenance team in full) will be chosen and the pods deployed. The time to retrieve the pods is not significant (in any case).

[0193] A pod is anchored to a seabed (or other underwater surface) using an anchoring system, under an embodiment. Subsea suction anchors are innovative devices used to secure underwater structures and equipment to the seabed. Subsea suction anchors operate based on the concept of creating a vacuum or low-pressure zone beneath the anchor to enhance its holding capacity. The main components of a subsea suction anchor include the anchor body, suction pump, and seabed interface.

[0194] The anchor body is designed to facilitate the attachment of subsea structures and is equipped with multiple suction ports that allow seawater to be pumped out during installation. It is usually made from high-strength materials to withstand the harsh subsea environment.

[0195] The success of subsea suction anchors on the seabed depends on their ability to maintain a strong interface with the sand particles. The surrounding water acts as a sealant, preventing water ingress into the anchor during operation.

[0196] The installation of subsea suction anchors onto the seabed involves the following steps:

[0197] Preparing the Anchor

[0198] Before installation, the anchor is connected to the suction pump, and all valves are checked for proper functioning. The anchor is then positioned above the desired location on the seabed.

[0199] Initiating Suction

[0200] The suction pump is activated, drawing water from the anchor's suction ports. As water is removed, a low-pressure zone is created beneath the anchor. Penetration

[0201] Due to the difference in pressure between the low-pressure zone within the anchor and the surrounding seabed, the anchor starts to sink into the seabed. As it penetrates the seabed, sand particles are drawn into the anchor's suction ports, further enhancing the holding capacity.

[0202] Securing the Anchor

[0203] Once the anchor reaches the desired depth, the suction pump is turned off, and the pressure inside the anchor equalizes with the surrounding water pressure. This stabilizes the anchor and creates a strong interface with the seabed.

[0204] Figures 20 and 21 show operation of a pump suctioning water out of an anchor body causing a delta in outer pressure and inner pressure. The resulting low pressure zone results in a downward force on the anchor. This downward force causses downward movement of the anchor into the seabed and flow of granular soil into the port. Once operation of the suction pump ceases, inside pressure and outside pressure equalize leaving anchor in place. Friction forces between anchor and seawall oppose movement of the anchor. Any attempt to dislodge an anchor generates an internal vacuum which opposes movement of the anchor.

[0205] Figures 22-26 show the modular data center unit being positioned onto the anchoring guideposts.

[0206] Figure 27 shows a perspective view of an anchoring system showing open ports of the anchors, under an embodiment.

[0207] Figure 28 shows a coupling of an anchor to a data center frame, under an embodiment.

[0208] Figure 29 shows an anchoring system used to anchor a generator, under an embodiment.

[0209] A detailed Method statement for Mobilization and Installation of Subsea Data Centers is attached hereto as Exhibit A.

[0210] As indicated above, the fluid is a key to incurring pressure exerted against the container at depth. The fluid and hull also cooperate in dissipating heat generated by server CPU processing operations. The fluid is a bio degradable oil. Such oil comprises an inherently biodegradable, marine-safe fluid, which is non-toxic to aquatic life. There are two main types of biodegradability, inherently and readily, as defined by the Organization for Economic Cooperation Development (OECD):

[0211] 1. Inherently biodegradable - a product that has a biodegradation better than 20 percent in 28 days, which includes most, if not all mineral oil lubricants (up to ISO VG 320) 2. Readily biodegradable - a product that has a biodegradation of more than 60 percent within 28 days, which precludes most, if not all, mineral oils. Synthetic ester-based fluids deliver a more biodegradable formulation than conventional mineral oils, and can have an extended service life.

[0212] As indicated above, immersion cooling of data centers harnesses convection processes as data center processors begin to heat the surrounding dielectric fluid. The molecules of the oil essentially get excited which causes some separation. Heating a substance causes molecules to speed up and spread slightly further apart, occupying a larger volume that results in a decrease in density. The less dense heated liquid rises. A natural turbulent flow is created due to more fluid rising within the pod. A heat exchange takes place through the walls of the pod at that point. The cooled liquid then shrinks again and is pulled back to the bottom of the pod. Cooling a substance causes molecules to slow down and get slightly closer together, occupying a smaller volume that results in an increase in density. The cooled higher density liquid then falls. The falling liquid then naturally circulates back to heat emitting parts where it is heated up again. And that continues. These are the dual features of using this viscous fluid: heat reduction via convection and pressure compensation.

[0213] Under an embodiment, an additional pumping component may be added to an immersion cooling environment to increase the efficiency of convection processes. Figure 30 shows a container filled with dielectric fluid 308. A CPU block 302 features one or more processors 330 running one or more applications of the data center. As the applications run, the processors emit heat thereby increasing temperature of the dielectric fluid. This triggers convection cooling processes described above. Under an embodiment, a pumping component 320 increases the efficiency of this process. A pumping component 320 comprises suction pump 312 that includes a fluid suction intake 314 and an output in fluid communication with an interior of CPU block 302 through hose 310. During the convection process, cooling fluid descends toward the level of the pump component 320 at which point the suction pump passes the cooling fluid into the CPU block 302. The fluid is directly heated by the CPU block processors and is forced out into the interior of the container.

[0214] A series of Thermoelectric Generators (TEG) 304 are placed in proximity to the hot fluid output 318 of the CPU block. A first side 340 of each TEG is placed adjacent to and in contact with a wall of the container. A second side 342 of each TEG faces an interior of the container. The TEGs convert the delta in temperature between interior and exterior environments into electricity. A controller 306 is in electrical communication with the TEGs.

[0215] The controller 306 is also in electrical communication with and powers the pumping component 320. Note however that the controller does not itself comprise a power source. Therefore, heating of the fluid by operation of the processors alone (without operation of the pump component) “primes” the controller with an initial charge. When sufficient power is available, the controller provides power to the pump component. Operation of the pump increases efficiency of the convection process as it forces in a targeted manner cooling liquid directly through the CPU block and into contact with the heat emitting processors.

[0216] Figure 31 shows a pump component within a data center, under an embodiment.

[0217] Figure 32 shows a pump component within a data center, under an embodiment.

[0218] Under one embodiment, a data module is mobilized and installed as described below.

[0219] 1 ABBREVIATIONS

[0220] SSC Subsea Cloud

[0221] OPN Operation

[0222] QMS Quality Management System

[0223] QHSE Quality, Health, Safety and Environment

[0224] HSE Health, Safety and Environment

[0225] HQ Headquarters

[0226] LARS Launch & Recovery System

[0227] ROV Remotely Operated Vehicle

[0228] 2 PURPOSE

[0229] This method statement covers procedural deployment events. It also outlines limiting criteria, risk issues, verification points and necessary equipment. This document forms the basis of detailed installation procedures specific to each project.

[0230] Procedural events:

[0231] • vessel mobilization

[0232] • data pod and submarine cable delivery

[0233] • anchor and pod installation

[0234] • cable lay and pull-in operations • testing and commissioning

[0235] MOBILIZATION

[0236] VESSEL FAMILIARIZATION

[0237] All personnel are required to attend a vessel familiarization at the earliest opportunity after joining the vessel. The vessel familiarization shall be conducted by one of the vessel’s officers and shall include as a minimum:

[0238] • Details of vessel alarms, fire alarm / muster alarm and actions to be taken etc.

[0239] • Details of vessel emergency plan including the location of first aid kits, fire- fighting equipment, and lifesaving equipment

[0240] • USE ofPPE

[0241] • A walk around the vessel showing the layout, emergency exits and muster station

[0242] • General housekeeping on the vessel

[0243] • Smoking policy

[0244] • Drugs and alcohol policy

[0245] PROJECT FAMILIARIZATION

[0246] All personnel and representatives are required to attend a “project familiarization” during the mobilization. This event shall be conducted by member(s) of the project team and shall include as a minimum:

[0247] • Introduction to personnel

[0248] • Introduction to the project

[0249] • Contractual structure and lines of communication

[0250] • Safety points

[0251] • Work schedule

[0252] PERSONNEL MOBILISATION

[0253] The following personnel are required for the project, at a minimum:

[0254] • 1 x superintendent

[0255] • 2 x installation supervisors

[0256] • 2 x ROV / trenching supervisor

[0257] • 8 x subsea technicians • 2 x data pod engineers

[0258] • 4 x deck riggers

[0259] • 2 x surveyors 4 EQUIPMENT MOBILISATION

[0260] All equipment will be positioned as per deck layout. All electrical connections and hydraulic connections shall be protected and kept off deck where possible. Supervisor shall ensure that all deck operations are carried out in a safe and efficient manner in cooperation with vessels crew. It is to be checked with vessel owner if deck strength analysis is required. If so, this is to be initiated prior to mobilization. If analysis requires, tie-down plates are to be modified accordingly.

[0261] The vessel’s appointed lifting supervisor and chief engineer, in cooperation with Subsea Cloud’s superintendent, are responsible for positioning, connections and sea fastening the spread on deck, listed below:

[0262] • data pod(s)

[0263] • subsea anchor structure

[0264] • tanks, cable highways including overboard shoots

[0265] • control containers

[0266] • workshop containers

[0267] • launch & recovery systems (LARS)

[0268] • tether management system and vehicles

[0269] • hydraulic power units for all systems

[0270] • generator (primary and secondary sources to be tested)

[0271] • ROV tooling

[0272] • trenching system

[0273] • cable lay equipment

[0274] • survey equipment

[0275] • template structure

[0276] • subsea data pod

[0277] • handling systems 5 SEAFASTENING PLATE S A separate, detailed sea-fastening procedure will be issued prior to mobilization, with all details per the assignment of a vessel to this project. TEST ACTIVITIES

[0278] Inspection and Testing

[0279] Inspection and Testing Plan requirements for all mobilization, interface and demobilization activities are herein detailed.

[0280] It is the responsibility of the Subsea Cloud’s superintendent to ensure that the following documents are completed and signed off on prior to operational commencement, as is necessary for onboard acceptance of the equipment.

[0281] Check and sign off on:

[0282] • SSC-ROV-FM-002 - Pre-Mob Checklist

[0283] • SSC-QHSEMS-OPN-F004 - Project On-hire certificates

[0284] • SSC-QMS-OPN-F007 - Mobilization Completion Checklist

[0285] • SSC-IMS-OPN-F070 - Wet Test Certificates

[0286] • IMCA R006 Standard Audit

[0287] • IMCA R006 Non-Conformance List Closeout (- verified by BW-D and external auditor)

[0288] • Updated Inventory Checklist

[0289] • SSC-QMS-OPN-059- Data Center Testing Procedures

[0290] Electrical Connection of Equipment

[0291] With the help of vessel electrical officer, the equipment shall be connected by the offshore crew for load testing. Equipment power supply shall be from the vessel and / or external generators for both primary and secondary power.

[0292] Once all has been connected completely, crew will do a full internal check and testing. Power to all units shall be done by the project team and checked by the vessel electrician.

[0293] Load Test

[0294] Once the sea fastening and NDT of all equipment has been completed, the winches and LARS will be load tested with water bags attached to the main lifting wire. Load tests are detailed in the Load Test Procedure (SSC-IMS-ASW-GL013). The test shall be verified by 3rd party load test inspector and chief engineer. Upon completion of the load test, inspector shall prepare and issue the load test certificate to Subsea Cloud within six working hours.

[0295] The certificate shall include:

[0296] • Image of water bag attached

[0297] • Image of load cell reading

[0298] • Image or copy of load cell calibration certificate

[0299] Wet Test

[0300] Once the POD, cable handling, subsea cables, Survey, ROV and Trencher equipment has been installed on the vessel, and all tests are in accordance with mobilization procedures, a deck check of all functions and equipment is to be carried out on the vehicles and predive checklist is to be completed.

[0301] The wet test will then be undertaken, during which the following checks will be made:

[0302] • template lifting and suction anchor systems

[0303] • pod handling system

[0304] • pod guidepost systems

[0305] • cable handling equipment

[0306] • survey equipment

[0307] • LARS function

[0308] • TMS / cage function

[0309] • vehicle thrusters

[0310] • control system

[0311] • cameras and light operational functions

[0312] • transponder

[0313] • sonar operations

[0314] • manipulators

[0315] • gyro, trim and auto-depth function

[0316] • buoyancy

[0317] • trenching water pumps

[0318] 3 7 EQUIPMENT INSPECTION Check that all equipment is positioned in accordance with deck layout, and that all electrical connections and hydraulic connections are protected and kept off deck, where possible.

[0319] Supervisors must ensure that all inspections are signed off and that all deck operations are carried out in a safe and efficient manner.

[0320] It is the responsibility of the lead supervisor to ensure that the inspections are completed and signed off prior to operational commencement.

[0321] The following must be inspected:

[0322] • water supply from vessel

[0323] • electrical supply from vessel

[0324] • cable protection

[0325] • interface with all control rooms and bridge

[0326] • communication lines

[0327] • spread installation

[0328] • electrical connections-internally spread

[0329] • grounding of equipment

[0330] • hydraulic connections-internally spread

[0331] • correct use of sea fastening brackets

[0332] • visual inspection of all welding on the sea fastening

[0333] • approval of NDT test results

[0334] • load testing and certificate approvals

[0335] • functions and wet test 8 SEA TRIALS AND ACCEPTANCE TEST

[0336] After mobilization is completed and all sea fastening has been welded, the vessel will move to a suitable location offshore to carry out full sea trials of all equipment.

[0337] The purpose of the test is to prove the spread is capable of safely operating, installing and recovering cables and pods.

[0338] Sea trials for the ROV and trencher spread shall include, but will not be limited to:

[0339] • Functionality of pre-dive checklist

[0340] • Dive Trencher / ROV to a minimum of 10m

[0341] • Check all functions: o main HPU o lights o cameras o manipulators o propulsions o depth, heading and altimeter sensors o sonar o test TMS o dock ROV out of TMS and fly to seabed o land ROV on seabed and check all compensators are stable o fly ROV around 1 meter over the seabed to check all working well before recover the ROV o survey equipment o trenching equipment o cable lay equipment deck test o launch system for POD’s deck test 9 LIFT PLAN

[0342] All lifting equipment including slings shall be certified and certificates shall be available. Layout and arrangement of the equipment will be in accordance with agreed deck layout. Equipment certification register shall be prepared accordingly. ATTACHMENTS

[0343] Project Mobilization Notice [Form:

[0344] SSC / QHSEMS / OPN / F003]

[0345] Project On-Hire Certificate [Form:

[0346] SSC / QHSEMS / OPN / F004]

[0347] Project Mobilization Checklist [Form:

[0348] SSC / QHSEMS / OPN / F005]

[0349] Functional Wet Test Certificate [Form: SSC / QMS / OPN / F070]

[0350] Mobilization Completion Certificate [Form: SSC / QMS / OPN / F007]

[0351] Pre-Mobilization Checklist [Form: SSC / ROV / FM / 002]

[0352] Load Test Procedure [Form: SSC / IMS / ASW / GL013] Vessel Technical Specification

[0353] Sea fastening Plates Drawing

[0354] Vessel Deck Plan / General Arrangement

[0355] Technical Specifications for all equipment

[0356] Detail equipment installation plan

[0357] Drawings of deck lay out and details of sea fastening

[0358] Engineering procedure with detailed step by step installation procedures.

[0359] 5 SCOPE

[0360] This method statement is based upon the following documents:

[0361] • Hawaiki Cable System Shallow Water RPL

[0362] • Permitting documentation

[0363] • Charts

[0364] In the event BW-D significantly amends any of the above documents, Subsea Cloud will submit a VARIATION for review and agreement with BW-D.

[0365] 5 1 PERMITS

[0366] Notification of operations to local authorities will be made via the New Zeeland Maritime Administration via BW-D in advance of the operation. Marine operations will only commence once such notifications have been accepted. During such operations, notifications regarding vessel movements will be made to those organizations as advised by the Maritime Administration.

[0367] Excluded are all applications for system permits and regulatory licenses that may be necessary for this data pod and power cable installation project, which are the responsibility of the BW-D. Subsea cloud will provide all reasonable assistance during the permitting process. It is assumed that all such licenses / negotiations will have been obtained / undertaken prior to any Subsea Cloud operations and that copies of the licenses are supplied to Subsea Cloud to assist in the application process for operational permits and notifications if necessary.

[0368] Subsea cloud will require evidence of existing cable and pipeline crossing agreements to ensure planned operations are consistent with relevant crossing agreement requirements. SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

[0369] All work will be performed in accordance with Subsea Cloud Safety Management Procedures, Standing Instructions and the In-depth Methods of Procedure formulated during the pre-installation project management and engineering phases for this project. Further consultation with BW-D regarding their on-site safety procedures will be required prior to Subsea cloud commencing operations.

[0370] Subsea Cloud requests that BW-D provide guidance on preferred templates to assist SSC on meeting documentation deliverables under the contract including Quality / HSE / Document Register where appropriate, ensuring that the relevant submissions are consistent with the preference of BW-D. INTERFACE COMMUNICATIONS

[0371] Subsea Cloud will provide a Safety Management System Interface Document (Bridging Document) specifically for the vessel being used for the project. The purpose of the Bridging Document is to formalize the process of integrating Subsea Cloud’s Safety Management System within the overall Safety Management System so as to ensure the procedures are harmonized in supporting the Project. WEATHER CRITERIA

[0372] Permissible weather conditions will vary according to the type of operation and vessel used. Weather conditions will be agreed with the BW-D’s representative prior to commencement of activities. Subsea Cloud will provide a weather working matrix as a guide. However, the ultimate decision on whether working will remain with the vessel master. Delays resulting from the effects of weather systems will not be charged to Subsea Cloud. METHOD STATEMENT OVERVIEW

[0373] A subsea data pod will be installed along the route of an existing cable, approx. 2500 meters from the manhole and is to be connected via subsea cable. In the engineering development for the installation, it is assumed that the diver-less option described below will be utilized (subject to favorable results being achieved in equipment performance tests). The sequence has been engineered with cable laying and trenching operations carried out separately from the same vessel. SUMMARY DATA

[0374] - Hawaiki Cable System Shallow Water RPL

[0375] - Permitting documentation

[0376] - Charts

[0377] Water depth at the pod installation area is approximately 47m gradually reducing to approximately 8m at the manhole. STEP-BY-STEP METHOD STATEMENT Pre-Operational Cable Installation Vessel Mobilization

[0378] Prior to mobilizing and operation, it will be ascertained as to whether the vessel can perform the works in accordance with deployment requirements. If the vessel is found to be lacking, and an alternative is not feasible, it will undergo modifications to ensure it is compatible with the equipment and intended operations, as stated above. This will include but may not be limited to the following modifications:

[0379] ■ Installation and sea fastening of data pod

[0380] ■ Installation and sea fastening of anchor template

[0381] ■ Installation and commissioning of roller trackway for access to and from cable tank and over boarding point

[0382] ■ Install cable tanks to accommodate submarine power cable.

[0383] ■ Detailed methods of procedures and risk assessments will be formulated and agreed during the pre-operational project management stage

[0384] Prior to mobilizing for installation operations, the vessel will undergo modifications to ensure vessel can perform the works in accordance with the contract requirements, including for working in the vicinity of landfall, with a weighty pod and template installation. It will also have to handle and installation of the subsea cable, trenching and inspection of the installed system. This will include but may not be limited to the following modifications:

[0385] 1. Upgrade the deck to secure the sea fastening of the pod and template.

[0386] 2. Free up and clear deck for installation of the trencher and ROV.

[0387] 3. Ensure of upgrade lifting equipment, according to requisite loads for installation. 4. Install roller cable trackway to run cable from cable tank, linear cable engine and onwards to over boarding point.

[0388] 5. Configure stern A frame for installing mattress protection.

[0389] 6. Configure the linear cable engine for heave compensation, template and pod installation.

[0390] 7. Installation and commissioning of Touch Down Monitoring ROV and trencher on Subsea Cloud vessel

[0391] The above operations will require the installation vessel to transit from her base port to a shipyard on route to area of operations. The shipyard will act as the mobilization port for the installation vessel. Detailed methods of procedures and risk assessments will be formulated and agreed during the pre-operational project management stage.

[0392] On completion of the pre-installation mobilization, the installation vessel will transit to the project Port. Load Pod Equipment to Transport Vessel

[0393] Singapore given as easiest and known (to Subsea Cloud port). Can be substituted for port to be determined. Steps and procedures will remain the same.

[0394] 1. On arrival at the loading port, the equipment freighter will rig for load ensuring space for the pod, anchor template, roller trackway and access to cable tanks is in place (latter in place avoid cable being compromised during loading).

[0395] 2. The length of the submarine composite power cable will be loaded into the freighter cable tank. Cable is to be confirmed as capable of static coiling, with drop height of 10m.

[0396] 3. Submarine cable runs from storage to side loading chute to cable engine and into the cable tank. Portable cable engine located on cable transport vessel, supplied by Subsea Cloud, to haul cable from depot to vessel. Subsea Cloud to confirm pull distance and likely haul tension. This may require additional engine, supplied by Subsea Cloud, located on quayside to aid the pull to vessel. 4. Load gang / stevedores supplied by Subsea Cloud for load operation. Sufficient manpower required to enable cable coiling to outer wall of cable tank with load speed, not less 200m per hour.

[0397] 5. On completion of loading the cable will be tested to ensure no damage during the loadout operation. Subsea Cloud to confirm cable can be tested once pulling heads are in place on cable. In the event testing can be achieved, the tests will be conducted as outlined in Method Statement 2.3.27. The system contingency cable will be stored on a suitable reel for sea transport. The reel should be of a construction that allows for payoff cable from a powered underoiler stand. Subsea Cloud will need to be provided an adequate reel for the stowage, transport and pay off cable.

[0398] 6. The contingency cable reel and additional plant for the installation operation will be loaded to the transport vessel during her port call at [Singapore] for the load of the system cable. Craneage for loading the reel to the vessel will have to be provided.

[0399] 6.3.3 Transit to Installation Vessel

[0400] 1. On completion loading operations, the freighter secures for sea passage and transits to the agreed port for transfer of equipment to project vessel.

[0401] 6.3.4 Transfer Pod Equipment from Transport Vessel to Installation Vessel

[0402] 1. On arrival at the port, the freighter will rig for discharge of equipment.

[0403] 2. The data pod and anchor template will be lifted on to the key side with a local crane and shifted over to the installation vessel for loading.

[0404] 3. Subsea Cloud vessel will haul the submarine cable from the cable freighter, utilizing a linear cable engine.

[0405] 4. Submarine cable stowed in cable tank on project vessel, cone bull ring extended to 4m diameter for static coiling, subject to final confirmation of cable specifications from cable manufacturer.

[0406] 5. On completion of transferring operations, the cable will be tested to ensure no damage occurred during the transfer operation. Subsea Cloud to confirm cable can be tested once pulling heads are in place on cable. 6. On completion of the main cable to the installation vessel, the contingency cable reel will be offloaded from the transport vessel to the quayside for onward shipment to the project destination. Craneage for the offload will be provided by Subsea Cloud.

[0407] 6.3.5 Installation Vessel Mobilization

[0408] 1. Prior to arrival of the cable, anchor template and pod freighter, project vessel will prepare for loading - ensuring the cable trackway system, cable engines and cable stowage tank are ready in all respects for the submarine cable transfer operation.

[0409] 2. Clear / prepare area for the anchor template and the subsea data pod.

[0410] 3. Clear / prepare deck for installation of the ROV and trencher system.

[0411] 4. Prior to the cable transfer operation, BW-D appointed representatives will join the vessel.

[0412] 5. Transfer 3km 46mm 3,5kV submarine cable from the cable freighter to vessel cable stowage tank, loading of the template and subsea pod.

[0413] 6. On completion of transfer operations and loading, the data pod and the cable will be tested to ensure no damage during the loadout operation. Subsea Cloud to confirm the system can be tested once pulling heads are in place on cable.

[0414] 7. A T450 trenching ROV will be mobilized on the vessel and will provide jetting burial for the surface laid submarine cable.

[0415] 8. A tether management system Touch Down Monitoring ROV will be mobilized on working deck (for Touch Down Monitoring during surface lay operations).

[0416] 9. On completion of the equipment loading, the vessel will load the crossing protection mattresses.

[0417] 6.3.6 Preparation on Site

[0418] 1. Vessel will transit to project area of operations.

[0419] 2. At a safe distance from the manhole, the vessel will set up in DP mode

[0420] 3. Assessment of environmental conditions and development of a DP mathematical model will begin. 4. Contingencies are developed on-site for vessel approach to structures and work adjacent to structures.

[0421] 5. Prior to commencing further operations, a full DP checklist will be conducted.

[0422] 6. Contact will be established with the local authority, obtaining updated information on work within the area and permission to enter the restricted area. ce / Pre-Lay Grapnel Run and ROV Survey

[0423] 1. An ‘as-found’ ROV survey will be performed to will confirm the positions of the manhole and the pod installation area.

[0424] 2. The survey will also confirm the position of the existing cable crossings on the intended cable route.

[0425] 3. The route of the cable between the manhole and the pod area will be surveyed, and debris located that is considered to represent a significant risk to lay or trench operations will either be removed where reasonable, or the cable route modified to avoid it (in the case of larger items). This will be achieved initially by ROV survey, followed by a trencher grapnel run with a penetration depth of 0.5m (where practical) to ensure that no object remains in the cable lay corridor that could damage the cable outer sheath during lay, trenching or normal operation.

[0426] 4. On completion of pre installation survey operations, project vessel will proceed to the project port. Protection Mattresses

[0427] 1. Project vessel will berth in the project port and prepare for loading ten crossing protection mattresses.

[0428] 2. Mattresses will be loaded onto aft working deck area of project vessel; vessel has 10-ton SWL crane on side of aft cable working deck; working radius of 10m. a. In event the cranes cannot provide outreach to load mattresses a quayside crane will be required, supplied by Subsea Cloud, with sufficient lift capacity and reach from quay to aft working deck of project vessel.

[0429] 3. Mattresses are stacked in a safe stowage position on aft deck to enable on site re- positioning for deployment overboard.

[0430] 4. A deployment frame will be used for the loading of mattresses onboard project vessel. g Protection Mattresses

[0431] 1. Upon arrival at site, advise local authority of operations and set up project vessel on DP over cable crossing position to monitor tidal / environmental conditions.

[0432] 2. When tidal / environmental conditions have been evaluated and are suitable, deploy the TDM ROV for visual confirmation and cross profiles of cable position. Video and profiler data will be logged continuously by Subsea Cloud’s Clarity software suite. Additionally, the z (depth) value of the TDM ROV transponder will be recorded to enable the depth of the mattress frame to be known in relation to the cable depth.

[0433] 3. The target point for the mattress, as indicated by the TDM ROV, will be displayed on the Subsea Cloud navigator screen for the DP and ROV operators. Once identified the TDM ROV will position itself at a safe distance from the mattress target point.

[0434] 4. The protective mattress will be moved from its stowage position to its deployment station under the aft deck A Frame inboard position.

[0435] 5. Secure deployment and release frame to mattress, ensuring a transponder is fitted to the center of the mattress lifting frame to enable real time position monitoring during deployment.

[0436] 6. Run lift line from LCE through A frame lift point and secure to mattress deployment frame.

[0437] 7. Project vessel will maneuver to a position such that the A frame outboard position is 15m offset from the cable crossing position. When in position the A frame is deployed outboard, and the mattress transferred from the on-deck to in water position. When the mattress is at a depth of approximately 5m above the crossing depth (determined from the z value of the deployment frame transponder), stop pay out of the mattress lift line. At this point the cable engine / lift line is transferred to heave compensation mode. Vessel to then carefully position the mattress directly above the crossing point target, as will be indicated on the Subsea Cloud navigator Screen. The cable engine lift line will pay out slowly until the weight starts to reduce as indicated on the certified cable engine load cell (the mattress is touching the bottom) at which time the TDM ROV will make a visual check on the orientation and position relative to the cable. a. If the mattress is not in the correct position, corrections will be made using the A Frame boom / vessel movement, with orientation over the pipeline corrected by the TDM ROV using a grab bar on the frame to maneuver until the mattress is correctly aligned over the crossing point. Once in correct alignment the mattress will be completely lowered until all weight is off the strops between the frame and mattress and the TDM ROV will activate the release lever on the deployment frame. A visual check by the TDM ROV will be made to ensure that all strops have been released before the frame is recovered to deck. Once all TDM ROV checks are completed, the project vessel will slowly maneuver away from the crossing point and when standing a safe distance from the crossing point recover the deployment frame and TDM ROV. irements Prior to submarine cable pull-in operations, an inspection of the manhole and land fall will be executed to determine the requirements of the pull-in operation, and to confirm the BW-D has a pre-rigged messenger rope. Potentially the following equipment may be included: i. Pull in frame to establish a lift point above the manhole exit. ii. 5-ton safe working load winch, subject to site inspection and further clarification. iii. Winch to include running line monitor and counter. iv. Type II hydraulic power pack for winch v. Hoses for hydraulic power pack vi. Hydraulic oil for pack and including reserve for failure vii. Spares for hydraulic power pack viii. Riggers tool kit for pull in operation lx. Calibrated load cell ix. VHF / UHF radios for comms with installation vessel x. 2 x 5-ton safe working load snatch blocks, safe working load to be confirmed post inspection xi. 2 x 5-ton safe working load shackles, safe working load to be confirmed post inspection xii. ton chain block for calibration of winch running line monitor xiii. 250 meters of 14mm wire rope

[0438] Subsea Cloud potential pull in crew of four persons, included but not limited to the following: i. Rigging Master in charge of pull in operation ii. Winch engineer iii. Senior Rigger iv. Riggers v. Cable Test Engineer

[0439] Supply and transportation of equipment to landfall to be provided.

[0440] Accommodation for up to four Subsea Cloud pull-in personnel at the landfall area to be provided.

[0441] 6.3.11 ROV Survey of manhole Pull in Seabed Areas 1 . A pre-pull in survey / inspection of the manhole pull in areas will be performed by the TDM ROV to ensure the seabed area is clear of obstruction within the immediate area of the manhole bell mouth entrance. a. This survey is to confirm the seabed area will allow the submarine cable to meet the seabed without allowing a buildup of spoil during the pull in operation. b. In the event the seabed survey identifies the pull in area is unsuitable for the pull in operation due to the potential of the buildup of spoil, the removal of the spoil threat is outside Subsea Cloud’s Scope of Work and will be treated as a VARIATION.

[0442] The results of the survey will be recorded by the TDM ROV. ole Clear

[0443] 1. Position the cable vessel working deck near manhole pull-in point, transfer pre- rigged messenger tail from land to cable working deck of vessel.

[0444] 2. Landfall pull line to replace pre-rigged messenger.

[0445] 3. Haul pull line from land winch to vessel. Assume steelite rope for pull line to avoid excessive abrasion at bell mouth. Manhole bell mouth to be designed to ensure no excessive chafe points for rope pull operations.

[0446] 4. When pull line rigged and secure, pig and gauge plate attached to pull line at landfall winch end.

[0447] 5. Cable vessel crew carefully pull the pig into the manhole under guidance from the manhole crew. a. Once entered, the pig is hauled through the manhole and is recovered on the cable vessel.

[0448] 6. The pig and gauge plate are to be inspected and any damage immediately reported to the Project Engineer on the installation vessel. Winch Wire to Cable Pull-In Head 1. On completion of pigging operation, the pull in head of the cable is secured to a ball bearing swivel, which in turn is secured to the pull in wire.

[0449] 2. The pull-in head and swivel assembly will have sufficient clearance to allow a smooth pull into the manhole bellmouth End Overboard

[0450] Subject to agreement, Subsea Cloud proposes cable deployment as follows:

[0451] 1. The Landfall end of the cable will be prepared with a bend restrictor securely attached to the cable at a set distance from the pull-in manhole flange. This length represents the actual length of the cable that is to be pulled up the manhole including some tolerance.

[0452] 2. The bend restrictor and uraduct protection is applied to the cable during deployment from the cable working deck of the installation vessel.

[0453] 3. The length of cable protection installed around the cable prior to lay is also predetermined to end 10m prior to the start of the trench transition to allow set- up / recovery of the selected trenching tool.

[0454] 4. Length of Uraduct / Spiroduct cable protection has been assumed for a length of 20m to cover dropped object damage and burial grading to trench depth.

[0455] 5. The pull-in crew will control the landfall winch pull-in operation; and the vessel crew will pay out the cable under the direction of the pull-in master on land.

[0456] 6. Initial pay down of the pull in head at minimal outboard tension until the pull-in head is outboard of stern sheave. a. If required, A Frame to be utilized for over boarding of pull-in head to ensure no compromise of submarine cable minimum bend radius.

[0457] The provision of the materials proposed will be provided to Subsea Cloud. manhole

[0458] 1. Vessel lowers the end of the power cable down to the vicinity of the manhole bellmouth. 2. The vessel pays out the cable slowly until the pull-in head approaches the bellmouth. Cable entry point is continually monitored by TDM ROV

[0459] 3. The pay out of cable and position of vessel is carefully monitored to ensure the cable is paid out in a sufficient catenary to allow the cable to be pulled into the bellmouth without the bend restrictor seal landing on the seabed, where reasonably practicable.

[0460] 4. Landfall crew and vessel continue winching and paying out respectively, until the pull-in head is located at the JB on land. with Bend Restrictor

[0461] 1. When the pulling head clears the exit of the manhole the bend restrictor centralizer seal will be close to the bellmouth entry of the manhole.

[0462] 2. After adjusting the pull-in rigging at the manhole exit, the full pull-in head is pulled up through the hang-off flange.

[0463] 3. Landfall crew and vessel will carefully winch in and pay out respectively, until the bend restrictor seals into manhole bellmouth. At this point Landfall crew stop winching. TDM ROV confirms bend restrictor centralizer seal in place in manhole bell mouth.

[0464] The self-sealing of the bend restrictor will provide sufficient cable at the Landfall side to reach the Landfall termination box. ng-Off

[0465] 1. Once confirmed, the manhole bellmouth is sealed; the split collar hang off flange is be fitted to the hang off clamp to support the weight of the suspended cable.

[0466] Training for Subsea Cloud for the installation techniques required for the hang off clamp will be provided.

[0467] 2. On completion of the hang off operation, the cable will be tested to ensure no damage during the pull in operation. i. Subsea Cloud to confirm cable can be tested once pulling heads are in place on cable. able Subsea will establish a provisional cable route for the submarine cable. SUBSEA CLOUD will install the submarine cable following this provisional route subject to preinstallation survey and BW-D post survey requirements.

[0468] Cable lay speeds and tensions are monitored and controlled throughout the entire operation via Subsea Cloud Clarity suite’s integrated onboard hardware / software system.

[0469] 1. One cable (estimated) crossings have been identified, on approaching the previously installed crossing protection mattresses uraduct / spiroduct protection is applied to the cable at a point on the cable to ensure when deployed on the crossing, the protection lies 4m either side of the center of the cable. The position of the protection will be confirmed by the TDM ROV.

[0470] Subsea Cloud will deploy the cable in the following manner, subject to agreement and the provision of the materials proposed:

[0471] 1. As cable lay approaches landfall, commence applying uraduct / spiroduct cable protection some ~65m from the hang off clamp point on pull-in head arrangement for Landfall end of cable.

[0472] 2. On completion of the 20m Uraduct application, the bend restrictor and manhole seal will be installed to ensure the pull-in head is clear of the manhole hang off flange when the seal is in place at the bellmouth.

[0473] 3. BW-D to confirm the distance of the bend restrictor centralizer seal from the hang off groove at the pulling head.

[0474] 4. Continue to lay the cable towards landfall when the deployment point is approximately depth of water (10m) from the bend restrictor and manhole seal will be at the overboarding point. Continue payout of cable and lay in temporary bight to allow cable pulling head to transfer to overboarding point.

[0475] 5. Continue pay out of cable until vessel near and allow manhole messenger to be passed to cable deck of vessel.

[0476] 6. Confirm Manhole clear as per Method Statement 2.3.13.

[0477] 6.3.19 Touch Down Monitoring of Surface Laid Cable 1. At all times during the deployment of the submarine cable, the TDM ROV will be deployed from project vessel and will monitor the seabed touch down point of the laid cable from the vessel.

[0478] 2. The TDM ROV will confirm the submarine cable is laid over the preinstalled concrete mattressing covering the existing identified seven cables.

[0479] 3. All data recorded will be captured and integrated within the onboard Subsea Cloud Clarity suite to provide comprehensive data.

[0480] A full Technical Specification of the TDM ROV is included in Section 2.4. Secure Winch Wire to cable Final End Pull-In Head

[0481] 1. On completion of pigging operation, the swivel pull in head of the submarine cable is secured to the manhole pull line.

[0482] 2. To secure the manhole, pull line to the pull-in head the stock cable requires pay out until the pull-in head is clear of the cable machinery and close to the overboarding point.

[0483] 3. Once the cable end is clear of the cable stowage tank, a pay down rope will be secured to the pull in head to allow the pay out of the cable to run clear of the cable engines.

[0484] 4. Once the pull-in head is clear of the cable engines the cable is hung off to deck with a chain preventer to change out the pay down rope to a slip rope for final deployment of the cable end.

[0485] 5. When rigged the cable weight is taken on the slip rope and the chain preventer removed.

[0486] 6. The manhole pull line is then secured to the pull in head ready for final deployment to the manhole. Deploy Anchor template

[0487] The data pod will be installed on the anchor template. The anchor template has four suction anchors that will penetrate about 0,5 meter into the seabed when landed on the seabed, to secure the template 1,5 meters down in the seabed the ROV will be installed with a suction pump. 1 . The ROV will connect the suction pump stab to the template ROV panel and start the suction pump on slow speed

[0488] 2. The ROV pilot shall monitor the inclinometer on the template to ensure a level of +7-0,5 degrees on the template during suction.

[0489] 3. The ROV pilot will, via sensors and cameras, ensure the template is level and penetrated down to the seabed marking.

[0490] 4. When template is in correct position, the ROV supervisor will sign off on installed document and the BW-D will sign of as witness on the document.

[0491] 5. Once confirmed the ROV will close of the suction valve and release the pump from the template.

[0492] 6. ROV will release the lifting shackles in the four corners of the template and vessel lift the wire.

[0493] 7. Vessel cranes rig up guide wire 1 and 2 and lower to the pod. a. the ROV pilot will connect the guide wire to the guidepost.

[0494] 8. When guide wires are installed and vessel confirms DP is stable, superintendent together with BW-D rep and captain will go through the weather forecast and give go ahead to install the data pod.

[0495] 9. Before lifting the pod, the subsea engineers terminate the subsea cable to the pod and vessel ensure the S Lay on the seabed is done according to final installation procedure.

[0496] 10. The Pod is lifted overboard and connected to the guide wires.

[0497] 11. The pod is lowered slowly down to the top of the guidepost; ROV to always monitor the pod and wires and guide the crane driver.

[0498] 12. Lower the pod over the guideposts and land on the anchor template.

[0499] 13. Inspect and confirm via ROV that the pod is fully down.

[0500] 14. ROV to lock pod to the template.

[0501] 15. Release the carne and recover hook to surface.

[0502] 16. Run pod test to insure all is working accordingly.

[0503] 17. ROV to inspect compensator and cable before release of guide wires. 18. When all is confirmed in order by superintendent, ROV to release the guide wires.

[0504] 19. Recover all installation equipment to deck and step vessel 15 meter of the pod.

[0505] 6.3.22 Post Lay Bury Surface Laid Cables

[0506] 1. On completion of pull-in, cable lay and pod installation, the vessel will deploy T450 Trencher ROV to commence jetting burial operations.

[0507] 2. Launch / recovery will be carried out at a minimum lateral separation of 50m from ROV to surface laid cable (or subsea structure).

[0508] 3. T450 ROV will utilize available cable install data and onboard sensors (sonar, TSS, etc.) to locate and then position itself over the cable prior to trenching.

[0509] 4. At an agreed position on the cable route the ROV will commence trenching the cable(s) - via jetting - to Im (TOC) depth. a. Trenching will be conducted on a reasonable endeavors basis. b. Reasonable endeavors are based on a maximum of three burial passes. c. In the event target burial of Im is achieved before 3 passes are completed burial will cease for this section of cable. d. Where it is apparent the seabed soil conditions are too severe to allow burial by T450 Trencher ROV burial may be ceased in this area before 3 burial passes are completed, subject to mutual agreement with the Subsea Cloud superintendent and the Onboard BW-D representative.

[0510] 5. Burial will be conducted along much of the cable route with the exception of existing pipeline crossing areas, where burial will cease at the cable crossing agreement-stated distances.

[0511] 6. During trenching operations, the jetting parameters of the ROV will be adjusted to construct an optimized trench profile. The minimum cable MBR will not be exceeded during the operation. A full technical specification for the T450 Trencher ROV is included. ey of Buried Cable Route

[0512] 1. On completion of the burial operation the T450 Trencher ROV will perform a post trenching survey to establish: (a) horizontal and vertical positions of the installed cable and (b) depth of coverage achieved to TOC (relative to MSBL) and (c) width and profile of the trench - Achieved via ROV.

[0513] 2. On completion of the cable pull-in, a survey by the TDM ROV will be carried out within the manhole bellmouth seabed pull-in area to ensure the cable is laid in operating condition.

[0514] 3. All data captured will help provide comprehensive data for the As Laid documents. . On completion of the survey the TDM vehicle is recovered thus completing the installation of the submarine cable. e-mobilization

[0515] 1. On completion of the installation, mattressing, survey works and release, the cable vessel will transit from the area of operation to project port where all spare cable / plant and scrap material will be transferred onto the quayside. n Surveys

[0516] 1. Prior to the installation vessel commencing operations a survey will be conducted to provide the following information: a. Route survey to confirm the provisional route identified is suitable for the cable, and to confirm the cable length required for the route with sufficient slack allowance for safe lay and burial. b. A burial assessment survey to confirm the seabed conditions are suitable for ROV jetting burial and identify areas where hard seabed conditions exist. i. In the event areas are identified where burial may not be achieved, alternative protection for exposed cable may be required. This will be treated as a variation in the event Subsea Cloud is required to carry out such works.

[0517] 2. A debris survey at the pull-in areas confirming the volume of debris and establishing requirements for the clearance of such debris will also take place. Debris clearance is excluded from this scope of work and will be treated as a variation in the event Subsea Cloud is required to carry out such works. Testing

[0518] Throughout the entire operation, various tests on the data pod and cable will be carried out. Subsea Cloud will conduct the tests at the following points:

[0519] 1. When pod and cable have been loaded onto the transport vessel

[0520] 2. When pod and cable have been loaded onto the installation / project vessel

[0521] 3. On completion of the pull-in of cable

[0522] 4. During installation of the cable for continuous monitoring

[0523] 5. During installation of the data pod

[0524] 6. After all installations are complete

[0525] 7. During the trenching operation from land side

[0526] 8. After any incident that is considered to have put the cable at risk

[0527] 9. On completion of the installation, tested from landside

[0528] Cable Test Overview

[0529] The following tests are carried out:

[0530] • IR Tests - Insulation Resistance - Measurement (500v de)

[0531] • CR Tests - Conductor Resistance

[0532] • OTDR Tests - Optical Time Domain Reflectometer

[0533] • Data communication with the pod to be monitored at all time OTDR tests are conducted on four fibers of two fiber bundles. Fiber tests analyze the fiber length, dB / km fiber loss at 1310nm and 1550nm.

[0534] All tests are carried out from both ends of the cable, dependent on the availability of the pod end of the cable being available for testing within the stowage tanks on both the transport vessel and the installation vessel. In embodiments, a subaquatic data center module is described herein comprising a metal enclosure, wherein the metal enclosure is configured to receive dielectric fluid and contain the dielectric fluid in the subaquatic environment, a pressure compensator, wherein the pressure compensator comprises a piston and a spring, wherein the spring biases the piston towards a hydraulic pathway in fluid communication within an interior of the metal enclosure, wherein the biasing increases pressure within the metal enclosure, and the metal enclosure configured to house a plurality of processors, wherein the plurality of processors are communicatively coupled to a least one power source and at least one data pathway, wherein the communicative couplings comprises at least one of power cabling and communications cabling, wherein the communicative couplings including one or more hardware blocks, the hardware blocks configured to prevent dielectric fluids from entering the at least one of power and communications cabling at one or more points of serial and terminal connection.

[0535] In embodiments, the pressure compensator comprises a water side and a fluid side.

[0536] In embodiments, the water side is configured for fluid communication with the subaquatic environment.

[0537] In embodiments, the fluid side is configured for fluid communication with an interior of the metal enclosure through the hydraulic pathway.

[0538] In embodiments, a piston separates the fluid side from the water side.

[0539] In embodiments, the spring biases the piston towards the fluid side.

[0540] In embodiments, the spring and piston are configured to allow lateral reciprocating motion of the piston within the pressure compensator in response to changes in volume of the dielectric fluid within the metal enclosure.

[0541] In embodiments, the pressure compensator comprises a pressure relief valve for releasing pressure when internal pressure of the pressure compensator exceeds a threshold value.

[0542] In embodiments, the pressure relief valve is in fluid communication with a fluid discharge collector.

[0543] In embodiments, the metal housing comprises a plurality of heat transfer plates.

[0544] In embodiments, the dielectric fluid for receiving heat dissipated by the plurality of processors.

[0545] In embodiments, the heated dielectric fluid moves in a direction towards the plurality of heat transfer plates. In embodiments, the plurality of heat transfer plates transfer heat from the dielectric fluid into the subaquatic environment.

[0546] In embodiments, the cooled dielectric fluid moves in a direction towards the plurality of processors.

[0547] In embodiments, the pressure compensator communicatively coupled with the plurality of processors through at least one control cable, wherein a strain relief component secures the at least one control cable to the pressure compensator, wherein the communicative couplings comprise the control cable.

[0548] In embodiments, the hardware block includes one or more solid conductor components providing at least one of an electrical and communications pathway between a first cabling and a second cabling.

[0549] In embodiments, the hardware block is filled with dielectric fluid.

[0550] In embodiments, at least one o-ring encircles the one or more solid conductor components.

[0551] In embodiments, the one or more solid conductor components comprise receiving holes for receiving securing components, wherein the securing components secure the one more solid conductor components within the hardware block.

[0552] In embodiments, a pressure plate is secured to the top of the hardware block.

[0553] In embodiments, the pressure plate and the securing components hold the one or more solid conductor components in place and create necessary pressure on the o-ring to avoid space for passage of dielectric fluid, thereby preventing the dielectric fluid from coming into contact with conductive elements of the first cabling and second cabling.

[0554] In embodiments, a subaquatic data center module is described comprising a metal enclosure, wherein the metal enclosure is configured to receive dielectric fluid and contain the dielectric fluid in a subaquatic environment, wherein the metal enclosure comprises heat transfer plates, wherein the metal enclosure includes at least one central processing unit block located on a floor of the metal enclosure, wherein the at least one central processing unit block comprise a plurality of processors, wherein processing operations of the plurality of processors heat the central processing unit block and ambient dielectric fluid, wherein the heated dielectric fluid rises within the metal enclosure, wherein the heat transfer plates cool the heated dielectric fluid by dissipating heat into the subaquatic environment, wherein the cooled dielectric fluid descends into a proximity of the at least one central processing unit block, wherein the at least one central processing unit block reheats the cooled dielectric fluid, wherein the heating, the cooling, and the reheating generate convection cooling of heat generated by the at least one central processing unit block, the metal enclosure including at least one thermoelectric generator for generating electrical power using heat of the heated dielectric fluid.

[0555] In embodiments, a pumping component coupled the at least one central processing unit block.

[0556] In embodiments, the pumping component is in fluid communication with the at least one central processing unit block.

[0557] In embodiments, the pumping component comprises a suction pump.

[0558] In embodiments, the pumping component comprises a suction pump intake.

[0559] In embodiments, a pathway of fluid communication comprises a hydraulic house.

[0560] In embodiments, operation of the pumping component directs cooled dielectric fluid into and through an interior of the at least one central processing block.

[0561] In embodiments, the plurality of processers heats the cooled directed dielectric fluid.

[0562] In embodiments, operation of the pumping component directs heated dielectric fluid from the interior of the central processing unit block into an interior of the metal enclosure.

[0563] In embodiments, the at least one central processing unit block, the corresponding plurality of processors, and the pumping component jointly transfer heat to into the interior of the metal enclosure.

[0564] In embodiments, the jointly transferring of heat increases activity of the convection cooling.

[0565] In embodiments, the at least one thermal electric generator is located in proximity to the at least one central processing unit block.

[0566] In embodiments, the at least one thermal electric generator is in electrical communication with the pumping component.

[0567] In embodiments, the at least one thermal electric generator powers the pumping component.

[0568] In embodiments, a first side of the at least one thermal electric generator is adjacent to and in contact with an interior surface of the metal enclosure. In embodiments, a second side of at least one thermal electric generator faces the interior the metal enclosure.

[0569] In embodiments, the heated dielectric passes across the second side of the at least one thermal electric generator resulting in a higher temperature in the interior of the enclosure than the ambient subaquatic environment.

[0570] In embodiments, the at least one thermal electric generator converts the delta in temperature between the interior of the metal enclosure and the ambient subaquatic environment into electrical power.

[0571] The systems, methods, and apparatus for placing data centers in a subsea environment can be a component of a single system, multiple systems, and / or geographically separate systems. The systems, methods, and apparatus for placing data centers in a subsea environment can also be a subcomponent or subsystem of a single system, multiple systems, and / or geographically separate systems. The components of systems, methods, and apparatus for placing data centers in a subsea environment can be coupled to one or more other components (not shown) of a host system or a system coupled to the host system.

[0572] One or more components of the systems, methods, and apparatus for placing data centers in a subsea environment and / or a corresponding interface, system or application to which the systems, methods, and apparatus for placing data centers in a subsea environment is coupled or connected includes and / or runs under and / or in association with a processing system. The processing system includes any collection of processor-based devices or computing devices operating together, or components of processing systems or devices, as is known in the art. For example, the processing system can include one or more of a portable computer, portable communication device operating in a communication network, and / or a network server. The portable computer can be any of a number and / or combination of devices selected from among personal computers, personal digital assistants, portable computing devices, and portable communication devices, but is not so limited. The processing system can include components within a larger computer system.

[0573] The processing system of an embodiment includes at least one processor and at least one memory device or subsystem. The processing system can also include or be coupled to at least one database. The term "processor" as generally used herein refers to any logic processing unit, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), application- specific integrated circuits (ASIC), etc. The processor and memory can be monolithically integrated onto a single chip, distributed among a number of chips or components, and / or provided by some combination of algorithms. The methods described herein can be implemented in one or more of software algorithm(s), programs, firmware, hardware, components, circuitry, in any combination.

[0574] The components of any system that includes systems, methods, and apparatus for placing data centers in a subsea environment can be located together or in separate locations. Communication paths couple the components and include any medium for communicating or transferring files among the components. The communication paths include wireless connections, wired connections, and hybrid wireless / wired connections. The communication paths also include couplings or connections to networks including local area networks (LANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), wide area networks (WANs), proprietary networks, interoffice or backend networks, and the Internet. Furthermore, the communication paths include removable fixed mediums like floppy disks, hard disk drives, and CD-ROM disks, as well as flash RAM, Universal Serial Bus (USB) connections, RS-232 connections, telephone lines, buses, and electronic mail messages.

[0575] Aspects of the systems, methods, and apparatus for placing data centers in a subsea environment and corresponding systems and methods described herein may be implemented as functionality programmed into any of a variety of circuitry, including programmable logic devices (PLDs), such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable array logic (PAL) devices, electrically programmable logic and memory devices and standard cell-based devices, Systems on a Chip (SOCs) as well as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Some other possibilities for implementing aspects of the systems, methods, and apparatus for placing data centers in a subsea environment and corresponding systems and methods include: microcontrollers with memory (such as electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM)), embedded microprocessors, firmware, software, etc. Furthermore, aspects of the systems, methods, and apparatus for placing data centers in a subsea environment and corresponding systems and methods may be embodied in microprocessors having software-based circuit emulation, discrete logic (sequential and combinatorial), custom devices, fuzzy (neural) logic, quantum devices, and hybrids of any of the above device types. Of course the underlying device technologies may be provided in a variety of component types, e.g., metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) technologies like complementary metal -oxide semiconductor (CMOS), bipolar technologies like emitter-coupled logic (ECL), polymer technologies (e.g., silicon-conjugated polymer and metal- conjugated polymer-metal structures), mixed analog and digital, etc.

[0576] It should be noted that any system, method, and / or other components disclosed herein may be described using computer aided design tools and expressed (or represented), as data and / or instructions embodied in various computer-readable media, in terms of their behavioral, register transfer, logic component, transistor, layout geometries, and / or other characteristics. Computer- readable media in which such formatted data and / or instructions may be embodied include, but are not limited to, non-volatile storage media in various forms (e.g., optical, magnetic or semiconductor storage media) and carrier waves that may be used to transfer such formatted data and / or instructions through wireless, optical, or wired signaling media or any combination thereof. Examples of transfers of such formatted data and / or instructions by carrier waves include, but are not limited to, transfers (uploads, downloads, e-mail, etc.) over the Internet and / or other computer networks via one or more data transfer protocols (e.g., HTTP, FTP, SMTP, etc.). When received within a computer system via one or more computer-readable media, such data and / or instruction- based expressions of the above described components may be processed by a processing entity (e.g., one or more processors) within the computer system in conjunction with execution of one or more other computer programs.

[0577] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of "including, but not limited to." Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words "herein," "hereunder," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the word "or" is used in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list.

[0578] The above description of embodiments of the systems, methods, and apparatus for placing data centers in a subsea environment is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the systems and methods to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the systems, methods, and apparatus for placing data centers in a subsea environment and corresponding systems and methods are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the systems and methods, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The teachings of the systems, methods, and apparatus for placing data centers in a subsea environment and corresponding systems and methods provided herein can be applied to other systems and methods, not only for the systems and methods described above.

[0579] The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the systems, methods, and apparatus for placing data centers in a subsea environment and corresponding systems and methods in light of the above detailed description.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A subaquatic data center module comprising, a metal enclosure, wherein the metal enclosure is configured to receive dielectric fluid and contain the dielectric fluid in the subaquatic environment; a pressure compensator, wherein the pressure compensator comprises a piston and a spring, wherein the spring biases the piston towards a hydraulic pathway in fluid communication within an interior of the metal enclosure, wherein the biasing increases pressure within the metal enclosure; the metal enclosure configured to house a plurality of processors, wherein the plurality of processors are communicatively coupled to a least one power source and at least one data pathway, wherein the communicative couplings comprises at least one of power cabling and communications cabling, wherein the communicative couplings including one or more hardware blocks, the hardware blocks configured to prevent dielectric fluids from entering the at least one of power and communications cabling at one or more points of serial and terminal connection.

2. The data center module of claim 1, wherein the pressure compensator comprises a water side and a fluid side.

3. The data center module of claim 2, wherein the water side is configured for fluid communication with the subaquatic environment.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the fluid side is configured for fluid communication with an interior of the metal enclosure through the hydraulic pathway.

5. The data center module of claim 4, wherein a piston separates the fluid side from the water side.

6. The data center module of claim 5, wherein the spring biases the piston towards the fluid side.

7. The data center module of claim 6, wherein the spring and piston are configured to allow lateral reciprocating motion of the piston within the pressure compensator in response to changes in volume of the dielectric fluid within the metal enclosure.

8. The data center module of claim 1, wherein the pressure compensator comprises a pressure relief valve for releasing pressure when internal pressure of the pressure compensator exceeds a threshold value.

9. The data center module of claim 8, wherein the pressure relief valve is in fluid communication with a fluid discharge collector.

10. The data center module of claim 1, wherein the metal housing comprises a plurality of heat transfer plates.

11. The data center module of claim 10, the dielectric fluid for receiving heat dissipated by the plurality of processors.

12. The data center module of claim 11, wherein the heated dielectric fluid moves in a direction towards the plurality of heat transfer plates.

13. The data center module of claim 12, wherein the plurality of heat transfer plates transfer heat from the dielectric fluid into the subaquatic environment.

14. The data center module of claim 13, wherein the cooled dielectric fluid moves in a direction towards the plurality of processors.

15. The data center module of claim 1, the pressure compensator communicatively coupled with the plurality of processors through at least one control cable, wherein a strain relief component secures the at least one control cable to the pressure compensator, wherein the communicative couplings comprise the control cable.

16. The data center module of claim 1, wherein the hardware block includes one or more solid conductor components providing at least one of an electrical and communications pathway between a first cabling and a second cabling.

17. The data center module of claim 16, wherein the hardware block is filled with dielectric fluid.

18. The data center module of claim 17, wherein at least one o-ring encircles the one or more solid conductor components.

19. The data center module of claim 18, wherein the one or more solid conductor components comprise receiving holes for receiving securing components, wherein the securing components secure the one more solid conductor components within the hardware block.

20. The data center module of claim 19, wherein a pressure plate is secured to the top of the hardware block.

21. The data center module of claim 20, wherein the pressure plate and the securing components hold the one or more solid conductor components in place and create necessary pressure on the o-ring to avoid space for passage of dielectric fluid, thereby preventing the dielectric fluid from coming into contact with conductive elements of the first cabling and second cabling.

22. A subaquatic data center module comprising, a metal enclosure, wherein the metal enclosure is configured to receive dielectric fluid and contain the dielectric fluid in a subaquatic environment, wherein the metal enclosure comprises heat transfer plates, wherein the metal enclosure includes at least one central processing unit block located on a floor of the metal enclosure, wherein the at least one central processing unit block comprise a plurality of processors, wherein processing operations of the plurality of processors heat the central processing unit block and ambient dielectric fluid,wherein the heated dielectric fluid rises within the metal enclosure, wherein the heat transfer plates cool the heated dielectric fluid by dissipating heat into the subaquatic environment, wherein the cooled dielectric fluid descends into a proximity of the at least one central processing unit block, wherein the at least one central processing unit block reheats the cooled dielectric fluid, wherein the heating, the cooling, and the reheating generate convection cooling of heat generated by the at least one central processing unit block, the metal enclosure including at least one thermoelectric generator for generating electrical power using heat of the heated dielectric fluid.

23. The subaquatic data center module of claim 22, comprising a pumping component coupled the at least one central processing unit block.

24. The subaquatic data center module of claim 23, wherein the pumping component is in fluid communication with the at least one central processing unit block.

25. The subaquatic data center module of claim 24, wherein the pumping component comprises a suction pump.

26. The subaquatic data center module of claim 25, wherein the pumping component comprises a suction pump intake.

27. The subaquatic data center module of claim 26, wherein a pathway of fluid communication comprises a hydraulic house28. The subaquatic data center module of claim 27, wherein operation of the pumping component directs cooled dielectric fluid into and through an interior of the at least one central processing block.

29. The subaquatic data center module of claim 28, wherein the plurality of processers heats the cooled directed dielectric fluid.

30. The subaquatic data center module of claim 29, wherein operation of the pumping component directs heated dielectric fluid from the interior of the central processing unit block into an interior of the metal enclosure.

31. The subaquatic data center module of claim 30, wherein the at least one central processing unit block, the corresponding plurality of processors, and the pumping component jointly transfer heat to into the interior of the metal enclosure.

32. The subaquatic data center module of claim 31, wherein the jointly transferring of heat increases activity of the convection cooling.

33. The subaquatic data center module of claim 22, wherein the at least one thermal electric generator is located in proximity to the at least one central processing unit block.

34. The subaquatic data center module of claim 33, wherein the at least one thermal electric generator is in electrical communication with the pumping component.

35. The subaquatic data center module of claim 34, wherein the at least one thermal electric generator powers the pumping component.

36. The subaquatic data center module of claim 35, wherein a first side of the at least one thermal electric generator is adjacent to and in contact with an interior surface of the metal enclosure.

37. The subaquatic data center module of claim 36, wherein a second side of at least one thermal electric generator faces the interior the metal enclosure.

38. The subaquatic data center module of claim 37, wherein the heated dielectric passes across the second side of the at least one thermal electric generator resulting in a higher temperature in the interior of the enclosure than the ambient subaquatic environment.

39. The subaquatic data center module of claim 38, wherein the at least one thermal electric generator converts the delta in temperature between the interior of the metal enclosure and the ambient subaquatic environment into electrical power.

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