System and method for delivering cooling water to underwater data processing equipment

Abstract

A system (100) for cooling at least one computing device using water, comprising: a body of water (400) defining a first water line (401); a structure (300) at least partially immersed in the body of water (400), the structure (300) having an interior water volume (600) defining a second water line (601); at least one outlet (310) configured to drain water from the interior water volume (600) to the body of water (400); and at least one container (210) at least partially immersed in the interior water volume (600), the container (210) configured to generate heat during use. a water intake pipe (500) having a pump (511) configured to move water from a body of water (400) to an internal water volume (600); and a water flow path across the vessel (210) to at least one outlet (310), wherein the second water level (601) is above the first water level (401) such that there is an overpressure in the internal water volume (600) that drives the flow path and provides cooling for the vessel (210) and the at least one computing device therein.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] [Technical field] The present invention relates to cooling data centers, and more particularly to systems and methods for delivering chilled water to underwater data centers.

[0002] [Background technology] A data center is a collection of computing infrastructure, including but not limited to routers, servers, switches, hard drives, and controllers. Running a large data center is an energy-intensive undertaking. Because large data centers use a lot of power to operate, the energy cost of operating them is an important consideration in the design of new data centers.

[0003] Electrical energy costs are incurred in powering the actual computer and network components of the data center so that data can be properly stored, maintained, and retrieved. Additionally, significant additional electrical energy is provided to keep the data center cool enough so that it does not overheat or fail.

[0004] Many solutions have been proposed to keep data centers sufficiently cooled in an energy efficient manner.

[0005] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0049005 A1 discloses a system and method for cooling computing equipment housed in a structure surrounded by or near water. An inlet and an outlet are defined in the hull of the structure, and a fluid pathway extends between the inlet and the outlet. The fluid pathway is configured to cool the equipment's computers as water from the body of water passes through the fluid pathway. The fluid pathway may include either an inlet siphon or an outlet siphon, or both, and direct water down into a water tank located below the water line. The fluid pathway between the inlet and the outlet may be closed, and flow from the inlet to the outlet may be partially or completely driven by convection. Alternatively, fluid flow may be driven by gravity by positioning the end of an outlet pipe below the water line, such as adjacent to a dam or other barrier surrounding the body of water.

[0006] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0153059 A1 discloses, in one embodiment, a subsea data vessel including a plurality of server boards forming a carousel and coupled with a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger operates to extract heat and transfer it to seawater completely surrounding the subsea data vessel. The heat transfer may be through the vessel's hull, through an external heat exchanger, or both.

[0007] Another known problem is the presence of marine life in data centers submerged in cooling water. Marine life is known to significantly impact the ability of data centers and their associated heat exchangers to transfer heat to the cooling water. Associated with this is the need for regular cleaning to ensure optimal cooling. Regular cleaning takes time and requires access to data centers, which may be located in remote locations. Furthermore, data centers may experience downtime while the marine life is removed. Shorter intervals between cleanings and maintenance increase the operational costs of running the data center.

[0008] US Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0348034A1 discloses a self-sustaining underwater data center facility that utilizes a closed-loop thermal management system.

[0009] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0382511 discloses an underwater data center that may be constructed from modules. The data center may be submerged in a body of water, such as an ocean. The submersion facilitates cooling of the data center and protects it from environmental conditions present at or near the water's surface.

[0010] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0054916A1 discloses an underwater data center including an electronic device, a housing member that houses the electronic device, the housing member configured to be placed underwater, and a heat exchanger provided in the housing member, the heat exchanger configured to discharge heat discharged from the electronic device into the water. International Patent Application Publication No. WO2019 / 222421A1 discloses a buoyant wave power generation device. The device comprises a length of open-bottom tube, through which the waves A first body of water is partially enclosed in the tube, which vibrates in response to the action. The compressed air is then expelled through a turbine. and generates electricity.

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to ameliorate or mitigate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least to provide a useful alternative to the prior art.

[0012] This object is achieved by the features detailed in the following description and the claims that follow. [Summary of the Invention] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for cooling at least one computing device using water, the system comprising: a body of water defining a first water line; a structure at least partially submerged in the body of water, the structure comprising an interior volume of water defining a second water line; at least one outlet configured to discharge water from the interior volume of water to the body of water; a container at least partially submerged in the interior volume of water, the container comprising at least one computing device configured to generate heat in use; a water intake pipe having a pump and configured to move water from the body of water to the interior volume of water; and a water flow path across the container to the at least one outlet, the second water line driving the flow path to provide cooling for the container and the at least one computing device therein. I'll As such, it is higher than the first water level line.

[0013] The system may be used to provide a constant flow of cold water from a deep location in a body of water to efficiently maintain at least one computing device at a suitable temperature. The system may provide an economical method of cooling at least one computing device.

[0014] The body of water may be one of a sea, ocean, lake, river, reservoir, and fjord.

[0015] The structure may be a boat, a vessel, an offshore platform, or a floating structure. The structure may be part of a boat, a vessel, an offshore platform, or a floating structure. The structure may be resting or moored to the seabed.

[0016] The structure may define an interior space, and the interior water volume and reservoir may be within the interior space.

[0017] The interior space may be sealed such that the environment within the interior space is controllable. Advantageously, control of the environmental conditions within the interior space may inhibit the growth of marine organisms on the vessel, which may affect the cooling capacity of the vessel.

[0018] The at least one outlet may comprise at least one flow control device configured to control the flow of water from the internal water volume to the body of water. Advantageously, regulating the flow of water from the internal water volume enables the elevation of the second water line to be maintained above the first water line to ensure overpressure is maintained.

[0019] The vessel may include a heat exchanger configured to remove heat from the computing device, the flow path of the water traversing the vessel at least partially traversing the heat exchanger. Advantageously, the heat exchanger provides efficient removal of heat from the vessel.

[0020] The container may include at least one electrical connection for receiving power and / or data communication, the at least one electrical connection being located in a portion of the container that is not immersed in water. Advantageously, the electrical connection is maintained dry, allowing for a safe and reliable connection.

[0021] The intake pipe may be 20 m to 200 m long, or 50 m to 150 m long, or 75 m to 125 m long, or about 100 m long. Advantageously, a long intake pipe can reach deeper into the water so that cooler water is introduced into the internal water volume to cool the computing equipment.

[0022] The suction pipe may be configured to remove water from a depth in the body of water that is deeper than the draft of the structure.

[0023] The intake tube may be telescopic. The intake tube may be configured to move between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration. Advantageously, if the computing device is not sufficiently cooled, this allows the intake tube to adjust and reach cooler, deeper water. This also allows the intake tube to reach areas with better water quality if the water quality is poor in shallower areas (e.g., high concentrations of numerous microorganisms).

[0024] The intake pipe may be positioned to deliver water to an internal water volume above the second water line.

[0025] The water intake may be positioned to deliver water into the upper half of the internal water volume.

[0026] The height of the second waterline above the first waterline may be from 1 cm to 1 m, or from 1 cm to 10 cm, or from 4 cm to 8 cm, or from 5 cm to 6 cm.

[0027] The at least one outlet may comprise multiple outlets, which may advantageously provide an even flow path throughout the internal water volume to provide optimized cooling.

[0028] The system may further comprise a control system configured to control the pumping of water through the suction pipe and the discharge of water through the at least one outlet so that the second water level line is maintained above the first water level line. Advantageously, the control system may autonomously adjust the flow so that the second water level line is maintained above the first water level line. Furthermore, the control system may stop operation of the pump when continued operation of the pump is no longer necessary because the second water level line has reached a threshold maximum height. Stopping at the maximum height reduces energy consumption of the cooling system. It is not beneficial to continue pumping water to fill the internal water volume above the maximum height, as sufficient overpressure is achieved at or below the maximum height, potentially wasting energy by adding additional height.

[0029] The intake pipe may be configured to move water from a depth in the body of water that is cooler than the surface of the body of water, which may advantageously provide chilled water capable of efficiently cooling computing devices.

[0030] The structure may be partially opaque or entirely opaque. Advantageously, this may protect the vessel and / or heat exchanger from undesirable growth of marine life that may reduce the efficiency of heat transfer from the vessel and / or heat exchanger. Advantageously, reduced growth of marine life may reduce the need for inspection and cleaning.

[0031] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for cooling a computing device using water, the system comprising: a body of water defining a first water line; a structure at least partially submerged in the body of water, the structure comprising: an interior water volume defining a second water line; an outlet configured to discharge water from the interior water volume to the body of water; a computing device configured to generate heat in use and at least partially submerged in the interior water volume; a suction pipe having a pump and configured to move water from the body of water to the interior water volume; and a water flow path across the computing device toward the outlet, the second water line driving the flow path to provide cooling for the computing device. I'll It is higher than the first water level.

[0032] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for cooling a data center using water, the system comprising: a body of water defining a first water line; an interior water volume at least partially submerged in the body of water, the interior water volume defining a second water line; at least one outlet configured to discharge water from the interior water volume to the body of water; a plurality of containers each at least partially submerged in the interior water volume and each containing a data center configured to generate heat in use; a water intake pipe having a pump and configured to move water from the body of water to the interior water volume; and a water flow path traversing the plurality of containers to the at least one outlet, the second water line driving the flow path to provide cooling for the plurality of containers and the data center therein. I'll As such, it is higher than the first water level line.

[0033] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of cooling at least one computing device using water, the method comprising the steps of providing a system for cooling at least one computing device according to the first aspect of the present invention; pumping water from a body of water to an internal level and maintaining a second water level line at an elevation above a first water level line. hold and maintaining a water flow path across the vessel by draining water from the internal water volume to the body of water through at least one outlet.

[0034] The step of pumping water includes pumping water from a depth greater than the draft of the structure.

[0035] The step of pumping water includes pumping water from a depth in the body of water where the water temperature is cooler than at the surface of the body of water. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1 shows a system for cooling a data center.

[0037] For clarity, some elements have not been labeled with reference numbers. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are only the primary drawings. The relative proportions of individual elements may be changed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] [Detailed description of the drawings] 1 illustrates a system 100 for providing cooling water to a data center 200. The data center 200 includes a plurality of computing devices (not shown) located within a vertically arranged container 210. In some examples, the computing devices (not shown) may be arranged on shelves within the container 210. The actual configuration of the computing devices within the container is not important, and suitable configurations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0039] In the described example, the computing devices within the enclosure 210 are multiple servers and multiple network components, such as routers, network switches, storage devices, and processors. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the computing devices may be any collection of one or more electrically powered devices that generate heat and that must be kept cool enough to avoid overheating and / or malfunctioning. Each enclosure 210 includes a heat exchanger 220 configured to remove heat from the computing devices within the enclosure 210. There are numerous types and configurations of heat exchangers 220 that may be suitable for use with the enclosure 210. The particular type or configuration of the heat exchanger 220 is not critical.

[0040] As shown in Figure 1, system 100 includes a main structure 300 having a container 210 disposed therein. Structure 300 is configured to be located in a body of water 400, such as a sea, ocean, lake, river, reservoir, fjord, or other natural or man-made body of water. As shown in Figure 1, structure 300 is configured to be partially submerged in body of water 400. That is, structure 300 is configured to float in body of water 400 such that a lower portion 301 of structure 300 is submerged in body of water 400 and an upper portion 302 of structure 300 remains unsubmerged in body of water 400. In some alternative examples, the structure may be configured to be fully submerged in body of water 400.

[0041] System 100 further includes a water intake pipe 500 having an upper portion 501 and a lower portion 502. The cross sections of upper portion 501 and lower portion 502 are telescopically arranged to allow the length of water intake pipe 500 to be adjustable, the purpose of which will be described in more detail below. Water intake pipe 500 includes a first fluid pump 511 and a second fluid pump 512 configured to pump water from a depth d below surface 401 of water volume 400 to a height h above surface 401 of water volume 400. In the example described here, two fluid pumps 511, 512 are used to assist in pumping water from a depth d below surface 401 of water volume 400. It will be appreciated that in some examples, only one fluid pump may be sufficient to pump water from depth d. In some examples, another means for raising water from depth d may be provided.

[0042] 1, structure 300 is partially filled with water during use. Associated with this is an interior water volume 600 having a water surface 601. Containers 210 are positioned to be partially submerged in interior water volume 600, thereby allowing the top 211 of each container 210 to remain dry and out of the water, usefully providing a safe and dry environment for making electrical connections (not shown) to computer equipment within container 210. In some instances (not shown), it may be preferable to fully submerge container 210 in water to achieve optimal cooling. In such cases, electrical connections may be made via waterproof connectors.

[0043] Water can be discharged from the structure 300 into the volume of water 400 in which the structure 300 is suspended through the outlet port 310. The outlet port 310 may be provided with a flow control device such that the flow through the outlet port 310 can be controlled and / or stopped. In this regard, as will be described in more detail below, the control of the flow through the outlet port 310 may be manually operated, or alternatively, the outlet port 310 may be controlled by a control system.

[0044] The system 100 described above with reference to FIG. 1 can be used to provide chilled water to a vessel 210 housing a data center 200, thereby maintaining the data center 200 at a sufficiently low temperature, as will now be described.

[0045] It will be appreciated that with a large volume of water, the temperature of the water generally decreases as the depth increases. To cool the data center 200, the system 100 is used to pump water from a depth d to directly or indirectly cool the data center 200. First, the system is arranged as shown in FIG. 1 and described above. Chilled water is then pumped from the depth d using the first pump 511 and / or the second pump 512 and pumped into the internal water volume 600. The water level 601 of the internal water volume 600 is maintained at a height h above the water level 401 of the water volume 400 in which the structure 300 is suspended. The first pump 511 and / or the second pump 512 are operated in conjunction with the outlet port 310 and associated flow control devices to regulate the water volume of the internal water volume 600. In this regard, the water level 601 of the internal water volume 600 is maintained at a height h above the water level 401, thereby creating an overpressure that causes the water in the internal water volume 600 to flow to the outlet 310. A constant pumping of cold water from the depth d by the first pump 511 and / or the second pump 512 results in a constant overpressure and a constant flow of cold water across the heat exchanger 220.

[0046] In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the water intake pipe 500 is positioned to deliver water to the internal water volume 600 above the water level 601. It will be understood that in other examples, the water intake pipe 500 may be positioned to deliver water to any suitable location within the structure 300 such that the water level 601 of the internal water volume 600 can be maintained at a height h above the water level 401 of the water volume 400 outside the structure 300. For example, the water intake pipe 500 may deliver water to a central location within the internal water volume 600 rather than above the water level 601 of the internal water volume 600. Preferably, the water is delivered at a higher location within the internal water volume 600 to cause the cold water to flow downward across the vessel 210, and most preferably across the heat exchanger 220. In this regard, it is preferred that the water be delivered to a location in the upper half of the internal water volume 600.

[0047] Heat is transferred from the heat exchanger 220 to the chilled water as it passes over the heat exchanger 220. In this way, the data center 200 is indirectly cooled.

[0048] The term "indirect" is used to indicate that heat is transferred from data center 200 to the cooling medium in heat exchanger 220. The heat is then transferred from the cooling medium in heat exchanger 220 to chilled water passing over heat exchanger 220.

[0049] It will be appreciated that in the example described herein, a portion of the chilled water passes over the submerged portion of vessel 210. In this regard, data center 200 may also be cooled by the chilling effect of the chilled water passing over the submerged portion of vessel 210. However, it will be appreciated that a dedicated heat exchanger 220 can efficiently remove heat from data center 200 before transferring that heat to the chilled water.

[0050] In another example (not shown), chilled water may be used to remove heat directly from data center 200. In this regard, components of data center 200 may be open to chilled water, which may flow directly over these components, thereby cooling them. Data center 200 is preferably enclosed within container 210, as in the example described with reference to FIG. 1, because container 210 protects data center 200 from exposure to microorganisms in the water and the corrosive effects of salt water (if structure 300 is located in salt water). Protecting data center 200 from microorganisms and salt water may extend the intervals between cleaning and maintenance, which may be economically beneficial, especially if data center 200 is located in a particularly remote or hard-to-reach location.

[0051] 1 , the suction tube 500 may be configured to reach a depth d of approximately 20 m in some examples, and approximately 50 m, 100 m, 150 m, or 200 m in other examples. In the examples described herein, the suction tube 500 is telescopic, and therefore the depth d reached by the suction tube 500 may be easily adjusted. The suction tube 500 in the examples described herein may telescope from 75 m in a collapsed configuration to 150 m in an extended configuration. The depth d may be adjusted by manual adjustment of the telescopic function of the suction tube 500. Alternatively, the depth d may be adjusted by a control system.

[0052] The intake pipe 500 may be provided with a sensor for detecting the water temperature at the depth d. In this regard, the depth d may be adjusted so that water at an appropriate temperature is delivered to the internal water volume 600 to provide optimal and effective cooling of the data center 200.

[0053] For example, if the system 100 is operating with the intake pipe 500 at a depth of 75 m (i.e., the intake pipe 500 in a collapsed configuration) where the water temperature is 6 degrees Celsius, and the data center 200 is still hot, the intake pipe 500 can be extended to a depth of 100 m where the water temperature is 4 degrees Celsius, thereby improving the cooling of the data center 200. If the data center 200 becomes even hotter, the intake pipe 500 can be extended further until it reaches a maximum depth of 150 m where the water temperature is 3 degrees Celsius in the extended configuration. Thus, the data center 200 can be further cooled. The telescoping intake pipe 500 in the example described here is a two-piece telescoping configuration, but it will be understood that any number of pieces may be used in other examples.

[0054] The telescopic function of the water suction pipe 500 may be used to adjust the area from which water is supplied to the internal water volume 600. In this regard, the water suction pipe 500 may deliver water from a greater depth if a concentration of algae and other microorganisms is detected in the water introduced into the internal water volume. The extension of the water suction pipe 500 allows it to reach deeper water with a lower oxygen concentration. The deeper water may have a lower concentration of algae and other microorganisms.

[0055] The interior water volume 600 may be provided with sensors suitable for measuring water quality. Additionally, the structure 300 may be environmentally sealed and may be equipped with environmental sensors, thereby allowing for monitoring of the air quality within the structure 300. Monitoring the air and water quality ensures an optimal environment for inhibiting the formation and proliferation of barnacles and other marine organisms within the vessel 210 and / or heat exchanger 220. Such marine organism proliferation can significantly impact the cooling capacity of the vessel 210 and / or heat exchanger 220. Furthermore, marine organism proliferation may require more regular cleaning of the vessel 210 and / or heat exchanger 220.

[0056] First pump 511 and / or second pump 512 may communicate with a flow controller (not shown) at outlet port 310 to ensure that height h of water level 601 of internal water volume 600 is above surface 401 of water volume 400, thereby maintaining overpressure. Height h in the examples described herein may be approximately 5-6 cm. In some examples, height h may be 10 cm or 1 meter. It will be appreciated that pumping water to height h consumes energy, so it is desirable to keep height h relatively low to maintain sufficient overpressure but not consume excessive energy when pumping to height h.

[0057] Although shown in only two dimensions in FIG. 1 , structure 300 may be provided in a number of different shapes. For example, structure 300 may be a hexagonal prism in some examples. In some examples (not shown), multiple structures 300 may be provided with mechanical connections between them. In this regard, multiple structures 300 may be configured to be connected to one another in a modular manner.

[0058] In some examples, structure 300 may include an opaque surface such that light cannot penetrate portions of structure 300. In this regard, light may be prevented from reaching vessel 210 and heat exchanger 220, which may further inhibit the growth of marine life on vessel 210 and heat exchanger 220. In some examples, structure 300 may be entirely opaque.

[0059] The structure 300 may be connected to or part of a larger vessel, such as a boat or ship, an offshore platform, or a floating structure. In some examples, the structure 300 may itself be a ship or boat with the vessel 210 located within its hull.

[0060] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are illustrative rather than limiting of the present invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed in parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claim. Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0061] The mere fact that different measures are recited in different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0062] [item] Item 1. A system that utilizes water to cool at least one computing device ( 100), comprising a body of water (400) defining a first water line (401); A structure (300) at least partially immersed in a water column (601) and an internal water volume (600) that defines the water area (400). at least one outlet (310) configured to discharge water at least partially through a container (210) immersed in the internal volume of water (600) and generating heat during use; a container (210) having at least one computing device configured to and a pump (511) for pumping the water from the water body (400) to the a water intake pipe (500) configured to transfer water to an internal water volume (600); a water flow path across the water passage (210) toward the at least one outlet (310). The second water level line (601) drives the flow path and the container (210) and the small amount of water therein. the first water level line (4) to provide cooling for at least one computing device; 01) A system that is higher in height than

[0063] Item 2. The water body (400) includes seas, oceans, lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and fjords. The system (100) described in item 1 is one of them.

[0064] Item 3. The structure (300) is a boat, a ship, an offshore platform, or a floating structure. or a boat, vessel, offshore platform, or floating structure. Item 1 or 2, the system (100) being a part of.

[0065] Item 4. The structure (300) defines an internal space, and the internal water volume (600) and the front The system according to any of the preceding items, wherein the container (210) is located within the interior space. 100)。

[0066] Item 5. The interior space is sealed so that the environment within the interior space is controllable. Item 5. The system (100) according to item 4.

[0067] Item 6. The at least one outlet (310) is configured to allow the water volume (600) to flow from the internal water volume (600) to the water at least one flow control device configured to control the flow of water to the area (400); 10. The system (100) of any of the preceding items, comprising:

[0068] Item 7. The container (210) is adapted to remove heat from the computing device. The flow path of the water across the vessel (210) comprises a heat exchanger (220) configured as follows: 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger (220) is at least partially traversed by the heat exchanger (220). System (100).

[0069] Item 8. The container (210) has at least one power supply and / or data communication port. at least one electrical connection, said at least one electrical connection being connected to said container (210 ) that is not immersed in water (302) The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0070] Item 9. The suction pipe (500) has a length of 20m to 200m, or 50m to Up to 150m long, or between 75m and 125m long, or approximately 100m long , The system (100) according to any of the preceding items.

[0071] Item 10. The suction pipe (500) is in the water area (400) that is deeper than the draft of the structure. (d) a depth of 100 m / s; System (100).

[0072] Item 11. The water intake pipe (500) is telescopic and can be in a folded configuration and an extended configuration. The system (10) according to any of the preceding items, 0)。

[0073] Item 12. The suction pipe (500) is configured to supply the internal water above the second water level line (601). 1. A system according to any of the preceding items, arranged to deliver water to a volume of 00)。

[0074] Item 13. The water intake pipe is arranged to deliver water into the upper half of the internal water volume. The system (100) according to any one of items 1 to 11.

[0075] Item 14. The height (h) of the second water level line (601) above the first water level line (401) ) can be from 1cm to 1m, or from 1cm to 10cm, or from 4cm to 8cm or 5 cm to 6 cm. 00)。

[0076] Item 15. The preceding item, wherein the at least one outlet (310) comprises a plurality of outlets. 10. A system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0077] Item 16. The second water level line (601) is maintained at a height above the first water level line (401). The pumping of water through the intake pipe (500) and the at least one outlet pipe (502) are maintained. and a control system configured to control the discharge of water through the port (310). 2. The system (100) of any of the preceding items.

[0078] Item 17. The suction pipe (500) has a water temperature lower than the water surface (401) of the water area (400). is configured to move water from a lower depth (d) of the water body (400), A system (100) according to any one of the items.

[0079] Item 18. The structure (300) is partially opaque or entirely opaque. A system (100) according to any one of the preceding items.

[0080] Item 19. A system (100) for cooling a computing device using water. A water body (400) defining a first water level line (401) and at least one A partially immersed structure (300) in both the water and the interior defining a second water line (601). and discharging water from the internal water volume (600) to the water area (400). and an outlet (310) configured to generate heat in use, a computing device partially immersed in the interior water volume (600). The water supply system includes a structure (300) and a pump (511), and the water volume (6 a water intake pipe (500) configured to move water to the computing a flow path for water across the water pumping device toward the outlet (310), and the second water level line (6 01) is a cooling element for driving the flow path and providing cooling for the computing device. The system is above the first water level line (401).

[0081] Item 20. A system (100) for cooling a data center using water, comprising: a first water A body of water (400) defining a position line (401) and a water surface at least partially located within said body of water (400). A structure (300) immersed in water, with an internal water volume (601) defining a second water level line (601). 00) and configured to discharge water from the internal water volume (600) to the water area (400). and at least one outlet (310) each at least partially diverting the internal water volume ( 600) and configured to generate heat during use. a structure (300) having a plurality of containers (210) each having a pump (511); and configured to move water from said water body (400) to said internal water volume (600). a water intake pipe (500) extending across the plurality of containers (210) to the at least one outlet (310), and the second water level line (601) drives the flow path. and providing cooling for the plurality of enclosures (210) and the data center therein. , the system being above the first water level line (401).

[0082] Item 21. A method for cooling at least one computing device using water. Therefore, at least one computing device according to any one of items 1 to 18 is providing a system (100) for cooling the device; The water is pumped up to the internal water volume (600) from the first water level line (401) and the height (h ) to maintain the second water level line (601) at the and a second outlet (310) from the internal water volume (600) to the water body (400). maintaining a water flow path across the vessel (210) by draining the water. A method comprising:

[0083] Item 22. The step of pumping water is carried out at a depth greater than the draft of the structure (300). 22. The method according to item 21, comprising pumping water from (d).

[0084] Item 23. The step of pumping water includes pumping the surface (401) of the water body (400). and pumping water from a depth (d) of said body of water (400) where the water temperature is lower than 21 or 22. The method of claim 21.

Claims

1. 1. A system for cooling at least one computing device using water, comprising: a body of water defining a first waterline; a structure at least partially immersed in said body of water, an internal water volume defining a second water level line; at least one outlet configured to discharge water from the internal water volume to the body of water; a structure comprising: a container at least partially immersed in the interior volume of water, the container comprising at least one computing device configured to generate heat when in use; a suction pipe having a pump and configured to move water from the body of water to the internal water volume; a flow path for water across the vessel toward the at least one outlet; The second water line is above the first water line to drive the flow path and provide cooling for the vessel and at least one computing device therein.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the structure is a boat, a ship, an offshore platform, or a floating structure, or is part of a boat, a ship, an offshore platform, or a floating structure.

3. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the structure defines an interior space, the interior volume of water and the container are within the interior space, and the interior space is sealed such that the environment within the interior space is controllable.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one outlet comprises at least one flow control device configured to control the flow of water from the internal water volume to the body of water.

5. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the vessel comprises a heat exchanger configured to remove heat from the computing device, and the flow path of water across the vessel at least partially traverses the heat exchanger.

6. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the container comprises at least one electrical connection for receiving power and / or data communication, the at least one electrical connection being located in a portion of the container that is not submerged in water.

7. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the intake pipe is 20 to 200 m in length, or 50 to 150 m in length, or 75 to 125 m in length, or about 100 m in length.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the intake pipe is configured to remove water from a depth in the body of water that is deeper than a draft of the structure.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the water intake tube is telescoping and configured to move between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the intake pipe is positioned to deliver water to the internal water volume above the second water line.

11. The system described in claim 1, wherein the suction pipe is positioned to deliver water within the upper half of the internal water volume.

12. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the height of the second waterline above the first waterline is from 1 cm to 1 m, or from 1 cm to 10 cm, or from 4 cm to 8 cm, or from 5 cm to 6 cm.

13. 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a control system configured to control the pumping of water through the intake pipe and the discharge of water through the at least one outlet such that the second water level line is maintained above the first water level line.

14. The system of claim 1 , wherein the intake pipe is configured to remove water from a depth in the body of water that is cooler than the surface of the body of water.

15. The system described in claim 1, wherein the structure is partially opaque or entirely opaque.

16. 1. A system for cooling a computing device using water, comprising: a body of water defining a first waterline; a structure at least partially immersed in said body of water, an internal water volume defining a second water level line; an outlet configured to discharge water from the internal water volume to the body of water; a computing device configured to generate heat when in use and at least partially immersed in the internal volume of water; and a suction pipe having a pump and configured to move water from the body of water to the internal water volume; a flow path for water across the computing device toward the outlet; The second water level line is above the first water level line to drive the flow path and provide cooling for the computing device.

17. A system for cooling a data center using water, comprising: a body of water defining a first waterline; a structure at least partially immersed in said body of water, an internal water volume defining a second water level line; at least one outlet configured to discharge water from the internal water volume to the body of water; a structure comprising: a plurality of containers each at least partially immersed in the internal volume of water and each container comprising a data center configured to generate heat in use; a suction pipe having a pump and configured to move water from the body of water to the internal water volume; a water flow path across the plurality of vessels toward the at least one outlet; The second water level line is above the first water level line to drive the flow paths and provide cooling for the plurality of vessels and the data center therein.

18. 1. A method for cooling at least one computing device using water, comprising: Providing a system for cooling at least one computing device according to any one of claims 1 to 15; pumping water from the body of water to an internal level and maintaining the second water level line at an elevation above the first water level line; and maintaining a water flow path across the vessel by draining water from the internal water volume to the body of water through the at least one outlet.

19. The method described in claim 18, wherein the step of pumping water includes pumping water from a depth deeper than the draft of the structure.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of pumping water includes pumping water from a depth in the body of water where the water temperature is lower than the surface of the body of water.

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