Youyun has proposed the concept of a floating data center at sea. In addition to computing, it can independently generate electricity and even operate as a desalination plant. Report Data center updates. A joint venture between shipbuilder InMar Technologies and energy technology developer OptiFuel has announced the launch of a series of Kraaken floating data centers with capacities of 10-100 MW.
The new version of the data center will have the ability to generate electricity and purify water, providing up to 60 megawatts of computing power. The developers claim the solution is ideal for areas affected by natural disasters. Kraaken will use a proprietary Digital Ocean Thermal (DOT) “multi-stage” engine to continuously generate electricity using ocean thermal energy and waste heat from the data center itself.
Optimal Transit said that artificial intelligence has created unprecedented demands for power, water and land, so the Kraaken project solves many related challenges by moving the infrastructure offshore, so partners can combine time-tested offshore construction technology and DOT technology to continuously generate electricity. The solution is said to be based on standardized platforms and commercial off-the-shelf technology.
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According to the inventor, a multi-stage Rankine cycle, an enthalpy recovery system, a forced aeration system (pressurization) and the synthesis of “green” ammonia are used. The combination of solutions delivers efficient, reliable power generation without carbon emissions. Presumably Kraken will be able to autonomously remain at sea year-round, from the equator to Arctic latitudes.
The design of the data center is based on the concept of a double-hulled ship with a small waterline cross-sectional area (strip), which, according to the inventors, provides extremely high stability at sea. In addition, high-speed fiber optic and satellite communications will be provided. The platform can be permanently located near the coast or operate independently on the high seas. If there is a threat of a severe natural disaster, the platform is capable of unmooring from its mooring and moving independently at a speed of approximately 16 knots.
The company offers two models of Kraaken: a 250-foot 10-20 MW vessel and a 500-foot 50-100 MW vessel. According to preliminary estimates, a 100-MW vessel costs less than $500 million (excluding IT equipment costs), while an onshore facility of similar capacity would cost $0.9 to $1.5 billion. The company also proposed a concept for a 100-megawatt vessel The blue economy is crucial The 100MW Kraaken not only generates electricity but also purifies water. The propulsion unit can generate up to 40 megawatts of “clean” baseload power that can be transmitted to shore. The ship can replenish 30,000 meters along the way.3 Fresh water every day. The water is purified using vacuum desalination plants that utilize excess heat.
60 MW will be used for artificial intelligence computing, and power, water and data will be transmitted to shore through fast connections and pipelines. Optimal Transit expects the device to be used in areas that lack water, electricity and computing power. However, there is currently no data on what stage of development Kraaken is in.
At the same time, floating data centers are becoming increasingly popular because, in theory, they can bring computing power to life quickly. For example, Keppel Construction has begun on a 25 MW floating facility in Singapore, which is expected to be operational in 2028. pantalazar It is intended to use wave energy to power floating data centers at sea. Other companies are also working on floating solutions, including auditorium and Samsung.
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