TL;DR
A compact data centre in Devon is repurposing waste heat to warm a public swimming pool, addressing energy costs. This innovative setup allows the pool to maintain a temperature of about 30°C for 60% of the time.
✦ Why It Matters
Engineers can explore waste heat recovery systems in their projects to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability.
Key Takeaways
Full Summary
In Exmouth, Devon, a small data centre, roughly the size of a washing machine, is being utilized to heat a public swimming pool. The data centre, provided by start-up Deep Green, captures heat generated by its computers using oil, effectively functioning as a 'digital boiler.'
This system enables the pool to reach and maintain a temperature of approximately 30°C for 60% of the time, significantly reducing heating costs for the Exmouth Leisure Centre. Deep Green also covers the electricity expenses incurred by the leisure centre, making the arrangement financially beneficial.
Additionally, this model has attracted interest from seven other swimming pools across England, indicating a growing trend in utilizing waste heat from data centres. This approach not only provides a practical solution to energy costs but also highlights the potential for integrating IT infrastructure with community services.
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