高能耗数据中心如何零碳运行？搬到水下！

Core Insights - The article discusses a groundbreaking research on underwater data centers powered by marine renewable energy, aimed at achieving zero-carbon operation for high-energy AI infrastructure [1][5]. Group 1: Research Findings - The research team from South China University of Technology has designed a systematic framework for underwater data centers that integrates wind, solar, wave energy, and seawater cooling, demonstrating the feasibility of achieving "all-weather zero-carbon operation" [1][3]. - The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that global data center electricity consumption will reach approximately 945 TWh by 2030, nearly 3% of total global electricity demand, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions [1][2]. Group 2: Energy System Architecture - The proposed underwater data center system utilizes a combination of renewable energy sources and natural seawater cooling to create a nearly self-sufficient energy loop [3][5]. - The research includes a triple cooling mechanism: seawater heat exchange, absorption refrigeration, and electric compression refrigeration, enhancing overall system efficiency while ensuring stable operating temperatures for servers [4][5]. Group 3: Implementation Challenges - Transitioning from theoretical design to practical engineering applications presents challenges such as marine corrosion, extreme weather conditions, and maintenance difficulties [5][6]. - The research team emphasizes the need for a comprehensive assessment of long-term ecological impacts, including potential disturbances to marine ecosystems and pollution risks from material corrosion [6]. Group 4: Future Directions - The team plans to develop a small-scale prototype system and seeks collaboration with energy companies, data center operators, and marine engineering firms to explore pathways for large-scale application [5]. - The underwater data center concept is positioned as a significant form of future green AI and digital economy infrastructure, maximizing the use of natural marine resources while minimizing reliance on traditional energy sources [5].