IIT Bombay Develops Ocean Solution to Slash Data Centre Energy Use

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has introduced a groundbreaking approach to cooling data centres by utilizing cold water from deep ocean layers. This innovation comes amid concerns about the rising energy demands of digital infrastructure, as data centres currently account for approximately 1–1.13% of global electricity consumption. With projections indicating that this figure will increase, the need for energy-efficient solutions is becoming increasingly urgent.

Led by Professor Gurubalan Annadurai, Dr. Kashish Kumar, and Moin Ali Syed, a former IIT Bombay student, the research unveils a method called Deep Seawater Cooling (DSWC). The study outlines a systematic framework for assessing the feasibility of employing cold seawater to cool energy-intensive data centres, potentially reducing energy consumption by up to 79% and achieving a payback period of just eight months.

How Deep Seawater Cooling Works

The research team examined the Sister Islands in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a prototype location for this cooling method. They analyzed oceanographic data to locate deep, cold water suitable for cooling, identifying a depth of 2,770 meters where seawater remains at a stable temperature of 18°C year-round. A pipeline of approximately 2.78 km would be required to transport this water to land-based facilities.

To enhance the efficiency of the system, the researchers recommend using High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, known for their strength and durability, particularly in marine environments. Additionally, they developed a segmented insulation strategy that adjusts the thickness of insulation based on surrounding temperatures, minimizing heat gain and reducing overall costs.

Environmental and Economic Impact

The study evaluated the DSWC system’s effectiveness on a hypothetical 100 MW data centre, concluding that it could decrease annual energy use by a remarkable 79% compared to conventional air-based cooling systems. This reduction also translates to a similar decrease in carbon emissions, making DSWC an environmentally friendly alternative.

Assuming an average electricity cost of $0.0851 per kWh with continuous operation, the estimated payback period for the DSWC system is approximately eight months. This calculation considers maintenance and capital investments, including pipelines, heat exchangers, and air ducting. However, the researchers note that DSWC is most effective in coastal regions, particularly islands with direct access to cold seawater. For inland sites or areas lacking suitable ocean depths, installation costs may increase significantly.

Beyond its application in data centres, the methodology proposed in the study has broader implications. According to Dr. Kumar, potential beneficiaries include hospitals, industrial processing units, desalination plants, and both residential and commercial buildings in tropical coastal cities. The researchers emphasize the critical role of international cooperation and policy support to advance this technology on a global scale.

Island nations and developing countries, in particular, stand to gain from reduced energy dependency and greener infrastructure. By utilizing the naturally cold reservoirs found in the deep ocean, IIT Bombay’s research framework offers a viable path towards sustainable cooling solutions. This initiative not only addresses the environmental challenges posed by increasing energy demands but also supports the expansion of the global digital economy.

As the world continues to grapple with climate change and the quest for cleaner energy solutions, the success of this innovative approach will hinge on collaboration, technology transfer, and green financing. The findings from IIT Bombay could pave the way for a future where data centres operate sustainably, significantly benefiting both the environment and the economy.