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https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/companies/article/the-answer-to-techs-clean-energy-problem-put-data-centres-in-space-6pl9z5zbw https://www.thetimes.com/

https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/companies/article/the-answer-to-techs-clean-energy-problem-put-data-centres-in-space-6pl9z5zbw https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/companies/article/th... > Their design calls for a cluster of shipping container-style boxes packed with high-speed AI chips. These would be anchored at the centre of a 16 sq km array of solar panels generating up to five gigawatts of power — about 25 per cent more than Drax, Britain’s biggest power station. The mammoth structure would circle the Earth in “sun synchronous” orbit so that it is never in shade

xnx 1y ago
A continuous five gigawatts of power would be seriously impressive. I think that's about $12 million/day (terrestrial prices). This plan seems about as realistic as Bluthton though. https://www.reddit.com/r/arresteddevelopment/comments/1gtyvvu/which_bluthton_would_you_rather_live_in/ https://www.reddit.com/r/arresteddevelopment/comments/1gtyvv...
semi-extrinsic 1y ago
Their whitepaper clearly demonstrates a profound lack of knowledge of thermal engineering. E.g. heat pumps are described as magical things. They are literally planning to feed the radiators using a coolant like water and sensible heat at 35 degC to 5 degC. At 5 GW, you then need to be pumping 60 000 liters of water per second. That's like a tenth of the Sacramento river, going through a 16 sq km array in space and hoping that nothing leaks.
- xnx 1y ago
  > 60 000 liters of water per second Then they just need to worry about the extra friction heat generated by moving that much liquid.
  - ceejayoz 1y ago
    And what happens if there’s a power outage. Frozen pipes aren’t all that fun.