Computers could soon be heating buildings - IBM

[danrok]

Technology is being tested that allows heat generated by computers to warm offices and homes.

See front page:
AOA - Computers could soon be heating buildings - IBM

Comments?

[Daniel ~]

I can see this in large configurations and buildings...Home seems a bit of a stretch....?

[danrok]

Originally Posted by Daniel ~

I can see this in large configurations and buildings...Home seems a bit of a stretch....?

I think it is just about possible to build house which doesn't need dedicated heaters, by having super-insulation and heat recovery systems.

But, the trouble with such designs is that they're based on the home being fully occupied, and the various appliances giving X amount of heat each day.

What happens when the kids leave home, and less heat is being generated?

What happens when new appliances are developed, and installed, which don't give out so much heat?

Perhaps not the end of the world, as you'd only need to install a very modest heater, to compensate.

[Daniel ~]

Food for thought..":O}

[cloasters]

It'd be great to use the heat removed from Server farms for heating nearby bldgs. Not popular in the summer, one would think. Maybe the heat could be used for cooling in some deliciously complex manner.
Many of us are already heating our homes with computers. Heroic, neh?

[danrok]

Originally Posted by cloasters

It'd be great to use the heat removed from Server farms for heating nearby bldgs. Not popular in the summer, one would think. Maybe the heat could be used for cooling in some deliciously complex manner.
Many of us are already heating our homes with computers. Heroic, neh?

One possibility is to store the heat during the summer months, and use it when it turns cold in the winter.

Could be stored in the ground deep below the building.