SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING WASTE HEAT GENERATED BY DIGITAL PROCESSING COMPONENTS
Provided are systems and methods for managing a processing load of a processing module and thermal energy produced by the processing load. In one example, a method includes identifying a hot water profile that contains usage information of hot water from a hot water tank that serves as a heat sink for the thermal energy. A determination may be made as to whether it is economically desirable to increase or decrease the processing load based on factors such as an economic value generated by the processing load, a cost of energy needed to support the processing load, and an economic value of the thermal energy transferred to the hot water tank based on the hot water profile. The processing load may be dynamically modulated by a local or remote controller in response to the economic desirability of increasing or decreasing the processing load as well as other possible parameters.
1 . A method for managing a processing load of a processing module and thermal energy produced by the processing load, the method comprising;
identifying, by the processing module, a hot water profile, wherein the hot water profile includes information regarding usage of hot water from a hot water tank that serves as a heat sink for the thermal energy;
determining, by the processing module, whether it is economically desirable to increase or decrease the processing load based on at least one of an economic value generated by the processing load, a cost of energy needed to support the processing load, and an economic value of the thermal energy transferred to the hot water tank based on the hot water profile; and
dynamically modulating, by the processing module, the processing load in response to the economic desirability of increasing or decreasing the processing load.
2 . The method of claim 1 further comprising monitoring, by the processing module, a temperature differential between the processing module and the hot water tank to ensure that the hot water tank is able to absorb enough of the thermal energy that the processing module does not overheat under the processing load.
3 . The method of claim 1 wherein the processing load includes data received by the processing module from a distributed data processing system, and wherein the economic value generated by the processing load is based on the processing load's contribution to the distributed data processing system.
4 . The method of claim 3 further comprising registering with the distributed data processing system for only specified types of data to exclude data that a user of the processing module does not desire to be processed by the processing module.
5 . The method of claim 1 further comprising:
receiving an input from a remote controller that is configured to provide power grid management over a geographic area where the processing module is located, wherein the input instructs the processing module to limit the amount of energy used to support the processing load; and
reducing the processing load as needed to conform to the input.
6 . The method of claim 1 further comprising controlling a circulation rate of a fluid used by a heat transfer system of the processing module to transfer the thermal energy to the hot water tank.
7 . The method of claim 1 further comprising receiving an input parameter instructing the processing module to prioritize the processing load in order to maximize the economic value generated by the processing load.
8 . The method of claim 1 further comprising:
determining from the hot water profile that hot water will be needed at a particular time; and
increasing the processing load to provide thermal energy to preheat water in the hot water tank when the cost of energy is lower.
9 . A processing module configured to be coupled to a water system that serves as a heat sink for thermal energy generated by a processing load managed by the processing module, the processing module comprising;
at least one processor;
at least one memory coupled to the processor;
a heat transfer system thermally coupled to the processor and configured to transfer the thermal energy generated by the processor to the water system; and
a controller configured to execute a plurality of instructions stored in the memory for managing the processing load, the plurality of instructions including instructions for:
identifying whether it is economically desirable to increase or decrease the processing load based on at least one of an economic value generated by the processing load, a cost of energy needed to support the processing load, and an economic value of the thermal energy transferred to the water system; and
dynamically modulating the processing load in response to the economic desirability of increasing or decreasing the processing load.
10 . The processing module of claim 9 wherein the processor is submerged in a dielectric fluid and wherein the heat transfer system circulates the dielectric fluid to transfer the thermal energy from the dielectric fluid to the water system.
11 . The processing module of claim 9 wherein the heat transfer system uses a heat exchanger to transfer the thermal energy from the processor to the water system.
12 . The processing module of claim 9 wherein the heat transfer system uses a heat pump to transfer the thermal energy from the processor to the water system.
13 . The processing module of claim 9 wherein the heat transfer system circulates a fluid through a fluid conduit that is in contact with the water system to transfer the thermal energy from the processor to the water system.
14 . The processing module of claim 9 wherein the water system includes a swimming pool, and wherein the heat transfer system is thermally coupled to a heating system for the swimming pool.
15 . The processing module of claim 9 further comprising a pump, wherein the instructions further include instructions for controlling the pump to modify a circulation rate of a fluid used by the heat transfer system to transfer the thermal energy to the water system.
16 . The processing module of claim 9 wherein the instructions further include instructions for controlling a valve to mix cooler water with water heated by the thermal energy.
17 . The processing module of claim 9 wherein the water system includes a hot water tank, and wherein the heat transfer system is thermally coupled to the hot water tank.
18 . The processing module of claim 9 wherein the water system has no hot water tank.
19 . The processing module of claim 9 wherein the instructions further include instructions for identifying a hot water profile, wherein the hot water profile includes information regarding usage of hot water from the water system and affects the economic value of the thermal energy transferred to the water system.
20 . The processing module of claim 9 wherein the processor is the controller and executes the plurality of instructions.