Thread

1. tptacek · 1791145040 · focus · HN ↗

   So, basically, not a meaningful amount of water at all. Credit to the story authors for taking the time to frame what 13MM gallons actually works out to.

   1. mrb · 1791146490 · focus · HN ↗

      Yes. As another comparison point, 13 million gallons per year amounts to 24 gallons per minute which is about 5 (five) bathtub faucets running 24/7/365.

      The water bill alone would be only $100k/yr assuming average US domestic rate of $8 per 1000 gallons.

      1. alpaca128 · 1791153993 · focus · HN ↗

         So a system to recirculate the same 24 gallons per minute would be more expensive than $100k per year for water?

         1. Groxx · 1791157928 · focus · HN ↗

            Condensing the steam back into water would undo the cooling power, so yes. Massively less efficient. Negative efficiency, as required by thermodynamics.

            Your only gains would come from whatever increased surface area the system has, radiating energy however it can. But a radiator without any water involved would be as good or better. Air-cooled datacenters do exist, they're just trading other costs and usually can't release as much heat.

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