Microsoft wants to rewire data centers to save space

Microsoft Bets on High-Temperature Superconductors to Revolutionize Data Centers

In a bold move that could reshape the future of data centers and energy infrastructure, Microsoft is exploring the potential of high-temperature superconductors (HTS) to create more efficient, compact, and sustainable facilities. The tech giant believes this cutting-edge technology could be a game changer, addressing the growing power demands of generative AI while reducing the environmental and community impact of data center construction.

The Power Problem

Data centers are the backbone of the digital age, but they come with a hefty energy price tag. As generative AI models like ChatGPT and DALL-E continue to evolve, their computational needs are skyrocketing. This has led to a surge in data center construction, which in turn has sparked backlash from communities concerned about power grid strain, environmental impact, and the sheer scale of these facilities.

Traditional data centers rely on copper wires, which, while efficient, still lose a significant amount of energy as heat. High-temperature superconductors, on the other hand, can conduct electricity with zero resistance, drastically reducing energy loss and enabling more compact designs. This could be a breakthrough for an industry grappling with its carbon footprint and power consumption.

How HTS Works

High-temperature superconductors are materials that can conduct electricity without resistance when cooled to extremely low temperatures, typically using liquid nitrogen. Unlike conventional superconductors, which require near-absolute zero temperatures, HTS can operate at higher (though still very cold) temperatures, making them more practical for large-scale applications.

The key to HTS lies in its “tape,” a thin layer of rare-earth barium copper oxide material. While the amount of rare-earth material needed is small, the supply chain is currently dominated by China, posing a potential bottleneck. However, recent advancements in manufacturing and increased demand from industries like nuclear fusion research are driving down costs and expanding production capacity.

Microsoft’s Vision

Microsoft is exploring two primary applications for HTS:

1. Inside Data Centers: Smaller, more flexible cables could revolutionize the layout of electrical rooms and hardware racks, allowing for more efficient use of space and energy.
2. Outside Data Centers: HTS could enable the construction of long-distance power lines that are significantly smaller and faster to build than traditional transmission lines, easing the strain on power grids.

“High-temperature superconductors could make electrical grids stronger and reduce the impact data centers have on nearby communities,” said Alistair Speirs, Microsoft’s GM of Global Infrastructure Marketing. “The future data center will be superconducting.”

A Ripple Effect

The push for HTS isn’t just about data centers. The technology is also a critical component in the development of nuclear fusion, often hailed as the holy grail of clean energy. Companies like Commonwealth Fusion Systems, backed by Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures, are leveraging HTS to build fusion reactors that could one day provide limitless, carbon-free power.

This synergy between data centers and fusion research is creating a virtuous cycle. As demand for HTS grows, manufacturing scales up, costs come down, and the technology becomes more accessible. “It’s come full circle,” said Dennis Whyte, a professor of nuclear science and engineering at MIT.

Challenges Ahead

Despite its promise, HTS technology faces hurdles. Cooling systems are complex and expensive, and the supply chain for rare-earth materials remains concentrated in China. Additionally, scaling up manufacturing to meet the demands of data centers and energy infrastructure will require significant investment and innovation.

However, with tech giants like Microsoft leading the charge, the future of HTS looks bright. If successful, this technology could not only transform data centers but also pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy grid.

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