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1. transp+(OP)[view] [source] 2025-05-13 21:50:04
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

replies(2): >>xnx+V4 >>semi-e+Q6
2. xnx+V4[view] [source] 2025-05-13 22:29:55
>>transp+(OP)
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/1gtyvv...

3. semi-e+Q6[view] [source] 2025-05-13 22:42:09
>>transp+(OP)
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.

replies(1): >>xnx+Bc
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4. xnx+Bc[view] [source] [discussion] 2025-05-13 23:19:50
>>semi-e+Q6
> 60 000 liters of water per second

Then they just need to worry about the extra friction heat generated by moving that much liquid.

replies(1): >>ceejay+ae
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5. ceejay+ae[view] [source] [discussion] 2025-05-13 23:30:41
>>xnx+Bc
And what happens if there’s a power outage. Frozen pipes aren’t all that fun.
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