Heat reuse from high-density edge clusters for AI inference in 6G networks

Purpose and goal

The goal is to conduct a techno-economic pre-study involving the Swedish cleantech industry. The focus is on identifying potential excess heat reuse applications that can be practically implemented in global 6G cloud edge networks. The project will establish requirements, design principles, and necessary technology components. Additionally, it will create blueprints for a few experiments exploring innovative heat reuse concepts from high-density edge nodes, thereby enhancing sustainability.

Expected effects and result

The overarching future impact of this project is to ensure the long-term sustainability of edge compute integration within 6G networks. By creating blueprints to enable heat recovery from these clusters, the long-term development of mobile networks can be made more sustainable and thereby contribute positively to several of the global goals in the 2030 agenda. Through collaboration with Clean Tech players in Sweden and other countries, we can drive progress in sustainable network solutions.

Planned approach and implementation

With the support of Google, Vertiv and BP Castrol, RISE will carry out this study. The first step is to decide which potential technologies are to be studied further. This is based on a literature study. After that, possible components and technology suppliers will be identified. Finally, some experimental setups will be designed. The final deliverable will be a technical report with concept solutions that justify investments to reduce the environmental impact of high-density edge clusters.