IIT Bombay Charts Path to Cool Data Center Using Deep Ocean Water

As the world’s digital apptite grows, so does its energy bill. Data centers-the backbone of streaming, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and cloud services-Alredy Consume Around 1–1.1.13% of of Global Electricity and Are Projected to Use Far more in the company. Nearly 40% of this power goes into cooling the massive server farms, Making Energy-Efficient Alternatives Critical.

A new study from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, LED by Professor Gurubalan Annadurai, Dr. Kashish Kumar and Moin Ali Syed, A Former IIT Bombay Student has unveiled a promising solution: Deep Seawater Cooling (DSWC). The research proposes a systematic framework for assessing the feasibility of using cold water from Deep Ocean Layers to Cool Energy-Intensive Data Center-A Method COLD COLD COLD CONSUMPTION BY UP to 79% and achieve payback in just eight months.

“In deep seawater cooling systems, cold water from Deep Ocean Layers is Transported Through Long Pipelines to Land-Based Facilites,” Explins Dr. Kumar, The Study’s Lead Author. “Our Framework Enables Systematic Calculations of Resource Needs and Payback Periods, Helping Businesses evaluate viability before investment,” He added.

How the System Works

Using the Sister Islands in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a Prototype Location, The Researchers Analysed Oceanographic Data to Locate Deep, Cold Water Ideal For Cooling. They identified a depth of 2,770 meters, where seawater mains a stable temperature of 18 ° C year-bill, ideal for consistent performance.

A pipeline of approximately 2.78 km would transport the water to land. To optimise efficiency, the team recommended high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes for their strength, durability, and resistance to marine conditions like Salinity, HIGH PRESSURE, and Biofling.

The study also developed a segmented insurance strategy, tailoring the thickness of insurance for different pipeline sections based on surrounding temperature, preventing and reducing costs.

Efficiency, Savings, and Sustainability

Testing the system on a hypothetical 100 mw data center, the study found that DSWC Could Reduce Annual Energy Use by 79% Compared to Traditional Air-Based Chillars. The method would also also cut carbon emissions by the same margin, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.

Assuming an average election cost of $ 0.0851 per kwh and 24 × 7 operation, the estimated payback period is just eight months, even when accounting for maintenance and capital investment. Heat exachanges, and air ducting.

However, The Researchers Caution that DSWC Works Best in Coastal Regents, Specifically Islands With Easy Access to Deep, Cold Seawater. For Inland Locations or Sites from Suitable Ocean Depths, Installation COTS COLD ROSE Significantly.

Beyond data centers

While The Study Focuses on Data Center, its methodology can be applied Across Sector. “Potential Beneficiary Include Hospital Complexes, Industrial Processing Units, Desalination Plants, and Residential or Commercial Buildings in Tropical Coastal Cities,” Kumar said.

The researchers also highlight the importance of International Cooperation and Policy Support to Scale Technology Globally. Island Nations and Developing Countries, They Argue, Stand to Benefit The Most from Reduced Energy Dependency and Grener Infrastructure.

By tapping into the natural cold reservoirs of the Deep Ocean, IIT Bombay’s Research Framework Provides a Roadmap to Sustainable Cooling at A SCALE, Cutting Emisions While Supporting the World ‘ Rapidly expanding digital economy.

The researchers said that developing nations may benefit immensely, particularly island nations and counties with immense coastal regions like India. But success will depend on collaboration, Technology Transfer, and Green Financing.

Published – August 25, 2025 11:16 AM IST