Innovative Business Idea: Heating System Powered by Servers

Ecological conditions on our planet are compelling large businesses to consider the rational and safe use of energy resources. This has led to the emergence of business ideas based on the efficient utilization of environmentally friendly sources of energy. These energy utilization schemes are often built upon leveraging the operational features of existing industrial facilities. One of the most notable examples is a technical solution from a Dutch company, Nerdalize, which has developed technology that harnesses the heat emitted by servers to heat buildings. Let's delve deeper into how this technology operates.

Examples of Alternative Heating Systems

The business idea of the company Nerdalize is not the first experiment regarding unconventional heating methods. Previously, in London, a supermarket called Sainsbury's was built, which operates thanks to a bioreactor fueled by food waste. Following a similar path, another London startup, Bio-Bean, transforms used coffee grounds into energy. There are several lesser-known "green energy" projects, and over time, this direction will undoubtedly gain even more popularity.

Original Business Idea by Nerdalize

Nerdalize took a different route: rather than dealing with the recycling of various waste materials, they decided to utilize heat that is typically wasted. The focus was on data centers, which spend considerable amounts on cooling their servers. Nerdalize specialists came up with an innovative solution – using excess heat for building heating.

The implementation of this idea looks quite unconventional. They created innovative technical solutions: compact servers designed to look like heating radiators. This innovation, named eRadiator, essentially functions as a heating radiator containing a small unit of "computer hardware" that is part of a larger server.

Individual "smart radiators" are combined into the NerdalizeCloud, which operates as a traditional server providing hosting services. In this case, the cost of services decreased by 30-55%, depending on the type of services. Nerdalize offers not only hosting but also distributed computing for various organizations.

Benefits for Radiator Users

As we know, actively working servers generate heat at significant temperatures. In this case, cooling is achieved through a closed water system heated to 55°C, maintaining a comfortable temperature in the Dutch climate. A portion of the heat is transferred to the heated space, while excess heat is released outside. Users can regulate the heating level themselves. The only inconvenience is the need to create an opening in the wall, which is similar to what we do when installing air conditioners, isn't it?

By using this system, homeowners pay approximately €400 less per year compared to traditional heating methods. Nerdalize structured its business so that servers are always engaged in computations and generate the required amount of heat. If there are few orders, the "cloud" engages in charitable medical computations, and in case of internet loss, a script activates the "heating servers" to perform empty computations.

Currently, Nerdalize radiators, in collaboration with Eneco, have been installed in five residential buildings, providing the necessary heat for cloud servers. Registration is now open for individuals interested in equipping their apartment with the same heating system. However, by the end of 2015, the project will still be in the testing phase, which should demonstrate the economic viability of this approach.

This is a fantastic example of creating an alternative heating system. While similar business ideas have not yet spread in our country, you could certainly fill a vacant niche. The key is to start activities in a timely manner and seize the opportunity to launch a successful business.