Google HQ (TGW) – Google has filed a patent for a system of floating data centers powered by the waves beneath it.



All though the patent was filed over a year ago, the patent was only recently found.



According to the patent, Google wanted to move data centers closer to users, but power generation would be too expensive to make that feasible. To solve that problem, Google came up with this idea: floating data centers holding standard shipping containers housing computers powered by wave-power generators and wind turbines.



Google engineers calculated generators spread over about half of a square mile could produce 30 megawatts of electricity, enough to operate a single system.



A crew and operating staff would live aboard in living quarters, with a helipad for transportation.



Via :: USPTO :: Greentech Blog