Bitcoin Greenhouse
We are building an open source, solar powered bitcoin mining greenhouse on Haida Gwaii, the traditional territory of the Haida People.
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Bitcoin ASICs – Effective Heat Creation and Recycling Inside the Greenhouse
Bitcoin ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) are specialized bitcoin mining computers. An ASIC is an integrated circuit chip employed for a specific use. We utilize bitcoin ASICS for two main purposes.
Firstly, they are used for heat production. In a greenhouse, supplemental heat may be required depending upon location. Miners in place transfer heat from the ASICs through an air duct system. This system links the mining operation center to the greenhouse itself. Alternatively, a heat exchanger may be used, employing immersion cooling technology.
Second, ASICS offset energy consumption and associated carbon emissions. We achieve this by recycling ASIC heat. By re-using heat that would ordinarily be wasted, we can heat the greenhouse while offsetting electricity costs. More importantly, harnessing technology that maintains a low-carbon footprint minimizes environmental impacts.
The large-scale mining installation applied to our greenhouse has both environmental and economic benefits.
Solar Paneling – Effective Design for the Greenhouse Power Source
Integrated solar paneling is utilized. The design is implemented according to principles that optimize solar gain and minimize loss of heat. Panels produce electricity that operate electric equipment in the greenhouse. This includes fans, pumps, lights, ASIC's and other devices. These solar panels reduce carbon emissions, providing a reliable location specific source of power.
Solar panels are grid tied allowing us to export excess power that is not used for mining and running the greenhouse. Solar heat will be transferred from where it is collected initially. It is briefly stored, and then moved to the necessary areas of the greenhouse. The transfer occurs through a synthesis of conduction, convection and radiation. By utilizing solar collection on the roof we are able to make multiple uses of the same land.
Immersion Cooling – Efficient Cooling of the ASICs
Immersion cooling refers to the cooling of IT appliances, through submerging them in a pool of dielectric fluid. The hardware is modified to adapt to submersion in this fluid. This allows the cooling of ASICs and other equipment. Immersion cooling has numerous benefits.
With immersion cooling, bitcoin ASICS are also at lower risk of overheating. As a result, they can be overclocked with a maximized hash rate. In addition, because this reduces the need to run fans to eliminate hot air, the ASICs run more efficiently. Immersion cooling also increases the lifespan of hashing chips, cooling them more effectively.
ASICs immersed also give off less noise, allowing for a quieter operation. The cooling fluid used has a greater heat density than air alone; this is highly effective for transferring heat output from the ASICS themselves.
Radiant Heating – Recovery of Heat from ASICs and Transfer Throughout Greenhouse
Radiant heating is utilized in heat recovery and heat transferring. Heat is transferred from hot surfaces in the greenhouse to areas that are cooler. This enables an even temperature throughout the greenhouse.
Piping is set up beneath the greenhouse foundation. These pipes attach to a hot water heater. When hot water runs through them, the air between the greenhouse floor and the foundation is heated.
As the heat rises, it is felt above the floor, spreading throughout the greenhouse. This is the ideal system for greenhouses that require comprehensive heating. It provides uniform heating, along with energy savings.
The operator can reap the benefits of year-round heating for the greenhouse. It is highly customizable and easy to use – the perfect, sustainable solution that promotes a low carbon footprint.
Food Security – Grow Food 365 Days Per Year Locally and Enjoy Fresh Produce
Greenhouses allow for growing any type of food. The operator can grow any food which ordinarily relies on the climate of its native region. Greenhouses enable this through creating a similar climate. This allows for any plants, herbs, and vegetables to be grown. Using a greenhouse to grow food year-round is an incredible advantage.
Food can be protected from bad weather, including high winds and storms that wipe out crops. The greenhouse does not require the use of dangerous, toxic pesticides. In effect, harmful pesticides are supplanted with IPM (Integrated Pest Management). IPM involves beneficial insects to replace harmful ones, providing effective protection for both plants and food. Beneficial insects, such as ladybugs can be kept inside.
Thus, the modern greenhouse technology employed promotes long-term food security. It also allows greater control and autonomy. The environmental impact is lessened. Hydroponic growing techniques have a low requirement for water per pound of yield – up to 95% less water in comparison to standard growing techniques. The greenhouse is the ultimate location-agnostic way of sustainable food growing.
Open Source – Constant Iteration to Maximize Operational Flexibility
A primary advantage of the greenhouse design is continuous improvement. Our initial design caters to endless refinement through iteration. Over time, processes and greenhouse hardware can be modified according to the operator’s requirements. This encourages a decentralized, collaborative way of improving one’s environment.
External stakeholders can see the greenhouse and suggest operational improvements. Greater longevity in operation can be achieved due to superior flexibility. Improvements can include modifications to power sources, solar panel placement updates, technological advancements to ASICs, and much more.
As technological advancements occur, the design allows the operator to adapt and achieve – without being prescribed uniform guidance.
First Nations Sovereignty – Greenhouse Located on Haida Land in the Northwest Pacific Ocean.
The greenhouse is situated directly on Haida land in the Northwest Pacific Ocean. Operation of the greenhouse encourages the First Nations people to cultivate developments within their jurisdiction.
The Haida land belongs to the Haida people who have traditionally occupied the coastal bays and inlets; it has belonged to them since time immemorial.
A primary concern of any First Nations peoples is crafting their own sovereign space. Our greenhouse embraces the concept of indigenous sovereignty. Sovereignty itself lacks a fixed contour; or universal scheme of prescribing values. This is inherent to self-determination.
The greenhouse upholds the Haida’s right to self-determination. First, it is a self-sustaining building that can be operated indefinitely. Second, the iterative refinement of the greenhouse allows flexibility, independence, and a self-sustaining way of life.