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Open Compute Wants To Make Biodegradable Servers

Posted by timothy on from the for-the-sarlacc dept.

1sockchuck writes "The Open Compute Project has challenged students at Purdue University to develop a biodegradable server chassis. Although the steel used in most server chassis can be recycled, the OCP says it wants to "explore designs that retain the needed resiliency but push the boundaries of sustainability," even allowing a chassis to be composted. The project aligns with Facebook's goal of separating the technology refresh cycle for CPUs and other components from the surrounding chassis and racks. The Purdue students will tackle this issue next semester, but Slashdot readers can brainstorm the issue now. Is a biodegradable server chassis viable? If so, can it be affordable?"

7 of 102 comments (clear)

  1. That's all well and good by viperidaenz · · Score: 4, Insightful

    But the steel in the chassis is probably the most environmentally friendly part of a server.

    1. Re:That's all well and good by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Insightful

      This. Isn't there no limit to the number of times steel can be recycled? Also, chassis shouldn't be replaced that often, no? Why are we wasting effort on the longest lasting, most sustainable portion of the computer?

    2. Re:That's all well and good by jdray · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Because someone had a "brilliant" marketing idea, no concept of the technical viability, and no interest in doing proper research. Instead, they get something up on Slashdot and let us tell them whether it's a good idea or not.

      --
      The Spoon
      Updated 6/28/2011
    3. Re:That's all well and good by LWATCDR · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Yep Steel is 100% recyclable. It is also "biodegradable" as well. Steel changes into iron oxide which is the same as iron ore. It will enrich the soil with iron which is a nutrient. Boom a steel enclosure is already fits all the requirements.
       

      --
      See my blog http://ilovecookes.blogspot.com/ for light hearted technical information.
  2. It actually seems like a bad idea... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Insightful

    These are servers. Making a quick-swap motherboard standard for them sounds like a win, but no reasonably priced competitive substance offers the strength and RF shielding of a steel box.

    And why would we care about biodegradable when we have steel? It is reusable until obsolete and then recyclable into other useful steel objects.

  3. Wrong order? by nweaver · · Score: 3, Insightful

    If the goal is to make the chassis and CPU lifetime different, make the chassis strong and easy to upgrade. Which means the chassis has the potential to have the longest lifetime, so why make it degradeable?

    --
    Test your net with Netalyzr
  4. Manuel says "Fuego!" by Ancient_Hacker · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I'm thinking there is some UL or ISO or Euro standard that makes it difficult to make server chassis out of flammable materials, and stack dozens of them in a rack, while running 240VAC through them and with lots of cooling air to fan the flames.