In what could be the most bizarre business proposition in the computing industry, Qarnot is offering to heat your premises for “free” if you provide a little space for warm-running computers and a network to connect to.
Exhibiting at CES 2017, Qarnot is selling distributed computing to companies that require massive processing power, but don’t have the computers or the physical space to pull it off. Often, this type of processing is done “in the cloud,” but we must remember that “the cloud” is really a bunch of computers stored in faraway buildings with massive networks and giant thermal management systems to cool the beasts.
Qarnot wants to distribute the computing more literally, supplying a huge number of smallish computers to buildings that can spare a little physical space and some network overhead.
In this way, Qarnot can save money on real estate (free), thermal management (unneccesary) and bandwidth (offloaded to the host).
Why on earth would random companies agree to store Qarnot’s Q.rad computers on their premises, much less connect them to their networks?
Why, free heating, of course!
The computers give off enough heat to warm a space of about 150 to 250 square feet. The temperature can be adjusted at the unit itself or through an app and, yes, the computations slow when the temperatures cool.
In an FAQ, Qarnot explains:
By using processors low power modes and by choosing adapted deployment sites, Qarnot manages to keep a minimum computing capacity all year long. To compute all-year round when computing demand is higher than the deployed capacity, Qarnot also starts to have partnerships with green data centers and to develop other products for sites that need heat all year long (water, industry/agriculture).
Qarnot reimburses the building owner for related electric bills.
“Each Q.rad records continuously its energetic (kW/h) and computing (CPU) consumption which enables Qarnot to bill our computing clients and refund the electricity consumed,” marketing manager Eloise Emptoz tells CE Pro.
In addition, the computers feature a bunch of building-management technologies that could make the prospects a little more compelling. For starters, each Q.rad serves as a wireless access point to strengthen a building’s Wi-Fi service.
The Q.rads also can serve as smart hubs for rooms and buildings, with a host of sensors (motion, noise, light, CO2) and automation protocols for integrating with connected devices.
Unfortunately, none of the computing power can be utilized by the host locations.
Q.rad users “don't use the computing power installed in their home, but only benefit from the heat generated by workload processing,” says Emptoz.
For Homes, but not Really
The Qarnot web site is filled with information about residential applications empowered by the “Home by Qarnot” app.
With Home by Qarnot mobile app, you can monitor your heating system on the go and set the right temperature of each Q.rad individually.
Beyond heating, the app allows you to control other connected appliances such as smart lights, meters or switches, and enjoy an all-in-one smart home solution. …
Home by Qarnot settings allow you to pair smartphones with Q.rad ecosystem. Be notified or see at a glance if your children are back home.
In reality, though, Qarnot isn’t there yet. The minimum “order” for Q.rads is 20 units (there is a one-time fee for installation). Also, you need a fiber backbone to even be considered.
Emptoz says Qarnot will address the residential market in the “coming years,” but that Q.rads might make sense today for multidwelling units with a fiber backbone.
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