Of course, it would be cool if Bitcoin didn't require throwaway computation. Then we could use this computation for something that's actually valuable, like protein folding, or something, and still make use of the waste heat.
Bitcoin mining heats homes for free in Siberia [video]
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Re: Bitcoin mining heats homes for free in Siberia [video]
#12Didn't watch the video, but a quick point on how the energy efficiency of this works out: Electric heaters are 100% efficient at turning electrical energy into heat. All the energy they take in, that's where it goes. Bitcoin mining (and computers in general) are basically in the same boat. There's some ancillary energy use for blowing air around or shining lights or making sound waves, but for the most part the elect…
>heat pumps are (effectively) more than 100% efficient
The CoP of a heat pump is greatly dependent on the difference in temperature potential of the source and sink. If it's extremely cold outside, it's very hard to pump heat from colder air into a house. When the temperature potential between the two reservoirs is equal, sure the CoP beats out electric heating but when it's high (When your house is warm and the outside is below freezing) its extremely poor.
http://alliedthermaldesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/T...
Re: Bitcoin mining heats homes for free in Siberia [video]
#13Re: Bitcoin mining heats homes for free in Siberia [video]
#14Towards the end of the video, the owner makes a point that this democratic distribution of mining power instead of large miners controlling the network is a good idea. Curious to hear more about this -- does anyone know good writing re: Democratic / distributed benefits of mining?
Probably the worst outcome is easier 51% attacks: https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Majority_attack
Note that from this perspective, a mining pool is effectively a single miner - so a Serbian miner might not actually help, depending which pool it's attached to.
Re: Bitcoin mining heats homes for free in Siberia [video]
#15Of course, it would be cool if Bitcoin didn't require throwaway computation. Then we could use this computation for something that's actually valuable, like protein folding, or something, and still make use of the waste heat.
That "throwaway" computation ensures the integrity & correctness of the blockchain, all while confirming new transactions.
Re: Bitcoin mining heats homes for free in Siberia [video]
#16Of course, it would be cool if Bitcoin didn't require throwaway computation. Then we could use this computation for something that's actually valuable, like protein folding, or something, and still make use of the waste heat.
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Re: Bitcoin mining heats homes for free in Siberia [video]
#17I used to increase my PC voltages every winter at my parents wooden heated house near the arctic circle. The room temperatures could drop all the way to 16C (60F) during the night. That allowed easy overclocks on my Athlon processor from 3 to 4Ghz. I still had to wear wool socks though, because the air pushing from the central unit would cause an annoying breeze of cold air onto my toes in the always chilly room.
Re: Bitcoin mining heats homes for free in Siberia [video]
#18Towards the end of the video, the owner makes a point that this democratic distribution of mining power instead of large miners controlling the network is a good idea. Curious to hear more about this -- does anyone know good writing re: Democratic / distributed benefits of mining?
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Re: Bitcoin mining heats homes for free in Siberia [video]
#19Of course, it would be cool if Bitcoin didn't require throwaway computation. Then we could use this computation for something that's actually valuable, like protein folding, or something, and still make use of the waste heat.
>it would be cool if Bitcoin didn't require throwaway computation
Sure, but that's a technology that does not exist. If you can figure out how to create a blockchain-like concept, where the 'proof of work' actually contributes to humanity, you have invented the next big thing.
Edit: Reading the comments below me, it looks like this is a space that is being actively explored. Exciting!
Re: Bitcoin mining heats homes for free in Siberia [video]
#20Of course, it would be cool if Bitcoin didn't require throwaway computation. Then we could use this computation for something that's actually valuable, like protein folding, or something, and still make use of the waste heat.
Isn't that the premise of Ethereum?