At ePIC Blockchain Technologies, we are excited to announce our involvement in a large-scale project with the Proto team at Block Inc and Core Scientific. We have worked with Block to design and build a modular mining platform, an innovative solution that addresses the key challenges faced by large-scale mining operations today.
The mining industry is continually evolving, and at ePIC Blockchain Technologies, we recognize the need for more efficient, reliable, and sustainable mining practices. This pilot project is designed to address these demands. By leveraging the latest advancements in ASIC technology from the Proto team, we are set to co-design this new platform that later will be built out in one of the Core’s existing facilities.
As an established industry standard, the current mining rig design is a solid foundation for mining operations worldwide. The goal of this pilot is to find a way to develop a solution that integrates effortlessly with existing infrastructures while amplifying operational efficiency and minimizing total ownership costs.
Key Features:
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- Infrastructure cost savings: The platform is projected to significantly reduce infrastructure and networking equipment costs, with an estimated 38.7% savings in new infrastructure per MW build-out and two-thirds savings in networking equipment for air-cooled facilities. For immersion facilities, the density and power increases are 2-4x. By increasing the power density on the shelf, we can save on infrastructure build-out costs while consuming the same amount of power in a denser environment.
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- Enhanced capacity and uptime: By redesigning the system with more efficient components and increasing the amount of power per linear foot on the rack, the MMP aims to boost capacity by 1.72x within existing facilities and improve uptime by targeting and reducing the most failure-prone parts of traditional rigs. ePIC’s mining firmware allows for agility and reactivity in optimizing power usage and mining efficiency, even in extreme scenarios. If one of the hashboards fails, the power will decrease across all three phases on the PDU, allowing the miner to continue operating. If one section of the PSU fails, the hashboards will scale down to accommodate the remaining power.
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- Form factor’s simultaneous compatibility and innovation: The redesigned chassis makes all non-ASIC components long-life reusable items that are considered part of the infrastructure rather than the miner. This approach maintains compatibility with existing mining facility form factors and allows for the use of higher-quality components. Whether in an air-cooled or immersion facility, the only components that need upgrading in the system are the hashboards.
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- Smooth user experience and serviceability: we’ve designed with user convenience and serviceability at its core, featuring minimal screws to simplify maintenance. Essential components are accessible from the front, allowing users to perform adjustments without disassembling the entire system. The PSU and hashboards feature a cableless design and are easily swappable, facilitating quick replacements or upgrades. Additionally, the machine’s layout allows for repairs directly on the rack, streamlining maintenance in large operations.
- Enhanced electrical Infrastructure efficiency: The design accommodates all plug types and balances power across all three phases, minimizing harmonics and heat. This allows mining operators to use more power in the facility, which may currently be lost to heat and harmonics. Efficient power use is expected to reduce the payback period for infrastructure investments. For new facilities that will migrate directly to three-phase power, the miner can accept a higher voltage and bypass current PDU requirements. Older facilities with C13-based PDUs can save on electrical upgrade costs by continuing to use their existing PDUs with the system instead of replacing them with newer C19-based PDUs. It’s also compatible with C19-based PDUs. If a mining operator decides to upgrade their facility to three-phase power, the PSU can easily be swapped for a 12kW, 20kW, or 30kW PSU, depending on the cooling available for the miner.
- Smooth user experience and serviceability: we’ve designed with user convenience and serviceability at its core, featuring minimal screws to simplify maintenance. Essential components are accessible from the front, allowing users to perform adjustments without disassembling the entire system. The PSU and hashboards feature a cableless design and are easily swappable, facilitating quick replacements or upgrades. Additionally, the machine’s layout allows for repairs directly on the rack, streamlining maintenance in large operations.
Looking ahead, ePIC Blockchain is committed to driving innovation and efficiency in the mining industry through our collaboration with Core Scientific and the Proto team at Block Inc. This represents a significant step forward in addressing the evolving challenges of large-scale mining operations. By integrating the latest ASIC technology and advanced design features, we anticipate that this will not only achieve substantial infrastructure cost savings and operational efficiencies but also set new industry standards. As we continue to refine and expand this platform, we envision a future where mining operations are more sustainable, reliable, and adaptable to both current and emerging demands. Our ongoing efforts aim to deliver unparalleled value and performance, ensuring that our solutions remain at the forefront of mining technology advancements.
