NRI scientist demonstrates new technology to improve computer chip cooling
The technology uses tiny "ionic wind engines" to increase the "heat-transfer coefficient," or the cooling rate, in chips by as much as 250%.
By Agencies |
WASHINGTON: An Indian origin scientist at Purdue University has demonstrated a new technology to dramatically improve computer chip cooling.
The technology uses tiny "ionic wind engines" to increase the "heat-transfer coefficient," or the cooling rate, in chips by as much as 250 per cent.
"Other experimental cooling-enhancement approaches might give you a 40 per cent or a 50 per cent improvement. A 250 per cent improvement is quite unusual," said Suresh Garimella, professor of mechanical engineering at Purdue.
The experimental cooling device, which was fabricated on top of a mock computer chip, works by generating ions - or electrically charged atoms - using electrodes placed near one another.
The device contains a positively charged wire, or anode, and negatively charged electrodes, called cathodes. The anode is positioned about 10 millimetres above the cathodes.
When voltage is passed through the device, the negatively charged electrodes discharge electrons toward the positively charged anode. Along the way, the electrons collide with air molecules, producing positively charged ions, which are then attracted back toward the negatively charged electrodes, creating an "ionic wind".
This breeze increased the airflow on the surface of the experimental chip.
Prof Garimella, an ex-IIT Madras alumnus, said, when used in combination with a conventional fan, the experimental device enhances the fan's effectiveness by increasing airflow to the surface of the mock computer chip.
As such, the new technology could help engineers design thinner laptop computers that run cooler than today's machines, he said.
Intel research engineer Rajiv Mongia who collaborated with Prof. Garimella, said, the new technology has the potential of enabling imaginative notebook and handheld PC designs in the future.
"This technology is very exciting and innovative," said Mongia.
Prof Garimella said the new cooling technology could be introduced in computers within three years if researchers are able to miniaturize it and make the system rugged enough.
As the technology is further developed, such cooling devices might be integrated into portable consumer electronics products, including cell phones, said Prof. Garimella.
The research is scheduled for publication in the September 1 issue of the Journal of Applied Physics.
The technology uses tiny "ionic wind engines" to increase the "heat-transfer coefficient," or the cooling rate, in chips by as much as 250 per cent.
"Other experimental cooling-enhancement approaches might give you a 40 per cent or a 50 per cent improvement. A 250 per cent improvement is quite unusual," said Suresh Garimella, professor of mechanical engineering at Purdue.
The experimental cooling device, which was fabricated on top of a mock computer chip, works by generating ions - or electrically charged atoms - using electrodes placed near one another.
The device contains a positively charged wire, or anode, and negatively charged electrodes, called cathodes. The anode is positioned about 10 millimetres above the cathodes.
When voltage is passed through the device, the negatively charged electrodes discharge electrons toward the positively charged anode. Along the way, the electrons collide with air molecules, producing positively charged ions, which are then attracted back toward the negatively charged electrodes, creating an "ionic wind".
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This breeze increased the airflow on the surface of the experimental chip.
Prof Garimella, an ex-IIT Madras alumnus, said, when used in combination with a conventional fan, the experimental device enhances the fan's effectiveness by increasing airflow to the surface of the mock computer chip.
As such, the new technology could help engineers design thinner laptop computers that run cooler than today's machines, he said.
Intel research engineer Rajiv Mongia who collaborated with Prof. Garimella, said, the new technology has the potential of enabling imaginative notebook and handheld PC designs in the future.
ADVERTISEMENT
"This technology is very exciting and innovative," said Mongia.
Prof Garimella said the new cooling technology could be introduced in computers within three years if researchers are able to miniaturize it and make the system rugged enough.
ADVERTISEMENT
As the technology is further developed, such cooling devices might be integrated into portable consumer electronics products, including cell phones, said Prof. Garimella.
The research is scheduled for publication in the September 1 issue of the Journal of Applied Physics.
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