Ion wind in the service of chip cooling

    Researchers at Purdue University in Indiana, North America, have developed a promising way to improve the efficiency of computer cooling systems. The experimental device they created is an “ion wind” generator and, according to scientists, is capable of cooling chips 2–2.5 times better than conventional coolers.

    But in fact, the device does not replace the fans used for cooling, but harmoniously supplements them. The fact is that simple coolers cannot provide the movement of air molecules as close as possible to the surface of the cooled chip. According to the developers, the phenomenon of their invention is that it enhances the flow of air exactly where it is most needed.

    The experimental cooling device consists of a positively charged anode located 10 millimeters from an array of negatively charged cathodes. When an air stream passes through the device, the cathodes discharge electrons in front of the anodes. Electrons are mixed with air molecules, and the ions formed in the process are thrown back to the cathodes. As a result, this creates the so-called "ionic wind", which enhances the flow of air cooling the chip.

    Although the technology is more than promising at the moment, scientists are working to improve it. In particular, over reducing the distance between the anodes and cathodes from millimeters to microns. When this succeeds, then prototypes of ion-wind generator devices can be brought to market.

    via NetworkWorld

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