Microscale Ion Wind Engine
- Summary
- Researchers at Purdue University have developed a microscale ion wind engine that overcomes the most challenging technical difficulties in ion wind generation; the neutralization of ions, which adversely affects the strength of the ionic wind generated and its potential heat transfer benefits. This enables more efficient and effective operation. By eliminating surfaces in the vicinity of the electrodes and ion transport, this new microscale ion wind engine ensures optimal flow disruption and heat transfer enhancement.
- Technology Benefits
- Lower implementation costsPrevents ion neutralization Enhanced force convection cooling of integrated circuit chipsAbility to cool on-chip hot spots
- Technology Application
- Electronics IndustryManufacturing
- Detailed Technology Description
- Timothy FisherNanoscale Transport Research GroupPurdue Mechanical Engineering
- Countries
- United States
- Application No.
- 7,545,640
- *Abstract
-
- *Background
- For portable electronics, chip-integrated micro-cooling systems offer the greatest flexibility in designing the thermal management approach for a system. Air cooling is the most attractive cooling option due to lower implementation costs. Microscale ion wind engines offer the attractive ability to cool on-chip hot spots by enhancing forced air convection. Currently, cooling of integrated circuits is achieved by moving heat away from the chip via a heat spreader and heat sink and then cooling the heat sink through forced convection. However, as integrated circuits become smaller, cooling requirements are more stringent.
- *IP Issue Date
- Jun 9, 2009
- *IP Type
- Utility
- *Stage of Development
- Product
- *Web Links
- Purdue Office of Technology CommercializationPurdueInnovation and EntrepreneurshipTimothy FisherPurdue Mechanical Engineering
- Country/Region
- USA
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