The relentless pursuit of the boundaries of computing power highlights a major challenge: effectively managing the heat generated by the central processing unit (CPU) (CPU) (our computer brain). The traditional cooling method mainly uses fan to blow air, which hits the limit due to the basic heat treatment characteristics of the air and the reliability of moving parts. Here, the groundbreaking idea of bringing the cooling step into the spotlight. This approach involves immersing the CPU in specially designed liquids that can better heat, and it hopes to completely change how we keep our computers cool. This cooling strategy is not only designed to overcome the limitations of air cooling, but also introduces the potential of quieter, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly computing solutions. It marks a significant shift toward developing computing systems that are both powerful and sustainable, which has sparked interest in further promoting this innovative technology.
At Arizona State University, Kathan Gajjar and Huei-Ping have pioneered a new direction in CPU cooling that could change the future of how computers operate. Their work, published in Thermal Engineering Case Study, demonstrates a unique cooling system that uses a special non-conductive liquid instead of a traditional fan or pump.
Dr. Huei-Ping Huang explains the core idea behind his invention: “Our system is essentially a cycle full of special liquids. The movement of this liquid helps carry heat, which is naturally driven by the heat itself without the need for Any fan or pump. “This smart design uses the natural flow of heat to keep the CPU at the right temperature, avoiding the noise and energy use caused by fan-based cooling.
A key innovation in its cooling system is the integration of Tesla valves, which is crucial for one-way recycling of cooling liquids. Unlike traditional valves that require mechanical parts to control the flow direction, Tesla valves use a clever design that allows the heat generated by the liquid using the CPU itself to flow in one direction more easily than the other. This ensures that there is no need for a continuous and effective cooling process of moving parts, thereby further improving the reliability and efficiency of the system. Dr Huang elaborated: “Using Tesla valves in our cooling systems is a game-changer. It not only improves the efficiency of removing heat, but also simplifies design by eliminating the need for mechanical pumps. , resulting in more durable and lower energy solutions.”
In their research, they found that a specific liquid FC-3283 is better than traditional mineral oil in cooling, thus ensuring that the CPU can operate efficiently in the real world. An important feature of their system is a specially designed valve that ensures that the liquid moves in only one direction, thereby enhancing the cooling effect. “What makes our system work well is the clever design of the circulation, which includes a special valve that flows liquid in one direction,” Dr. Huang stressed.
To test their design, Dr. Gajjar and Huang turned to computer simulations, which allowed them to check how much different liquids cooled the CPU without having to build a physical model first. “By simulating the cooling process, we were able to directly compare the performance of mineral oil and FC-3283 and found that FC-3283 kept the CPU within the ideal temperature range,” Dr Huang noted.
Their discovery not only provides new solutions for CPU cooling, but also highlights the potential to use unique designs to improve heat flow in cooling systems. Dr. Huang further discusses the wide impact of their work: “Our research contributed in two main ways. First, it shows that our innovative designs may enhance current cooling systems. Second, it introduces what we use New uses of special valves, thus expanding the application of their technology. “This innovative cooling method not only promises to improve computer performance and energy efficiency, but also can make the computing environment quieter by eliminating the need for noisy fans. As demand for more powerful computing grows, the pioneering work of Arizona State University’s Gajjar and Huang PhDs provides promising avenues for more efficient and sustainable cooling technologies.
Journal Reference
Kathan Gajjar, Huei-Ping Huang, “Conjugated Heat Transfer of Single-Phase Immersion Cooling of CPUs”, Case Study of Thermal Engineering, 2023. doi: doi:
