In an era where electronic devices are integral to our daily lives, managing the heat they generate has become a crucial challenge.
Excessive heat reduces the efficiency of these devices and shortens their lifespan, presenting a significant hurdle in the realm of electronics design and sustainability. The global market for cooling technologies in electronics, currently valued at USD 11.65 billion in 2023, is vast and on a rapid growth trajectory. It is expected to expand to USD 17.36 billion by 2028, progressing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.30% during the forecast period of 2023-2028. This underscores the critical importance of innovative solutions in this field.
A groundbreaking discovery by a team of researchers, including Vanderbilt University’s Deyu Li and Josh Caldwell, promises to revolutionise our approach to cooling technologies in electronics.
Traditionally, heat transfer in solids has been understood primarily in terms of electrons and atomic vibrations, known as phonons. However, in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), this team has unveiled the substantial role of surface phonon polaritons – hybrid quasi-particles that emerge from the interaction between infrared light and optically active phonons – in heat conduction. This revelation is particularly pertinent in the context of polar crystals’ thin films and nanowires.
The Vanderbilt researchers have successfully demonstrated an apparent enhancement in thermal conductivity in SiC nanowires, both with and without metallic polariton launchers at their ends. This breakthrough provides a new understanding of heat transfer mechanisms and opens the door to innovative cooling strategies.
Deyu Li highlights the potential impact of this discovery: “The substantial heat transfer capabilities of these polaritons can be engineered into novel cooling strategies, which are critical for a wide variety of technologies from consumer electronics to efficient building environment control. This discovery may contribute to better living and efforts to combat climate change.”
Innovative Companies in the Field of Cooling Technologies
As the market for cooling technologies in electronics continues to expand, numerous companies are making significant strides in this arena. One such enterprise is Micro Nano Technologies, which specializes in utilizing nanotechnology for membrane-based absorption cooling.
Originating from the NanoStructured Energy Systems Labs (NESLabs) at the University of Florida, this company’s innovative approach involves the use of nanotechnology in the development of hybrid air conditioning systems, dehumidification units, and water heating systems, all of which are HVFC (hydrofluorocarbon) free. This breakthrough holds promise for more environmentally friendly and efficient cooling solutions.
Another notable player in this field is Nano Tech Coatings. This company is at the forefront of developing high-duty nano coatings using Sol-Gel Process techniques, a method they claim to have pioneered under the name Fusco Technology.
With both production and research facilities, Nano Tech Coatings is dedicated to advancing the application of these coatings. Their product range is designed for a variety of substrates, including Aluminium, Magnesium, Stainless Steel, and Concrete. These solutions are particularly relevant in sectors such as electronics, automotive, and facade engineering, offering enhanced durability and performance.
Conclusion
As we stand at the cusp of a new era in electronic cooling technology, the convergence of advanced research and innovative industry practices is setting the stage for a transformative impact on how we manage heat in electronics. The groundbreaking discoveries and applications being developed today are not just technical achievements; they represent a pivotal shift towards greater efficiency and environmental responsibility in the electronics industry. The journey ahead is not only about enhancing device performance but also about fostering a sustainable relationship between technology and the environment, ensuring that the future of electronics is as green as it is advanced.
COMPANIES TO WATCH:
Micro Nano Technologies, Nano Tech Coatings, P2i, NBD Nanotechnology
Author
Isabella Sterling
Content Producer and Writer
Nano Magazine
