The U.S. Patent & Trademark Office has published a patent application that reveals Apple’s intent to reinvent the ionic wind generator. The traditional ionic wind generator design is only effective at cooling limited areas of an electronic device and distributes air throughout the device evenly, without thought to what portions of the device are in use. According to the … [Read more...]
Chevy Volt’s Cooling Systems Include Power Electronics Coolant Loop
A GM article explaining the Chevrolet Volt’s cooling/heating systems notes that the power electronics coolant loop is designed to insure the main underhood electronics do not overheat during use. It is essential that the heat developed by the power inverter module and the plug-in battery charger while operating the Volt or when plugged in be dissipated in order to prevent … [Read more...]
Microfluidic Polymer Cooling System Recognized
Finalists were announced last night for the Regional Cleantech Open Business Competition, which highlighted the broad scope of clean technologies and competencies of the Pacific Northwest. Winners included a water purification system, materials for cooling electronics in data centers and an all-electric commuter vehicle. From nanomaterials research at the University of … [Read more...]
Austrian Company Acquires Electronic Component Producers
Miba, a partner to the international engine and automotive industry, has acquired two Austrian producers of power electronics components such as resistors and cooling systems for power electronics. EBG, based in Styria, Austria, is a specialist in passive electronic components, such as high-voltage, high-performance resistors, and generates annual sales of €30 million. DAU is … [Read more...]
Graphite Foam Promises Longer-Lasting LEDs
A new graphite foam cooling system developed at the US Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Tennessee may soon allow LED lamps to go much longer between fixture replacements. The graphite foam works by passively wicking heat away from the lamp via its lightly packed, open skeletal structure – and given that a 10-degree decrease in operating temperature … [Read more...]
