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'Nano-Lightning' Could Cool Computer Chips
FizzyC writes "A story on New Scientist describes a technique to cool computer chips using charged ions. The system consists of 300 electrodes that ionise and then pump the air molecules across the surface of the chip. The Purdue University technology is the first air-based system to produce a cooling rate similar to water - 40 watts per square centimetre."
I have something like this in my newly purchased home, and it's totally passive. Essentially, it's an insulated room in the basement with a vent near the ceiling to the outside. Warmer air escapes through the vent (and cooler air may seep in that way, too), and the temperature stays low. When the rest of my basment is around 18 degrees C, this rooms is no more than 8 degrees C in the summer and can get as low as ~0 degrees C in the winter. I keep thinking I should get a system set up to help bleed warm air out of there faster. Given where I live, this could operate well within safe cooling ranges for food for half the year (maybe longer, depending on how fast it heats up). For foods that are less sensitive (whole fruits and vegetables, things that just taste better cool) this is already a full-year solution.
Easiest way to make this active is 2 thermostats (one that supports A/C), maybe a couple of electric switches, and a fan. When the air outside is lower than the target temperature (heat setting) and the air inside is higher (cool setting), allow the fan to run. If wiring in series isn't allowed (if the type of thermostat can't support 120V AC), use switches that are turned on when the thermostat tells it to. Sounds like a fun project...
Sure I'm paranoid, but am I paranoid enough?
Many people ask your question (and several in this thread second it) and my default answer each time is this: In the winter you have to heat your home right? So let your fridge run and dump heat into the room-It's less work for your heating unit to do. If the heat were dumped outside, then your heater is still gonna be running but now just a little harder. I use this in practice as a matter of fact. I have 2 Athlon systems in my 10x12 computer room. They both sit on the floor with the sides open and they run 24/7. When it's cold I just shut the room up and it will be a good 10deg warmer than the rest of the house in the morning when I get up. Perfect for running down my chilly hallway to sit & read /. unitl I wake up! It's actually so efficient that I have totally blocked off the floor vent in this room to send the heat to a less balanced part of the house. Now when summer comes that'll be a different story but for now, my PC's heat (and fridge's) IS FAR FROM WASTED!