Next Generation CPU Refrigerators

Iddo Genuth writes "Researchers at Purdue University are developing a miniature refrigeration system, small enough to fit inside laptop computers. According to the researchers, the implementation of miniature refrigeration systems in computers can dramatically increase the amount of heat removed from the microchips, therefore boosting performance while simultaneously shrinking the size of computers."

Comments

Mini-Aircon DIY

[hardburn]

Thought of this idea recently while trying to think of ideas for cooling my computer while making less noise:

Take a small engine from an RC car or airplane (two stroke will probably be best). Jam the throttle wide open and unscrew the high speed needle all the way. Put one pipe on the carb (with a good seal), and then another one on the exhaust with a smaller internal diameter than the first. Couple the two pipes together and have a fan on each side. Then have a small electric motor spin the engine. The side coming off the exhaust is hot (since the engine is compressing it), and the other end of pipe is cold (since the coupler expands the gas).

I figured this would be a great way to make a small air conditioner that could be used to cool incoming ambient air, and it should be more efficient than a pelt. However, even a small reciprocating engine being turned by a motor is going to be noisy, so I don't think it'll work for what I want. Might be nice in a hardcore gaming rig for someone who doesn't care about noise. Might also work with a small wankel rotary, but I doubt you could source one this small.