Scientists from Novgorod State University (NovSU) have developed a method for cooling electronics that maintains efficiency during shaking and tilting. The technology is designed for onboard computers of airplanes, drones, trains, and portable devices, TASS representatives of the project reported.
The key element of the system is a modified heat pipe with an electro-osmotic pump. In classic heat pipes, the condensation zone must be above the evaporation zone, which limits their use in mobile equipment. The new pump ensures the circulation of the coolant regardless of the position of the pipe: the liquid passes through a porous structure under the influence of electric current, and in the absence of liquid, no current is consumed. The design has no moving parts, which increases durability and reduces production costs.
The miniaturization of modern electronics increases the thermal load, so effective cooling is critical for stable equipment operation. The developed system supports coolant circulation even during tilting and vibration, which makes it particularly promising for aviation, railway, and portable equipment.
In the future, scientists plan to combine heat pipes with an electro-osmotic pump into a ring cooling system with separate tubes for liquid and vapor. A special structure of the evaporator and condenser will increase the heat exchange area and accelerate the condensation and evaporation processes, increasing the efficiency of heat removal.