Articles tagged with "cooling-technology"
China's new cooling system can touch sub-zero in seconds to save AI
Chinese researchers have developed a novel pressure-driven chemical cooling technique that can rapidly supercool a liquid medium to sub-zero temperatures within 30 seconds. Unlike traditional cooling methods that rely on continuous energy input such as fans or chilled water loops, this process uses the unusual solubility behavior of ammonium thiocyanate salt under pressure. When pressurized, a saturated salt solution forms, and upon sudden pressure release, the salt re-dissolves in a way that absorbs significant heat from the surroundings, causing a rapid temperature drop. This endothermic dissolution, enhanced by pressure control, offers a high cooling power burst ideal for managing sudden thermal spikes. This technology shows promise for energy-intensive AI data centers, which generate intense heat from GPUs and other hardware, often facing unpredictable heat surges during computationally demanding tasks. The rapid salt cooling process could act as a thermal buffer, reducing peak cooling loads and potentially lowering energy costs associated with traditional cooling systems that can consume 30-50% of a data center
energycooling-technologydata-centersAI-hardwarechemical-coolingthermal-managementammonium-thiocyanateLiquid-based cooling beats limits of solid-state refrigeration
Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, led by Prof. Li Bing, have developed a novel refrigeration method based on the dissolution barocaloric effect that promises zero carbon emissions and improved cooling efficiency. Traditional refrigeration systems, which rely on vapor-compression, contribute significantly to global carbon emissions, while solid-state cooling—though environmentally friendlier—has been limited by poor heat transfer. The new approach overcomes this by integrating solid cooling effects with liquid flow, using the salt ammonium thiocyanate dissolved in water. Applying pressure causes the salt to precipitate, enabling a reversible cycle that produces continuous cooling with efficient heat transfer, combining refrigerant and heat-transfer medium in a single flowing liquid. Laboratory tests demonstrated remarkable performance, with temperature drops of nearly 30 kelvins in 20 seconds at room temperature and up to 54 kelvins at higher temperatures, surpassing existing solid-state barocaloric materials. Simulations indicated a cooling capacity of 67 joules per gram and an efficiency
energyrefrigerationcooling-technologybarocaloric-materialscarbon-emissions-reductionheat-transfersustainable-cooling3D-printed cooling tech offers energy fix for overheated data centers
The AM2PC European research project, led by the Danish Technological Institute and Heatflow with partners from Belgium and Germany, has developed an innovative 3D-printed cooling solution for data centers and high-performance computing systems. This new cooling technology uses passive two-phase cooling based on the thermosiphon principle, where a coolant evaporates at the chip surface, rises, condenses, and returns by gravity without pumps or fans. This method efficiently removes heat—achieving a cooling capacity of 600 watts, 50% above the initial target—while consuming no additional energy for heat transport. This approach addresses the growing challenge of rising GPU power demands, which have outpaced traditional air cooling capabilities, and helps extend chip lifespan by maintaining lower operating temperatures. The core component is a 3D-printed aluminum evaporator that integrates all necessary functions into a single, leak-resistant, and reliable part, made possible through additive manufacturing. Operating at heat removal temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Celsius
energycooling-technology3D-printingdata-centerspassive-coolingthermosiphonwaste-heat-reusePanasonic’s AI Strategy Enters the Implementation Phase: Real-World Impact for Better Future Showcased at CES 2026 - CleanTechnica
At CES 2026, Panasonic Group showcased the real-world implementation of its AI strategy, initially announced the previous year, under the theme “The Future We Make.” The exhibition highlighted Panasonic’s advancements in AI infrastructure, particularly focusing on data centers, AI-based B2B solutions, and environmentally focused Green Transformation (GX) technologies. These innovations address the growing computational demands and operational challenges of AI data centers, including stable power supply, heat management, uninterrupted operation, and cybersecurity. Panasonic demonstrated several key technologies to support data center evolution. These include high-performance liquid cooling pumps and compressors designed to efficiently manage heat generated by high-density AI servers, improving lifespan and reducing environmental impact through compatibility with next-generation refrigerants. Additionally, Panasonic Energy offers energy storage systems integrated into server racks to stabilize power supply, provide backup during outages, and optimize energy use with peak shaving functions. The company also developed highly reliable components like conductive polymer aluminum electrolytic capacitors to enhance power circuit stability and performance under demanding conditions, supporting
energyAI-infrastructuredata-centerscooling-technologypower-supplyenvironmental-solutionsPanasonicFrom coffee to kids: This robot fan just got a baby-sized upgrade
Tokyo-based startup Yukai Engineering unveiled Baby FuFu at CES 2026, a portable fan robot designed specifically for babies and toddlers. This product evolved from the company’s earlier novelty drink-cooling robot, Nékojita FuFu, and was developed in direct response to parent feedback. Baby FuFu prioritizes child safety with a protective “slit plate” covering the fan blades to prevent finger contact, and it features adjustable airflow with three strength settings. Its design includes hands and feet shaped to securely grip stroller handles, making it practical for use during walks or errands. The robot gently blows air through its mouth, providing a soft breeze without exposing any moving parts. The development of Baby FuFu was inspired by real parental input, as many parents noted their children enjoyed interacting with the original Nékojita FuFu. Yukai Engineering’s CEO, Shunsuke Aoki, emphasized the company’s goal of blending playful design with practical functionality to address concerns like heat stroke in young children. Baby FuFu
robotconsumer-roboticsbaby-robot-fanportable-fanchild-safetycooling-technologyYukai-EngineeringWorld-1st laptop cooled by dielectric barrier discharge to debut at CES 2026
YPlasma, a New Jersey-based company, is set to debut the world’s first laptop cooled using Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma actuators at CES 2026. This innovative cooling solution replaces traditional mechanical fans and ionic wind devices by generating high-velocity “ionic wind” through cold plasma without any moving parts. The miniaturized DBD technology, presented as ultra-thin films as slim as 200 microns, can be integrated directly onto heat sinks or internal components, enabling ultra-thin laptop designs that were previously unfeasible to cool. Additionally, these actuators uniquely provide both cooling and heating functions within the same device, offering enhanced thermal versatility. YPlasma emphasizes that their DBD plasma cooling system operates nearly noiselessly at 17 dBA, eliminating typical fan noise in high-performance laptops. Unlike corona discharge methods, YPlasma’s dielectric barrier limits harmful ozone production and prevents “tip erosion,” significantly improving safety, reliability, and device longevity.
materialscooling-technologydielectric-barrier-dischargeplasma-actuatorsconsumer-electronicsthermal-managementlaptop-innovationNew Report Illuminates Geothermal Cooling Potential in Hawaii - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica reports on a collaborative study between the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Hawaii Groundwater and Geothermal Resources Center and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s ETIPP program. The research focuses on the feasibility of geothermal cooling technologies in Hawaii, leveraging the islands’ unique geology—recent volcanic activity and highly permeable volcanic rock—which enables substantial groundwater flow essential for ground heat exchanger (GHE) systems. Unlike high-temperature geothermal that requires deep drilling to generate electricity, low-temperature geothermal systems near the surface can be used for building heating and cooling, potentially reducing electric grid loads in Hawaii, where cooling demand dominates. The study distinguishes between open-loop and closed-loop GHE systems. Open-loop systems use groundwater directly to transfer heat, requiring sufficient groundwater flow to remove heat and maintain system efficiency. Hawaii’s cooling-dominated climate means GHEs add heat to the subsurface, so groundwater flow is critical to prevent system failure. Closed-loop systems,
energygeothermal-energycooling-technologyrenewable-energyHawaii-energyground-heat-exchangerssustainable-energyThis startup’s metal stacks could help solve AI’s massive heat problem
The article discusses Alloy Enterprises, a startup addressing the escalating cooling challenges posed by increasingly power-hungry AI data center racks. Nvidia recently revealed that future GPU racks, expected in 2027, could consume up to 600 kilowatts of electricity—nearly double the capacity of some fast EV chargers. This surge in power density creates significant heat dissipation issues, especially for peripheral chips like memory and networking hardware, which account for about 20% of a server’s cooling load but currently lack effective cooling solutions. Alloy Enterprises has developed a novel cooling technology using stacks of copper sheets bonded through a process called diffusion bonding or "stack forging," producing seamless, solid metal cold plates that can fit into tight spaces and withstand high liquid cooling pressures. Unlike conventional machined cold plates, which are assembled from separate halves and prone to leaks at seams, Alloy’s stack forging method creates single-block copper plates with no seams and superior structural integrity. This process also allows for finer features—down to 50 mic
energymaterialscooling-technologyadditive-manufacturingmetal-bondingdata-centersthermal-managementHow to Keep Subways and Trains Cool in an Ever Hotter World
As global temperatures rise, cooling underground trains and subway systems has become a pressing challenge, with existing infrastructure often exacerbating heat issues. Jonathan Paul, a researcher at Royal Holloway, University of London, highlights that London’s Tube tunnels, carved through dense clay, retain heat generated by trains, sometimes reaching temperatures as high as 42°C (107.6°F). Traditional air-conditioning on trains risks worsening tunnel temperatures by releasing warm air into these confined spaces. To address this, Paul is developing a novel cooling system that leverages groundwater, which remains at a cool 10°C, to absorb and carry away excess heat from underground stations. This approach involves pumping water from subterranean aquifers through heat exchangers installed above platforms, where hot air transfers its heat to the water, which is then gently circulated away. Paul and his team are testing this technology in a chalk quarry near Reading, simulating the conditions of the Tube tunnels. Their prototype has demonstrated the ability to reduce room temperatures by about 10
energycooling-technologypublic-transportationclimate-change-adaptationheat-managementunderground-infrastructuresustainable-coolingChina completes world's first wind-powered underwater data center
China has completed the world’s first wind-powered underwater data center (UDC) in the Lin-gang Special Area of the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone, marking a significant advancement in sustainable digital infrastructure. The USD 226 million facility has a power capacity of 24 megawatts, with approximately 97% of its electricity sourced from offshore wind energy. It utilizes seawater cooling through 198 radiator-equipped racks, drastically reducing energy consumption for cooling to below 10%, compared to up to 40% in traditional land-based data centers. This innovative approach cuts overall power consumption by nearly 23%, eliminates water use, and reduces land requirements by over 90%. The data center achieved a power usage effectiveness (PUE) ratio below 1.15, surpassing China’s national green data center target of 1.25 for 2025, making it one of the most energy-efficient data centers globally. The project aligns with Shanghai’s broader ambition to become a global hub for smart computing and
energyrenewable-energywind-powerunderwater-data-centerenergy-efficiencycooling-technologysustainable-computingWorld’s first commercial underwater data centre goes live in China
China has launched the world’s first commercial underwater data center off the coast of Lingshui county in Hainan, marking a significant advancement in the country’s blue economy initiative. The submerged data cabin, weighing approximately 1,433 US tons and located 35 meters below sea level, houses 24 server racks with up to 500 servers. Utilizing natural seawater cooling, the underwater center reduces the substantial energy consumption typical of traditional land-based data centers, addressing the rising demand driven by AI and cloud computing. This innovative approach leverages the ocean’s stable temperatures to enhance efficiency and lower operational costs while minimizing environmental impact. The project is a key component of Hainan’s broader strategy to develop its free-trade zone into a global tech and maritime innovation hub, with plans to establish a subsea network of 100 underwater data cabins supporting marine research, digital services, and smart manufacturing. Recent policy changes allowing full foreign ownership of data centers in Hainan and other major Chinese cities aim to attract multinational technology
energyunderwater-data-centercooling-technologygreen-energyoffshore-wind-farmdata-infrastructureblue-economyChina to sink servers off Shanghai in underwater data center trial
China is set to deploy one of the world’s first commercial underwater data centers by submerging a capsule of servers off Shanghai in mid-October. Developed by maritime equipment firm Highlander in collaboration with state-owned builders, the project aims to drastically reduce the massive energy consumption associated with traditional land-based data centers, particularly for cooling. Utilizing natural ocean currents for temperature regulation, the underwater facility promises up to 90% energy savings on cooling costs and will be powered predominantly by renewable energy from nearby offshore wind farms. The capsule, constructed with corrosion-resistant steel coated in glass flakes, will serve major clients including China Telecom and a state-owned AI computing company. While the initiative aligns with China’s government push to lower the carbon footprint of data infrastructure, experts caution about potential environmental and technical risks. Marine ecologists warn that heat discharged by submerged servers could disrupt local ecosystems by attracting or repelling certain species, though current assessments suggest temperature impacts remain below harmful thresholds. Scaling up such operations, however, may amplify thermal
energydata-centersunderwater-serversrenewable-energycooling-technologyoffshore-wind-powermarine-environmentMicrosoft in-chip cooling breakthrough cuts GPU heat rise by 65%
Microsoft has developed a breakthrough in-chip microfluidic cooling technology that channels liquid coolant directly inside GPU chips to remove heat more efficiently. This approach carves microscopic grooves into the silicon, enabling coolant to flow in direct contact with hot spots, which reduces the maximum GPU temperature rise by up to 65% and outperforms traditional cold plate cooling systems by as much as three times. The system also leverages AI to identify heat patterns and direct cooling precisely where needed. Microsoft successfully demonstrated this technology by cooling a server running simulated Teams meetings and is now prioritizing reliability testing. The design was inspired by natural vein structures, with Microsoft collaborating with Swiss startup Corintis to create bio-inspired coolant channels that improve heat dissipation compared to straight channels. The engineering challenge involved balancing channel depth for effective coolant flow without compromising silicon strength, developing leak-proof chip packaging, and integrating etching processes into chip manufacturing. Beyond individual chips, Microsoft envisions microfluidics playing a major role in datacenters by enabling more
energycooling-technologymicrofluidicsGPU-coolingAI-hardwaresemiconductor-materialsthermal-managementGame-changing US cooling system saves money, reduces grid demand
A new air-conditioning system called the Energy Storing and Efficient Air Conditioner (ESEAC), co-developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Blue Frontier Inc., promises to significantly reduce cooling costs and electricity demand on the grid. Tested in a Florida trial, the 20-ton ESEAC unit demonstrated the ability to cut peak air-conditioning power demand by over 90% and reduce cooling bills by approximately 45%. The system achieves these savings by integrating energy storage with cooling and humidity control, shifting the most energy-intensive parts of the cooling process to off-peak hours or times when renewable energy is abundant. ESEAC operates by decoupling dehumidification from cooling, using a liquid desiccant to absorb moisture from incoming air and then applying ultra-efficient indirect evaporative cooling. This approach contrasts with conventional vapor-compression air conditioners that cool and dehumidify simultaneously, often leading to inefficiencies. The system stores energy in the form of concentrated salt-based desiccant and
energyair-conditioningenergy-storagegrid-demand-reductioncooling-technologyrenewable-energy-integrationenergy-efficiencyChina's data centers are pushing cooling to the limit
China’s rapid expansion in AI computing power has led to a significant increase in data center energy consumption and heat generation, pushing traditional air cooling methods to their limits. High-power AI chips, such as Huawei’s Ascend 910B and 910C, consume substantial energy, resulting in power densities per rack exceeding 15 kW and sometimes approaching 30 kW. This intense heat output has made air cooling inefficient due to increased noise, energy use, and maintenance challenges. Consequently, China is increasingly adopting liquid cooling technologies, especially cold plate liquid cooling, which offers efficient heat dissipation and easier retrofitting compared to immersion cooling. The liquid-cooled server market in China reached $2.37 billion in 2024, growing 67% year-over-year, with projections to hit $16.2 billion by 2029. This growth is driven by national strategies like “East Data West Computing” and policies promoting green data centers with power usage effectiveness (PUE) targets below 1
energydata-centerscooling-technologyliquid-coolingAI-computingpower-usage-effectivenessChina-technologyWater-cooled computer looks like a Victorian machine on the wall
The article highlights a unique steampunk-inspired, water-cooled computer built by modder Felix Ure of Billet Labs, known for combining Victorian-era aesthetics with high-performance PC hardware. This wall-mounted PC resembles a vintage time machine, featuring brass and copper plumbing that serves both as an artistic element and an efficient custom water-cooling loop. The open-air design showcases every component, with analog dials and industrial-grade fans enhancing the retro, industrial character. The build started from a metal-backed panel to support heavy components and elaborate cooling, with meticulous placement ensuring a balanced and symmetrical appearance. Inside, the system boasts top-tier hardware including an AMD Ryzen 9 9950X CPU, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Ti GPU, 64GB RAM, 8TB storage, and a B650 EI motherboard, making it capable of demanding tasks like 4K video editing and 3D scanning. The cooling system features hand-soldered copper pipes and a reservoir, supported by four high
materialscooling-technologywater-coolingcomputer-hardwarecustom-PC-buildsteampunk-designthermal-managementUS scientists create reusable 'jelly ice' that never melts
US scientists at the University of California, Davis have developed a reusable, compostable cooling material called “jelly ice” that mimics the cooling properties of regular ice without melting into a watery mess. Inspired by frozen tofu’s ability to retain water and gelatin’s hydrogel structure, the team created jelly ice from natural polymers that trap water even through freeze-thaw cycles. Jelly ice is about 90% water, can be molded into various shapes, and offers up to 80% of the cooling efficiency of regular ice. It remains firm below freezing and becomes soft and jiggly at room temperature, allowing easy reuse by rinsing and refreezing. Jelly ice addresses problems associated with melting ice, such as contamination and dilution, making it particularly useful in food storage and shipping, including seafood and medical supplies. It is compostable and has shown potential benefits for plant growth when composted, without contributing to microplastic pollution. While licenses for the technology have been secured, further market analysis and
materialsreusable-materialshydrogelsbiopolymerscompostable-materialscooling-technologyfood-safe-materialsHow deleting emails and photos might help the UK fight drought
The UK government is urging residents to conserve water amid a severe drought by taking the unusual step of deleting old digital files such as emails and photos. This recommendation, issued by the National Drought Group, stems from the significant water consumption of data centers, which require large amounts of water primarily for cooling their servers. For example, a 1-megawatt data center can use up to 26 million liters of water annually. The drought, intensified by record heat and prolonged dry weather, has led to formal drought declarations in five UK regions and a 20 percent reduction in water demand in some areas following public appeals. The environmental impact of digital storage is linked to both the direct water use for cooling data centers and the water footprint of electricity generation, especially from fossil fuel and nuclear plants. In response, some tech companies are adopting innovative cooling technologies to reduce water use, such as Microsoft’s underwater data centers, Meta’s membrane-based liquid cooling, Google’s recycled wastewater systems, and Toronto’s lake water
energydata-centerswater-conservationcooling-technologysustainable-ITliquid-immersion-coolingrenewable-energySam Altman-backed Oklo to cool AI data centers with new nuclear tech
Oklo, a nuclear technology company backed by Sam Altman, has partnered with Vertiv, a leader in digital infrastructure, to develop an integrated power and cooling system for hyperscale and colocation data centers. This system will leverage Oklo’s small modular reactors (SMRs) to generate steam and electricity, combined with Vertiv’s thermal management technology, aiming to optimize both power and cooling efficiently and sustainably. The collaboration seeks to address common data center challenges such as high energy demand, reliance on power grids, and environmental impact by providing a reliable, carbon-free energy source that can be located near data centers for improved performance and scalability. The partnership comes amid the rapid growth of AI and high-performance computing, which significantly increases power consumption in data centers. Oklo’s SMRs are designed for flexibility and quick adaptation to changing energy needs, enabling continuous, stable power supply critical for data center operations. By integrating power generation and cooling solutions from the outset, Oklo and Vertiv aim to enhance energy efficiency
energynuclear-energydata-centerscooling-technologysmall-modular-reactorsAI-infrastructurepower-efficiencyChina’s new fast-cooled superalloy engines could power 6th-gen jets
Chinese researchers at Dalian University of Technology have developed a novel superalloy cooling technique that rapidly cools forged turbine discs using a uniform mist of high-speed water jets. This method achieves a cooling speed 3.75 times faster than conventional processes and improves crystal grain size distribution by fourfold. Such advancements enable turbine discs to better withstand extreme temperatures—up to 1,200°C—and mechanical stresses, which are critical for jet engine performance, thrust, efficiency, and lifespan. The breakthrough is seen as a key enabler for China’s next-generation military aviation programs, including sixth-generation stealth fighters and hypersonic platforms. This innovation addresses a longstanding challenge in China’s military aviation: the difficulty in producing reliable, high-performance jet engines, exemplified by delays in the J-20 stealth fighter’s engine development. The new cooling technology, combined with advanced superalloys like the DD6 and the in-development DD9, may help close the technology gap with Western countries. It is particularly relevant for
materialssuperalloyjet-enginescooling-technologyturbine-discsaerospace-materialshypersonic-propulsionMeta is reportedly using actual tents to build data centers
Meta is accelerating its efforts to build AI infrastructure by using unconventional methods to construct data centers quickly. According to reports, the company is employing actual tents and ultra-light structures, along with prefabricated power and cooling modules, to expedite the deployment of computing capacity. This approach prioritizes speed over aesthetics or redundancy, reflecting Meta’s urgent need to catch up with competitors like OpenAI, xAI, and Google in the race for superintelligence technology. One notable project is Meta’s Hyperion data center, which a company spokesperson confirmed will be located in Louisiana. The facility is expected to reach a capacity of 2 gigawatts by 2030, underscoring Meta’s commitment to rapidly scaling its AI compute resources. The absence of traditional backup generators, such as diesel units, further highlights the focus on swift, efficient construction rather than conventional data center design norms. Overall, Meta’s strategy signals a shift toward innovative, speed-driven infrastructure development to support its AI ambitions.
energydata-centersMetaAI-infrastructurepower-modulescooling-technologysupercomputingYplasma zaps the air to cool chips for data centers
Yplasma, a startup spun out of Spain’s space agency INTA, has developed a novel cooling device that uses plasma actuators—thin, flexible strips of copper carrying electrical current—to manipulate air without moving parts. This technology offers a more energy-efficient alternative to traditional fans, consuming about 1 watt compared to 3-4 watts for a small laptop fan, and its slim form factor allows it to fit into space-constrained electronics. Yplasma recently raised $2.5 million in seed funding led by Faber, with participation from SOSV, and will conduct research and development at SOSV’s Hax labs in Newark, New Jersey, and Madrid. Initially targeting wind turbines to improve airflow and reduce drag—potentially increasing electricity generation by 10-15%—Yplasma’s actuators can also generate heat to de-ice turbine blades, addressing a significant energy loss issue caused by ice buildup. While continuing work on wind turbine applications, the company has shifted focus toward
energycooling-technologydata-centersplasma-actuatorswind-turbinessemiconductor-coolingenergy-efficiencyAI-crafted coating cools buildings by 36°F, slashes AC use, bills
Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the National University of Singapore, and Umea University have developed advanced thermal meta-emitters using machine learning to create over 1,500 novel materials capable of precise heat emission. By automating the design process and exploring complex three-dimensional structures, these materials achieve superior cooling performance previously unattainable through traditional trial-and-error methods. Testing showed that coating a model building with one such material reduced roof temperatures by 5 to 20°C (37 to 68°F) under direct sunlight, potentially saving about 15,800 kilowatt-hours annually in hot climates—significantly cutting air conditioning energy use and costs. Beyond energy savings, the researchers have designed seven classes of meta-emitters with diverse applications, including mitigating urban heat island effects by reflecting sunlight and emitting heat at specific wavelengths, and managing spacecraft temperatures in space. These materials also hold promise for everyday uses such as cooling fabrics, outdoor gear, and vehicle surfaces
energymaterialsthermal-coatingenergy-efficiencyAI-designed-materialscooling-technologymeta-emittersPassive tech sets cooling record for overheating AI data centers
Engineers at the University of California, San Diego have developed a groundbreaking passive cooling technology for data centers that sets a new record by handling over 800 watts per square centimeter of heat dissipation. This fiber-based cooling system uses a specially engineered membrane with interconnected pores that passively removes heat through evaporation, eliminating the need for energy-intensive fans, compressors, or pumps. Unlike traditional cooling methods, this approach leverages capillary action to wick liquid across the membrane surface, where evaporation naturally draws heat away from electronic chips, offering a quieter and more energy-efficient alternative. The innovation addresses longstanding challenges in adapting evaporative cooling to the extreme thermal loads of modern AI data centers, where conventional porous membranes either clogged or caused unstable boiling. By optimizing pore size and reinforcing the membrane mechanically, the UCSD team achieved stable, high-performance cooling over multiple hours. While the technology currently operates below its theoretical maximum, efforts are underway to integrate it into cold plates for direct processor cooling and to commercialize the solution through a startup
energycooling-technologydata-centerspassive-coolingfiber-membranethermal-managementenergy-efficiencyAre Those Viral ‘Cooling Blankets’ for Real?
The article examines the popular concept of "cooling blankets" circulating on social media, clarifying that most marketed products do not truly cool the body. While these blankets may be more breathable and less heat-retentive than traditional blankets, they do not actively lower body temperature; in fact, simply having no blanket is generally cooler. The article explains the physics behind temperature and heat transfer, emphasizing that heat flows from warmer to cooler objects until equilibrium is reached, and that "coolness" cannot be transferred. Blankets function primarily as insulators, slowing heat exchange between the body and the environment. When a person is hot and uses a blanket, it usually traps heat and makes them feel warmer unless the surrounding air is hotter than body temperature. However, a blanket initially cooler than the body can absorb some thermal energy, providing a brief cooling effect until temperatures equalize. The article suggests that an effective cooling blanket would need a high mass and specific heat capacity to absorb more body heat and maintain a cooler temperature
energythermal-energyheat-transferspecific-heat-capacityinsulationcooling-technologymaterials-sciencePhòng thí nghiệm Anh tạo ra chất làm lạnh mới trong điều hòa
energymaterialscooling-technologybarocaloric-materialsgreenhouse-gas-reductionenergy-efficiencysustainable-cooling