Japanese scientists have created a cooling system that is 10 times more efficient than water in classical systems

Researchers from University of Tokyo developed a new one cooling system on the basis of two-phase transition of water, which significantly exceeds the efficiency of existing solutions. The technology uses the ability of water absorb seven times more energy during evaporation compared to its single-phase state.

The key problem with previous attempts to implement vapor-liquid cooling was impermeability of steam through microcapillaries, built into the chip. However, Japanese scientists managed to solve this issue with the help of 3D microfluidic channels with a distributed collector layer. This ensures a uniform flow of both water and steam - without overheating or "plugs".

Tests have shown that the new system has achieved efficiency factor 100, which is about ten times more Efficiency of classic liquid cooling. In addition, the technology can work passively, without pumps, which makes it particularly attractive for compact systems and mobile devices.

The project's senior author, Professor Masahiro Nomura, noted that temperature control is becoming increasingly critical as miniaturization of chips. The solution can be used not only in electronics, but also in lasers, photodetectors, LEDs, and so in aviation and space.

The new system has the potential to replace active fans and exotic liquids, providing silent and energy-efficient operation in devices with power up to 40 W. The research has already been recognized as a promising direction for future generations of semiconductors and could impact the entire high-performance computing industry.