Gestion thermique des systèmes électroniques : Emerging technologies and acoustic challenges : Technologies naissantes et défis acoustiques

This paper addresses a range of emerging cooling technologies for electronic systems which are deployed at the location of power generation - in contrast with conventional forced convection schemes which predominantly involve heat sinks cooled using fans. A set of these 'point-of-source' technologies are outlined, ranging from small-scale air movers and microchannel coolers, to heat pipes and thermoacoustic engines. Recent research at the author's Institute into two point-of-source thermal management solutions is reviewed: micro fans; and microchannel coolers. Energy aspects of point-of-source cooling technologies are considered, with specific reference to the opportunities for efficient cooling schemes associated with low thermal resistance paths from source to sink. Finally, three challenges in thermal management for the acoustics community are outlined: noise minimisation; simulation; and the application of thermoacoustic phenomena.