In a groundbreaking development, researchers from the Institute of Metal Research at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have unveiled a new cooling mechanism capable of reducing temperatures in artificial intelligence systems within just 20 seconds, without relying on harmful refrigerants. This innovative approach, known as the dissolution barocaloric effect, utilizes a saturated solution of ammonium thiocyanate. When subjected to high pressure, the salt crystallizes, releasing heat. A rapid drop in pressure allows the salt to dissolve quickly again, absorbing significant amounts of heat from the surrounding liquid.
This four-stage cooling cycle involves heating under pressure, heat removal, cooling during pressure release, and introducing cold liquid to the cooling target. Unlike traditional solid-state barocaloric materials, this liquid system provides a much faster and more powerful heat dissipation, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional compressor-based refrigeration systems.
Laboratory tests have shown that the ammonium thiocyanate solution can cool by nearly 30 degrees Celsius in just 20 seconds after pressure release, even achieving sub-zero temperatures that result in frost formation. In some experiments, temperature drops exceeded 50 degrees Celsius. Each cycle of the cooling system absorbs up to 67 Joules of heat per gram of working liquid, boasting a theoretical energy efficiency of 77%, which approaches 80%—a significant improvement over the typical 50% efficiency of household compressor refrigerators.
While this technology is still in the experimental phase, its effectiveness, speed, and eco-friendliness suggest a promising future for scalable refrigeration systems that could dramatically reduce global emissions from the industrial cooling sector. Future research will focus on optimizing pressure conditions, enhancing the longevity of the solution, and integrating this technology into practical applications.
This advancement highlights a significant shift in cooling technology that could impact the data center industry and challenge competitors reliant on traditional cooling methods. As demand for AI processing capacity continues to grow, efficient cooling solutions will become increasingly vital in maintaining performance while minimizing environmental impact.
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