Harnessing Heat to Power Computers

Heat is commonly regarded as computing's mortal enemy. Two researchers, however, developed a method to use heat as an alternative energy source.

Harnessing heat to power computers. Image credit: tasnimnews.com (CC BY 4.0)

Instead of combating the heat, two University of Nebraska-Lincoln engineers have embraced it as an alternative energy source that would allow computing at ultra-high temperatures.

Sidy Ndao, assistant professor of mechanical and materials engineering, said his research group's development of a nano-thermal-mechanical device, or thermal diode, came after flipping around the question of how to better cool computers.

The researchers documented their device working in temperatures that approached 630 degrees Fahrenheit (332 degrees Celsius).

Ndao said he expects the device could eventually work in heat as extreme as 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit (704 degrees Celsius), which could have major implications in many industries.

By taking advantage of an energy source that has long been overlooked, Ndao said, the thermal diode could also help limit the amount of energy that gets wasted.

The next step is making the device more efficient and making a physical computer that could work in the highest of temperatures, he added. (Tasnim News Agency)

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