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The tech startup YPlasma, an offshoot of Spain’s space agency, has created an inventive device capable of cooling equipment in data centres, which could lead to considerable savings on maintenance and repairs
How It Works
The device uses plasma actuators that generate high-voltage electric fields. The electric fields ionise a gas which is then used to control airflow and prevent electronics from overheating. It works like a fan, but is significantly smaller. It is adaptable for use in numerous applications, such as laptops, solar panels, energy storage, vehicle aerodynamics, and water purification.
YPlasma originally aimed to sell its device to wind turbine producers because plasma actuators could address various problems in the sector. According to YPlasma CEO David Garcia, decreasing resistance and enhancing airflow management would boost a turbine’s electricity output by 10-15%. Besides cooling, the device can produce heat and melt ice accumulating on turbines.
According to Garcia, 20% of the energy is wasted due to ice in wind turbines. “Ice poses a challenge in North America and various other regions,” he stated.
YPlasma has released videos demonstrating how the wind from ionised gas generated by the actuators can manage both high and low temperatures, rendering it a flexible device suitable for different systems. Although the startup is developing a product for wind turbines and intends to test it this summer, Garcia mentioned they are redirecting more attention to chip cooling after collaborating with a leading semiconductor producer.
Focusing On Data Centres
YPlasma focuses on data centres that need significant energy to cool servers and other equipment. Cooling systems like plasma actuators can help extend the lifespan of industrial equipment while lowering operating costs.
Data centres have become very essential in recent times. They help power various online services, store information, and facilitate artificial intelligence and machine learning models. Advancements in cooling technologies that enhance the reliability of data centre operations would provide great utility.
Cooling accounts for nearly 40% of the energy used in a data centre; thus, any efficiency improvements would benefit individuals and the environment.
Other uses for the technology involve cooling solar panels for better efficiency, optimising crops, disinfecting HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems and healthcare facilities, propelling satellites, and de-icing aeroplanes. The device represents the result of more than ten years of research at INTA and has been successfully evaluated in those industries.
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Market Roll Out and Prospects of Plasma Actuator
YPlasma has launched its inaugural plasma actuator lab at the HAX facility in New Jersey, an accelerator and assistance program for tech startups. The Business Incubation Centre of the European Space Agency in Barcelona also chose it to grow and advance plasma technology.
The plasma actuator holds great promise for transforming numerous industries and improving the efficiency of the technologies we rely on. Its adaptability, affordability and minimal energy are notable features of this technology that offer improved thermal effectiveness.
YPlasma boasts that its technology will become a standard for the next generation of advanced electronic systems.
