One of the technologies presented to us as ESA Technology Brokers for the UK are solid state dielectric-barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuators that generate ionic-wind airflow for spot and rack-level cooling. Applicable for use with consumer electronics and data centres, the actuators enable quiet and compact, low power thermal control.
The technology works through the use of DBD electrodes that ionise a thin layer of air and drive a directed ‘ionic wind’ jet without the need for moving parts. Arrays can either be patterned on FR-4/ceramic flex or integrated as thin modules.
In use with electronics, the modules provide localised convection over hot spots or across heat sinks, while when used in data centres the panel or rail arrays augment aisle airflow, improve rack-level mixing, and can target recirculation zones. The modules are controlled with compact HV drivers and the modules can be stacked and tailored to suit different device or rack geometries.
The advantages of this technology include:
- Energy: deck claims up to ~90% reduction in cooling energy vs conventional approaches; potential PUE improvement ~50% at site level when broadly deployed.
- Acoustics: ~30 dB operation vs ~69 dB typical fans (2× quieter per deck positioning).
- Form factor: millimeter-scale, vibration-free and with no moving parts, enabling cooling where fans can’t fit.
- Control: fast, granular airflow shaping for hot-spot remediation and airflow steering in racks.
- Maintainability: no bearings/rotors; reduced clogging risk; modular replacement.
- Compliance trajectory: MVP pre-compliance to CISPR 32/FCC (EMC) and UL 62368-1 (safety) reported.
You can find out more about this technology on the dedicated webpage, here: