Point-of-source thermal management

Point-of-source thermal management technologies for electronic systems can be categorised as acting at the location of power generation - in contrast with conventional forced convection schemes which predominantly involve heat sinks cooled using system-level airflow. A range of point-of-source technologies is outlined, ranging from small-scale air movers and microchannel coolers, to heat pipes and thermoacoustic engines. Recent research at the Stokes Research Institute into point-of-source thermal management solutions is reviewed: micro fans; radiation heat pipes; and microchannel coolers. Finally, energy aspects of point-of-source cooling technologies are considered, with specific reference to their sink temperatures.