The Center for Acoustic Cooling Technologies was originally established to commercialize novel high frequency thermoacoustic engines for cooling applications. One important application for this technology is in the heat management of computers and other devices employing dense arrays of microcircuits. Subsequent work has resulted in the demonstration of a prototype device capable of converting heat into electricity at high efficiency.

The Center for Acoustic Cooling is leveraging fundamental developments in miniature thermo-acoustic devices supported by the Office of Naval Research and DARPA. The Center’s technology is based on two effects in thermo acoustics: The first is that heat can be converted into sound energy, and the second is that sound can pump heat. Both have been employed in devices with dimensions ranging from 4 cm to 0.8 cm. Piezoelectric materials have now been incorporated in order to recover electricity in some cases.

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Highlights

• Intel and HP interested in acoustic refrigerator
• Involved in $27MM DoD project with Washington State and University of Mississippi  

Spin Out Companies

• Pavus

Benefiting Companies

• Coen Co.

Center's University Website and Contact Information